A Retrospective View of the Quality of the Fauna Component of the Olympic Dam Project Environmental Impact Statement

The merits of the fauna section of the Olympic Dam Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are discussed. The values of different survey methods and monitoring organisms used in this document are evaluated following 10 years of fauna monitoring and research subsequent to the preparation of the EIS. lot fauna reconnaissance was found to be of little value, although the associated literature review formed an integral part of the EIS. Over 95% of all amphibian, reptile and bird species recorded at Olympic Dam were confirmed or predicted to occur in the EIS. Mammal predictions were less accurate because of the sparse populations and irruptive nature of several arid-zone species. Prediction and monitoring of rare species were demonstrably difficult. The Olympic Dam Project EIS was found in general to be an accurate and useful document. However, it is suggested that more emphasis be placed on establishing monitoring programmes for future EISs, particularly for invertebrates.