Normanby Road Early Works Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan
CRL-MTE-RME-LKA-PLN-800008 Revision: 001 Date: 21 February 2020
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Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan
Document title CRL-MTE-RME-LKA-PLN-800008
This document is uncontrolled when printed. This document should be printed in colour
Revision Status Revision
Date
Version details
Prepared By
Approved By
A00
25/11/19
Mana Whenua / CLG review
Matthew Paul
Peter Roan
A01
28/11/19
IPR and Auckland Council
Matthew Paul
Peter Roan
000
17/12/19
Final for submission
Matthew Paul
Peter Roan
001
21/02/20
Final
Matthew Paul
Peter Roan
Approval Status Name/Title
Signature
Date
Prepared by:
Matthew Paul Senior Consultant Arborist
17/12/19
Reviewed by:
Maree Drury Consenting Lead C5
17/12/19
Approved by:
Peter Roan Consenting Lead – Link Alliance
17/12/19
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Table of contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 4 1.1
Overview of CRL works in Mt Eden .................................................................................... 4
1.2
Purpose of the Trees and Vegetation DWP........................................................................ 5
1.3
Relevant Conditions .......................................................................................................... 5
1.4
DWP Review and Updates ................................................................................................. 6
2. Normanby Road Early Works ...................................................................... 7 2.1
Overview of Works ............................................................................................................ 7
2.2
Construction Methodology ................................................................................................ 7
3. Affected Trees and Vegetation ................................................................... 8 3.1
Affected trees .................................................................................................................... 8
3.2
Transplanting or Removal of Trees .................................................................................. 11
4. Mitigation Measures ................................................................................. 12 4.1
Trees Requiring Removal ................................................................................................. 12
4.2
Trees not Requiring Removal........................................................................................... 12
4.2.1.
Arboricultural Monitoring ......................................................................................... 12
4.2.2.
Notable Tree Specific Protective Measures – ID N1 (Notable Flame Tree) ................ 14
4.2.3.
Tree Specific Protection Measures – T24 (English Oak tree) ...................................... 14
5. Consultation .............................................................................................. 15 Appendix A: Record of Mt Eden CLG, Independent Peer Review and Auckland Council Comments .......................................................................................... 16
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1. Introduction The City Rail Link (CRL) project comprises the construction, operation and maintenance of a 3.4 km underground passenger railway, running between Britomart Station and the North Auckland Rail Line (NAL) in the vicinity of Mt Eden Station. The CRL also involves the construction of two new underground stations at Aotea and Karangahape and a redeveloped Mt Eden Station (refer to Figure 1-1). The design and construction of the CRL infrastructure between Aotea and Mt Eden Stations is being delivered by the Link Alliance. This Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan (TV DWP) has been prepared in relation to early works along and in the vicinity of Normanby Road, hereafter referred as the ‘Normanby Road early works’.
Figure 1-1: CRL Route and Location
1.1 Overview of CRL works in Mt Eden The CRL works in the Mt Eden area involve the construction of the southern section of the tunnel structures and the tie-in to the existing NAL, including the construction of the redeveloped Mt Eden Station. The Mt Eden Active Construction Zone (ACZ) and Construction Support Areas (CSA) for the NAL Mt Eden section are generally located between State Highway 1 (SH1) to the east and Dominion Road to the west. The works in this area include: • • • • • Page 4
Construction of an underground grade separation structure near Mt Eden Station; A new Mt Eden Station building incorporating passenger linkages; Modifications to the existing Mt Eden Station platforms; Road over rail bridges at Mt Eden Road, Normanby Road and Ruru Street with sections of road realignment; Grade separation structures and the east- and west-facing connections for the existing and new rail lines to pass-over and connect with each other;
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Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan • •
Pedestrian and cyclist bridge structures at Fenton Street and Porters Avenue; and New road linkages within the reinstated area post-construction.
Given the nature and scale of CRL works in Mt Eden, construction will be undertaken in a staged manner. This TV DWP only relates to one component of the CRL Mt Eden works, the Normanby Road early works, as described in Section 2 below.
1.2 Purpose of the Trees and Vegetation DWP In accordance with CRL Designation Condition 55, this TV DWP has been prepared to identify measures that will be implemented to mitigate and manage potential adverse effects on trees and vegetation during the Normanby Road early works. The objective of this TV DWP (designation Condition 55.2) is: • •
To avoid the removal of scheduled trees as far as practicable; and Where trees are identified for removal during surface works the Requiring Authority will remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of construction on trees and vegetation.
This TV DWP has been developed in consultation with the CRL Mt Eden Community and Business Liaison Group (CLG) and has undergone Independent Peer Review (IPR) prior to submission to Auckland Council (as per designation conditions 7 and 11). A record of the consultation and review outcomes, including the Link Alliance’s response to matters raised, is included in Appendix A.
1.3
Relevant Conditions
Table 1-1 identifies the designation conditions relevant to this TV DWP and where they are addressed in the document. Table 1-1: Trees and Vegetation DWP conditions and location in Plan
Condition No.
Condition
Relevant section of DWP
55.1
A Trees and Vegetation DWP shall be prepared to manage the adverse effects from the removal of trees and vegetation during the construction of the City Rail Link or any part of it.
This document
55.2
The objective of the Trees and Vegetation DWP is to avoid the removal of scheduled trees as far as practicable. Where trees are identified for removal in surface works the Requiring Authority will remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of construction on trees and vegetation.
Section 4.2
55.3
To achieve the above objective the following shall be included in the Trees and Vegetation DWP and implemented as required:
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(a) Confirmation of the trees to be removed due to surface construction works and whether it is appropriate and feasible to relocate or store these trees for replanting. The removal of scheduled trees which form a significant group should only be undertaken as a last resort;
Section 3
(b) A list of trees, which due to being in proximity to construction works, have root systems and / or foliage within and / or
Sections 3.1 and 4.2
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Condition No.
Condition
Relevant section of DWP
overhanging the surface designation footprint, and the methods to be used, where practicable, to protect these trees from construction works;
1.4
(c) Cross references to the Urban Design DWP and the proposed mitigation of any tree / vegetation removal through replanting trees at a 1:1 ratio, re-instatement of the area, and other methods. In preparing the Trees and Vegetation DWP, the Requiring Authority shall seek input from the Auckland Council Parks Department with regard to tree species / vegetation selection, tree pit construction where deemed necessary, and the positioning of replacement trees and from directly affected land owners with regards to preferences for any replacement planting for vegetation / trees removed from private property or for any replacement planting on private property;
Section 4.1
(d) Other methods to be used to monitor and report on the management of the adverse effects from tree / vegetation removal;
Section 4.1
(e) Cross references to the specific sections in the Communication and Consultation Plan which detail how the Auckland Council Parks Department, mana whenua (see condition 8) are consulted, and communication with the general public on the management of the adverse effects relating to the removal of trees and vegetation.
Section 5
DWP Review and Updates
This TV DWP is a live document that will be reviewed and updated as a result of a material change to the Normandy Road early works, or to address unforeseen adverse effects on trees and vegetation arising from construction, or unresolved complaints. Refer to the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for further detail on the review and updating process.
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2.
Normanby Road Early Works 2.1 Overview of Works
The Normanby Road early works involve demolition of the building at 11 Water Street, establishment of a Construction Support Area, construction of a temporary pedestrian bridge across the NAL and two retaining walls, and diversion of temporary and permanent utilities (such as water, wastewater, stormwater, gas, electricity and communications) along and in the vicinity of Normanby Road. The early works are required in advance of the main construction works to provide adequate clearance between the CRL works and network utilities to enable construction of retaining walls, the Normanby Road grade separation bridge and the realigned Normanby Road / Boston Road / Nugent Street roundabout. The Normanby Road early works are planned to extend over eight months, between February 2020 and September 2020. Figure 2.1 shows the area of these works.
Figure 2-1: Extent of the Normanby Road early works area
Refer to the CEMP for a detailed description of the works.
2.2 Construction Methodology The Normanby Road early works will be divided into stages as described in the CEMP and the Construction Staging Plans in Appendix B of the CEMP. Page 7
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3. Affected Trees and Vegetation A Tree Assessment1 was prepared in August 2012 and formed part of the Notice of Requirement (NoR) for the CRL designations. The report did not include the Normanby Road early works area. However, the expert evidence provided at the Notice of Requirement hearing for the Designation 6 footprint drew attention to the large Coral tree (or ‘Flame’ tree) (T128) in the traffic island at the Normanby/Boston/Nugent roundabout – identifying it as a ‘scheduled tree’. The other trees in the area were identified as a mix of exotics and natives. Despite this, the expert arboriculture assessment attached to the Council’s section 42A report made no mention at all of trees in the Normanby Road area. Details of those trees affected by the Normanby Road early works is outlined in Section 3.1 below.
3.1 Affected trees In total, 50 trees of native and exotic origin will be impacted by the Normanby Road early works: •
A Flame tree (1) growing at the corner of Boston and Normanby Road (N1) – this is scheduled as a ‘Notable Tree’ in the Auckland Unitary Plan Operative in Part (Identification No. 204);
• •
A row of trees (23) standing within the property boundary of 32 Normanby Road (G2); Garden beds which include a mixture of native & exotic trees (7) (2x Black Locust,1x Cabbage Tree, 3x Magnolia, 1x Rhus) and shrubs (G3) within the property boundary of 32 Normanby Road;
•
A mature English Oak tree (1) and two (2) Aloe trees standing within the property boundary of 14-22 Boston Road (T 22-24);
•
Six (6) Brush Wattle trees and ten (10) self-seeded Karamu growing on a rock face within the property boundary of 14-22 Boston Road (G4).
Overall, a total of 48 trees will require removal to enable the early works. The location of the impacted trees and vegetation is shown in Figure 3-1 and Table 3-1 provides a summary of the impacted trees and vegetation and proposed mitigation measures.
1
Boffa Miskell. (2012). City Rail Link Tree Assessment. Report prepared for Auckland Transport, dated August 2012. | Normanby Road Early Works
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Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan
Figure 3-1: Trees within or in close proximity to the project
Key • •
Trees/groups of trees proposed for removal – Red circle and text Trees/groups of trees to be retained and protected – Green circle and text
Table 3-1: Tree details
Tree ID
Common Name
Botanical Name
Notable
Tree Condition
N1
Flame Tree
Erythrina x sykesii
Yes
Structural defects evident
T22, T23 (2)
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Aloe Tree
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Aloe barberae
No
Good
Approx. height (m)
Project Effect
20
Retain Works within the root zone to install new waste water pipe
5-7
Remove
Mitigation Measures (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) All works to be confirmed with and supervised by the works arborist. Erect protective fencing. Transplant not feasible. Trees to be removed -
Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan
Tree ID
Common Name
Botanical Name
Notable
Tree Condition
Approx. height (m)
Project Effect
Mitigation Measures (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) with mitigation planting proposed.
T24
English Oak Tree
Quercus robur
G2
Titoki x6
Alectryon excelsus
(x23) Japanese spindle tree x 2 Kohuhu x6
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No
Good
No
Good
18
Retain protect for the duration of works
All works to be confirmed with by the works arborist. Erect protective fencing.
4-8
Remove and replace
Trees to be removed and mitigation planting proposed in a more suitable location.
5 Euonymus japonicas Pittosporum tenuifolium
Tarata
Pittosporum eugenioides
Cypress x2
Cupressus sempervirens
Kowhai x2
Sophora tetraptera
Camellia x4
Camellia sp.
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3-6
5
4 4
3-4
Replaceme nt planting at 32 Normanby Road will occur as part of main works and will need to be agreed by the
Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan
Tree ID
Common Name
Botanical Name
Notable
Tree Condition
Approx. height (m)
Project Effect
Mitigation Measures (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) property owner.
G3
Black Locust x2
(x7)
Cabbage tree Magnolia x3
G4 (16)
Robinia pseudoacaci a
Good
No
Typical
6
Remove and replace
Trees to be removed and replaced in more suitable location.
3-9
Remove
Trees to be removed to assist with visibility.
Cordyline australis Magnolia sp.
Rhus
Toxicodendro n succedaneu m
Brush Wattle x6
Paraserianth es lophantha
Karamu (selfseeded) x10
No
Coprosma robusta
3.2 Transplanting or Removal of Trees Where trees are in the path of construction works, consideration has been given to transplanting these trees to a new location instead of removing them. However, site investigations have concluded that those trees/shrubs proposed for removal are unsuitable for transplant. T 22 & 23 Trees 22 & 23 are identified as two (2) Aloe (Aloe barberae) growing on the eastern edge of the existing carpark at 14-22 Boston Road. Although considered viable transplant candidates, these specimens are exotic species and no locations are deemed suitable for their relocation within the early work area. Page 11
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Groups 2 & 3 Groups 2 & 3 are identified as a row and grouping of vegetation growing in a heavily modified industrial environment. Due to hard surface constraints and available locations post works, it is considered that this vegetation is unsuitable for transplant. Group 4 Group 4 consists of an area of wilding weed and lower value specimens, including Brush Wattle & Karamu. The trees are growing on a rocky outcrop which is proposed for clearance to enable full use of the hard stand area during construction, and to improve current passive surveillance for the safety of users of the temporary car park to be established during construction. It is not deemed practical nor necessary to transplant these trees.
