As part of the ten year Pacific Highway Upgrade Program, the RTA has commissioned Ove Arup and Partners to undertake the route selection studies, concept design and preparation of an environmental Impact Statement for the upgrade of the highway at Karuah. The selected route will pass to the west and north of the Karuah township, crossing the Karuah River at Horse Island. The selected route passes through several wetlands designated under State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP 14), and so requires that assessment is made of the likely impact of the highway on the nominated wetland habitats. These include extensive areas of saltmarsh and mangrove forests. The Ecology Lab Pty Ltd was commissioned by Ove Arup to undertake studies of the wetland and riverine ecosystem, assess the likely impact of the highway on those habitats and suggest ameliorative measures that may reduce the identified impacts.