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2016-02-02 P&O Committee - Item 3 - Attachment 4 - Mary River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
ATTACHMENT 4
Attachment 4, Item 3, Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda, 2 February 2016
Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009
Mary River environmental values and
water quality objectives
Basin No. 138, including all tributaries of the Mary River
July 2010
Document Set ID: 20002123
Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015
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Full text of sections 2 to 37 (of 61)
Section 2
Prepared by:
Water Quality & Ecosystem Health Policy Unit
Department of Environment and Resource Management
© State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2010
This publication is available in alternative formats
(including large print and audiotape) on request.
Contact (07) 322 48412 or email <[email protected]>
July 2010
Document Ref Number
Document Set ID: 20002123
Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015
Section 3
Main parts of this document and what they contain
• Scope of waters covered
Introduction • Key terms / how to use document
(section 1) • Links to WQ plan (map)
• Mapping / water type information
• Further contact details
• Amendment provisions
• Source of EVs for this document
Environmental Values • Table of EVs by waterway
(EVs - section 2) - aquatic ecosystem
- human use
• Any applicable management goals
to support EVs
• How to establish WQOs to protect
all selected EVs
Water Quality Objectives
(WQOs - section 3) • WQOs in this document, for
- aquatic ecosystem EV
- human use EVs
• List of plans, reports etc containing
Ways to improve management actions relevant to the
water quality waterways in this area
(section 4)
• Definitions of key terms including an
Dictionary explanation table of all
(section 5) environmental values
• An accompanying map that shows
Accompanying WQ Plan water types, levels of protection and
(map) other information contained in this
document
iii
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Section 4
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 W ATERS TO WHICH THIS DOCUMENT APPLIES .............................................................................. 1
1.2 GUIDANCE ON USING THIS DOCUMENT......................................................................................... 2
1.2.1 Key terms ............................................................................................................................ 2
1.2.2 Main parts of this document................................................................................................ 4
1.2.3 Use of this document .......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 INFORMATION ABOUT MAPPED AREAS AND BOUNDARIES............................................................... 4
1.4 W ATER TYPES AND BASIS FOR BOUNDARIES ................................................................................ 5
1.4.1 Water types......................................................................................................................... 5
1.4.2 Water type boundaries........................................................................................................ 5
1.5 MATTERS FOR AMENDMENT ....................................................................................................... 6
2 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES (EVS) ............................................................................................... 7
2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES .......................................................................................................... 7
2.2 MANAGEMENT GOALS TO SUPPORT EVS..................................................................................... 7
3 WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES (WQOS) TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES.......... 10
3.1 W ATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES (WQOS) TO PROTECT AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS ............................... 11
3.1.1 Physico-chemical WQOs .................................................................................................. 11
3.1.2 Riparian WQOs................................................................................................................. 17
3.1.3 Stormwater design objectives........................................................................................... 17
3.2 W ATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES (WQOS) FOR HUMAN USE EVS .................................................... 18
4 WAYS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY ..................................................................................... 28
5 DICTIONARY................................................................................................................................. 29
List of Tables
Table 1 Environmental values (EVs) for Mary River catchment waters ........................................................8
Table 2 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem environmental value (refer to Plan
WQ1381 for location of waters) .........................................................................................................................12
Table 3 Water quality objectives to protect human use environmental values...........................................18
Table 4 Primary contact recreation EV: Water quality objectives for management of cyanobacteria in
contact recreation areas .....................................................................................................................................21
Table 5 Aquaculture EV: Water quality objectives for tropical aquaculture ................................................22
Table 6 Aquaculture EV: Water quality objectives for optimal growth of particular species in freshwater
................................................................................................................................................................................22
Table 7 Aquaculture EV: Water quality objectives for optimal growth of particular marine species........23
Table 8 Irrigation EV: Water quality objectives for thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms in irrigation waters
used for food and non-food crops .....................................................................................................................24
Table 9 Irrigation EV: Water quality objectives for heavy metals and metalloids in agricultural irrigation
water – long-term trigger value (LTV), short-term trigger value (STV) and soil cumulative contamination
loading limit (CCL) ...............................................................................................................................................25
Table 10 Stock watering EV: Water quality objectives for tolerances of livestock to total dissolved
solids (salinity) in drinking water........................................................................................................................26
Table 11 Stock watering EV: Water quality objectives (low risk trigger values) for heavy metals and
metalloids in livestock drinking water................................................................................................................26
Table 12 Drinking water EV: Priority water quality objectives for drinking water supply in the vicinity of
off-takes, including groundwater, before treatment ........................................................................................27
Table 13 Suite of environmental values that can be chosen for protection ................................................30
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Section 5
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
1 Introduction
This document is made pursuant to the provisions of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (the
EPP [Water]), which is subordinate legislation under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. The EPP
(Water) provides a framework for:
• identifying environmental values for Queensland waters, and deciding the water quality objectives to
protect or enhance those environmental values; and
• including the identified environmental values and water quality objectives under Schedule 1 of the EPP
(Water).
This document contains environmental values and water quality objectives for waters in the Mary River
catchment, and is listed under schedule 1 of the EPP (Water).
1.1 Waters to which this document applies
This document applies to fresh and estuarine surface waters and ground waters draining the Mary River
1
catchment as represented in the accompanying plan (WQ1381) . These waters fall within the Mary basin
2
(basin 138) , and include:
• Amamoor Creek;
• Coondoo Creek
• Eel Creek;
• Kandanga Creek;
• Glastonbury Creek;
• Little Yabba Creek;
• Mary River;
• Munna Creek;
• Obi Obi Creek;
• Six Mile Creek;
• Susan River;
• Tinana Creek;
• Wide Bay Creek;
• Widgee Creek;
• Yabba Creek;
• all other rivers and creeks of the Mary River catchment;
• wetlands; and
• ground waters.