4. Mitigation Measures Replacement planting is proposed to mitigate the loss of the 42 trees (excluding weed species) from within the Normanby Road early works area. In addition to replacement planting, mitigation measures for works within the root zones of tree N1 and in the vicinity of T24 are proposed. These mitigation measures (as outlined in Section 4.2 below) will be implemented in order to protect trees N1 and T24 which are to be retained.
4.1 Trees Requiring Removal Replacement planting will be undertaken as part of the public realm reinstatement on completion of construction for the CRL Mt Eden works, including works in the Normanby Road area. This will be addressed in a future Outline Plan, which will include an Urban Design Delivery Work Plan (UD DWP). Amongst other things, the UD DWP will include a replanting plan which will show the type and location of replacement trees. The method for removal of these trees will be informed by a qualified arboricultural practitioner in accordance with site observations, such as the proximity of surrounding buildings, tree size and overall condition. The methodologies used will include the following where relevant: • • •
Staged removal whereby the outer limbs are removed first, followed by inner limbs and the main trunk. Depending on the location of underground utility lines, tree stumps shall either be dug out or ground in situ. Removed tree debris will either be mulched onsite or removed for mulching off-site, depending on which is more practicable.
All trees (with the exception of weed species) permanently removed as part of the early works will need to be replaced to address adverse effects on private properties, amenity and local streetscape. Replanting within the property at 32 Normanby Road will be discussed and agreed upon with the land owner. If it is not possible to replant the same number of trees within the property, replacement trees will be planted in an appropriate location elsewhere within the CRL designation.
4.2 Trees not Requiring Removal 4.2.1. Arboricultural Monitoring Page 12
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Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan Trees T24 and N1 will not be removed as part of the Normanby Road early works. Arboricultural Monitoring will be undertaken to confirm these trees are adequately protected for the duration of the early works. The following information outlines measures specific to the two trees to be retained. A suitably qualified and experienced arborist will be engaged to act as the Works Arborist for the early works. The Works Arborist shall directly oversee and supervise any works within the root zones of those trees to be retained. The works arborist will also undertake regular Arboricultural Site Reviews (ASR) at a period of no less than once every month during any period for which works are to take place within 4 metres of the root zone of any tree(s) which will not be removed as part of the construction works. The ASR shall provide an opportunity to assess tree health of each of the trees which are to be retained, assess tree protection measures where provided, as well as providing general guidance to direct the preservation of tree health during the course of works. The initial ASR will be undertaken at least 10 working days prior to the first commencement of work within 10 metres of any tree which is to be retained. The Works Arborist will prepare a ASR Summary Memorandum to be issued to the Environmental and Sustainability Manager (ESM) during the initial arboricultural site review, with this Memorandum to be updated by the Works Arborist following every monthly visit and provided to the ESM. If the Works Arborist identifies evidence of declining tree health, the Works Arborist will advise on the cause of the deterioration and provide direction where appropriate. Prior to the commencement of works on site, a pre-start meeting is to be held at least 5 working days prior to the start of any works near retained trees. The meeting is to include the Works Arborist, Councils Heritage Arborist and Community Facilities Arborist. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the overall project and advise of those specific activities impacting retained trees on public land. Protective fencing is to be installed at the root zone edge of those trees to be retained and protected. This fencing is to remain in place for the duration of the project where practicable. If removal or temporary relocation of protective fencing is required, this must be undertaken in consultation with the Works Arborist. The protective fencing is to consist of a minimum of 1.5 metre tall hurricane mesh style fencing or plywood hording. There shall be no storage (or temporary storage) of any description (i.e. no products, no fluids, no machinery, no tools, etc) within the root zone of any retained tree. Special attention shall be paid to any petrol/diesel operated machinery to avoid contaminating the soil in the root zone of the trees.All equipment/vehicles shall be manoeuvred to/ within the site in a manner that avoids any damage to the root zone and canopy of the retained trees Where machine excavation is required outside any existing hard areas (e.g. road surfaces) within the root zones of any retained tree, track movements must be kept to a minimum - with materials installed progressively from the previously metaled/hard surface. A completion report prepared by the Works Arborist shall be supplied to the ESM within one month of completion of all site works. The completion report shall confirm (or otherwise) that the works have been undertaken in general accordance with the tree protection measures contained in this section.
