WATER AFFECTING ACTIVITIES
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
To conform to the requirements of Section 127 (3) and (5) of
the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 and forming an
approved Best Practice Operating Procedure under the
relevant Natural Resource Management Plans.
Endorsed by:
Adelaide Mt Lofty NRM Board
Northern and Yorke NRM Board
Transport Services Division
ENVIRONMENT
Standards & Guidelines
Water Affecting Activities
Standard Operating Procedure
This document has been prepared by the Environment Group of the Projects Directorate, Transport
Services Division, Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure.
It has been approved and authorised for use by the Department of Planning Transport and
Infrastructure and its authorised agents by:
Extracts may be reproduced providing the subject is kept in context and the source is acknowledged.
Every effort has been made to supply complete and accurate information. This document is subject to
revision and may change. To ensure you have the most up-to-date version of this document refer to
http://www.roads.sa.gov.au/environment_group/.
For information regarding the interpretation of this document please contact:
Environment Group, Projects Directorate
Telephone: (08) 8343 2686
Facsimile: (08) 8343 2905
First Published January 2009
Third Version April 2012
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Contents
1
Introduction
4
2
Legislative Requirements
4
3
Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure Procedures and Activities
5
3.1
Scope of Works Covered by Standard Operating Procedure
5
3.2
Infrastructure delivery
6
3.2.1
Planning Phase
6
3.2.2
Design Phase
7
3.2.3
Implementation Phase
7
3.2.4
Handover and Maintenance Phase
8
3.3
Water Affecting Activities
10
3.4
Taking of Water
11
3.4.1
11
3.5
Taking of Water for Construction Activities
Determining the Need for Water Affecting Activity Permits
12
Appendix A: Key Relevant Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure Documentation
15
Appendix B: Process for Completing a Water Affecting Activity Permit Application
16
Appendix C: Natural Resources Management Regions
18
Appendix D: Contact details for NRM Boards and DW
19
Appendix E(1): AMLR NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered by DPTI’S BPOP
20
Appendix E(2): AMLR NRM Water Allocation Plans
25
Appendix F(1): Northern & Yorke NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
26
Appendix F(2): Northern & Yorke NRM Water Allocation Plans
30
Appendix G: Eyre Peninsula NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
31
Appendix H(1): South Australian Murray Darling Basin NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities
33
Appendix H(2): South Australian Murray Darling Basin NRM Water Allocation Plans
36
Appendix I: Kangaroo Island NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
37
Appendix J: South East NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
56
Appendix K: Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
57
Appendix L: SA Arid Lands NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities
58
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
1 Introduction
The Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (the Department) is responsible for the
development, operation and maintenance of 18,860 kilometres of the state’s road network, for the
management of a number of marine facilities and for other transport infrastructure including tram
and train infrastructure.
This document outlines the standard operating procedure for water quality management activities
undertaken by the Department, which will ensure compliance with Section 127 of the Natural
Resources Management Act, 2004 (the Act). It outlines the requirements of the Act as it applies to
activities undertaken by or on behalf of the Department and the commitments the Department will
undertake to meet the requirements of the Act.
The Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure is committed to providing a safe, efficient
and sustainable transport system and to meeting legislative requirements.
2 Legislative Requirements
Highways Act 1926
Under section 26 of the Highways Act, 1926, the Commissioner of Highways assumes powers
under Chapter 11, Part 2 of the Local Government Act, 1999 to undertake roadworks within road
reserves. The responsibilities that the Commissioner of Highways assumes are defined through a
Section 26 Notice and the Maintenance Responsibilities Operational Instruction 20.1.
Natural Resources Management Act 2004
The Natural Resources Management Act binds the Crown and therefore the work of the
Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure. Chapter 7 of the Natural Resources
Management Act, 2004 defines provisions for the management and protection of water resources.
Under sections 124(3) and 127(1) a licence is required for the taking of water from a prescribed
watercourse, lake or well or to take water from a surface water prescribed area.
Under sections 127 (3) and (5) of the Natural Resources Management Act, a permit is required for
activities affecting a watercourse unless the works are approved under another Act such as the
Development Act, 1993, Environment Protection Act, 1993 or the Native Vegetation Act, 1991.
The Natural Resources Management Act provides the opportunity for each Natural Resource
Management Board to define what activities require a permit in their Natural Resources
Management Plan.
This Standard Operating Procedure outlines the Department’s procedures for compliance with the
Natural Resources Management Act, which have been endorsed by the Adelaide Mt Lofty NRM
Board and the Northern and Yorke NRM Board as forming an approved Best Practice Operating
Procedure under the relevant Natural Resource Management Plans.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
3 Department of Planning
Procedures and Activities
Transport
and
Infrastructure
The following section outlines the process and standard operating procedure for assessment,
documentation and approval of water affecting activities in the planning and delivery of
infrastructure work and maintenance work undertaken by the Department.
3.1 Scope of Works Covered by
Standard Operating Procedure
Two of the major roles undertaken by the Department include operating and maintaining
Departmental controlled transport assets, and creating, improving and renewing transport system
assets.
Infrastructure Delivery
Infrastructure delivery undertaken by the Department incorporates the development and
construction of both major and minor projects such as the following:











Bridges
Highways and expressways
Transport hubs
Roundabouts
Pedestrian access crossings
Turning lanes
Overtaking lanes
Road widening
Dredging
Undergrounding of powerlines
Tram and Train Infrastructure
Maintenance
The Commissioner of Highways responsibilities for road maintenance are outlined in the
Maintenance Responsibilities Operational Instruction 20.1. Maintenance activities include the
following:

Pavement maintenance (potholes and edge break repairs, crack sealing, minor
digouts, etc.)

Vegetation
management
(mowing,
herbicide
application,
vegetation
removal/pruning, etc)
Drainage clearing (clearing of table drains and culverts, etc.)
Signs and delineator maintenance
And many other activities (litter collection, graffiti removal, parking bay
maintenance, etc.).



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3.2 Infrastructure delivery
3.2.1 Planning Phase
Planning and evaluation – water quality impacts are considered in the environmental impact
assessment process that is integrated into the Department’s Project Management Process.
The environmental impacts of a project are documented in a Planning Report or Environmental
Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), Project Environmental Management Plan (PEMP), and for
medium and high erosion-risk sites, a Soil Erosion and Drainage Management Plan (SEDMP).
Environmental approvals for the project are also obtained. The relevant approvals are
documented in the Environmental Approval Procedures Operational Instruction 21.1 and the
Protecting Waterways Manual.


Environmental Approval Procedures Operational Instruction 21.1 - documents the
environmental impact assessment procedures for infrastructure projects, the
internal and external environmental approval requirements and the environmental
legislative requirements.
Protecting Waterways Manual – provides guidance on assessing the impacts on
water quality and aquatic environments from the construction, operation and
maintenance of transport infrastructure. It documents the Division’s infrastructure
activities, which potentially require approval under the Natural Resources
Management Act, 2004, other legislation or internal agency approval.
Risk Management
Risk management addresses the causes and potential affects of activities and determines
treatments for higher risk activities.
A risk assessment is undertaken to determine the nature, scale and likelihood of any impacts
during both construction and operational phases of the proposed project.
The process used for environmental risk assessment follows the generic framework, as tailored for
transport projects, in AS/NZS 4360:1999 Risk Management and as further developed by the
Protecting Waterways Manual.
Legislative compliance requirements are also considered during the risk management process.
Aspects considered during the identification of risks include, for example, the topography of the
site, the nature and erodibility of soils, rainfall patterns, drainage patterns and the size of the
catchment, the quality and nature of receiving waters, and the quality and depth to groundwater.
Once potential risks have been identified, they are analysed, evaluated and mitigation measures
are developed. Full details regarding risk assessment are outlined in the Protecting Waterways
Manual.
Mitigation Measures
Appropriate management measures for addressing potential impacts during the construction and
operational phases of projects are identified during the planning phase, including the Risk
Management process, and documented in the Planning Report or EIAR, PEMP and SEDMP.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Various permits and licenses that may be necessary under the Natural Resources Management
Act, and the Environment Protection Act, are also determined during this process.
Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring of the construction site is undertaken to assess the potential impact of the
discharge on the aquatic environment. The PEMP identifies the level of monitoring required based
on the potential environmental risk posed by a project. Further information on water quality
monitoring requirements during construction is outlined in the Water Quality Monitoring Manual for
Construction Sites.
3.2.2 Design Phase
Design
Significant operational and construction phase treatment measures are identified in the planning
phase, however it is up to the designer to incorporate protection measures for scour, erosion,
water quality and aquatic ecology into the design of any drainage works.
Designs incorporate measures to improve water quality where feasible, and when they are
identified as a requirement from the planning phase.
The Stormwater Discipline Specialists or qualified consultants are engaged to design water quality
treatment measures which may include sedimentation basins and erosion control measures.
3.2.3 Implementation Phase
Construction
On moderate and high risk construction sites, stormwater, erosion and waterway management
issues will have been addressed and mitigation measures identified through the planning and
design phase and these will have been documented in the PEMP and SEDMP. Construction
contractor personnel implement best management practices. The Department ensures that any
relevant licenses and permits have been obtained or require the contractor to obtain these.
On sites with low risk, where a PEMP has not been prepared, the contract manager and contractor
will manage the site in compliance with relevant legislation, codes of practice and the contract
requirements. Information about how the Department ensures contractor and staff compliance is
outlined in the Protecting Waterways Manual.
Contract Management
The Department maintains contract management processes to ensure the delivery of project
commitments and the avoidance of unnecessary damage during the performance of any work.
These are documented in the following:



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DPTI Master Specification
DPTI Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan Guidelines for Construction Road, Rail and Marine facilities
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
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DPTI Project Environmental Management Plan Guidelines for Construction - Road,
Rail and Marine facilities
DPTI Environmental Auditing Guidelines for Construction - Road, Rail and Marine
facilities
DPTI Environmental Code of Practice for Construction.