The geographical extent of waters addressed by this document is shown in plan WQ1381, and is broadly:
• all freshwaters and tributaries of the Mary River;
• the upper, mid and lower estuary/enclosed coastal waters of the Mary River and Susan River and tidal
tributaries including Tinana Creek;
• tidal canals, constructed estuaries, marinas and boat harbours and entrance buffers;
• wetlands; and
• ground waters.
1
This document and the accompanying plan are available in electronic form from the Environmental Values web page
on the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) website: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/.
The boundaries in the accompanying plan WQ1381 are indicative only. The water types and management intent
depicted in the accompanying plan are stored in electronic form as part of the South East Queensland Environmental
Values Schedule 1 Database July 2010 and held at the DERM offices at the corner of Lennox/Alice Streets,
Maryborough. Database regions are based on the regions established in the Queensland water quality guidelines. For
further information on accessing the database, please contact DERM by email at [email protected]
Australia’s River Basins 1997 – Product User Guide. Published by Geoscience Australia. Canberra, ACT (3rd edition,
2004).
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Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
1.2 Guidance on using this document
1.2.1 Key terms
Key terms used in this document are explained below. Additional detail is provided in the dictionary at the
end of the document:
ADWG: means the Australian drinking water guidelines (2004), prepared by the National Health and Medical
Research Council (NHMRC) in collaboration with the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council
3
(NRMMC) .
AWQG: means the Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality (October
2000), prepared by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and
4
the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ) .
Environmental Values (EVs) for water: means the EVs specified in Table 1 of this document for the
corresponding water.
EVs for water are the qualities of water that make it suitable for supporting aquatic ecosystems and human
water uses. These EVs need to be protected from the effects of habitat alteration, waste releases,
contaminated runoff and changed flows to ensure healthy aquatic ecosystems and waterways that are safe
for community use. Particular waters may have different EVs. The range of EVs and the waters they can
potentially apply to are listed below, and further details are provided in the dictionary (refer Section 5).
List of EVs and applicable waters
Environmental Value (EV) Potentially applicable to:
Tidal waters Fresh (non-tidal)
waters
Protection of aquatic ecosystems (Aquatic ecosystem EV)
Protection or enhancement of aquatic ecosystem values, under four
possible levels of ecosystem conditions:
• High ecological value (effectively unmodified) waters;
• Slightly disturbed waters;
• Moderately disturbed waters; and
• Highly disturbed waters.
[suitability for seagrass and wildlife habitat have also been specifically
identified for some waters as a component of this EV]
EVs other than aquatic ecosystem EV (called human use EVs)
Suitability for human consumers of wild or stocked fish, shellfish or
crustaceans [suitability for oystering has also been specifically
identified for some waters]
Suitability for primary contact recreation (eg swimming)
Suitability for secondary contact recreation (eg boating)
Suitability for visual (no contact) recreation
3
The Australian drinking water guidelines (2004) can be downloaded from the following website:
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/eh19syn.htm
4
The AWQG (2000) can be downloaded from the following website:
http://www.mincos.gov.au/publications/australian_and_new_zealand_guidelines_for_fresh_and_marine_water_quality
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Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Environmental Value (EV) Potentially applicable to:
Tidal waters Fresh (non-tidal)
waters
Protection of cultural and spiritual values, including Traditional Owner
values of water
Suitability for industrial use (including manufacturing plants, power
generation)
Suitability for aquaculture (eg red claw, barramundi)
Suitability for drinking water supplies
Suitability for crop irrigation
Suitability for stock watering
Suitability for farm supply/use
Level of protection for a water (aquatic ecosystem EV): means the level of aquatic ecosystem condition
specified in Table 2 of this document that the corresponding water quality objectives for that water are
intended to achieve (refer to management intent definition below for further information).
Management goal: means the goals (if any) stated in section 2 of this document to support the EVs for
waters identified in Table 1.
Management intent (level of protection) for a water ( aquatic ecosystem EV): means the level of aquatic
ecosystem condition specified in Table 2 of this document that the corresponding water quality objectives for
that water are intended to achieve. For example, the intent for high ecological value waters is that their
effectively unmodified condition is maintained.
QWQG: means the Queensland water quality guidelines, prepared by the Department of Environment and
5
Resource Management (2009) .
Water quality guidelines (defined in the EPP [Water]): are numerical concentration levels or statements for
indicators that protect a stated environmental value. Under the EVs setting process contained in the EPP
(Water), water quality guidelines are used as an input to the development of water quality objectives.
Water quality indicator (for an EV): a property that is able to be measured or decided in a quantitative way.
Examples of water quality indicators include physical indicators (e.g. temperature), chemical indicators (e.g.
nitrogen, phosphorus, metals), and biological indicators (e.g. macroinvertebrates, seagrass, fish).
Water quality objectives (WQOs): means the WQOs specified in Tables 2–12 of this document to support
the EVs for waters identified in Table 1.
WQOs are long term goals for water quality management. They are numerical concentration levels or
narrative statements of indicators established for receiving waters to support and protect the designated EVs
for those waters. They are based on scientific criteria or water quality guidelines but may be modified by
other (eg social, cultural, economic) inputs.
Examples of WQOs include:
• total phosphorus concentration <20 micrograms per litre (µg/L);
• chlorophyll a concentration <1 µg/L;
• dissolved oxygen between 95% and 105% saturation;
• family richness of macroinvertebrate > 12 families; and
• exotic individuals of fish < 5%.
5
The Queensland water quality guidelines can be downloaded from the DERM website at:
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/water/queensland_water_quality_guidelines/
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Section 8
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Water type: groupings of waters with similar characteristics, as shown in the accompanying plan. The water
types covered by this document are based on mapping and definitional rules for water types established in
the QWQG and, where available, other site-specific documents. Water types can include coastal marine
waters (open coastal, enclosed coastal), estuarine waters (lower, middle and upper estuaries), tidal canals,
constructed estuaries, marinas and boat harbours, freshwaters (lowland, upland, lakes/reservoirs), wetlands
and ground waters. WQOs applying to different water types are outlined in this document. More detail on
water types is provided in section 1.4.
