Waterhouse Community Irrigation Development: Aquatic Environmental Assessment

Abstract

The ecology of the Wyniford, Little Boobyalla, Boobyalla and Tomahawk Rivers and associated wetlands, both upstream and downstream of the proposed reservoir sites, was initially assessed in Stage 1 of this project by reviewing available literature and data on these and similar streams in the area. An initial inspection of sample sites was undertaken to assess existing ecosystem values. The initial assessment included: - an exploratory survey and inspection of aquatic habitats, plants and fish in the dam and reservoir (storage) 'footprint' areas, as well as downstream; - identification of key areas/habitats which may require specific environmental flow requirements and/or detailed assessment; - assessment of the likelihood of the presence of aquatic animal species listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act (TSP 1995) and the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC 1999); - a broad assessment of likely environmental risks and environmental flow requirements (the latter using the DPIWE 'desktop approach' for minimum environmental flows); - identification of environmental issues associated with 'Critical Review Points' within the project.