USM
FLORA, FAUNA & CULTURAL HERITAGE PROCEDURE
DOCUMENT No. TMP-8303-EV-0005
1.0
PURPOSE
To identify all species of flora or fauna that are classified as rare, vulnerable and endangered and to
ensure they are appropriately protected from harm and that disturbance to a species or community of
species is minimized during USM activities.
To ensure that all items or places of archaeological, cultural or historical significance are identified on
site and are appropriately protected.
2.0
SCOPE
This procedure applies to all personnel at USM workplaces.
3.0
DEFINITIONS
EMP – Environmental Management Plan
4.0
PROCEDURE
4.1
Responsibilities
The Project Manager will be responsible for the implementation of and adherence to this procedure by
all personnel involved in activities that may cause damage to artifacts or cause disturbance to
protected species. The Supervisor/s will be responsible for ensuring that employees are aware and
comply with the requirements of this procedure. The HSE Coordinator will be responsible for
monitoring and verifying compliance to the requirements of this procedure.
4.2
Strategies/Actions
An action plan will be developed setting out the requirements for the discovery of culturally significant
sites/artifacts and for the clearing and/or re-vegetation of areas not occupied by permanent works, in
compliance with as applicable:
 the contract specification;
 the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) or EMP;
 environmental best practice;
CONTROLLED COPY NO.:
Issue Date:
Issued By:
[Uncontrolled unless numbered and dated (in red)]
Approved by:
Name: Bruce Thornton
Position: Vice President HSE
Checked by:
Name/Position:
© USM 2008
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and
must not be passed on to any third party without the written authority from USM.
Date: March, 2009
Revision: 0
Page 1 of 2
USM
FLORA, FAUNA & CULTURAL HERITAGE PROCEDURE
DOCUMENT No. TMP-8303-EV-0005
 licenses and permits; and
 statutory and local requirements.
Permits shall be obtained as required for the removal and disposal of any protected species or habitat
i.e. trees, plants, animals, birds etc.
Boundaries of clearing and trees that are to be removed will be clearly marked and will be verified by
the HSE Coordinator prior to commencing clearing.
Equipment such as earthmoving machinery, cranes etc. will be cleaned off-site before being
transported to the site to prevent the introduction of seeds and weeds. Any noxious species that are
accidentally introduced will be accurately identified, removed and destroyed.
Unless specified otherwise, cleared vegetation (including weeds) must not be burned on site. Cleared
vegetation should be salvaged, reused, chipped, composted or correctly disposed of in accordance
with local authorities’ guidelines. Topsoil and subsoil removed from excavations should be
segregated and stockpiled and reused for re-vegetation. Disturbed areas will be re-vegetated as
soon as practical after cessation of disturbance to minimize erosion.
The relevant environment / council authority or SPCA should be consulted for advice in the:
 removal of vermin;
 event of relocation of any native fauna that is found residing in vegetation that is to be
removed;
 method of how to proceed if any native fauna is found trapped, injured or killed as a result
of USM activities.
Records of correspondence should be maintained.
4.3
Cultural Heritage
Unless specified otherwise, the areas to be cleared will be inspected for the possible presence of
archaeological material prior to commencement of activities. Where archaeological material is
discovered, activities at that particular location will not commence or will cease to prevent damage
and the relevant personnel and Authorities will be notified for advice on how to proceed.
4.4
Monitoring & Reporting
Incidents will be reported as soon as possible to the nominated USM person in accordance with TMP8303-SA-0001 HSE Incident Reporting & Investigation.
5.0
REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION
-
Revision No: 0
AS/NZS ISO 14001:1996 Environmental management systems – Specification with
guidance for use, Clause 4.4.3
Transfield’s Guidance Notes
Federal and State Heritage Registers
TMP-8303-SA-0001 HSE Incident Reporting & Investigation
© USM 2008
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied or
reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party without the
written authority from USM.
Date: March, 2009
Page 2 of 2