1.2.2 Main parts of this document
The main components of this document are:
• Plan WQ1381 – showing the spatial extent and boundaries of water types covered by this document;
• Section 1 – introduction and guidance on how to use the document;
• Section 2 (Table 1) – environmental values (EVs) applying to waters covered by this document;
• Section 3 (Tables 2–12) – water quality objectives (WQOs) applying to different EVs:
Table 2 provides WQOs to protect the aquatic ecosystem EV, and closely links to the water types
shown on Plan WQ1381;
Tables 3 to 12 provide WQOs to protect human use EVs;
• Section 4 – ways to improve water quality: containing a list of relevant documents, provided for
information purposes only; and
• Section 5 – a dictionary of other terms relevant to EVs and WQOs.
1.2.3 Use of this document
Section 2 (Table 1) lists the identified EVs for protection for particular waters. The aquatic ecosystem EV is a
default applying to all waters. Reference to section 3 (Table 2) provides the corresponding WQOs to protect
the aquatic ecosystem EV. Where relevant, different WQOs are specified to protect the aquatic ecosystem
EV in different water types (refer to the Table and the accompanying plan). For the human use EVs specified
for a water in Table 1, Tables 3 onwards provide the corresponding WQOs to support these EVs.
Where reference to Table 1 indicates more than one EV applies to a given water, the adoption of the most
stringent WQO for the identified EVs applies to each water quality indicator in order to protect all identified
EVs. Further detail on selection of most stringent WQOs is provided in section 3.
This document also refers to a number of guidelines, codes and other reference sources on water quality. In
particular, the Queensland water quality guidelines (QWQG) prepared by DERM provide a technical basis for
the water quality objectives contained in this document. The QWQG also provide more detailed information
on water types, water quality indicators, derivation of local water quality guidelines, application during flood
events, monitoring, predicting and assessing compliance.
1.3 Information about mapped areas and boundaries
The boundaries in the accompanying plan WQ1381 are indicative only. The water types and management
intent (level of protection) depicted in the accompanying plan are stored in electronic form as part of the
South East Queensland Environmental Values Schedule 1 Database July 2010 and held at the offices of
DERM at the corner of Lennox and Alice Streets, Maryborough. Database regions are based on the regions
established in the Queensland water quality guidelines. For further information on accessing the
accompanying plan and database, please contact the Department by email at [email protected]
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Section 9
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
1.4 Water types and basis for boundaries
1.4.1 Water types
Waters in this document have been classified into different water types from the list below. The water types
are based on the AWQG (2000) and mapping and definitional rules contained in the QWQG (2009). Further
detail on water types is contained in these sources.
• open coastal: waters extending to the seaward limits of Queensland waters;
• enclosed coastal/lower estuary: waters occurring at the downstream end of estuaries and including
shallow coastal waters in adjacent enclosed bays;
• mid estuary: waters extending the majority of the length of estuaries with a moderate amount of water
movement from either freshwater inflow or tidal exchange;
• upper estuary: waters in the upper reaches of estuaries, with limited flushing. This water type is absent
from short estuaries, less than 15km total estuary length;
• tidal canals, constructed estuaries, marinas and boat harbours;
• lowland freshwaters: larger slow flowing freshwater streams and rivers, shown on the accompanying
plan as freshwaters under 150 metres altitude. This water type has been further divided into three sub
types in south east Queensland, derived from work carried out for the Ecosystem Health Monitoring
6
Program :
lowland freshwaters: Larger (third, fourth and fifth order), slow flowing and meandering streams
and rivers. Gradient very slight. Substrates sometimes cobble and gravel but more often silt, sand
or mud.
wallum/tannin-stained freshwaters: Tannin-stained, generally low gradient, small to mid-sized
streams, many with sandy substrates and low pH, tea-coloured water draining through wallum
vegetation.
coastal freshwaters: Mix of small and large slow-flowing lowland rivers and creeks between
Caboolture and the NSW border, that flow across the coastal plain. Substrates are often cobble
despite the low gradient. Does not include steeper upland streams that feed these systems.
• upland freshwaters: small upland streams, moderate – fast flowing with steeper gradients than lowland
freshwaters. Shown on the accompanying plan as freshwaters above 150 metres altitude;
• freshwater lakes/reservoirs;
• ground waters; and
• wetlands.
Water types identified in this document are shown in Table 2 and the accompanying plan (WQ1381).
1.4.2 Water type boundaries
The boundaries of different water types have been mapped using a variety of attributes, including:
1) geographic coordinates;
2) catchment or sub-catchment boundaries;
3) highest/lowest astronomical tide;
4) tidal limiting structure (weirs);
5) maritime mapping conventions;
6) coastline;
7) surveyed terrestrial boundaries; and
8) altitude.
The basis of different boundaries is shown in the plan. The boundaries of water types may be confirmed or
revised by site investigations. Refer section 1.3 above.
6
Refer Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (DERM, 2009) and EHMP (2004) Ecosystem Health Monitoring
Program 2003-2004 Annual Technical Report. Moreton Bay Waterways and Catchments Partnership.
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Section 10
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
1.5 Matters for Amendment
Amendments of the following type may be made to this schedule 1 document for the purposes of
replacement under section 12(2)(b) of the EPP (Water):
• Changes to EVs;
• Changes to management goals;
• Changes to WQOs;
• Changes to management intent (level of protection) categories;
• Changes to waterway or water type boundaries/descriptions; and
• Updates to information/data sources, web sites and email contact details, agency/departmental names,
other institutional names, references.
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Section 11
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
2 Environmental values (EVs)
2.1 Environmental Values
Table 1 outlines the environmental values (EVs) for waters in the Mary River catchment. These are based
on work carried out by DERM as part of the EVs/WQOs scheduling process and consultations with
community and stakeholder groups within the Mary Basin, including environmental values established during
the development of the draft Mary Basin Water Resource Plan. The Environmental Conditions Report
Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water, January 2004 that supported the development of the
draft Mary Basin Water Resource Plan further informed the environmental values development
The dictionary to this document provides further explanation of EVs - refer section 5.
