13. Existing DMP (2006)

The EPA has approved a Development Application for these works. Under the
approval Area 4 is not critical and is no longer included in this application and Area 6
is now reduced.

1.52 Measures to limit environmental harm
Air, noise and water quality will be monitored as stated in section 3, 4, 5 and 6 of this
report. If parameters exceed objectives, dredge operations will cease until the issue is
rectified and operations can comply with standards. Details of waste management are
provided in section 5 of this report.      No waste will be created at either of the
Noosaville dredge sites recommended in this document.


Dredging will not occur in areas of sensitive habitat such as seagrass. Dynamic tidal
water currents coupled with the boat wash effects, coming from adjacent boating
channel, can effect the stability of the substrate, minimizing recruitment of seagrass
meadows (Nybakken 1997, Waycott et.al. 2004). Historical EPA, EHMP and
Seagrass-Watch records since 2002 show no seagrass recruitment in this area at any
time.


Samples of substrate indicated no meio or microfauna present at the dredge sites.
Changes in sediments community structure occur through either physical or biological
factors, or a combination of the two (Nybakken 1997). As stated there are no visible
biological factors evident in this area. Reasons for this could be due to bottom
sediment being regularly disturbed preventing the establishment of polychetes and
mobile crustaceans, which prefer deeper zones of stable sediment. Harsh subtidal
habitats minimize the holding capacity of primary producers that reduce complex food
web structures.     Limiting availability for grazers, filter feeders, scavengers or
predators to inhabit the area (Nybakken 1997).


At this site physical factors seem to be controlling community structure of the
benthos. A passage of strong (tidal) current runs along each sand bank. This has been
determined as the primary physical factor, causing large surging motion throughout
the water strata, greatly affecting stability of the substrate. This reduction in stability
is likely to reduce the amount of faunal animals, creating an area that is generally


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