introduction by philip heaphy, department of environment ... web viewanglesea futures community...

Anglesea Futures Community ConversationsCommunity Conversation Number 4Anglesea Senior Citizens Hall

21 January 2016

The Anglesea Futures Community Conversations has been designed for the State Government, through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), and the Surf Coast Shire Council to listen to the community to better understand community expectations, needs and ideas on the future of Anglesea following the closure of Alcoa coal mine and power station.

The closure of the coal mine and power station provides a unique opportunity to think about and discuss what the future looks like for both the land affected and the Anglesea region.

There are a number of active community forums that exist within Anglesea. These conversations by no means seek to replace or supersede those.

The purpose of the Anglesea Futures Community Conversations is to:

Listen and learn from the community, to understand their vision and hopes for the former Alcoa lease area and freehold land, and to hear concerns and aspirations

Gain feedback from the community on their needs and ideas on ways of working together on the future of the region.

Report on Community Conversations – Event 4

The objectives of this forum were to provide the community with:

an update on the Anglesea Futures Community Conversation series. Feedback on what has happened so far and what we have heard.

a detailed briefing and explanation on the results of the Anglesea River Flow Assessment Report

an opportunity for the community to ask questions and provide feedback on the report the Anglesea Futures initiative

a briefing on fire preparedness in Anglesea

Introduction by Philip Heaphy, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Phillip provided an overview of the rationale and context for the report.

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With the 2015 closure of the Alcoa mine and power station, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) commenced a process to assess options to transition from the way the Anglesea River estuary is currently managed to arrangements that will support it for the decades to come.

As part of this, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), on behalf of DELWP, engaged consulting firm GHD to do an assessment of future changes to the Anglesea River estuary that might occur as a result of the mine and power station stopping discharge to the Anglesea River estuary.

The assessment report by GHD identifies the changes in estuary water level that will occur and consequences for the estuary’s amenity and its environmental, social and economic values from any changes to the water level.

Options to reduce these potential impacts have been identified and five of these options have been shortlisted for further consideration to help determine the best option, or combination of options, to reduce in particular, the risk of oxidation of acid sulphate soils.

Options that control this risk have been given priority as this is the most significant threat to the environmental and social values of the river and has been a long standing issue for Anglesea residents.

Presentation by David May, GHD

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Questions & Answers

There was a question and answer session with David May (GHD), Phillip Heaphy and Don Hough (DELWP) and Kate Sullivan (Surf Coast Shire). Due to time constraints questions from participants were collected for an answer to be provided in this report. The questions and answers are provided below.

Question Answer

River / Water

1. Is most of the ASS problem caused by the works to stop the fire in 1983? How effective would restoring to the pre 1983 condition and cutting if off or covering over?

The 2011 independent Anglesea River Water Quality Review found that the acid water draining into the river comes predominantly from natural sources in the catchment. These events are caused by the continuing drying of soils in the upper catchment during drought periods and subsequent soaking rains. The natural acid generating sources include coal seams, acid sulphate soils and tea tree marshes (swamps).Coogoorah Park (located in the lower catchment) is best described as a coastal peat swamp and potentially has acid generating properties. While the 1983 works may have increased the chance of acid generation, it has remained wet under the existing water regime and therefore unlikely to be a significant source of acid.The recent Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report identified that infilling/isolating the Coogoorah Park channels would have limited effectiveness in mitigating against potential acid events if the water levels are lowered.

2. Given that 2015 was dry and the hottest year, what are the implications of global warming on the long term future of the river?

Like many rivers in south eastern Australia, it is expected that the Anglesea River will experience periods of lower flow. Several management options being considered (e.g. discharge of water) to help alleviate some of the associated impacts of climate change.An example of these low flow periods could be seen at the nearby Painkalac Creek. During 2015, Painkalac Creek, which has a similar size catchment to Anglesea River experienced it lowest water levels in many years due to low rainfall (low inflow).

3. Should we do a more detailed balance of the various acid/metal contributions of Salt/Marsh Creek and Coogoorah Park before deciding?

Understanding the sources of acid generation and associated risks is important in the management of the Anglesea River. Professor Bill Maher’s Anglesea Water Quality Review (2011) highlights that while the geology (acid sources) of the upper catchment is well understood, little is known about the Coogoorah Park area.DELWP has recently engaged Federation University to investigate the acid generation potential of this area. These results will help guide the future management of the Anglesea River.

4. What is the pH of the pit water?

The pH of the mine pit water is usually in the 3.5 – 4.5 pH range.

5. If sea level is the median point between high and low tides, what is the average height sea level rises to, on high tide? Plus king tide effects - where is the contour point – Coal Mine Road?