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4.2.2. Notable Tree Specific Protective Measures – ID N1 (Flame Tree) Arboricultural monitoring, by the appointed early Works Arborist, will be required in order to ensure the protection of the Notable Flame tree for the duration of the early works. As noted in Section 2 of this TV DWP, diversion of the 150mm diameter sewer line will be required. This activity will require works at the edge of the root zone of this tree. Works within the vicinity of, or within the protected root zone of Tree N1 must be approved and supervised by the Works Arborist in accordance with Section 4.2.1 of the TV DWP. If any significant roots are encountered during excavation in the root zone of this tree, that root should be accommodated, unless the works site supervisory arborist is satisfied that severance of such a root would not cause a deterioration of the health of the tree. Tree health will be monitored regularly during construction. Protective fencing will be erected under the supervision of the arborist as near to the edge of the tree’s root zone as possible for the duration of works. Any movement or relocation of fencing shall be discussed with the Works Arborist prior to implementation. (As per the recommendations provided in Section 4.2.1)
Figure 4-1: Notable Flame tree (N1)
4.2.3. Tree Specific Protection Measures – T24 (English Oak tree) Tree 24 is standing on an elevated area of land within 14-22 Boston Road and overhanging Boston Road. Only minor works to re-configure the area around this Oak tree for use as a temporary carpark will be undertaken within the root zone of the tree. The site will also be used as a laydown area during construction. All works are to be undertaken in accordance with Section 4.2.1 of this TV DWP and protective fencing will be erected near the edge of the tree’s root zone. It is noted that timber hoarding is currently installed on the tree’s northern side. Any works to be undertaken within the root zone of this tree, beyond minor works to formalise the temporary carpark, should be assessed for impacts from an arboricultural perspective. Page 14
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5. Consultation The Communication and Consultation Plan (CCP) prepared for the Normanby Road early works (Appendix G of the early works CEMP) outlines the engagement to be undertaken with the Auckland Council Parks Department (now Auckland Council Community Facilities) and mana whenua. It also details the communication that will be undertaken with the general public (through the Mt Eden CLG) on the management of adverse effects relating to the removal of trees within the early work area. Refer in particular to Sections 6 and 7 of the CCP.
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Appendix A: Record of Mt Eden CLG, Independent Peer Review and Auckland Council Comments A1. CLG Comments A CLG was held at 97 Mt Eden Rd on the 25 November 2019. The impact on trees including those to be removed and protection of the Flame tree was explained. No specific concerns raised.
A2. IPR Comments Section 2.1 3.1
4.1 4.2.1
4.2.2
Comment Is the wastewater line being moved north or is this a north wastewater line? Check numbers – I count 51. Check numbers. The below table indicates the retention of only 2 trees therefore the number should be 48
Response
Is there a need or requirement to replace weed species? As there are only two trees being retained This should be changed so that the Works Arborist supervises and directs any works within the rootzone of the trees. This will ensure that any tree related issues are dealt with before they arise. Council and the notable tree managers will want all works within the tree’s rootzone monitored and audited. I’m grasping the concept here but I think this needs to be rewritten for clarity. Tree health monitoring should only be the responsibility of a trained arborist, otherwise there is risk in maintaining the tree in a healthy state. As above. I don’t think a check list will be adequate for a ‘layman’ to consider tree health Section 2 notes that the realignment of the pipe is taking place but does not note that it’s being installed near the tree. This work needs to be ‘approved’ prior to any works being carried out. The works arborist could ‘approve’ the works methodology. This may just need a small rewrite.
No, the text in this section has been amended Yes, the text has been updated Section revised and added to, to reflect comments
There’s no tree protection measures within 4.2.1 or does 4.2.1 refer to any tree Page 16
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Numbers updated As above
Section revised and added to, to reflect comments
Trees and Vegetation Delivery Work Plan protection measures. 4.2.1 is only a guideline for when the Works Arborist attends and information on tree health monitoring for the ESM. There needs to be a tree protection methodology for the works to adhere to or this report needs to refer to one.
A3. Auckland Council Comments Section 4.2.1
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Comment The monitoring on a bi-monthly schedule, this time frame is not appropriate and too long in my view. It is recommended that general site monitoring by the arborist to check site fences around trees and their condition should be at a minimum monthly and this should be recorded in a simple memo along with any recommended corrective actions. The work that takes placer close or within the root zone area of the trees being retained should have direction supervision by a qualified arborist and this needs to be highlighted as a minimum when it comes to the sewer upgrade works close to the notable flame tree N1. There is a need to ensure that the tree protection measures for trees outside of the area of work are adhered to by the contractors undertaken utility relocation work. In addition, I would request an opportunity for council arborist to walk over the area of works with the contractors where trees are identified as being affected along with their project arborist to ensure that the measures outlined for tree protection are being implemented.
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Response Section revised and added to, to reflect comments
Section revised and added to, to reflect comments