South Metro Connect has received a complaint in relation to important field work being undertaken to enable the team to develop a full understanding of the environmental conditions and ecology of the area in which the proposed Roe Highway Extension will be located.

This complaint, which was received indirectly by South Metro Connect, raises two issues:

• South Metro Connect had previously reported completion of work
• Damage has occurred as a result of the work.

In November 2009 South Metro Connect published an advertisement in community newspapers stating that “Field work within the project area has now commenced and will continue throughout the project development phase.” We have reported completion only of drilling for geotechnical investigating required for determining ground and soil conditions. Work for environmental studies are still in progress and will continue for some time.

“The work to which the complaint refers is understood to be in relation to the installation of 10cm diameter piezometers recently installed to undertake wetland (or groundwater) interpretations of different below ground strata, said South Metro Connect Project Director, Mark Hazebroek. “This work, which is being undertaken by experienced wetland ecology specialists, received the necessary approvals including that from the Department of Environment and Conservation and City of Cockburn prior to commencement and was completed last week.

Subcontractors working for the specialists undertaking the work were fully aware of the environmental values of the area and were accompanied by research scientists at all times. The majority of piezometers were installed on the edges of road verges and existing tracks. Where there was a need to move off these areas the team walked to the location and carried out the installation by hand. Only a few piezometers were installed near North and Bibra lakes.

Specialists responsible for this activity will be in the field next week and will look for any damage as
claimed and South Metro Connect will attempt to determine if the claimed damage to vegetation is
in relation to the recent works.
 

ENDS