BAC is committed to world best practice in environmental sustainability through affirmative measures and actions over the next five years. Connecting People Building Opportunities 272 Brisbane Airport Corporation SEAC TRATENVIROIRPORHAPTE GNTR AIRPORT YMEN 13 T ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 273 13 AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY Strict environmental 13.1 Introduction BAC’s environmental sustainability objectives and practices as outlined management and in this document, continue to evolve monitoring lie at the The 2014 Airport Environment to meet the challenges of BAC's heart of BAC’s approach Strategy (AES) is the formal blueprint expansive vision for Brisbane Airport to protecting the of BAC's commitment to world best and its surrounding precinct. They practice environmental sustainability, also remain closely aligned with the conservation values of and the affirmative measures and guiding principles and objectives set the airport. actions to be implemented over the for both Brisbane’s and Queensland’s next five years to ensure continuous sustainable growth strategies. improvement in all aspects of our BAC continues to work closely with environmental management. Commonwealth, state and local BAC’s commitment to environmental agencies via working groups to responsibility and sustainability extends achieve best practice environmental well beyond a rigid compliance with outcomes from the continued growth all relevant government regulatory and improvement of the Brisbane standards and controls. Airport precinct. Maintaining long-term environmental The AES, prepared as part of the sustainability for the broader Brisbane 2014 Master Plan, has been developed Airport precinct is a fundamental tenet in consultation with government of BAC’s operating philosophy, and is agencies, along with airport tenants intrinsically linked to the successful and the local community via a series of attainment of our economic, meetings, interactive workshops, and operational and social objectives. community exchanges. As the operator of one of Australia’s busiest airports and one of its fastest 13.2 Brisbane Airport growing precincts, it is imperative that BAC, as part of its longer- Surrounds term planning, harnesses effective and sustainable environmental management to optimally grow its Brisbane Airport occupies a site business while minimising future of approximately 2,700 hectares natural resource consumption. Best located about 8 km north-east of practice environmental sustainability Brisbane’s Central Business District also makes BAC a better place to (CBD). It is the premier regular public work; a destination more desirable to transport (RPT) airport for domestic visit, use and enjoy; and helps enhance and international passengers for BAC's reputation for benchmarking Queensland, as well as serving as a corporate responsibility (adding major business centre and economic significant value to BAC's brand driver for the state. through enhancing its reputation for corporate responsibility). 274 Brisbane Airport Corporation The area surrounding the airport Some of the most significant » The Brisbane Airport foreshore (to is highly industrialised and given industrial neighbours surrounding the the north) is listed as a Nationally its coastal location, also has some airport include: Important Wetland environmentally important areas within » The Port of Brisbane » Mangrove and saltmarsh and adjacent to the airport site (refer communities around Serpentine to Figure 13.1). » The Luggage Point Wastewater Creek Inlet and Jubilee Creek mouth Treatment Plant Located in the heart of the Australia (to the north-east, parts of which TradeCoast1 region, Brisbane Airport » Oil refineries and other heavy are within BAC tenure) are listed as is situated in an area that supports industries including fertilizer and Nationally Important Wetlands and around 1,500 businesses across concrete manufacturing. are RAMSAR declared a variety of industries including Brisbane Airport is situated on a » The Boondall Wetlands (across aviation and aerospace, building and reclaimed portion of a river delta at the Kedron Brook floodway to the west) construction, food manufacturing, mouth of the Brisbane River. Areas of which are RAMSAR declared and innovative manufacturing, retail, environmental value adjacent to the also listed as Nationally Important shipping and marine, and transport airport include: Wetlands and logistics. » Moreton Bay Marine Park, (to » Bulwer Island and Boggy Creek the north) sections of which are wetlands (to the east) of which RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands the Brisbane Airport site comprises (RAMSAR) declared wetlands the major portion of the catchment 1 Australia TradeCoast was established in 1999 as a strategic partnership between Brisbane Airport draining into these wetlands. Corporation, Brisbane City Council, Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd and the Queensland State Government to promote the economic growth and development of the area in which the airport and port are located, including infrastructure coordination, destination marketing and business development. Brisbane Airport is a cornerstone of the highly industrialised Australia TradeCoast region 275 Brisbane Airport 2014 Master Plan 13 AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY FIGURE 13.1: BRISBANE AIRPORT SURROUNDS 276 Brisbane Airport Corporation 13.3 2009 AES » Drainage works in the Pinkenba This Preliminary Draft AES contains Environmentally Significant Area individual action plans that identify and Recent (ESA) to improve mangrove health how environmental issues are to be Achievements managed at Brisbane Airport over » Ongoing comprehensive ecosystem the next five years. These action health monitoring programs for plans respond to the requirements of all ESA’s The 2009 AES was officially endorsed the Airport Legislation. Documents in August 2009 by the Commonwealth » Ongoing annual greenhouse referenced within these action plans Minister for the then Department of gas reporting via the National are available upon request from BAC. Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Greenhouse and Energy Reporting A summary of the AES legislative Development and Local Government. (NGER) scheme requirements under the Airports Since 2009, BAC has undertaken a » Ongoing annual National Pollutant Legislation and the corresponding range of environmental management Inventory (NPI) reporting to the sections of the AES addressing this and monitoring initiatives, the most Queensland Government legislation are provided in Appendix A. significant being: » Development and implementation Details of the consultations undertaken » Ongoing management of known of stormwater quality management in preparing the Preliminary Draft contaminated sites in existence prior strategies (landside and airside) for AES, including the main outcomes to July 1997 including remediation of development projects of the consultations, are included in two sites and substantial remediation Appendix B. of another three sites » Ongoing comprehensive surface water and groundwater quality » Numerous initiatives to minimise monitoring programs use of natural resources and 13.5 BAC waste generation: » Ongoing requirements for construction projects to develop Environmental › Ongoing implementation and and implement Construction Management reporting of a water efficiency Environmental Management management plan (WEMP) Framework Plans (CEMPs) › Rainwater harvesting » Ongoing comprehensive auditing › Installation of a recycled programs for higher environmental BACKGROUND water network risk tenant operations, construction › Use of recycled water in cooling contractors and BAC operations There are a number of corporate towers and for irrigation » Ongoing implementation of an initiatives that support and contribute to the overall environmental Environmental Management System › Installation of energy and water management at Brisbane Airport. The (EMS) consistent with AS/NZS efficient fixtures and fittings in management framework at Brisbane ISO 14001. new and existing buildings Airport can be described in terms of: › Installation of solar photovoltaic » BAC’s Environment and arrays on BAC buildings and 13.4 S tructure of the Sustainability Policy which defines infrastructure the scope of BAC’s EMS 2014 AES › Introduction of public space » BAC’s Corporate Sustainability recycling in the common user Program, which is guided area of the Domestic T2, the by economic, operational, In accordance with the Airports Act International T1 and Skygate. environmental and social objectives 1996 (Airports Act), the AES now » A cultural heritage gap analysis forms part of the 2014 Master Plan. » The legislative and regulatory and initial review of the airport’s As such, background information framework pertaining to airport Heritage Register was undertaken. on BAC’s company details, Brisbane activities which guide the This register may be further Airport’s operations and infrastructure, requirements for compliance updated during the development and airport development and growth of the up-coming Heritage forecasts among others, is contained Management Plan (HMP) as an within the 2014 Master Plan. action item of the 2014 AES 277 Brisbane Airport 2014 Master Plan 13 AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY » BAC’s Master Plan, as the principal » Other airport users’ responsibilities planning document for airport under the AES for the development, including BAC’s AES, environmental management of their as the primary overview document individual operations or activities. which responds to the requirements Table 13.1 describes the environmental of the legislation management framework at » BAC’s commitments and Brisbane Airport. FRAMEWORK responsibilities under the AES BAC's Environmental for BAC operations and overall Management System site environmental management underpins on- airport (predominantly captured through sustainability. BAC’s EMS) TABLE 13.1: FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AT BRISBANE AIRPORT 1 Airport Master Plan The principal planning document for airport development Airport Environment Strategy Outlines a framework for environmental management on Brisbane Airport and responds to the requirements of the Airports Act and Airports Regulations 1997 2 (Airports Regulations) The AES now forms part of the Master Plan EMS and Environment The BAC EMS is consistent with internationally recognised standard 3 Action Plans AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environment and Guides the implementation of environmental management and sustainability 4 Sustainability Policy principles across Brisbane Airport Corporate Sustainability Program Establishes a framework for the achievement of objectives and targets across 5 the four pillars of sustainability Captured stormwater supplements the airport's non-potable water supply 278 Brisbane Airport Corporation FIGURE 13.2: BAC’S ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY Brisbane Airport Corporation Environment and Sustainability Policy Brisbane Airport is one of the busiest airports in Australia and is continuing to grow. It is located 8 km from the Brisbane CBD and in close proximity to Moreton Bay, industrial and residential areas, and the Gateway Motorway. Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) acquired the long-term lease in 1997 to manage, operate and develop Brisbane Airport. BAC has an overall environmental responsibility for activities and operations undertaken at the airport, including airport operations and security, asset management, tenancy management and development projects. All other airport users have a responsibility for the environmental management of their activities. BAC is committed to: » Operating, managing and developing Brisbane Airport in an environmentally responsible manner » Complying with the legal requirements which pertain to its operation, and striving to meet other environmental standards to which it subscribes » Fostering an environmentally responsible culture amongst BAC’s employees » Minimising adverse impacts on the environment caused by BAC’s operations » Continually striving to reduce natural resource consumption, waste generation and prevent pollution » Working with government departments, agencies and airlines to manage impacts of aircraft noise and the impacts of aviation on the community » Constantly striving to achieve continual improvement in environmental and sustainability performance by implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) and sustainability benchmarking evaluations. In fulfilling this