3.2.4 Handover and Maintenance Phase
Handover
On completion of an infrastructure project, handover of the maintenance of the various aspects of
the project occurs, either to a Departmental Region, local Council or other appropriate authority.
To respond to the need for a coordinated approach to the maintenance of various stormwater
devices, a Stormwater Treatment Infrastructure Maintenance Manual has been prepared.
Maintenance
The Department maintains drainage works that were constructed as an essential part of
roadworks and that continue to ensure structural integrity of the roadway or provide pavement
drainage. As an example, the Department maintains: watercourses traversing a highway (ie
floodways), natural watercourses adjacent a highway (where these may adversely affect the
integrity of the highway formation) and watercourses for a distance of ten metres from the
extremity of bridges or drainage structures, or to the property boundary, whichever is the lesser. A
full description of the Department’s maintenance activities is provided in the Care, Control and
Management of Roads by the Commissioner of Highways (Section 26 of the Highways Act, 1926)
– Operational Instruction 20.1.
Road Maintenance is undertaken in accordance with the Routine Road Maintenance Contracts.
Environmental requirements are documented in the contract and the Environmental Management
Workbook for Roadside Maintenance Activities. For activities of higher potential impact, such as
cleaning open drains, grading shoulders and forming turnout drains an Environmental Work Plan
is required to be produced by the Contractor to detail how they will prevent or minimise the
impacts of the activity.
The Department has prepared a Stormwater Treatment Infrastructure Maintenance Manual, which
provides maintenance information regarding stormwater treatment infrastructure such as detention
basins and gross pollutant traps.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND KEY ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION
Planning Phase
Prepare Project
Management Proposal
Key Environmental
Steps
Water Quality Risk
Assessment for
projects posing a risk
to water quality
Prepare Planning
Approach
Develop Feasible
Alternatives
Environmental
Impact
Assessment
Select Preferred
Alternatives
Environmental Impact
Assessment Report /
Planning Report
Design
Phase
Prepare Project
Definition Report
Detailed Design
Implementation Phase
Prepare Contract
Documentation
Determine
requirements for Water
Affecting Activity
Permit & Earthworks
Drainage Licence
Project
Environmental
Management
Plan
Environmental
Clearance
Where appropriate,
elements of water
sensitive urban design
implementation
PEMP, including
requirements for Soil
Erosion and Drainage
Management Plan
Call Tenders
Pre-construction
Activities
Construction
Contractor’s
Environmental
Management
Plan
Soil Erosion and
Drainage
Management
Plan
Handover
Phase
Environmental
Audits
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Referral to Stormwater
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Maintenance Manual
Operation &
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
3.3 Water Affecting Activities
The Natural Resources Management Act, 2004 outlines provisions for the control of water
affecting activities. Water affecting activities are defined in Section 127(5) of the Act and are
activities that can have an impact on water resources and dependant ecosystems. The Act
defines these activities as:
(a)
the erection, construction or enlargement of a dam, wall or other structure that will collect or
divert water flowing in a watercourse that is not in the Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed and
that is not prescribed or flowing over any other land that is not in a surface water prescribed
area or in the Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed;
(b)
the erection, construction or placement of any building or structure in a watercourse or lake
or on the floodplain of a watercourse;
(c)
draining or discharging water directly or indirectly into a watercourse or lake;
(d)
depositing or placing an object or solid material in a watercourse or lake;
(e)
obstructing a watercourse or lake in any other manner;
(f)
depositing or placing an object or solid material on the floodplain of a watercourse or near the
bank or shore of a lake to control flooding from the watercourse or lake;
(g)
destroying vegetation growing in a watercourse or lake or growing on the floodplain of a
watercourse;
(h)
excavating or removing rock, sand or soil from—
(i)
(ii)
a watercourse or lake or the floodplain of a watercourse; or
an area near to the banks of a lake so as to damage, or create the likelihood of
damage to, the banks of the lake;
(i)
using water in the course of carrying on a business in an NRM region at a rate that exceeds
the rate prescribed by an NRM plan if the water has been brought into the region by means
of a pipe or other channel;
(j)
using effluent in the course of carrying on a business in an NRM region at a rate that exceeds
a rate prescribed by an NRM plan;
(k)
an activity prescribed by the regulations.
A person must not undertake any of the above Water Affecting Activities unless in accordance with
the relevant Natural Resources Management Plan or Water Allocation Plan. Provisions have been
made within the various NRM Plans for the endorsement of a defined Best Practice Operating
Procedures (BPOP). Where a BPOP has been approved by a NRM Board, an exemption from
requiring a permit for the defined water affecting activity may apply.
Where a watercourse exists within a water allocation area, the provision of the Water Allocation
Plan will override the water affecting activity exclusions within the NRM Plans.
Other activities will be assessed “on merit”, with regard to objectives and principles that are
published in the plan. Activities undertaken by the Department in accordance with the
Department’s standard procedures summarised above have been accepted by the Board as
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
exempt from a Water Affecting Activity. However it has been agreed that certain high risk
activities will be considered as not covered by the standard procedures, and will be assessed by
the Board on merit. These activities are those identified as requiring a separate permit in section
3.5
3.4 Taking of Water
Under sections 124(3) and 127(1) a licence is required for the taking of water from a prescribed
watercourse, lake or well or to take water from a surface water prescribed area.
Section 127 (1) b provides the following definition for the taking of water
‘if the taking of water consists of the erection, construction or enlargement of a dam, wall
or other structure that collects or diverts water flowing in a watercourse or flowing over any
other land’
Applications for the taking of water are assessed by the Department for Water (DW) and assessed
in accordance with the provisions of a Water Allocation Plan specific to the water resource
affected.
Provision of a flood diversion channel or the construction of a wetland may be considered to
constitute the “taking of water” and advice should be obtained from the DW and the relevant NRM
Board.
If there is uncertainty as to whether a project will constitute the taking of water clarification
shall be sought from DW by contacting phone 8339 9807.
The requirement for a water licence does not negate the need for Water Affecting Activity Permit,
and the proposed activity shall be assessed in accordance with section 3.5.
3.4.1 Taking of Water for Construction Activities
Under Section 128 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, the Minister for Environment
and Heritage has authorised (by notice in the Government Gazette dated 1st August 2002) the
taking of surface water from a prescribed watercourse, lake or well, or the taking of water from a
surface water prescribed area, for the purpose of road making.
Under the Gazette notice, ‘road’ means any street, road or thoroughfare etc commonly used by
the public that the public are permitted to have access and ‘road making’ means either; the
construction, maintenance, repair or alteration of a road.
All reasonable measures shall be undertaken to investigate and utilise alternative sources of water
such as reclaimed water, treated stormwater etc to avoid the use of prescribed water, particularly
in drought years.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
3.5 Determining the Need for Water
Affecting Activity Permits
Under this Standard Operating Procedure it has been agreed that the following permit
requirements will apply to activities undertaken by the Department of Planning Transport and
Infrastructure staff and contractors:

For proposed Water Affecting Activities to be undertaken in NRM Board areas this Standard
Operating Procedure will cover all minor and low risk activities undertaken by the Department.
Where an activity is low risk and the Department’s internal environmental procedures and
systems have been followed, no separate Water Affecting Activity Permit will be required.
Routine maintenance activities and replacement of existing pipes and culverts do not require
separate permits.

The Department will apply for a Water Affecting Activity Permit for proposals with potential for
high impact where a Development Approval under the Development Act, 1993, a relevant
authorisation under the Environment Protection Act, 1993 or a relevant approval under the
Native Vegetation Act, 1993 is not required. The following Water Affecting Activity Permit
Determination Process will be used to determine whether projects and activities require a
separate Water Affecting Activity Permit. Where an activity has the potential to have a high
impact, i.e. a score greater than 13 in the following procedure, a separate Water Affecting
Activity Permit must be obtained.
Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure Water Affecting Activities
Permit Determination Process
Step 1: Check the relevant NRM plan or Water Allocation Plan for activities that require a permit
and for any possible exclusions for the activity to be undertaken (note: tables of exclusions from
each NRM Plan and links to Water Allocation Plans are attached in appendices E to I).
Step 2: Use the following flowchart to determine whether an activity or project will require a
separate Water Affecting Activity Permit. It must be undertaken in conjunction with the risk
assessment on the following page (step 3).
Step 3: Undertake the Water Quality Risk Assessment (page 13). This assessment must be
undertaken by a representative of the Department’s Environment Group in consultation with the
Project Manager, Senior Environmental Management Officer and the Senior Stormwater Engineer.
It shall form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment documentation and be recorded in the
Water Affecting Activities spreadsheet (Knet #2911942).
Parts of the state not covered by an appropriate plan do not require permits. The relevant NRM
Board or DW can provide this advice.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Step 2: Flow Chart
Is the project within a watercourse or floodplain?
Yes
No
No Permit
Required
Is the project within a Prescribed Water
Resource Area (Surface Water Only)?
Yes
No
Yes
Score over ‘13’
Will the project incorporate the
taking of water? (127.1 (b))
License
Required
Yes
No
Will the project incorporate activities not
covered within the relevant NRM Plan
WAAP Exclusions? (Appendices E - K)
Permit
Required
Yes
No
Undertake Water Affecting
Activities Risk Assessment
(Step 3)
Score over
13
Water Affecting Activity
Permit Required
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Step 3: Water Affecting Activity Risk Assessment (Knet #3832630)
The following risk assessment is to be undertaken as a component of the flow chart
on the previous page. It will determine a score, by which it is then determined whether
or not a separate Water Affecting Activity Permit will be required. A score of 13 or
over will require a separate Water Affecting Activity Permit.