2.2 Management Goals to support EVs
There are no management goals specified under this document.
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Section 12
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Table 1 Environmental values (EVs) for Mary River catchment waters
Environmental values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
spiritual values
Aquaculture
Cultural and
ecosystems
Supply/use
Secondary
recreation
recreation
recreation
consumer
Oystering
Industrial
Seagrass
Irrigation
Drinking
Primary
Aquatic
Human
Visual
water
Stock
water
Farm
use
Water
Mary River – lower estuary /
enclosed coastal
Mary River – mid estuary
Mary River – upper estuary
Mary River – lowland freshwater
Mary River – upland freshwater
Susan River – estuarine and
freshwater
Munna Creek – freshwater
Wide Bay Creek – freshwater
Widgee Creek – freshwater
Glastonbury Creek – freshwater
Eel Creek – freshwater
Amamoor Creek – lowland
freshwater
Kandanga Creek –freshwater
Yabba Creek –freshwater
Little Yabba Creek – freshwater
Obi Obi Creek – freshwater
Six Mile Creek –freshwater
Tinana Creek – freshwater and
estuarine water
tidal canals, constructed estuaries,
marinas and boat harbours
8
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spiritual valuesSection 13
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Environmental values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
spiritual values
Aquaculture
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recreation
recreation
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wetlands, lakes and reservoirs
Ground waters
Notes:
1. means the EV is selected for protection.
2. Blank indicates that the EV is not chosen for protection.
3. Seagrass is a component of the aquatic ecosystem EV. Oystering is a component of the human consumer EV.
4. Refer dictionary for further explanation of environmental values.
5. Refer to section 3 for water quality objectives applying to the EVs in this table.
9
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Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
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Notes:
1. ¥ means the EV is selected for protection.
2. Blank indicates that the EV is not chosen for protection.
3. Seagrass is a component of the aquatic ecosystem EV. Oystering is a component of the human consumer EV.
4. Refer dictionary for further explanation of environmental values.
5. Refer to section 3 for water quality objectives applying to the EVs in this table.
9
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Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015Section 14
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
3 Water quality objectives (WQOs) to protect environmental
values
This section provides water quality objectives (WQOs) to support and protect different environmental values
identified for waters within the Mary River catchment in Table 1.
This section is in two main parts:
• Section 3.1 (Table 2) outlines WQOs to protect the aquatic ecosystem EV. The aquatic ecosystem EV is
a default applying to all waters, and therefore the WQOs for aquatic ecosystems form the minimum
WQOs for all waters. Where no human use EVs are identified, the WQOs identified for aquatic
ecosystem protection remain applicable; and
• Section 3.2 (Tables 3 to 12) provides WQOs for EVs other than aquatic ecosystem (‘human use EVs’)
such as recreational water use, irrigating crops, and aquaculture.
Sources used in deriving WQOs are provided after the tables.
Reference to the identified EVs in Table 1 of this document provides guidance on the EVs applying to waters
within the catchment. Where reference to Table 1 indicates more than one EV applies to a given water (for
example aquatic ecosystem and recreational use), the most stringent WQO for each water quality indicator
applies, which will then protect all identified EVs. Refer to the two following examples on selection of most
stringent WQOs. Note that these are examples only and should not be directly adopted for use.
Example 1:
For lowland freshwater streams with aquatic ecosystem and drinking water EVs, the respective turbidity
WQOs are:
• aquatic ecosystem lowland freshwater stream: <50 NTU; and
• drinking water: <25 NTU.
In this case the drinking water WQO (<25 NTU) is the more stringent, and its adoption therefore supports
both the aquatic ecosystem and drinking water EVs.
Example 2:
In the following situation there are stock watering and irrigation EVs, with differing WQOs for thermotolerant
(faecal) coliforms (measured as median number of organisms per 100 mL):
• stock watering: <100 organisms per 100 mL;
• raw human food crops in direct contact with irrigation water: <10 organisms per 100 mL; and
• pasture and fodder for dairy animals: <100 organisms per 100 mL
The most stringent WQO is that for direct irrigation of raw human food crops (<10 organisms per 100 mL)
and its adoption would in turn provide faecal coliform WQOs that protect all the above-identified human use
EVs.
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Section 15
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
3.1 Water quality objectives (WQOs) to protect aquatic ecosystems
This section provides physico-chemical (section 3.1.1) and riparian (section 3.1.2) WQOs to support the
aquatic ecosystem EV. Sources used in deriving locally relevant WQOs are provided after the tables in each
of these sections.
Section 5 of the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009 addresses procedures for the application of
guidelines for aquatic ecosystem protection. For the comparison of test site monitoring data against water
quality objectives, the median concentration of n independent samples at a particular monitoring site should
be compared against the water quality objective of the same indicator, water type and level of aquatic
ecosystems protection; as listed in Tables 2-12 below.
3.1.1 Physico-chemical WQOs
Table 2 below includes the following information:
• water area or water type (column 1) (for boundaries of specified areas, refer to the accompanying plan),
• the corresponding management intent (level of protection) for the identified waters (column 2),
• the corresponding physico-chemical WQOs to achieve the management intent for the identified waters.
The EPP (Water) identifies the management intent (level of protection) for different waters (s 14). In
summary:
• It identifies some waters for which the management intent is to maintain or achieve an effectively
unmodified waterway condition (high ecological value - HEV). These may include waters that are
currently HEV, slightly disturbed, or potentially, more modified waters which can be progressively
improved to achieve HEV condition. Any such waters are identified in Columns 1 and 2 of Table 2 and
are identified and labelled on the accompanying plan in cross-hatching.
• The management intent (level of protection) for most waters is to achieve a moderately disturbed
condition, for which corresponding WQOs have been derived.
