Groundwater extraction leads to remediation order

BARWON Water says it has welcomed a direction from the state government about a legally enforceable remediation plan for the Boundary Creek and Big Swamp environments affected by groundwater extraction at Barwon Downs.

The notice was issued last week by Minister for Water Lisa Neville under Section 78 of the Water Act 1989, and requires that Barwon Water prepare a thorough remediation plan, given findings that past groundwater extraction have affected the pH of Boundary Creek.

The water authority must also discontinue any extraction activities (other than maintenance and emergency response) until the assessment and remediation work is complete.

Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said the decision not only provided added assurance to the community but also legally enshrined Barwon Water’s intention to remediate Boundary Creek and Big Swamp as part of its application to Southern Rural Water to renew the Barwon Downs borefield licence.

“Barwon Water is keen to co-operate with the Section 78 notice and the licence application process to get the right outcomes.

“We are also committed to working closely with the local community, key agencies and technical experts in the years ahead as we work towards achieving this.

“We have been consulting with the community and key stakeholders to help Barwon Water design the remediation plan including identifying what the success criteria might be.”

At the request of community members, three independent technical experts were invited to contribute to the process.

These experts will work with Barwon Water’s existing technical consultant and the remediation working group to refine the remediation concept and address any important information gaps before finalising the plan.

For more information on the Big Swamp and Boundary Creek remediation project, head to yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/boundarycreek.