Parameter
Season of activity
Water Present
Erosivity of
Watercourse
Flow Regime
Degree of
Obstruction
Impact on
migration of biota /
fish passage
Scale of Potential
Water Affecting
Activity
Watercourse
Condition (from
ANZECC)
Ranges
Nov-March
Score
1
April-Oct or whole year
2
No
1
Yes
2
Concrete lined
0
Stable
1
Some erosion present
2
Gully Erosion or dispersive soils already present
3
No change
0
Less than 10% change in peak flow
1
More than 10% change in peak flow
2
Not obstructing a floodplain or channel
0
Obstructing a floodplain or a channel
1
Obstructing both floodplain and channel
2
Negligible
0
Some impact
2
Significant impact
Routine maintenance, eg grading, mowing shoulders, etc
4
1
Maintenance, eg clearing open drains
2
Minor works, eg culvert installation
3
Major project works, eg bridges and embankments
4
Significant infrastructure works
5
Highly disturbed
1
Slightly to moderately disturbed
2
High conservation/ecological value
3
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix A: Key Relevant Department of Planning
Transport and Infrastructure Documentation
DPTI Protecting Waterways Manual: This manual is a guide for Departmental staff
and contractors, demonstrating the various methods for minimising impacts on water
resources resulting from transport infrastructure by the application of best
management practices (Knet #3476572).
DPTI Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites: This manual outlines
monitoring techniques that are appropriate for detecting sediment discharges and
potential impacts on watercourses from Departmental construction sites. It is used in
conjunction with the DPTI Protecting Waterways Manual (Knet #1792013).
DPTI Environmental Code of Practice for Construction (Knet #1816971); Project
Environmental Management Plan Guidelines for Construction (Knet #1765257);
Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan Guidelines for Construction (Knet
#1765249); and, Environmental Audit Guidelines for Construction (Knet #1765253):
These documents are a series of four on the environmental management of the
construction of road, rail and marine facilities.
DPTI Stormwater Treatment Infrastructure Maintenance Manual – This manual
provides information on the maintenance of specific stormwater treatment devices.
EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention Code of Practice for Local, State and Federal
Government: This Code of Practice is one of a series of codes for stormwater
pollution management in South Australia. The primary role of these codes is to help
to achieve the ‘general environmental duty’ under the Environment Protection Act,
1993.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix B: Process for Completing a Water Affecting
Activity Permit Application
The following process should be undertaken to apply for a ‘Water Affecting Activity’
permit. Details of the permit application processes can be found by contacting the
relevant NRM Board.
Water Affecting Activity Permit Application Process
Step 1
Apply for a permit using the standard application form available from the
relevant NRM Board and DPTI’s application form (Knet #2269489).
All sections of the form need to be completed (assistance is available from
the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure’s Environment
Group) and all applications must be accompanied by:
 A map of the property or area
 A copy of plans and drawings of the proposed activity
 A copy of the Certificate(s) of Title
 A copy of engineering specifications and other supporting
information addressing NRM Board Principles of Water Affecting
Activities.
Respond to the principles of water affecting activities in the relevant NRM
Plan or Water Allocation Plan.
The Application for a Permit for a Water Affecting Activity is subject to
annual review regarding the fee and is subject to regular review and
amendment as necessary under the Natural Resources Management Act,
2004.
Step 2
Provide a copy of the permit application and accompanying information to
the Senior Environmental Management Officer for review.
Step 3
Once comments have been received from the Senior Environmental
Management Officer, lodge the permit application and the prescribed fee to
the relevant NRM Board (Appendix D).
The application has been officially received when the Department issues a
Permit Application Number.
Step 4
The relevant NRM Board responsible for making an assessment of, and
decision on, a permit application (The approving authority or the Minister
responsible for the administration of the Natural Resources Management
Act, 2004) may request that the applicant provide additional information.
The timeframe for the relevant authority to make a decision will be extended
by the period between the date the information is requested, and the date it
is received. The relevant NRM Board will outline the timeframe in which the
applicant is required to submit the additional information. As part of the
assessment process, the relevant NRM Board may seek advice from the
Department for Water, the Environment Protection Authority or any other
Government Agency.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Step 5
The relevant NRM Board should make a decision within eight weeks (40
business days) of the registered date of receipt of the application (adjusted if
extended as outlined in step 4). Assessment criteria within the relevant
NRM Board Plan are used to decide whether or not to grant a permit
application. A site inspection may also be undertaken by an assessment
officer from the relevant NRM Board or DW
Step 6
The relevant NRM Board or DW will notify the applicant of its decision in
writing. This will take the form of a refusal, or a permit to undertake the
Water Affecting Activity. Conditions of approval may or may not be included.
Step 7
The relevant NRM Board must be satisfied that the holder of a permit
complies with all the conditions of the permit. The relevant NRM Board or
Minister may vary, suspend, or revoke the permit.
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Appendix C: Natural Resources Management Regions
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Appendix D: Contact details for NRM Boards and DW
Adelaide and Mount Lofty NRM Board
205 Greenhill Road
EASTWOOD SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8273 9100
Email: reception@adelaide.nrm.sa.gov.au
NRM Plan:
http://www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Plans_Strategie
s/Regional_NRM_Plan/About_the_Regional_P
lan.aspx
Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board
Adelaide Office
321 Goodwood Road
KINGS PARK SA 5034
Phone: (08) 8357 3880
Fax (08) 8357 3889
Email: eo@aboriginalnrm.com.au
Ceduna Office
Shop 3
Poynton Street
CEDUNA SA 5690
Phone: (08) 8625 3706
Email: pmc@aboringalnrm.com.au
Website: http://www.awnrm.sa.gov.au/
Eyre Peninsula NRM Board
PO Box 2916
Level 1, Jobomi House
50 Liverpool Street
PORT LINCOLN SA 5606
Ph. (08) 8682 7555
Fax. (08) 8682 5644
Email: admin@epnrm.com.au
NRM Plan:
http://www.epnrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plan.aspx
Kangaroo Island NRM Board
35 Dauncey Street
KINGSCOTE SA 5223
Phone: (08) 8553 4300
Fax: (08) 8553 4399
Email: info@kinrm.com.au
NRM Plan:
http://www.kinrm.sa.gov.au/language/enAU/KIs_new_draft_NRM_Plan.aspx
Northern and Yorke NRM Board
41-49 Eyre Road
CRYSTAL BROOK SA 5523
PO Box 175
CRYSTAL BROOK SA 5523
Phone: (08) 8636 2361
Fax: (08) 8636 2371
Email: board@nynrm.sa.gov.au
NRM Plan:
http://www.nynrm.sa.gov.au/language/enAU/Our_Plans/Strategic_Plans/Regional_NRM_Pl
an.aspx
South Australian Arid Lands NRM Board
PO Box 2227
PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700
Phone: (08) 8648 5977
Email: aridlands@saalnrm.sa.gov.au
NRM Plan:
http://www.saalnrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plans_for_the_
Region/Plans/Comprehensive_Regional_NRM_Pla
n.aspx
South Australian Murray Darling Basin
NRM Board
Murray Bridge (Head Office)
Mannum Road
MURRAY BRIDGE SA 5253
Ph: 08 8532 1432
Fax: 08 8531 1843
Email: enquiries@samdbnrm.sa.gov.au
NRM Plan:
http://www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plans/The_R
egional_NRM_Plan.aspx
South East NRM Board
9 Wehl Street South
MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290
Phone: (08) 8724 6000
Email: reception@senrm.sa.gov.au
NRM Plan:
http://www.senrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plans/Regional_
NRM_Plan.aspx
Department for Water (DW)
Level 1, 25 Grenfell St
ADELAIDE SA 5000
GPO Box 2834
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone: 08 8463 6800
Fax: 08 8463 7900
Website:
http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/water/1overview/water
_affectng_activities.html
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix E(1): AMLR NRM Plan Water Affecting
Activities Covered by DPTI’S BPOP
Water Affecting Activities
WAAs Excluded From
(WAAs) – including NRM Act
Complying
Examples of WAAs
Requiring a Permit
Activities
1
Complying
Relevant
Standards
Authority
Reference
As specified in the NRM Act none – all
127(3)(a)
Drilling, plugging, backfilling
applications
or sealing a well
assessed on
none
Minister
none
Minister
none
Minister
none
Minister
merit
127(3)(b)
none
none – all
Repairing, replacing or
applications
altering the casing, lining or
assessed on
screening of a well
merit
127(3)(c)
none
none – all
Draining or discharging water
applications
directly or indirectly into a
assessed on
well
merit
none
none – all
127(3)(d)
Dam, wall or other
The erection, construction or
structure;
applications
enlargement of a dam, wall
Piping a
assessed on
or other structure that will
watercourse;
merit
collect or divert—
Channelling a
(i) water flowing in a
watercourse.
prescribed watercourse; or
(ii) water flowing in a
watercourse in the Mount
Lofty Ranges Watershed that
is not prescribed; or
(iii) surface water flowing
over land in a surface water
prescribed area or in the
Mount Lofty Ranges
Watershed
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Water Affecting Activities
(WAAs) – including NRM Act
WAAs Excluded From
Complying
Complying
Relevant
Requiring a Permit
Activities1
Standards
Authority
Examples of WAAs
Reference
none
none – all
127(5)(a)
Dam, wall or other
The erection, construction or
structure;
applications
enlargement of a dam, wall
Piping a
assessed on
or other structure that will
watercourse;
merit
collect or divert water flowing
Channelling a
none
Board
none
Board
in a watercourse that is not in watercourse.
the Mount Lofty Ranges
Watershed and that is not
prescribed, or flowing over
any other land that is not in a
surface water prescribed
area or in the Mount Lofty
Ranges Watershed
127(5)(b)
Buildings or
Activity that is proposed to
2
The erection, construction or
structures <10m ;
be undertaken beyond the 1
placement of any building or
Pump house;
in 100 year flood recurrence
structure in a watercourse or
Horse shelter;
level, where flood mapping
lake or on the floodplain of a
Culvert;
watercourse
is available, or a distance of
10 metres or more from the
Crossing point or
banks of the nearest water
bridge;
course where flood mapping
Fencing.
is not available.