• The management intent (level of protection) for highly disturbed waters is that they be progressively
improved. Some highly disturbed waters may require a long time frame to return to a moderately
disturbed condition level. In some circumstances, interim WOQs that reflect a more highly disturbed
condition level (which is an improvement on current condition) may be determined for such waters. Any
such locations and their corresponding management intent (level of protection) are also identified in the
table and accompanying plan.
Some objectives apply to specific areas or water types as indicated in Table 2 and shown on Plan WQ1381,
while others apply to more than one water type, as indicated in the Table.
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Document Set ID: 20002123
Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015
Section 16
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Table 2 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem environmental value (refer to Plan
WQ1381 for location of waters)
1-11
Water area/type Management Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EV
(refer Plan intent (level of
WQ1381) protection)
The following WQOs apply to waters within the Mary River
MARINE AND catchment. For full coverage of Great Sandy Strait refer to
ESTUARINE Great Sandy Strait scheduling document.
WATERS
th th th
Area GSS1 – Aquatic Maintain existing water quality (20 , 50 and 80 percentiles),
lower Mary ecosystem – high habitat, biota, flow and riparian areas. (Refer to Appendix D in
estuary/Great ecological value Queensland Water Quality Guidelines for details.)
Sandy Strait
th th th
The 20 , 50 and 80 percentiles of existing water quality for GSS1
waters are:
turbidity: 1 – 2 – 4 NTU
suspended solids: 4 – 9 – 13 mg/L
chlorophyll a: 0.6 – 0.8 – 1.3 µg/L
total nitrogen: 110 – 115 – 160 µg/L
oxidised N: 2 – 2 – 3 µg/L
ammonia N: 2 – 7 – 10 µg/L
organic N: 100 – 100 – 150 µg/L
total phosphorus: 6 – 10 – 14 µg/L
filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): 2 – 2 – 3 µg/L
dissolved oxygen: 90 – 95 – 105% saturation
pH: 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.4
secchi depth: 1.8 – 2.9 – 4.3 m
Mid estuary Aquatic Note for mid estuary waters
waters ecosystem – For waters shown on the plan as being mid estuary (orange colour)
moderately and occurring within/adjacent to the inter-tidal zones of Great Sandy
disturbed Strait: these waters may have water quality characteristics more in
common with GSS1 water types (lower estuary/enclosed coastal
waters). Under such circumstances, reference should be made to
WQOs for GSS1 lower estuary/enclosed coastal waters shown
above.
turbidity: <8 NTU
suspended solids: <20 mg/L
chlorophyll a: <4 µg/L
total nitrogen: <300 µg/L
oxidised N: <10 µg/L
ammonia N: <10 µg/L
organic N: <280 µg/L
total phosphorus: <25 µg/L
filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <6 µg/L
th th
dissolved oxygen: 85 – 105% saturation (20 —>80 percentile)
pH: 7.0 – 8.4
th
secchi depth: >1.0m (20 percentile)
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Document Set ID: 20002123
Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Table 2 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem environmental value (refer to Plan
WQ1381 for location of waters)
Water area/type Management Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EV ~
(refer Plan intent (level of
WQ1381) protection)
The following WQOs apply to waters within the Mary River
CS TUARINE catchment. For full coverage of Great Sandy Strait refer to
WATERS Great Sandy Strait scheduling document.
Area GSS1 — Aquatic Maintain existing water quality (20°, 50° and 80° percentiles),
lower Mary ecosystem — high | habitat, biota, flow and riparian areas. (Refer to Appendix D in
estuary/Great ecological value | Queensland Water Quality Guidelines for details.)
Sandy Strait
The 20", 50" and 80" percentiles of existing water quality for GSS1
waters are:
= turbidity: 1 -2-—4NTU
= suspended solids: 4 — 9 — 13 mg/L
» chlorophyll a: 0.6 — 0.8 — 1.3 pg/L
= total nitrogen: 110 — 115 — 160 pg/L
=" oxidised N: 2-2-3 ug/L
=" ammonia N: 2— 7-10 ug/L
=" organic N: 100 — 100 — 150 ug/L
= total phosphorus: 6 — 10 — 14 pg/L
« — filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): 2-2-3 ug/L
= dissolved oxygen: 90 — 95 — 105% saturation
» pH: 8.1-8.2-8.4
= secchi depth: 1.8-2.9-4.3m
Mid estuary Aquatic Note for mid estuary waters
waters ecosystem — For waters shown on the plan as being mid estuary (orange colour)
moderately and occurring within/adjacent to the inter-tidal zones of Great Sandy
disturbed Strait: these waters may have water quality characteristics more in
common with GSS1 water types (lower estuary/enclosed coastal
waters). Under such circumstances, reference should be made to
WQOs for GSS1 lower estuary/enclosed coastal waters shown
above.
