Upcoming site investigations and field studies.
Geotechnical investigations and environmental studies continue across both the proposed upper and lower reservoirs.
Geotechnical investigations and environmental studies continue across both the proposed upper and lower reservoirs.
Geotechnical Investigations:
The drill rigs in the upper reservoir areas are investigating proposed locations for dam foundations and waterway tunnels. The lower reservoir site investigations are collecting core samples in proposed locations for the Mackay Eungella Road realignment and the proposed dam.
Environment Field Studies:
Aquatic Ecology and Water and Sediment Quality
Small teams of ecologists will use portable equipment to take water samples and study aquatic habitats. They will collect water samples, catch and release fish, and assess the general waterway habitats. The information collected in this survey is to gather new information from areas we haven’t studied.
Terrestrial Ecology
Small teams of ecologists will visually inspect trees, vegetation, and complete fauna spotting. Motion sensor monitors may be installed to monitor fauna movements. Nighttime surveys will also be undertaken, where ecologists will use spotlights to look for nocturnal animals. They will also use animal call playback, playing recorded animal calls and listening for response calls. The information collected in this survey will gather new information from areas we haven’t studied.
Groundwater Survey
This study will inform the modelling of potential groundwater impacts from the proposed project infrastructure. The work involves constructing a temporary well, followed by a pump test to record groundwater levels and inform the modelling of potential groundwater impacts by the proposed project.
Aeromagnetic Survey
Queensland Hydro is about to begin a new round of magnetometer surveys following successful surveys undertaken late last year.
The surveys, which are carried out via a small drone, are being undertaken to help us better understand what lies beneath the ground. This method of surveying is used regularly in the mining industry throughout Australia.
The drone will fly around 10 meters above treetops and 20 meters above open ground. The drones are also programmed to avoid and safely clear obstacles such as lone trees, powerlines, buildings, or any other obstacles that may be encountered.
The drones will survey locations in both the upper and lower reservoir locations. All landowners and adjacent properties within the flight path will be notified prior to the survey occurring. If you are not notified then your property will not be flown over by the drone.
No photographic images will be collected as part of the magnetic survey. To manage people's privacy, drones will only fly over properties where we have landowner approval and will stay 30 metres from the boundary of neighbouring properties.
The surveys will be undertaken at the end of May for around one week, weather permitting.
First published 13 May 2014.