Activity that is undertaken
by a local government
(directly or by its
contractors), state agencies
or utility (for example SA
Water) that has NRM Board
endorsed Best Practice
Operating Procedures
(BPOP) addressing the
WAA.
Activity associated with a
recognised NRM Board
Program.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Water Affecting Activities
(WAAs) – including NRM Act
WAAs Excluded From
Complying
Complying
Relevant
Requiring a Permit
Activities1
Standards
Authority
Examples of WAAs
Reference
127(5)(c)
Stormwater from
Draining or discharging water buildings;
Activity that is undertaken
Board
none
Board
by a local government
directly or indirectly into a
Pipes;
(directly or by its
watercourse or lake
Culverts;
contractors), state agencies
Side entry pits.
none
or utility (for example SA
Water) that has NRM Board
endorsed Best Practice
Operating Procedures
(BPOP) addressing the
WAA.
Activity associated with a
recognised NRM Board
Program
127(5)(d)
Island in on-stream
Activity that is undertaken
Depositing or placing an
dam;
by a local government
object or solid material in a
Rip raps;
(directly or by its
watercourse or lake
Rocks;
contractors), state agencies
Tyres;
or utility (for example SA
Water) that has NRM Board
Snags;
endorsed Best Practice
Filling a watercourse.
Operating Procedures
(BPOP) addressing the
WAA.
Activity associated with a
recognised NRM Board
Program
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Water Affecting Activities
(WAAs) – including NRM Act
WAAs Excluded From
Complying
Complying
Relevant
Requiring a Permit
Activities1
Standards
Authority
Examples of WAAs
Reference
127(5)(e)
Planting vegetation;
Activity that is undertaken
Obstructing a watercourse or
by a local government
lake in any other manner
(directly or by its
none
Board
none
Board
none
Board
contractors), state agencies
or utility (for example SA
Water) that has NRM Board
endorsed Best Practice
Operating Procedures
(BPOP) addressing the
WAA.
Activity associated with a
recognised NRM Board
Program
127(5)(f)
Levee;
Depositing, or placing an
Depositing fill.
none
object or solid material on the
floodplain of, a watercourse,
or near the bank or shore of
a lake, to control flooding
from the watercourse or lake
127(5)(g)
Removal or
Activity that is undertaken
A tree(s) not
Destroying vegetation
destruction of trees,
by a local government
deemed a
growing in a watercourse or
shrubs, grasses.
(directly or by its
Significant Tree
lake, or growing on the
contractors), state agencies under the
floodplain of a watercourse
or utility (for example SA
Development
Water) that has NRM Board Act 1993
endorsed Best Practice
Operating Procedures
(BPOP) addressing the
WAA.
Activity associated with a
recognised NRM Board
Program
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Water Affecting Activities
(WAAs) – including NRM Act
WAAs Excluded From
Complying
Complying
Relevant
Requiring a Permit
Activities1
Standards
Authority
Examples of WAAs
Reference
127(5)(h)
Desilting onstream
Activity that is undertaken
Desilting of
Does not
Excavating or removing rock, dam;
by a local government
existing dams.
involve:
sand or soil from -
Desilting wetlands,
(directly or by its
(i) a watercourse or lake or
swamps and springs. contractors), state agencies
(a) enlarging
the dam;
the floodplain of a
or utility (for example SA
(b) dumping
watercourse; or
Water) that has NRM Board
excavated
endorsed Best Practice
material in a
Operating Procedures
watercourse
(BPOP) addressing the
or floodplain;
(ii) an area near to the banks
of a lake, so as to damage,
or create the likelihood of
WAA.
damage to, the banks of the
lake
127(5)(i)
Use of imported
Using water, in the course of
water for irrigation
Board
(c) the
Activity associated with a
removal of
recognised NRM Board
native
Program
vegetation
none
none
Minister
none
none
Minister
carrying on a business in an
NRM region, at a rate that
exceeds 1 ML/ha/yr, if the
water has been brought into
the region by means of a
pipe or other channel
127(5)(j)
Use of treated
using effluent, in the course
effluent (eg CWMS)
of carrying on a business in
an NRM region, at a rate that
exceeds 1 ML/ha/yr.
1. Subject to complying standards
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix E(2): AMLR NRM Water Allocation Plans
Barossa Water Allocation Plan
Weblink:
http://www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Plans_Strategies/Water_Allocation_Plans/Barossa_WAP.aspx
Western Mount Lofty Ranges
Water resources in the Western Mount Lofty Ranges were recently prescribed and the Board
is working with the community to develop a water allocation plan for this region. The plan is
expected to be finalised in early 2010.
The WMLR watershed covers the western side of the Adelaide Hills, stretching from Gawler in
the north to the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula in the south and includes the Gawler, Torrens
and Onkaparinga rivers.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix F(1): Northern & Yorke NRM Plan Water
Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
Water Affecting Activities (WAAs) –
Examples of
Relevant
WAAs Excluded From Requiring a Permit
including NRM Act Reference
127(3)(a)
WAAs
Authority
Well closure
None
Minister
Well maintenance
None
Minister
Aquifer storage
None
Minister
Drilling, plugging, backfilling or sealing a
well
127(3)(b)
Repairing, replacing or altering the casing,
lining or screening of a well
127(3)(c)
Draining or discharging water directly or
indirectly into a well
127(3)(d)
Dam, wall or other
1. Desilting turkey nest dams.
The erection, construction or enlargement of structure
2. Contour banks, where a certificate has been
issued in respect to the NRM Board endorsed Best
a dam, wall or other structure that will
Piping a
Operating Practices.
collect or divert—
watercourse
(i) water flowing in a prescribed
Channelling a
watercourse; or
watercourse
Board
3. Activity to be undertaken in areas that are not
priority surface water areas as shown on Map 2 in
volume D of the NRM Regional Plan.
(ii) water flowing in a watercourse in the
Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed that is not
prescribed; or
(iii) surface water flowing over land in a
surface water prescribed area or in the
Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed
127(5)(a)
Dam, wall or other
1. Desilting turkey nest dams.
The erection, construction or enlargement of structure
2. Contour banks, where a certificate has been
issued in respect to the NRM Board endorsed Best
a dam, wall or other structure that will
Piping a
Operating Practices.
collect or divert water flowing in a
watercourse
watercourse that is not in the Mount Lofty
Ranges Watershed and that is not
Board
Channelling a
watercourse
prescribed, or flowing over any other land
that is not in a surface water prescribed
area or in the Mount Lofty Ranges
Watershed
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Water Affecting Activities (WAAs) –
Examples of
Relevant
WAAs Excluded From Requiring a Permit
including NRM Act Reference
127(5)(b)
The erection, construction or placement of
any building or structure in a watercourse or
lake or on the floodplain of a watercourse
WAAs
Authority
Buildings or struc-
1. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken at a
tures:
distance of 40 metres or more from the banks of
the nearest watercourse and that does not involve
any structure associated with the extraction of
• Pump house
• Horse shelter
water.
• Culvert
2. Activity where the NRM Board has provided
• Crossing point
financial or other assistance pursuant to Section 42
of the Act.
• Fencing
Board
3. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken on any
watercourse or drainage line not delineated on Map
3 in volume D of the NRM Regional Plan.
4. Activity undertaken where a certificate has been
issued in respect to the NRM Board endorsed Best
Operating Practices.
127(5)(c)
Draining or discharging water directly or
indirectly into a watercourse or lake
Stormwater from
buildings using:
• Pipes
• Culverts
• Side entry pits
1. Activity where the NRM Board has provided
Board
financial or other assistance pursuant to Section 42
of the Act.
2. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken on any
watercourse or drainage line not delineated on Map
3 in volume D of the NRM Regional Plan.
3. Activity undertaken where a certificate has been
issued in respect to the NRM Board endorsed Best
Operating Practices.
4. Activity that involves draining or discharging
water of better quality than the receiving waters
that does not exceed a volume of 0.5ML.
127(5)(d)
Depositing or placing an object or solid
material in a watercourse or lake
• Island in onstream dam
• Rip raps
1. Activity where the NRM Board has provided
Board
financial or other assistance pursuant to Section 42
of the Act.
• Rocks
2. Activity that involves a non polluting object or
solid material that occupies less than 5% of the
• Snags
cross section of a watercourse.
• Culverts
3. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken on any
watercourse or drainage line not delineated on Map
3 in volume D of the NRM Regional Plan.
127(5)(f)
• Levee Banks
1. An activity that is proposed to be undertaken on
any watercourse or drainage line not delineated on
Depositing, or placing an object or solid
• Depositing fill
Map 3 in volume D of the NRM Regional Plan.
Board
material on the floodplain of, a watercourse,
or near the bank or shore of a lake, to
control flooding from the watercourse or
lake
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Water Affecting Activities (WAAs) –
Examples of
Relevant
WAAs Excluded From Requiring a Permit
including NRM Act Reference
WAAs
Authority
Removal or
1. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken a
Destroying vegetation growing in a
destruction of
distance of 40 metres or more from the banks of
the nearest watercourse.
watercourse or lake, or growing on the
trees, shrubs,
floodplain of a watercourse
grasses
127(5)(g)
Board
2. Activity where the NRM Board has provided
financial or other assistance pursuant to Section 42
of the Act.
3. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken on any
watercourse or drainage line not delineated on Map
3 in volume D of the NRM Regional Plan.
4. Activity that involves either proclaimed plants or
other vegetation that does not involve the physical
removal of the plants.
5. Activity that involves native vegetation that is
subject to the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
127(5)(h)
Desilting onstream 1. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken a
dam
distance of 40 metres or more from the banks of
Excavating or removing rock, sand or soil
the nearest watercourse.