= turbidity: <8 NTU
= suspended solids: <20 mg/L
= chlorophyll a: <4 pg/L
total
5 1 1 1 39 2 1153 2440 156 39 93 nitrogen:
5 1 1 1 39 3 1326 2441 89 30 92 <300
5 1 1 1 39 4 1431 2440 79 39 62 pg/L
4 1 1 1 40 0 988 2492 452 39 -1
5 1 1 1 40 1 988 2501 12 12 0 »
5 1 1 1 40 2 1061 2492 149 31 80 oxidised
5 1 1 1 40 3 1227 2492 36 30 89 N:
5 1 1 1 40 4 1279 2493 67 30 89 <10
5 1 1 1 40 5 1362 2492 78 39 29 ug/L
4 1 1 1 41 0 988 2544 471 39 -1
5 1 1 1 41 1 988 2553 12 12 0
ammonia N: <10 pg/L
=~ organic N: <280 pg/L
= total phosphorus: <25 pg/L
= filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <6 pg/L
= dissolved oxygen: 85 — 105% saturation (20""—>80" percentile)
=" pH: 7.0 —- 8.4
= secchi depth: >1.0m (20" percentile)
12
Document Set ID: 20002123
Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015Section 17
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
1-11
Water area/type Management Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EV
(refer Plan intent (level of
WQ1381) protection)
Upper estuary Aquatic turbidity: <25 NTU
waters ecosystem – suspended solids: <25 mg/L
moderately chlorophyll a: <8 µg/L
disturbed total nitrogen: <450 µg/L
oxidised N: <15 µg/L
ammonia N: <30 µg/L
organic N: <400 µg/L
total phosphorus: <30 µg/L
filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <10 µg/L
th th
dissolved oxygen: 80 – 105% saturation (20 —>80 percentile)
pH: 7.0 – 8.4
th
secchi depth: >0.5m (20 percentile)
Tidal canals, Aquatic turbidity: <8 NTU
constructed ecosystem – suspended solids: <20 mg/L
estuaries, moderately chlorophyll a: <4 µg/L
marinas and boat disturbed total nitrogen: <300 µg/L
harbours oxidised N: <10 µg/L
ammonia N: <10 µg/L
organic N: <280 µg/L
total phosphorus: <25 µg/L
filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <6 µg/L
dissolved oxygen: 85 – 105% saturation
pH: 7.0 – 8.4
th
secchi depth: >1.0m (20 percentile)
For ALL marine All Toxicants in water and sediment as per AWQG (2000):
and estuarine Toxicants in water: refer to AWQG section 3.4 - ‘water quality
waters within this guidelines for toxicants’ (including Tables 3.4.1, 3.4.2, and
Table Figure 3.4.1)
Toxicants in sediments: refer to AWQG section 3.5 - ‘sediment
quality guidelines’ (including Table 3.5.1, Figure 3.5.1)
Release of sewage from vessels to be controlled in accordance with
requirements of the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act and
Regulations.
Comply with Code of Practice for Antifouling and In-water Hull
Cleaning and Maintenance, ANZECC.
Marine/estuarine Aquatic The minimum WQOs needed to restore seagrass to areas where it
waters with ecosystem - has been lost are:
seagrass moderately median total suspended solids: <10 mg/L;
component disturbed median secchi depth: >1.7 m; and
chosen light attenuation coefficient: >0.9.
However, in areas where seagrass is intact, it is more important to
maintain existing water quality. Therefore the WQOs are:
local total suspended solids, turbidity, secchi and light
attenuation is maintained; and
local seagrass distribution and composition is maintained, as
measured by:
• extent of seagrass;
• species diversity; and
• seagrass depth limit.
13
Document Set ID: 20002123
Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015
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5 1 1 1 87 1 3414 2399 67 38 76 asSection 18
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
1-11
Water area/type Management Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EV
(refer Plan intent (level of
WQ1381) protection)
Marine/estuarine Aquatic Protect or restore riparian areas. Refer section 3.1.2 – riparian area
riparian areas ecosystem – water quality objectives.
moderately
disturbed
FRESHWATERS
th th th
Area MF1 – Mary Aquatic Maintain existing water quality (20 , 50 and 80 percentiles),
River catchment ecosystem - high habitat, biota, flow and riparian areas.
freshwaters ecological value
(several locations) Note: there is insufficient information available to establish current
water quality for these waters. Refer to Appendix D in Queensland
Water Quality Guidelines for details on how to establish a minimum
th th th
water quality data set for deriving local 20 , 50 and 80
percentiles.
Lowland Aquatic turbidity: <50 NTU
freshwater ecosystem – suspended solids: <6 mg/L
moderately chlorophyll a: <5 µg/L
disturbed total nitrogen: <500 µg/L
oxidised N: <60 µg/L
ammonia N: <20 µg/L
organic N: <420 µg/L
total phosphorus: <50 µg/L
filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <20 µg/L
dissolved oxygen: 85% – 110% saturation
pH: 6.5 – 8.0
secchi depth: n/a
Lowland Aquatic As above but with modification for pH as follows:
freshwater - ecosystem –
wallum/tannin- moderately pH: 6.0 – 8.0
stained disturbed
Upland freshwater Aquatic turbidity: <25 NTU
ecosystem – suspended solids: <6 mg/L
moderately chlorophyll a: <2 µg/L
disturbed total nitrogen: <250 µg/L
oxidised N: <40 µg/L
ammonia N: <10 µg/L
organic N: <200 µg/L
total phosphorus: <30 µg/L
filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <15 µg/L
dissolved oxygen: 90 – 110% saturation
pH: 6.5 – 8.2
secchi depth: n/a
14
Document Set ID: 20002123
Version: 1, Version Date: 21/12/2015
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Co ae
Water area/type Management Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EV ~
(refer Plan intent (level of
Marine/estuarine | Aquatic Protect or restore riparian areas. Refer section 3.1.2 — riparian area
riparian areas ecosystem — water quality objectives.
moderately
disturbed
ome |
Area MF1 — Mary | Aquatic Maintain existing water quality (20°, 50° and 80° percentiles),
River catchment ecosystem - high | habitat, biota, flow and riparian areas.
freshwaters ecological value
(several locations) Note: there is insufficient information available to establish current
water quality for these waters. Refer to Appendix D in Queensland
Water Quality Guidelines for details on how to establish a minimum
water quality data set for deriving local 20", 50" and 80"
percentiles.