commitment, BAC will: » Take action to address potentially adverse environmental impacts » Communicate the Brisbane Airport Environment Strategy, policies and performance to employees, regulators, tenants and the wider community » Develop, implement and maintain an Environmental Management System which includes the setting and reviewing of environmental objectives and targets » Periodically review the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System, and identify opportunities for environmental and sustainability performance improvements » Maximise energy, water and waste efficiencies » Manage noise impacts, pollutant emissions and the impacts of climate change on airport » Identify and seek to conserve objects and matters at the airport that have natural, indigenous or heritage value » Achieve best practice in sustainable property development » Provide appropriate environmental training to BAC employees, and encourage our tenants and contractors to do the same » Build strong and active relationships with the wider community through engagement and sponsorship programs » Provide the staff and resources necessary to meet these policy objectives. All BAC managers are accountable to the CEO and Managing Director for ensuring that this policy is implemented. Julieanne Alroe, CEO/MD Brisbane Airport Corporation 11th September 2013 227799 Brisbane Airport 2014 Master Plan 13 AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY BAC ENVIRONMENT AND Construction progress on the New Parallel Runway is monitored by CC TV SUSTAINABILITY POLICY BAC’s Environment and Sustainability Policy (refer Figure 13.2) is seen as the foundation of its EMS and AES and guides the implementation of both. The policy represents a formal undertaking by BAC to give due consideration to the potential environmental impacts of all aspects of BAC’s activities and operations. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK The regulatory framework for environmental management at Brisbane Airport consists of: » The Airport Legislation and other relevant legislation » The Master Plan and AES » Regulatory representatives of the Department of Infrastructure and LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS tenants and the local community Regional Development (DoIRD). OF THE AES via a series of meetings, interactive workshops, and community AIRPORT LEGISLATION The AES covers all environmental information exchanges throughout matters arising from the operation and In order to oversee privatised 2013. BAC utilised the information expansion of the Brisbane Airport site in Australian airports, the Australian captured during this consultation accordance with the Airport Legislation. Government established a regulatory process to develop actions across The Airports Act, with further framework to manage different a range of environmental matters. elaboration in the Airports Regulations, aspects of airport activities, including Refer to Appendix B for a list of specifies the matters to be addressed in environment. Environmental issues consultations undertaken and the AES. Each of the sections detailed on Brisbane Airport are administered outcomes achieved. in this AES respond directly to a specific principally by the: requirement or key environmental ENVIRONMENTAL » Airports Act aspect, as stated in the legislation. MONITORING Refer to Appendix A for detail. » Airports Regulations BAC regularly conducts a broad The AES does not include noise and » Airports (Environment Protection) program of environmental monitoring air pollution from aircraft movements, Regulations 1997 and inspections as one component which are regulated under separate of the EMS which then informs » Airports (Building Control) legislation, the Commonwealth Air future decision making processes. Regulations 1997. Navigation (Aircraft Engine Emissions) Monitoring programs are undertaken Regulations and the Air Navigation These are collectively known as the by suitably qualified professionals with (Aircraft Noise) Regulations 1984. Airport Legislation. relevant experience, with programs The AES does, however, address noise reviewed in consultation with the Relevant legislation that is applicable to relating to aircraft ground running Airport Environment Officer (AEO). environmental regulation of activities procedures and the use of aircraft Monitoring programs are generally on airport, whether Commonwealth auxiliary power units (APUs). consistent with best practice and or State, may also be adopted where current industry standards. A summary reasonable and practicable. DEVELOPING THE AES of environmental monitoring and The development of the AES required inspection programs are outlined in consultation with Commonwealth, Table 13.2. State and local agencies, airport 280 Brisbane Airport Corporation TABLE 13.2: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Frequency Surface water quality monitoring (physical, chemical and Seasonal biological indicators) Groundwater quality monitoring: » Underground storage tanks (USTs) (fuels/oils) High risk USTs and contaminated sites: Quarterly » Contaminated sites (heavy metals or dependent upon Low risk USTs and contaminated sites: Biannually the contaminant) » Construction sites. As required Estuarine health (mangrove & saltmarsh) monitoring Three times per year at all ESAs Migratory shorebird monitoring Monthly from September to April Lewin’s rail monitoring Biannually during the breeding season Tenant inspections (A level) Annual inspections and spot checks on audit findings Tenant inspections (B level) Annual inspections determined on a risk basis Airside activities and operations Monthly inspections Landside activities and operations Monthly inspections Storm event monitoring Inspections of high risk construction sites undertaken after significant rainfall amounts Construction sites Higher risk sites – weekly inspections All other sites – monthly inspections Landside air quality monitoring As required Emissions calculations (carbon and pollutants) Annually Airside wildlife monitoring Daily Additional flora and fauna monitoring As required Indigenous and non-indigenous heritage monitoring As required Air quality data review Annually Waste and recycling data review Quarterly Weed and pest surveillance Seasonally Ground running operations As required 281 Brisbane Airport 2014 Master Plan