Desilting wetlands,
swamps and
2. Desilting of dams in a watercourse or in the
from (i) a watercourse or lake or the floodplain of
springs
a watercourse; or
Realignment or
(ii) an area near to the banks of a lake, so
alteration of a
as to damage, or create the likelihood of
watercourse
Board
floodplain of a watercourse providing it involves the
removal of unconsolidated material deposited since
construction of the dam or material deposited since
the dam was previously desilted.
3. Desilting of turkey nest dams.
4. Activity that is proposed to be undertaken on any
watercourse or drainage line not delineated on Map
3 in volume D of the NRM Regional Plan.
damage to, the banks of the lake
5. Activity that involves the removal of less than 2
cubic metres of material in any 5 year period.
6. Activity where the NRM Board has provided
financial or other assistance pursuant to Section 42
of the Act.
127(5)(i)
Use of imported
Using water, in the course of carrying on a
water
1. All activities that use water brought into the
region by means of a pipe or other channel, except
where the water is used on land for irrigation
Minister
purposes.
business in an NRM region, at a rate that
exceeds 1 ML/ha/yr, if the water has been
brought into the region by means of a pipe
or other channel
127(5)(j)
Use of treated
None
Minister
using effluent, in the course of carrying on a effluent (e.g.
business in an NRM region, at a rate that
CWMS)
exceeds 1 ML/ha/yr.
Northern and Yorke NRMB Best Practice Operating Procedure Water Affecting Activity Form, #4557766
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Priority Watercourses for Water Affecting Activities (Map 3 Volume D)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix F(2):
Allocation Plans
Northern
&
Yorke
NRM
Water
Clare Water Allocation Plan
Weblink:
http://www.nynrm.sa.gov.au/language/enAU/Our_Plans/Clare_Water_Allocation_Plan.aspx
References
Northern and Yorke NRMB Best Practice Operating Procedure
Water Affecting
Activity Form, #4557766
Link to Volume D: Regulatory and Policy Framework, of Regional Plan:
http://www.nynrm.sa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6vJogaOjo2o%3d&tabid=1845&language=en-US
Contains WAA chapter and Priority Area Maps 1-3 (p30-32)
Link to Water Allocation Plan for the Clare Valley Prescribed Water Resources Area:
http://www.nynrm.sa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=BHNpaJNw29k%3d&tabid=386&language=en-US
Contains WAA chapter and particularly Permanent Pools Map (p55) and Permitted
Watercourses Map (p57)
Link to DWLBC e-NRIMS:
http://e-nrims.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/
Contains maps of Surface Water and Groundwater monitoring sites
Contains NRM Mapserver which has data layers including soils, surface water,
groundwater, native vegetation
Conservation Action Plan
#4557715 N&Y NRM Conservation Action Plan summary tables and maps
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix G: Eyre Peninsula NRM Plan Water Affecting
Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
Water Affecting Activities (WAAs) – including NRM Act
WAA for which a permit is not
Relevant
required
Authority
Examples of WAAs
Reference
127(3)(a)
Drilling, plugging, backfilling or sealing of a well
Well construction, closure
Minister
127(3)(b)
Repairing, replacing or altering the casing, lining, or screening of Well construction, maintenance
a well
127(3)(c)
Draining or discharging water directly or indirectly into a well
Management acquifer recharge
(MAR)
Dam, wall or other structure
127(5)(a)
The erection, construction, or enlargement of a dam, wall or
other structure that will collect or divert water flowing in a
watercourse that is not in the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed
and that is not prescribed, or flowing over any other land that is
Minister
Minister
Weir, diversion channel
Dams not within the hundreds
listed in the section
Channelling a watercourse
Dam construction (see page 33
Piping from a watercourse
and Map 1 of NRM Plan)
Desilting of a dam consistent with
principles 4 to 10 (see page 45 of
not in a surface water prescribed area or in the Mount Lofty
Ranges watershed
Board
NRM Plan)
In accordance with BPOP
127(5)(b)
Pump House
The erection, construction or placement of any building or other
Culvert
structure in a watercourse or lake or on the floodplain of a
watercourse
Crossing point or bridge
In accordance with BPOP
Board
In accordance with BPOP
Board
In accordance with BPOP
Board
Planting vegetation
In accordance with BPOP
Board
Levee
In accordance with BPOP
Board
Fencing
Stormwater from building
127(5)(c)
Pipes
Draining or discharging water directly or indirectly into a
Culverts
watercourse or lake
Side entry pits
Saline drainage works
Erosion control structure
127(5)(d)
Rip-rap rocks, filling in a
watercourse
Depositing or placing an object or solid material in a watercourse
Dumping rubbish in a
or lake
watercourse
Culverts and water crossings
127(5)(e)
Obstructing a watercourse or lake in any other manner
127(5)(f)
Depositing or placing an object or solid material on the floodplain
of a watercourse, or near the bank or shore of a lake, to control
flooding from the watercourse or lake
To destroy vegetation pursuant to
an obligation under Chapter 8 of
127(5)(g)
Destroying vegetation growing in a watercourse or lake, or
growing on the floodplain of a watercourse
Removal or destruction of
trees, shrubs and/or grasses
the NRM Act (control of animals
and plants) or
Board
In accordance with the Native
Vegetation Act 1991
In accordance with BPOP
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Water Affecting Activities (WAAs) – including NRM Act
Relevant
Examples of WAAs
WAA for which a permit is not required
Reference
Authority
127(5)(h)
Sand mining
Excavating or removing rock, sand or soil from –
Saline Drainage
An activity for which the Board has
provided financial or any other form of
(i) a watercourse or lake or the floodplain of a watercourse
or
Desilting wetlands, swamp
and spring
assistance pursuant to section 42 of
the NRM Act.
(ii) an area near to the banks of a lake, so as to damage, or
create the likelihood of damage to, the banks of the lake
Desilting of existing springs and soaks
Board
currently accessed for stock water
purpose consistent with principles 4 to
10 (page 45 of NRM Plan).
In accordance with BPOP
127(5)(i)
Using water, in the course of carrying on a business in an
NRM region, at a rate that exceeds 1ML/ha/annum, if the
Use of imported water for
irrigation
Minister
water has been brought into the region by means of a pipe
or other channel
127(5)(j)
Using effluent, in the course of carrying on a business in an
NRM region, at a rate that exceeds 1 ML/ha/annum
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix H(1): South Australian Murray Darling Basin
NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered by
DPTI’s BPOP
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
1. This column is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is simply provided as a guide to the types of activities that are
WAAs.
2. WAAs that were authorised before the adoption of the regional NRM plan do not need to be authorised again, provided
that the WAA has been completed for the licence, permit or development consent remains in force.
3. Subject to Section 2.1.1 of these policies.
2.1.1 Principles of complying activities
The following principles detail the requirements that must be met for a WAA to be considered a ‘complying activity’.
1.
Subject to principle 2 (below), a permit is not required to undertake a water affecting activity identified in this plan for
which a permit is otherwise required where:
a)
the Board has endorsed Best Practice Operating Procedures (BPOPs) in relation to the activity; and
b)
the person proposing to undertake the activity has obtained written approval from the Board to
undertake the activity or activities in accordance with the BPOPs; and
c)
the activity is undertaken in accordance with the BPOPs.
2.
Principle 1 does not apply to a WAA referred to in sections 127(3)(a), (b), (c), (d), or (f) of the NRM Act.
3.
To avoid doubt, a WAA permit is required to undertake a WAA if any of the conditions in principle 1 are not met.
4.
An approval given by the Board in accordance with principle 1(b) is valid for 12 months from the date it was given,
or for such other period of time specified by the Board, and will apply to any activities to which the BPOPs relate
that may be undertaken in that period.
5.
An approval given by the Board in accordance with principle 1(b) may be cancelled by the Board, where in the
Board’s opinion, the person to whom the approval was given does not comply with BPOPs or in any other
circumstances as the Board thinks fit.
6.
The Board may refuse to give an approval in accordance with principle 1(b), to a person who, in the Board’s
opinion, has contravened or failed to comply with BPOPs or in any other circumstances as the Board thinks fit.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix H(2): South Australian Murray Darling Basin
NRM Water Allocation Plans
Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges (EMLR) Prescribed Water Resources Area DRAFT
Weblink:
http://www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plans/Water_Allocation_Planning/Eastern_Mount_Lofty_Ranges_
PWRA.aspx
The surface water, watercourse and groundwater of the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges
(EMLR) was prescribed on 8 September 2005, and the Board is now commencing
the process of preparing a WAP for the area. As the Angas Bremer Prescribed Wells
Area now falls within the boundaries of the EMLR prescribed watercourse and
surface water area a single WAP will be prepared to cover both areas. The
combination of these areas will be referred to as the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges
Prescribed Water Resources Area (EMLR PWRA)
Marne Saunders Prescribed Water Course - DRAFT
Weblink:
http://www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plans/Water_Allocation_Planning/Marne_Saunders_PWRA.aspx
The SA MDB NRM Board is now finalising the draft Plan for submission to the
Minister for the River Murray for consideration and adoption.
The policies in the Marne Saunders Water Allocation Plan only come into force once
the Minister for the River Murray formally adopts the Plan.