Lowland Aquatic = turbidity: <50 NTU
freshwater ecosystem — = suspended solids: <6 mg/L
moderately = chlorophyll a: <5 pg/L
disturbed = — total nitrogen: <500 pg/L
» oxidised N: <60 pg/L
= ammonia N: <20 ug/L
= organic N: <420 pg/L
= total phosphorus: <50 pg/L
« filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <20 pg/L
= dissolved oxygen: 85% — 110% saturation
=» pH: 6.5-8.0
= secchi depth: n/a
Lowland Aquatic As above but with modification for pH as follows:
freshwater - ecosystem —
stained disturbed
Upland freshwater | Aquatic = turbidity: <25 NTU
ecosystem — = suspended solids: <6 mg/L
moderately = chlorophyll a: <2 ug/L
disturbed = — total nitrogen: <250 ug/L
» oxidised N: <40 pg/L
5 1 1 1 38 2 1061 2628 169 31 0 ammonia
5 1 1 1 38 3 1246 2628 36 30 90 N:
5 1 1 1 38 4 1298 2629 67 30 91 <10
5 1 1 1 38 5 1381 2628 78 39 75 pg/L
4 1 1 1 39 0 988 2680 459 39 -1
5 1 1 1 39 1 988 2689 12 12 61 =
5 1 1 1 39 2 1020 2676 24 48 44 —
5 1 1 1 39 3 1061 2680 134 39 93 organic
5 1 1 1 39 4 1211 2680 36 30 90 N:
5 1 1 1 39 5 1263 2681 90 30 90 <200
5 1 1 1 39 6 1369 2680 78 39 75 pg/L
4 1 1 1 40 0 988 2732 566 39 -1
5 1 1 1 40 1 988 2741 12 12 45 =
5 1 1 1 40 2 1060 2732 76 31 92 total
5 1 1 1 40 3 1152 2732 225 39 93 phosphorus:
5 1 1 1 40 4 1393 2733 66 30 92 <30
5 1 1 1 40 5 1475 2732 79 39 69 pg/L
4 1 1 1 41 0 988 2784 925 39 -1
5 1 1 1 41 1 988 2793 12 12 15 =
5 1 1 1 41 2 1060 2784 155 31 15 filterable
5 1 1 1 41 3 1231 2784 142 31 96 reactive
5 1 1 1 41 4 1388 2784 214 39 93 phosphorus
5 1 1 1 41 5 1619 2784 117 39 90 (FRP):
5 1 1 1 41 6 1752 2785 67 30 90 <15
5 1 1 1 41 7 1834 2784 79 39 39 ug/L
4 1 1 1 42 0 988 2835 805 39 -1
5 1 1 1 42 1 988 2844 12 12 70 =
5 1 1 1 42 2 1061 2835 169 31 77 dissolved
5 1 1 1 42 3 1246 2843 142 31 96 oxygen:
5 1 1 1 42 4 1404 2836 42 30 91 90
5 1 1 1 42 5 1460 2852 24 3 89 —
5 1 1 1 42 6 1499 2836 101 30 96 110%
5 1 1 1 42 7 1615 2835 178 31 96 saturation
4 1 1 1 43 0 988 2887 308 39 -1
5 1 1 1 43 1 988 2896 12 12 52 =»
5 1 1 1 43 2 1062 2887 60 39 42 pH:
5 1 1 1 43 3 1138 2888 54 30 42 6.5
5 1 1 1 43 4 1205 2904 24 3 39 —-
5 1 1 1 43 5 1242 2888 54 30 96 8.2
4 1 1 1 44 0 988 2939 385 39 -1
5 1 1 1 44 1 988 2948 12 12 57 =
5 1 1 1 44 2 1061 2939 114 31 85 secchi
5 1 1 1 44 3 1190 2939 112 39 96 depth:
5 1 1 1 44 4 1320 2939 53 31 96 n/a
4 1 1 1 45 0 1221 3322 40 29 -1
5 1 1 1 45 1 1221 3322 40 29 96 14
4 1 1 1 46 0 44 3413 416 26 -1
5 1 1 1 46 1 44 3414 149 25 96 Document
5 1 1 1 46 2 204 3413 48 26 96 Set
5 1 1 1 46 3 265 3414 37 24 96 ID:
5 1 1 1 46 4 315 3414 145 25 95 20002123
4 1 1 1 47 0 43 3456 544 29 -1
5 1 1 1 47 1 43 3456 119 25 96 Version:
5 1 1 1 47 2 176 3456 22 29 95 1,
5 1 1 1 47 3 212 3456 109 25 96 Version
5 1 1 1 47 4 335 3456 75 25 96 Date:
5 1 1 1 47 5 422 3456 165 25 96 21/12/2015Section 19
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
1-11
Water area/type Management Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EV
(refer Plan intent (level of
WQ1381) protection)
Freshwater Aquatic turbidity range: 1 – 20 NTU
lakes/reservoirs ecosystem – suspended solids: n/d
moderately median chlorophyll a: <5 µg/L
disturbed median total nitrogen: <350 µg/L
oxidised N: <10 µg/L
ammonia N: <10 µg/L
organic N: <330 µg/L
total phosphorus: <10 µg/L
filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP): <5 µg/L
dissolved oxygen: 90 – 110% saturation
pH: 6.5 – 8.0
secchi depth: n/d
For ALL All Toxicants in water and sediment as per AWQG (2000):
freshwaters within Toxicants in water: refer to AWQG section 3.4 - ‘water quality
this Table guidelines for toxicants’ (including Tables 3.4.1, 3.4.2, and
Figure 3.4.1)
Toxicants in sediments: refer to AWQG section 3.5 - ‘sediment
quality guidelines’ (including Table 3.5.1, Figure 3.5.1)
Comply with Code of Practice for Antifouling and In-water Hull
Cleaning and Maintenance, ANZECC.
Freshwater Aquatic Protect or restore riparian areas. Refer section 3.1.2– riparian area
riparian areas ecosystem – water quality objectives.
moderately
disturbed
Ground waters Aquatic Where ground waters interact with surface waters, groundwater
ecosystem – high quality should not compromise identified EVs and WQOs for those
ecological value waters.
Note: the AWQG [2000] recommends that that the highest level of
protection should be provided to underground aquatic ecosystems,
given their high conservation value. Where ground waters are in
th
good condition the intent is to maintain existing water quality (20 ,
th th
50 and 80 percentiles). There is insufficient information available
to establish current water quality for ground waters. Refer to
Appendix D in Queensland water quality guidelines for details on
how to establish a minimum water quality data set for deriving local
th th th
20 , 50 and 80 percentiles.
