Environmental Assessment of Water Supply Augmentation Works
nghenvironmental completed the environmental assessment for two major water supply augmentation projects managed by the Department of Commerce on behalf of the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Councils (respectively). Under State policy, Councils are required to prepare Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategies. The aim of this strategy is to provide a system to manage water supply systems more efficiently to maximise benefits to the community and environment.
Under the IWCM Strategies for Eurobodalla and the Bega Valley, the construction of new water transfer pipelines from Yellowpinch Dam to Bega and Moruya to Deep Creek Dam was recommended, along with changes to pumping regimes and water use. The Moruya to Deep Creek proposal involved upgrading existing pumps and installation of a new, larger diametre pipeling along a 30 km long route. The Yellowpinch-Bega project included construction of a new 20 km section of pipeline.
nghenvironmental prepared the environmental impact assessments for both of these projects, which involved carrying out detailed flora, fauna, accoustic and archaeological studies of the respective pipeline routes, and providing advice on potential environmental controls and other safeguards to minimise the impact of the works on the surrounding environment. Potential impacts of the projects included possible impact on Endangered Ecological Communities, archaeological sites, waterways and resources such as farming and forestry land and the Princes Hwy.