River Murray Prescribed Water Course - DRAFT
Weblink:
http://www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plans/Water_Allocation_Planning/River_Murray_PWC.aspx
It is anticipated that the new plan will be finalise in 2010.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix I: Kangaroo Island NRM Plan Water Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
Relevant WAA section
Specific
of the NRM Act
principles for this WAA section
127 (3)
policy
objective(s)
and
assessment
Activity
of WAA
class*
C
General
policy
for the activity
provisions
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of policy)
well Minister
a well more than 100 other
and
backfilling or sealing of a SPO-02: To minimise the impacts of wells on streamflows
a
metres from a well groundwater-dependent
maintenance conditions
well;
plugging
operated by another ecosystems
that apply to all wells
plugging, SPO-01: To protect the integrity of aquifers
(b) repairing, replacing or
altering the casing, lining
or screen of a well;
(c) draining or discharging
SPO- 03: To promote equity of access to water
sealing
SPO-04: To protect aquatic & riparian ecosystems
dependent of groundwater
SPO- 05: To
protect the
quantity and quality of
groundwater and surface water
water directly or indirectly
or
Relevant complying standards
Drilling or constructing Well(s) will not adversely impact on Standard
drilling,
Drilling
Proposed activity
constructing
(a)
OBJECTIVES
Examples
well,
or
landholder,
or
groundwater
users,
or construction
Nil
a Wells constructed for the drainage throughout the State.
groundwater-
or discharge of water at pressures Adverse impacts may
dependent ecosystem
greater
than
gravity,
shall
be include:
pressure cemented along the full Falling water levels in a
length of the casing.
well,
wetland
or
Where a well passes through two or permanent river pool
into a well;
PRINCIPLES
more aquifers, an impervious seal Increasing salinity in a
SPP-01: Wells should not have unacceptable impacts on
must be made and maintained well or wetland
any groundwater linked surface water resource, and
between the aquifers to prevent
associated ecological asset, (e.g. wetlands, permanent
leakage between aquifers.
river pools, springs)
The
equipment,
materials
Reduced
groundwater
discharge
to
a
and watercourse
SPP-02: Wells should not have unacceptable impacts on
method used for the activity shall
well(s) operated by another landholder;
not adversely affect the quality of
SPP-03: Wells should not pollute or clog aquifers
the underground water resource.
SPP-04: Wells should be managed conjunctively with
Aquifers shall be protected during
surface water resources where these are linked
the
activity to prevent adverse
impacts on the integrity of an
aquifer.
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant WAA section of
Specific policy objective(s) and assessment principles
Examples
Activity
the NRM Act
for this WAA section
of WAA
class*
127 (3)
As above
Draining or
C
Proposed activity
Draining
Specific complying principles related
to draining or discharging into a well
backfilling or sealing of a
water
directly or indirectly
well;
directly
plugging,
(b) repairing, replacing or
altering the casing, lining
or
provisions
or
discharging
drilling,
General
the activity
water
discharging
(a)
Relevant complying standards for
policy
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of policy)
Minister
Nil
Minister
Notification of
in Box 4
into a well more than
indirectly
100 metres from a
into a well
well
operated
by
another landholder, or
or screen of a well;
a
(c) draining or discharging
groundwater-
dependent ecosystem
water directly or indirectly
into a well;
O
Draining
discharging
or
Specific complying principles related
water
to draining or discharging into a well
landholder(s)
in Box 4
adjacent to site
directly or indirectly
into a well less than
of
100 metres from a
well.
well
operated
proposed
by
another landholder, or
a
groundwater-
dependent ecosystem
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant WAA section of
Specific policy objective(s) and assessment principles for this WAA
Examples
Activity
the NRM Act
section
of WAA
class*
Proposed activity
Relevant
complying
standards
for
the
activity
127 (5) (a)
OBJECTIVES
Erection,
The erection, construction,
SPO-06: To minimise the impacts of farm dams on streamflow
construction,
modification,
modification, enlargement
SPO-07: To promote equity of access to water
modification,
enlargement
or removal of a dam, wall
SPO-08: To protect aquatic & riparian ecosystems
enlargement
removal of a dam less
or
than or equal to 5ML
or other structure that will
collect or divert, or collects
or diverts, water flowing in
a watercourse that is not in
SPO-09: To protect water quality
SPO-10: To limit the impacts of structures on lateral and longitudinal
connectivity
removal
Erection, construction,
on 1st order streams
(Includes
across
or
Kangaroo
Stream orders and
Watershed and that is not
PRINCIPLES
structures
catchments shown in
prescribed or flowing over
SPP-05: Structures should not:
that capture,
Figures 3 - 14
any other land that is not in
be constructed within, immediately upstream or immediately downstream of
divert and/or
a surface water prescribed
ecologically sensitive areas;
store water)
area or in the Mount Lofty
Ranges Watershed;
Drains
Public
Additional
policy
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of policy)
Nil
See Guidelines for
provisions
Not applicable
Not
applicable
Farm
Dam
Construction 2009
Island
other
E
Relevant
or
of a dam
walls
the Mount Lofty Ranges
E
General
(including
interception and mole
be constructed in soils at high risk of erosion;
drains) except if the
contribute to salinity or intrusion of saline groundwater into watercourses;
drain(s) will
1) transfer water from
one catchment to
another, or
2)
(Activity
class*
E
=
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exempt
from
requiring
a
permit;
C
=
transfer water
from
a
watercourse to
a
water
storage.
complying
subject
to
meeting
Complying
Standards;
O
=
on-merit)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant WAA section of
Specific
policy
objective(s)
and
the NRM Act
assessment principles for this WAA
Examples
Activity
of WAA
class*
Proposed activity
Relevant
complying
General policy provisions
standards for the activity
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of policy)
Nil
See Guidelines for
section
contribute to unacceptable groundwater
C
Erection, construction,
mounding or adverse impacts through
modification,
groundwater level changes.
enlargement
or
Must be located off-stream
Once a catchment’s Sustainable Limit is reached
Diversion to an off-stream
the activity will become on-merit and no further
Board
Low
Flow
Bypass
dam can only occur at
permits will be issued. Both dams and
Devices for Kangaroo
removal of a dam less
flows above the defined
commercial forestry must fall within the
Island 2009
than or equal to 5 ML
threshold flow rate.
Sustainable Limit.
on streams of 2nd
order
or
greater
Diversion to an off-stream
dam can only occur up to a
Assessment of water available within the
across all of KI
maximum diversion rate.
Sustainable Limit will be made in order at the
Stream orders and
Where an off-stream dam
1. catchment scale
catchments shown in
is impracticable due to
2. subcatchment scale
steep terrain an on-stream
3. property scale
Figures 3 - 14
dam will be complying if
fitted with an acceptable
Low Flow Bypass Device
that will pass all flows
below the defined threshold
flow rate.
Assessments of available water will take into
account existing dam capacity and commercial
forest areas within each scale.
When a dam is removed, the water deemed to
have been used by the dam would be returned
into the catchment & subcatchment pools.
Dams must not reduce the long-term filling
frequency of existing dams downstream.
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant
WAA
Specific
policy
objective(s)
and
section of the
assessment principles for this WAA
NRM Act
section
127
(5)
(a)
As above
Examples
Activity
of WAA
class*
As above
C
continued
Proposed activity
Relevant
Erection, construction,
Must be located off-stream,
modification,
Diversion to an off-stream
or
dam can only occur at
removal of a dam
flows above the defined
greater
threshold flow rate.
than
5ML
across all of KI within
dam can only occur up to a
of the catchment.
maximum diversion rate.
Erection, construction,
Not applicable
Erection,
sited, constructed and maintained in a
construction,
modification,
manner that minimises:
modification,
enlargement
▪ The removal or destruction of in-stream or
enlargement
removal of a dam in
riparian vegetation and minimises soil
or
any catchment where
erosion and siltation, including but not
of a dam
the total existing dam
limited to erosion of the spillway;
(Includes
and/or
forestry
commercial
capacity
▪ Evaporation for example, but not limited to,
walls
by utilising a geometry with a low surface
other
exceeds
area to volume ratio and/or covering dams;
structures
Sustainable Limit.
▪ Seepage losses, and
▪ The risks of structure failure by using
appropriately qualified people in the design
and construction
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or
or
that capture,
divert and/or
store water)
the
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of policy)
As above
As above
Board
Nil
Sustainable Limit
Board
Water
Diversion to an off-stream
the Sustainable Limit
SPP-06: Structures should be designed,
removal
General policy provisions
standards for the activity
enlargement
O
complying
Once a catchment’s Sustainable Limit is reached the
activity will become on-merit and no further permits will
generally be issued. Both dams and commercial
users
downstream of
the proposed
activity
forestry must fall within the Sustainable Limit.
Sustainable limits (SL) for catchments are listed in
Table 3 for Zone A and Table 4 for Zone B.
Dams must not reduce the long-term filling frequency
of existing dams downstream.
Broader public interest test
Applications for permit may be considered if it can be
demonstrated that the activity is in the broader public
interest in terms of social, economic and environmental
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
outcomes for NRM. Examples of relevant criteria
include public water supply, management of dryland
salinity, water quality management. If approved, the
activity would need to meet all the complying standards
as for a Complying activity.
Moving subcatchment Sustainable Limit capacity
Movement
of allowable
SL
capacity
between
subcatchments may be allowed if it meets the broader
public interest test. In all cases, only downstream
movement of allowable SL capacity will only be
approved.
Moving dam capacity within a catchment/subcatchment
Once the Sustainable Limit is reached dam capacity
can be moved within the catchment so long as
1) This does not result in total dam capacity exceeding
the Sustainable Limit of the catchment
2) The construction of any new dam, or the
enlargement or modification of any existing dam meets
all the requirements for Complying dams. This
includes:
▪ Subdivision of dam capacity can occur by the
removal of equivalent dam capacity prior to the
construction of the new dams (the new dams must
not in total have a capacity greater than that of the
dam capacity that was reduced.
▪ Amalgamation of dam capacity can occur if an
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
equivalent dam capacity is removed prior to the
construction of new dams
▪ Movement of dam capacity can occur downstream
In all cases permits for the construction or enlargement
of a dam will not be issued until the Board is satisfied
that the conditions of a permit issued for the reduction
in capacity or removal of a dam have been fulfilled.
127
(5)
(a)
As above
continued
As above
As above
As above
Exchanging dam capacity and area of commercial
As above
As above
As above
forestry
Once a catchment’s Sustainable Limit is reached, dam
capacity and area of commercial forestry may be
exchanged subject to this not resulting in total water
use exceeding the Sustainable Limit of the catchment..
