The EWPs are the primary means by which the commitment of no net environmental loss will be achieved for water savings projects. Each EWP will:
- identify environmental values of the wetland
- identify the water required to protect the environmental values
- define the environmental watering regime and the sources of water
- identify the infrastructure requirements
- draft protocols for ongoing water supply
- identify management responsibilities.
An EWP is not intended to provide management guidance for wetlands - rather it provides a water supply protocol that can be agreed upon by the land, water and catchment managers.
To date five EWPs have been developed - Johnson Swamp, *Lake Elizabeth, *Lake Murphy, *Campaspe River and *Loddon River as these may be potentially impacted by the operation of 2009 NVIRP works program. Other EWP's will be completed prior to the operation of the 2010 NVIRP works program.
Table 1. Prioritised wetlands and waterways.
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High Environmental Value Assets
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Prioritised Wetlands
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Prioritised Waterways
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Johnson Swamp
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Campaspe River
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Lake Elizabeth
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Loddon River
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Lake Murphy
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Twelve Mile Creek
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McDonald Swamp
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Broken Creek
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Lake Leaghur
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Nine Mile Creek (further investigation required)
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Lake Yando
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Little Lake Boort
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Little Lake Meran
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Lake Meran
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Round Lake
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*The NVIRP Expert Review Panel (ERP), in reviewing the Water Change Management Framework (WCMF), emphasised the need for clear documented methods on how to determine mitigation water. It is anticipated that these methods will be developed and incorporated into the "Water Savings Protocol - Attachment 1: Technical Manual". As a consequence, NVIRP has determined that this Environmental Watering Plan (EWP) is to be treated as an Interim EWP for the 2009-2010 Irrigation Season and will be revisited prior to the operation of the 2010 NVIRP works.