The purpose of the Environmental Scoping Document is to resolve with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) the scope of the environmental assessment work to be undertaken.

This document describes key environmental issues and the type of information that needs to be collected to better understand those issues or systems.  This information will enable South Metro Connect undertake an assessment of impacts of the extension of Roe Highway. 

For example, we have identified the potential impact on the wetland system as potentially significant. To be able to define the impact, we need to first understand how the wetland system operates. We will therefore be developing an integrated water system model that looks at the interaction between ground water and surface water and the level of water within the wetlands. There are many other similar studies proposed as described within the environmental scoping document. 

The draft version of this document, as prepared by the South Metro Connect team, was submitted to the EPA on 14 January 2010. 

The EPA will distribute the document to key stakeholders for comment (e.g. Department of Environment and Conservation, DEWHA, Department of Water).  The EPA will compile the resulting comments and respond to South Metro Connect within a timeframe to be agreed. South Metro Connect will review the comments received, make any required changes to the document, and submit the final Scoping Document soon after.