For the purposes of exchange, the volume of surface
water taken by a commercial forest is deemed to be
85% of the median annual adjusted runoff (in ML) on a
per hectare basis for the relevant sub-catchment.
In all cases permits for the new activity will not be
issued until the Board is satisfied that the conditions of
a permit issued for the equivalent reduction in dam
capacity or forest area have been fulfilled.
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant
WAA
Specific
policy
objective(s)
and
Examples
Activity
of WAA
class*
Proposed activity
Relevant
section of the
assessment principles for this WAA
NRM Act
section
127 (5) (b)
OBJECTIVES
Buildings
SPO-11: To minimise the impacts of
or
undertaken
structures on streamflow
structures
distance
placement of any
SPO-12: To limit the impacts of structures on
not
metres or more
building
lateral and longitudinal connectivity
including
from the banks of
dwellings
the
and tourist
watercourse.
The
erection,
construction
structure
or
or
in
watercourse
a
or
lake or on the
floodplain of a
watercourse;
SPO-13: To minimise the risk of erosion
SPO-14: To protect aquatic, riparian &
floodplain ecosystems
E
developme
complying
standards for the activity
1) Activity that will be
General policy provisions
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of policy)
Board
Nil
Board
Nil
a
of
20
nearest
2) Activity associated
nts<10m2
SPO-15: To protect water quality
with a recognised
(eg
See Principles on following page
NRM
house)
Pump
Board
Program
C
Activity
undertaken
that
by
is
a
person/body certified
by the Board to do so
in accordance with the
Kangaroo Island NRM
Best
Practice
Standards for Water
Affecting Activities
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant WAA
Specific policy objective(s) and
section of the
assessment principles for this
NRM Act
WAA section
127
(5)
continued
(b)
Examples of WAA
Activity
Proposed activity
class*
Relevant complying
General policy
Relevant
Public notification Additional information
standards
provisions
authority
requirement
Board
Nil
Board
Nil
for
the
(not part of policy)
activity
PRINCIPLES
Culverts (including
SPP-07: Construction and placement
pipes),
of structures, including roads in a
crossings, roads
E
Activity associated with a recognised NRM Board Program
C
Activity undertaken on streams less than or equal to 3rd
Approved watercourse
order across all of KI
management plan for
management
the activity
2009
stock
watercourse, a floodplain of a
watercourse, a lake, a wetland or an
area subject to inundation must::
C
Activity that is undertaken by a person/body certified by the
▪ be designed to minimise the risk
Board to do so in accordance with the Kangaroo Island
of erosion resulting from the
NRM Best Practice Standards for Water Affecting Activities
See
KI
Watercourse
guidelines
Nil
construction and location of the
O
structure; &
▪ not
adversely
impact
Activity undertaken on streams greater than 3rd order
Board
across all of KI
on
downstream
neighbours
streamflows) &
▪ not adversely affect the migration
of aquatic biota; &
Immediate up and As above
Weirs,
diversion
E
structures
Activity undertaken as part of the conditions for granting a
Stream orders
permit under Section 127 (5) (a)
and catchments
▪ not exacerbate flooding either
upstream or downstream.
O
shown
Activity undertaken on any stream
SPP-08: Structures that impede the
[Not as part of the conditions for granting a permit under
flow of water, including but not
Section 127 (5) (a)]
Figures 3 - 14
in
Board
Nil
Board
Immediate up and
downstream
neighbours
limited to weirs, must be designed to
provide by-pass mechanisms for low
Enclosing
flows and if necessary aquatic biota.
watercourse within a
a
E
Activity undertaken as part of a recognised Board program
Not applicable
Not
Nil
applicable
pipe (piping)
E
Piping a 1st order watercourse
Not
Nil
applicable
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant
WAA
Specific
policy
objective(s)
and
section of the
assessment principles for this WAA
NRM Act
section
127
(5)
(b)
Examples
of
WAA
Activity
Proposed activity
Relevant
class*
standards
complying
for
General policy provisions
the
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
activity
As above
Piping
continued
a
C
watercourse
Activity
undertaken
a
Pipe diameter or channel capacity must be
person/body certified by the Board to
sufficient so as to not exacerbate
do so in accordance with the
upstream or downstream flooding erosion.
Kangaroo Island NRM Best Practice
Channel depth and gradient should not
Standards
increase to the point that headward
for
Water
by
requirement (not part of policy)
affecting
Activities, or
Board
Nil
Board
Immediate
erosion is initiated
In long piped sections, the pipe gradient
should be sufficient to ensure it is selfcleaning
Energy dissipation structures may be
needed at the downstream end of long
piped sections
O
Piping a 2nd order or greater
As above.
watercourse
127
(5)
(d)
OBJECTIVES
Erosion
depositing
or
SPO-15: To protect watercourses and lakes
structures,
placing an object
against the modification of bed and banks,
rip rap, planted
or solid material
water
vegetation; stock/
in a watercourse
destruction.
pollution,
erosion,
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and
habitat
control
rock
E
Activity
associated
up
with
recognised NRM Board Program
a
and
Stream orders and catchments shown in
downstream
Figures 3 - 14
neighbours
Not
Nil
applicable
road crossing
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
or lake
SPO-16: To ensure watercourses or lakes are
C
Activity that is undertaken by a
free of obstructions that may impede natural
person/body certified by the Board to
stream flow, cause erosion or exacerbate
do so in accordance with the
unnecessary flooding.
Kangaroo Island NRM Best Practice
See Principles on following page
Standards
for
Water
Board
Nil
Board
Nil
Affecting
Activities
C
Activity undertaken on streams less
Approved watercourse
Stream orders and catchments shown in
than or equal to 3rd order across all
management plan for
Figures 3 - 14
of KI
the activity
See
KI
Watercourse
management
guidelines 2009
O
Activity undertaken on streams
greater than 3rd order across all of KI
Board
Immediate
up
and
downstream
neighbours
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant WAA section of the
Specific policy objective(s) and assessment principles
Examples of
Activity
NRM Act
for this WAA section
WAA
class*
Proposed activity
Relevant
General
Relevant
Public
Additional
complying
policy
authority
notification
information
standards for
provisions
requirement
(not part of
the activity
127 (5) (d) continued
PRINCIPLES
Filling
SPP-09: Depositing or placing an object or solid material
watercourse
in
a
O
Activity undertaken on any stream
policy)
Board
Immediate
neighbours
in a watercourse or lake must only occur where it includes:
127 (5) (f) depositing or placing
an object or solid material on
the floodplain of a watercourse
or near the bank or shore of a
a) the construction of an erosion control or prevention
structure,
b) an authorised activity for scientific purposes.
SPP-10: Any object or solid material used in the control or
Levees, flood
mitigation
E
or
Activity associated with a recognised NRM
Nil
Board
Nil
Board
Immediate
Board Program
earthworks;
C
Activity
that
is
undertaken
by
a
lake to control flooding from the
prevention of watercourse erosion shall not cause
planted
watercourse or lake;
increased erosion up or down stream, or other detrimental
vegetation
so in accordance with the Kangaroo Island
offsite impacts.
NRM Best Practice Standards for Water
SPP-11: The depositing or placing of an object or solid
Affecting Activities
aquatic & riparian ecosystems, the migration of aquatic
Not applicable
other
person/body certified by the Board to do
material in a watercourse or lake shall not adversely effect
up
and downstream
O
biota, the existing flow regime.
Flood mitigation or other earthworks.
up
and downstream
neighbours
SPP-12: Depositing or placing an object or solid material
on the floodplain of a watercourse or near the bank or
shore of a lake to control flooding from the watercourse or
lake shall not:
a) adversely impact upon the flow of a watercourse;
b) increase the risk of flooding (including upstream or
downstream);
c) cause or increase watercourse erosion,
d) adversely impact on the migration of aquatic biota.
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
Doc. Owner: Principal Environment Officer
UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTED
Page 48 of 59
Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant
WAA
Specific policy objective(s) and
Examples
section of the NRM
assessment principles for this
WAA
Act
WAA section
127 (5) (g) destroying
OBJECTIVES
Clearing
vegetation growing in
SPO-17: To protect the habitat
willows,
a watercourse or lake
values
gorse
or growing on the
watercourses, lakes and floodplains
floodplain
watercourse
of
a
of
vegetation
on
of
of
Activity
E
ash,
Relevant complying standards
General
for the activity
provisions
Activity associated with a recognised NRM
policy
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of policy)
Nil
KI Riparian vegetation
Not applicable
Board Program
C
SPO-18:To protect the geomorphic
characteristics of a watercourse, lake
guidelines 2009
Activity that is undertaken by a person/body
Clearance plan consistent with KI
certified by the Board to do so in accordance
Riparian vegetation guidelines
with the Kangaroo Island NRM Best Practice
2009
Board
Nil
Board
Nil
Standards for Water Affecting Activities
or floodplain.
SPO-19:To protect water quality
Proposed activity
class*
C
Clearing exotic vegetation
As above
PRINCIPLES
SPP-13:Destruction of vegetation
shall only occur where it is for the
protection of existing infrastructure or
rehabilitation of a watercourse and
does not result in any of the
following:
a) increased erosion;
b) increased flooding;
c) bed and bank instability;
d) downstream sedimentation;
e) decline in water quality;
f) alteration to the existing flow
regime of a watercourse.
