Environment Report 2003
01: Focus
Award-winning bridge work a Statewide model
Work associated with the proposed demolition of bridges across the Murray River has become a model for managing the removal of contaminated timber and soil. page 6
02: Focus
Inexpensive innovation controls run-off
RTA staff in western NSW have developed an inexpensive and easily constructed solution to trap sediment from run-off during roadworks. page 20
03: Focus
Multi-layered approach helps to protect sensitive areas
Protecting the environment while building a major freeway is complex, when the road sweeps through beautiful and diverse northern NSW. page 46
Contents:
01: Chief Executive's message 02: About this report 03: Our vision, Our mission 04: Corporate profile 05: Corporate environment 06: Environmental management 07: Project management 08: Water 09: Air 10: Greenhouse 1 2 2 3 5 7 12 18 21 28 11: Noise 12: Property management 13: Waste and recycling 14: Biodiversity 15: Heritage 16: Environmental research and development Glossary 33 35 37 42 47 52 53
Cover:
Pile casings and fender piles for one pier of the new Karuah River Bridge.The innovative, incrementally launched bridge design allowed larger span lengths and fewer piers, with less disturbance to the wetlands and mangrove areas and reduced risk of environmental damage.
01: Chief Executive's message
The RTA has a broad and important role in NSW – our services range from licensing drivers, to facilitating better public transport through measures such as the provision and management of bus lanes, and building and maintaining major roads and bridges. In all of these tasks, environmental care is a priority for the RTA. The RTA's annual environment report is a voluntary initiative that consolidates information about how we go about this crucial management task. This year, the report changes slightly in focus: we have included more quantitative information and more in-depth reporting on our environmental management processes. This year, the RTA participated in the process for tighter noise and emission standards for Australian vehicles – a move which will benefit all Australians. Our major road projects included important environmental initiatives, particularly on the Westlink M7 and Pacific Highway upgrade. Our highways move through areas of high environmental value, and initiatives included excellent urban design and many innovative measures to protect biodiversity. Community involvement was again crucial in the development and implementation of projects. In response to community concerns, the RTA convened the Northern Pacific Highway Noise Taskforce, which worked to identify traffic noise problems and recommend strategies to address them. It was a busy year for the RTA, which is reflected in the large number of Environmental Impact Assessments and an expansion in the RTA's environmental management tasks. We strategically reviewed our Environmental Management System and continued to develop policies and guidelines for RTA staff and contractors. These systems work together to give us greater control over our environmental performance. This means we can provide the community with better outcomes on the ground – safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.

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