DAMS

Western Australia’s Water Corporation manages surface water sources for drinking and irrigation water supplies. A series of projects have been undertaken as part of the dam safety program. Environmental issues which need to be addressed vary depending on the scale of the infrastructure project. Ecological water requirements (EWR) and environmental water provisions (EWP) are normally a key consideration where flow regimes will be altered.

Comprehensive Contract Environmental Management Systems are written to address all aspects of construction and to ensure the responsibilities are documented and therefore due diligence demonstrated. Environmental management plans are developed in consultation with the local community and stakeholders. Normally projects would be audited to ensure compliance. Where required specialist consultants are brought in to look at such issues archaeology, hydrology and anthropology. Below is a summary of some key dam projects and the various environmental activities that have been managed;

Harvey Dam (part of the Stirling Harvey Redevelopment
Scheme)

The environmental management of the construction of the Harvey Dam was an integral component of the (multi) award winning Stirling - Harvey Redevelopment Scheme. Key issues managed were dust, noise and vibration, greenhouse gas offsets, fauna (terrestrial, avian and aquatic restocking program and habitat establishment), endangered Western Ringtail Possum management, flora, mosquitoes, recreation, rehabilitation (238 hectare program) and landscaping, vegetation management, audit, water supply continuity, visual amenity, water quality, heritage (European and Aboriginal), compliance management and reporting and extractive industries and mining leases. A Stirling Dam fauna assessment of perished stags was undertaken.

Waroona Dam Remedial Works

Environmental approvals, site construction environmental management, audit, extractive industries, aquatic fauna assessments and management (red fin perch) to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity and fishery values.

Samson Brook Dam (part of the Samson Brook Redevelopment Scheme)

Environmental approvals, site construction environmental management, audit, dieback management, rehabilitation, community consultation, offsets, conservation covenants.

Bottle Creek Remedial Works

Aquatic fauna assessment and introduced species management (yabbie, Cherax albidus, red fin perch - Perca fluviatilis, mosquitofish - Gambusia holbrooki), and protected species management (e.g oblong tortoise - Chelodina oblonga).

Serpentine Dam Remedial Works

Environmental approvals, site construction environmental management, audit, rehabilitation, European and Aboriginal heritage management.

Wokalup Pumpback

Environmental approvals, site construction environmental management, audit, and rehabilitation.

Gap Dam – Argyle Diamond Mine and Churchman Brook

Aquatic fauna assessments.

Serpentine and North Dandalup Dams

Erosion control technology to reduce sedimentation and deteriorating water quality.

Water Source Protection Assessments and Dam Safety Plans for Various Dams in the Southwest, Great Southern, Goldfields and Northwest regions of Western Australia

Dam Safety Plans assess and incorporate the need for dam safety upgrades arising from Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) guidelines. The Dam Safety Plans also included an environmental component, addressing hydrological, catchment and climatic data.

With Drinking Water Source Protection Assessments provide information on Public Drinking Water Source Areas. This information is developed to assist State and local governments understand and protect limited drinking water sources. The Protection Assessments included mapping and an assessment of risks to water quality and the catchment. The plans ensure the delivery of safe, good quality drinking water and: