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Open AccessConstraint Mapping for Avoiding Adverse Effects of Development: The Application to the Moomba to Stony Point Pipeline and Its Aftermath
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Avoidance of impacts on areas of environmental significance is a desired outcome of environmental planning. This paper describes the process of constraint mapping that was used in the route selection for the Moomba to Stony Point hydrocarbon liquids pipeline in South Australia. The Flinders Ranges were on the direct line between Moomba and Stony Point so alternative alignments to the west and east of the ranges were considered as well as alternative crossings of the ranges for eastern alignments. Constraint mapping provided an effective tool for comparing the alignment alternatives and for identifying areas requiring more detailed impact evaluation. The aftermath of route selection was based on a major review of environmental impacts undertaken 25 years after construction and annual reporting of environmental incidents. Analysis of the aftermath confirms many of the considerations used in constraint mapping. It indicated that revegetation over the buried pipeline had occurred and that erosion at creek crossings was the major operational issue. The access road has more permanent impacts than the pipeline right-of-way while maintenance activities involving excavation and hydrocarbon release required effective management. With pipeline alignment selection through constraint mapping avoiding sensitive areas and effective management of operation and maintenance activities, the pipeline has been classified as ‘low impact’ by the regulator.