The Anglesea River estuary is not a very tidal estuary for most of the year. A report completed by Water Technology in 2010 (Investigation of Anglesea River Estuary Mouth Dynamics), outlines modelling scenarios regarding the extent to which the salt water moves throughout the estuary in much more detail.A copy of this report can be found at http://www.ccmaknowledgebase.vic.gov.au/

6. Do frogs tell us about Frogs (and especially tadpoles) are sensitive to a range of water-

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Question Answer

the health of the river? borne substances making them suitable candidates as indicators of waterway health. However, macro-invertebrates (water bugs) are more commonly used for this as relatively few frog species occur at each freshwater site and statistical models have not been developed using frogs.

7. Will there be an increase in mosquitoes, particularly around Coogoorah park?

It is likely mosquito numbers would remain similar if current water levels are maintained. It is possible numbers could increase to some degree around Coogoorah Park if water levels drop dramatically, but this would also be dependent on water quality.In assessing the future management strategy for the Anglesea River the risk of increasing mosquito numbers will be taken into consideration.

8. What data do we have about river conditions? Odour impact on air quality?

The Anglesea River has been subject to rigorous testing/assessment of its health as a result of acid events in recent years. Much of this data was utilised in the recent Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report.

9. What was happening before the power station was built. i.e. pre 1963?

Prior to the power station being built, it is likely that the Anglesea River experienced periods of little/no flow, with water levels dropping significantly over the summer period. It is also likely that natural acid events occurred during this period as well.

10. Who will pump water after the end of March?

11. If you stop pumping in March, then nothing coming in for next summer, what then?

Work to date shows that while water levels will slowly draw down, it is expected winter rains will raise the level of the river over this year’s winter and spring period. This will provide the necessary time for DELWP to assess potential future management strategies for the Anglesea River. This process will include assessing various management options (including interim short term options) and how they may be implemented.

12. If 1ML per day will maintain the level of the river where is the extra 3ML going now?

13. If 1.5ML/day will maintain the current level, where does the additional 3ML/day of Alcoa water go now? The current ocean outflow can possibly be 3ML/day?

The 1ML/day identified in the report is the amount of water required on average to cancel out losses through evaporation and groundwater. The additional water accumulates in the estuary and flows out to sea during periods when the estuary entrance is open.

14. What will happen in flood events?

Similar to current conditions, excess water from flood events are expected to flow out to sea.

15. Will 1ML a day withhold acid ingress in current El Nino conditions?

In the past, discharges of 4.5ML/day were not able to mitigate against acid inputs from the upper catchment during some large discharge events. This would also be the case for 1ML. However similar to the current water regime, it is likely discharges of 1ML will reduce the risk of potential acid input from the lower catchment (e.g. Coogoorah Park).

16. How could you maintain a salt water wedge?

During periods when the estuary entrance is open, salt water is still expected to enter the estuary, the amounts of which will be controlled by tide heights and river flows.

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Question Answer

A report completed by Water Technology in 2010 (Investigation of Anglesea River Estuary Mouth Dynamics), outlines modelling scenarios regarding the extent to which the salt water moves throughout the estuary in much more detail.A copy of this report can be found at http://www.ccmaknowledgebase.vic.gov.au/

Options for Future Management

17. Why can’t the power needed to drive the pumps for the 1.5 ML be sourced from a solar? This would entail solar infrastructure but cost less post construction.

18. How does the current water flow happen? – energy from the power station – it’s possible to use solar power to pump the ground water.

If a future management strategy involving pumping is adopted, factors such as power sources will be considered.

19. Why not create a series of dams to manage the flow?

The creation of dams was not considered to be a viable management option in this instance. This option has previously been reviewed in relation to acid event management for the Anglesea River during an industry expert workshop in 2014. Both experts and the community working group deemed it not viable.

20. Can ground water be used to keep the water level up? What are the costs?

Groundwater could be used to keep the water level up and is one of the management options being considered for further investigation (including costs).

21. Have the alternatives been put into an order of best way of working?

The initial options put forward in the Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report will be assessed further by an expert panel workshop to determine which of these are most viable. These options will also be presented to the public for consideration.

22. The acid event is quite short lived down Swamp Creek (south branch) can the bore pump 4.5ML through this event or can lime neutralisation be used?

23. What other impacts will buffering have if used, other than controlling acid sulphate?

It is feasible to pump through these events however it is important to note that in the past, discharges of 4.5ML/day were not able to mitigate against acid inputs from the upper catchment during some large discharge events.Typically, buffering acid sulphate soils involves mixing the soil with lime or another neutralising agent. While often the active ingredient may pose little or no risk to the environment, depending on the method used, there are potential impacts of sediment disruption to species and habitats in aquatic ecosystems.The Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report identified that buffering / lime dosing is unlikely to be an effective management option.

24. Are we only looking at options which maintain the water level?

A range of management options are being considered.

25. What are the In assessing the future management strategy for the Anglesea River,

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Question Answer

implications to the beach on swimming, currents and safety, if sea water is pumped into the estuary?

the implications on swimming, currents and safety from all options including pumping sea water will be considered.

