Part A of condition 3 of the Minister's decision stating that NVIRP does not require an EES requires processes and methodologies for assessing both a) the hydrology and ecological values and b) associated ecological risks to wetlands, waterways and groundwater or seepage-dependant ecosystems potentially affected by the implementation of NVIRP, including those 'at risk' waterways listed in Attachment 1 or otherwise nominated by the Secretary DSE.
The short-listing process results in a short-listing report of sites requiring Environmental Watering Plans.
All the sites identified in the desktop assessment require validation. However, some of the sites are on the preliminary list because of insufficient data available. In these cases, further investigation will be conducted to confirm the site's environmental values and/or its connection to the irrigation distribution system.
The process for validation will:
- confirm environmental values of wetland / waterway, where relevant, and confirm source of water supply to wetland / waterway through:
- site inspections
- data collection, where relevant
- determine if existing water supply is sourced from incidental irrigation water. If so, determine whether implementation of NVIRP and resulting change to the water regime would adversely impact on that water supply
- determine wetlands / waterways for which Environmental Watering Plans are recommended
- recommend timing for preparation in relation to NVIRP's program of works.
Where the validation cannot determine the materiality of the impact as a result of NVIRP an interim EWP will be prepared to ascertain the materiality of any potential impacts and if necessary develop mitigation measures.
The output of the validation process is a short-listing report for both Wetlands and Waterways (including photos) listing wetlands / waterways recommended for development of EWPs. The development of the EWPs will be scheduled according to the timing for implementation of the associated program of works.