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
127 (5)(h) excavating
OBJECTIVES
Sand, soil and
or removing rock, sand
SPO-20: To protect the habitat
gravel
or soil from—
values of watercourses, lakes and
extraction from
(i) a watercourse or
floodplains
watercourses,
lake or the floodplain
SPO-21: To protect the geomorphic
re-alignment of
of a watercourse; or
characteristics of a watercourse, lake
(ii) an area near to the
or floodplain.
banks of a lake so as
SPO-22: To protect water quality
to damage, or create
the
likelihood
watercourses,
desilting dams,
creating
wetlands
E
Activity associated with a recognised NRM
Not applicable
Nil
Board
Nil
Board Program
C
Activity that is undertaken by a person/body
certified by the Board to do so in accordance
with the Kangaroo Island NRM Best Practice
Standards for Water Affecting Activities
of
damage to, the banks
of the lake
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
Doc. Owner: Principal Environment Officer
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Page 50 of 59
Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant WAA
Specific policy objective(s)
section of the
and assessment principles
NRM Act
for this WAA section
Examples of WAA
Activity
Proposed activity
Relevant complying standards for
class*
General policy provisions
the activity
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of
policy)
127
continued
(5)(h
PRINCIPLES
Desilting dam
E
SPP-14:The excavation and
Desilting dams of capacity of 5ML or less at time of
Not
construction
applicable
Nil
removal of rock, sand or soil
C
must not result in any of the
following:
Desilting dams of capacity of 5ML or more at time of
Does not involve:
construction
(a) Enlarging the dam’s volumetric
g) increased erosion;
capacity (as originally constructed);
h) increased flooding;
(b) Dumping excavated material in a
k) loss of riparian vegetation;
Channelising and/or
l) loss of ecosystem function
realigning
or biodiversity
E
Channelizing and/or realigning a 1st order watercourse
a
watercourse
O
m) decline in water quality; or
n) alteration to the existing
of
Channel capacity must be
Not
Nil
sufficient
applicable
(c) the removal of native vegetation
j) downstream sedimentation;
regime
Nil
watercourse or on a floodplain;
i) bed and bank instability;
flow
Board
Sand,
gravel
soil
and
E
extraction
to
not
exacerbate
upstream
or
downstream
flooding
or
watercourse
erosion. Channel depth and
downstream
gradient should not increase
neighbours
to the point that headward
Sand, soil or gravel extraction from 1st order
erosion is initiated. Energy
watercourses
Board
.
Immediate up and
Board
Nil
Board
Nil
Board
Immediate up and
dissipation structures may be
from watercourses
C
as
Channelizing and/or realigning a 2nd order or greater
a
watercourse.
so
Sand, soil or gravel extraction from > 1st order
watercourses that is less than 2
m3
in any 5 year period
Approved watercourse management
needed
plan for the activity
Stream
orders
and
catchments shown in Figures
O
Sand, soil or gravel extraction from > 1st order
watercourses that exceeds 2
m3
in any 5 year period
3 - 14
downstream
neighbours
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = on-merit)
Relevant WAA
Specific policy objective(s) and assessment principles
Examples
Activity
section of the
for this WAA section
of WAA
class*
Proposed activity
NRM Act
Relevant
complying
General
Relevant
Public
Additional
standards
for
policy
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of
activity
the
provisions
policy)
127 (5) (k) an
activity
prescribed
regulation
by
OBJECTIVES
Farm
SPO-23: To minimize the impacts of plantation forestry on
forestry
streamflow
E
Forestry on farms (not exceeding 10% of the total area
of land within the farm available for farm purposes, or
up to 10ha, whichever is the lesser)
Not applicable
Not
Nil
applicable
SPO-24: To promote equity of access to water
SPO-25: To protect aquatic & riparian ecosystems
SPO-26: To protect water quality
PRINCIPLES
SPP-15: Forestry shall only occur where it does not affect
the long-term frequency of filling of dams downstream
within the same management zone.
SPP- 16: Forestry should not result in any of the following:
a. increased erosion;
b. increased flooding;
c. bed and bank instability;
d. downstream sedimentation;
e. decline in water quality;
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = On-merit )
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
Doc. Owner: Principal Environment Officer
UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTED
Page 52 of 59
Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant WAA
Specific policy objective(s)
Examples of
Activity
Proposed
Relevant
section of the
and assessment principles for
WAA
class*
activity
standards
NRM Act
this WAA section
complying
for
General policy provisions
the
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of
activity
policy)
Commercial
forestry
C
Commercial
Buffers
forestry
(as
defined
in
must
be
Once a catchment’s Sustainable Limit is reached the activity will become on-merit and
consistent
with
the
no additional permits will in general be issued. Both dams and commercial forestry
South
Australian
regulation) in any
Government’s
catchment where
framework
the total existing
the
dam
impacts of plantation
and/or
commercial
water
Nil
must fall within the Sustainable Limit.
policy
Managing
resource
Sustainable limit s (SL) for catchments are listed in Table 3 for Zone A and
Table 4 for Zone B
forests 2009
Assessment of water available within the Sustainable Limit will be made in order at the
forestry capacity
1. catchment scale, then
does not exceed
Drainage
the Sustainable
watercourses must not
2. sub-catchment scale, then
be ripped, ploughed,
3. property scale
blocked, disturbed or
Assessments of available water at each scale will take into account existing dam
used as roadways.
capacity and commercial forest areas.
Limit.
Board
lines
and
When a commercial forest is harvested and no further rotation is to be planted, the
water deemed to have been used by the forest would be returned into the catchment &
sub-catchment pools.
If, subsequent to the return of deemed water, the total existing use drops below the
catchment & sub-catchment sustainable limit, then additional development would be
allowed up to the sustainable limit.
Where a commercial forest is coppiced it will be treated as not having been harvested.
Where a commercial forest is harvested with the intention to replant another rotation, it
will be the responsibility of the developer to notify the Board in writing of this intention
prior to harvest. Concurrent with this written notification the developer should apply for
a permit for the subsequent rotation.
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = On-merit )
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
Doc. Owner: Principal Environment Officer
UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTED
Page 53 of 59
Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Relevant
WAA
Specific policy objective(s) and
Examples of
Activity
section of the NRM
assessment principles for this
WAA
class*
Act
WAA section
Proposed activity
Relevant
General policy provisions
complying
standards
Relevant
Public
Additional
authority
notification
information
requirement
(not part of
for
the activity
127 (5) (k) an activity
OBJECTIVES
Commercial
prescribed by the
SPO-23: To minimize the impacts of
forestry
regulations.
O
Commercial forestry (as
Not applicable
policy)
Sustainable Limit
Board
Water
users
defined in regulation) in
Once a catchment’s Sustainable Limit is reached the activity will
downstream of
plantation forestry on streamflow
any catchment where the
become on-merit and no further permits will generally be issued.
the
SPO-24: To promote equity of
total existing dam and/or
Both dams and commercial forestry must fall within the Sustainable
activity
access to water
commercial
Limit.
SPO-25: To protect aquatic
&
riparian ecosystems
SPO-26: To protect water quality
capacity
forestry
exceeds
Sustainable Limit.
proposed
the
Sustainable limit s (SL) for catchments are listed in Table 3 for Zone
A and
Table 4 for Zone B
PRINCIPLES
SPP-15: Forestry shall only occur
Exceptions may be considered if it can be demonstrated that the
where it does not affect the long-
activity is in the broader public interest in terms of social, economic
term frequency of filling of dams
and environmental outcomes for NRM.
downstream
Moving forestry within a catchment
within
the
same
management zone.
Once the Sustainable Limit is reached areas of commercial forest
can be redeveloped (eg at subsequent rotations) within the
SPP- 16: Forestry should not result
catchment so long as;
in any of the following:
This does not result in the total water use exceeding the Sustainable
a. increased erosion;
Limit of the catchment, and
b. increased flooding;
The development of any new areas of commercial forest meets all
c. bed and bank instability;
the requirements for Complying commercial forestry
d. downstream sedimentation;
e. decline in water quality;
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
In all cases permits for the development of a new commercial forest
area will not be issued until the Board is satisfied that the waterequivalent area of existing forestry has been removed.
Exchanging dam capacity and area of commercial forestry
Once a catchment’s Sustainable Limit is reached, dam capacity and
area of commercial forestry may be exchanged subject to this not
resulting in total water use exceeding the Sustainable Limit of the
catchment.
For the purposes of exchange, the volume of surface water taken by
a commercial forest is deemed to be 85% of the median annual
adjusted runoff (in ML) on a per hectare basis for the relevant subcatchment.
In all cases permits for the new activity will not be issued until the
Board is satisfied that the conditions of a permit issued for the
equivalent reduction in dam capacity or forest area have been
fulfilled.
(Activity class* E = exempt from requiring a permit; C = complying subject to meeting Complying Standards; O = On-merit\
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
Doc. Owner: Principal Environment Officer
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix J: South East NRM Plan Water Affecting
Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
Environment Officer should search the water catchment management plans to see if
the area is covered; if covered, speak to DW, if not covered, there is no trigger for a
water affecting activity permit.
Water Allocation Plan – Morambro Creek
Weblink:
http://www.senrm.sa.gov.au/Our_Plans/Water_Allocation_Plans/Morambro_Creek_Water_Allocation_Pl
an.aspx
K-Net Doc: 996501
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix K: Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Plan Water
Affecting Activities Covered By DPTI’s BPOP
In the Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board area the NRM Plan is in preparation and is
intended to be released for comment later in 2009.
For activities referred to in section 127 (3) (a), (b) and (c) of the NRM Act, in relation
to drilling, repairing and draining of water into a well, the authority for a Water
Affecting Activity Permit is the Minister for Environment and Conservation.
There is no requirement for a permit for WAA in relation to Section 127 (2) and (5)
and these are not intended to be included in the NRM Plan.
Environment Officer should search the water catchment management plans to see if
the area is covered; if covered, speak to DW, if not covered, there is no trigger for a
water affecting activity permit.
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
Appendix L: SA Arid Lands NRM Plan Water Affecting
Activities
K-Net Doc: 996501
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Issue Date: 04/2012
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Water Affecting Activities Permits Standard Operating Procedure
K-Net Doc: 996501
Version No.: 3
Issue Date: 04/2012
Doc. Owner: Principal Environment Officer
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