26. What will be the different impacts / outcomes between freshwater or saltwater being used?

The Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report identified that the use of seawater may cause some changes to the composition of existing flora and fauna. The use of seawater would result in an increase in marine and estuarine species from a likely increase in salinity.

27. Is the water moving into the coal pit under pressure (2ML) if so can it be an energy source?

If a future management strategy involving pumping is adopted, various options for an energy source will be considered.

28. Is deepening of the estuary an option?

The Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report identifies that deep estuary openings are not a viable management option in this instance. Deep openings were previously reviewed in relation to acid event management for the Anglesea River during an industry expert workshop in 2014. Both experts and the community working group deemed this approach not to be viable.

29. Could treated stormwater be used to assist in river flows?

The Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment identifies that introducing alternative freshwater flows (recycled water and/or storm water harvesting) is a potentially viable management option and will undergo further assessment.

30. What are the implications of each of the water flow options?

A preliminary assessment can be found in Table 16 of the Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report. The initial options put forward in the report will be further assessed to determine the implications of each option.

Economic / Cost

31. What is the cost to keep discharging from the mine at reduced rate? Who pays?

32. Who is going to pay for the pumping?

33. What would be the cost of maintaining the river level?

The Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment identified that pumping from the mine pit is potentially a viable management option and will undergo further assessment (including cost estimates).Any potential Government funding from federal, state or local means would need to balance against other government priorities for example education or health.

34. How will the lower river affect the economy of Anglesea?

The Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment identified that reduced water levels over the summer period may impact water activities such as swimming, recreational fishing, amenity and boating.

35. If it’s going to happen, who will pay?

The operation and funding arrangements cannot be determined until a management strategy is selected.

36. Has any costing been done for the alternatives?

Cost estimates are being determined as a part of the further assessment of viable management options.

37. Of the shortlisted options which is the most affordable? Who

The initial options put forward in the Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report will be further assessed to determine which of these are most viable. The costs will be investigated as part of this

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Question Answer

will pay?38. What are the cost

options? Do trials to see what happens with each option?

39. What are the infrastructure costs for each option?

process.

Management / Decision Making

40. What is the responsibility of council?

Surf Coast Shire Council is the responsible planning authority for Anglesea. Council’s responsibility is to ensure that the Community is engaged on this issue and that their views are considered throughout the process. Council’s role is to ensure that the environmental, social and economic impacts to any decisions on the Anglesea River are considered and if required to advocate on behalf of the community to State Government and its agencies.Council is also the delegated land manager for the reserve known as Coogoorah Park (including the post-Ash Wednesday channels), which sits along-side Anglesea River channel south of Coalmine Road. Part of Coogoorah Park is freehold land owned by Council.

41. Who will make the final decision?

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is leading the process of assessing future management options for the Anglesea River. The government, informed by the views of stakeholders and the local Anglesea community, will determine a sensible future management approach for the river – one that is feasible and affordable.

42. What is the timeline for finalising a decision?

The initial options put forward in the Anglesea River Estuary Flow Assessment Report will be further assessed to determine which of these are most viable. These results are expected to be available in April 2016 and will inform the interim and long term management arrangements for the Anglesea River.

43. What does Barwon Water currently do with its waste/recycled water?

The Anglesea Water Reclamation Plant treats wastewater to a Class B recycled water standard. Some of the recycled water is used to irrigate sports grounds and the golf course. Any recycled water not used by customers – or re-used during the treatment process – is discharged in accordance with EPA licence requirements to the ocean outfall approximately 500m offshore.

44. Is Barwon Water pumping water from the aquifer?

Barwon Water has not pumped groundwater from the Anglesea Borefield since June, 2012.Since the borefield was commissioned in 2009, Barwon Water has pumped 7,620 million litres of groundwater from a possible 49,000 million litres permitted under the Anglesea Groundwater Bulk Entitlement. The borefield is a back-up resource and provides water security to the greater Geelong region, including Anglesea.

45. What is the impact of Barwon Water’s harvesting of the aquifer? How much does it add to the problem?

While the borefield has not been used since 2012, ongoing monitoring is a requirement under Barwon Water’s bulk entitlement and has been undertaken diligently. The bulk entitlement has been written to protect the environmental values and health of groundwater dependent ecosystems. This includes land level monitoring, groundwater and surface water monitoring and terrestrial and aquatic monitoring.Information gathered from monitoring sites has shown no noticeable

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Question Answer

impacts on the surrounding environment.Barwon Water will continue to collect data on water quality and rainfall events through the ongoing Monitoring and Assessment Program for the borefield. As part of this monitoring program, Barwon Water will undertake a Potential Acid Sulphate Soil investigation of Salt Creek and the Anglesea Swamplands to further increase the body of knowledge at Anglesea and ensure appropriate protection measures remain in place.

Fire Briefing by David Rourke

David provided a brief overview of the current risk in Anglesea and advised of the status of the Wye River fire.

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