Wetlands Aquatic Objectives as per AWQG (2000) and section 3.1.2.
ecosystem –
moderately
disturbed
Notes:
1. Oxidised N = NO2 + NO3. Units for nitrogen indicators are micrograms per litre (µg/L) N.
2. Units for phosphorus indicators are micrograms per litre (µg/L) P.
3. n/d = no data, n/a = not applicable for this indicator and water type.
4. DO objectives apply to daytime conditions. Lower values may occur at night but these should not be more than
10%–15% less than daytime values. DO values as low as 40% may occur in estuaries for short periods following
material inflow events after rainfall. DO values <50% are likely to significantly impact on the ongoing ability of fish to
persist in a waterbody. DO values <30% saturation are toxic to some fish species. These DO values should be
15
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Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Water area/type Management Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EV ~
(refer Plan intent (level of
WQ1381) protection)
Freshwater Aquatic = turbidity range: 1 — 20 NTU
lakes/reservoirs ecosystem — = — suspended solids: n/d
moderately * median chlorophyll a: <5 pg/L
disturbed = median total nitrogen: <350 ug/L
» oxidised N: <10 ug/L
5 1 1 1 10 2 1061 762 169 31 14 ammonia
5 1 1 1 10 3 1246 762 36 30 88 N:
5 1 1 1 10 4 1298 763 66 30 92 <10
5 1 1 1 10 5 1380 762 79 39 55 pg/L
4 1 1 1 11 0 988 814 459 39 -1
5 1 1 1 11 1 988 823 12 12 56 =
5 1 1 1 11 2 1020 810 24 48 37 —
5 1 1 1 11 3 1061 814 134 39 91 organic
5 1 1 1 11 4 1211 814 36 30 91 N:
5 1 1 1 11 5 1263 815 90 30 91 <330
5 1 1 1 11 6 1369 814 78 39 81 pg/L
4 1 1 1 12 0 988 865 566 39 -1
5 1 1 1 12 1 988 874 12 12 45 =
5 1 1 1 12 2 1060 865 76 31 90 total
5 1 1 1 12 3 1152 865 225 39 93 phosphorus:
5 1 1 1 12 4 1393 866 66 30 93 <10
5 1 1 1 12 5 1475 865 79 39 65 pg/L
4 1 1 1 13 0 988 917 902 39 -1
5 1 1 1 13 1 988 926 12 12 36 =
5 1 1 1 13 2 1015 913 24 47 2 —
5 1 1 1 13 3 1060 917 155 31 89 filterable
5 1 1 1 13 4 1231 917 142 31 96 reactive
5 1 1 1 13 5 1388 917 214 39 93 phosphorus
5 1 1 1 13 6 1619 917 117 39 92 (FRP):
5 1 1 1 13 7 1752 918 44 30 96 <5
5 1 1 1 13 8 1811 917 79 39 36 ug/L
4 1 1 1 14 0 988 969 805 39 -1
5 1 1 1 14 1 988 969 242 31 44 dissolved
oxygen: 90 — 110% saturation
=» pH: 6.5-8.0
= secchi depth: n/d
For ALL All Toxicants in water and sediment as per AWQG (2000):
freshwaters within « Toxicants in water: refer to AWQG section 3.4 - ‘water quality
this Table guidelines for toxicants’ (including Tables 3.4.1, 3.4.2, and
Figure 3.4.1)
«" Toxicants in sediments: refer to AWQG section 3.5 - ‘sediment
quality guidelines’ (including Table 3.5.1, Figure 3.5.1)
Comply with Code of Practice for Antifouling and In-water Hull
Cleaning and Maintenance, ANZECC.
Freshwater Aquatic Protect or restore riparian areas. Refer section 3.1.2— riparian area
riparian areas ecosystem — water quality objectives.
moderately
disturbed
Ground waters Aquatic Where ground waters interact with surface waters, groundwater
ecosystem — high | quality should not compromise identified EVs and WQOs for those
ecological value | waters.
Note: the AWQG [2000] recommends that that the highest level of
protection should be provided to underground aquatic ecosystems,
given their high conservation value. Where ground waters are in
good condition the intent is to maintain existing water quality (20",
50" and 80" percentiles). There is insufficient information available
to establish current water quality for ground waters. Refer to
Appendix D in Queensland water quality quidelines for details on
how to establish a minimum water quality data set for deriving local
20", 50" and 80" percentiles.
gee
Wetlands Aquatic Objectives as per AWQG (2000) and section 3.1.2.
ecosystem —
moderately
Notes:
1. Oxidised N = NOz + NOs. Units for nitrogen indicators are micrograms per litre (ug/L) N.
2. Units for phosphorus indicators are micrograms per litre (ug/L) P.
3. n/d =no data, n/a = not applicable for this indicator and water type.
4. DO objectives apply to daytime conditions. Lower values may occur at night but these should not be more than
10%-15% less than daytime values. DO values as low as 40% may occur in estuaries for short periods following
material inflow events after rainfall. DO values <50% are likely to significantly impact on the ongoing ability of fish to
persist in a waterbody. DO values <30% saturation are toxic to some fish species. These DO values should be
15
Document Set ID: 20002123
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Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
applied as absolute lower limit objectives for DO. – see also section 4.2 of the QWQG. Very high DO
(supersaturation) values can be toxic to some fish as they cause gas bubble disease.
5. DO values for freshwaters should only be applied to flowing waters. Stagnant pools in intermittent streams
naturally experience values of DO below 50% saturation.
6. Wallum/tannin-stained waters contain naturally high levels of humic acids (and have a characteristic brown ti-tree
stain). In these types of waters, natural pH values may range from 3.6 to 6.
7. During flood events or nil flow periods, pH values should not fall below 5.5 (except in wallum/tannin waters) or
exceed 9.
8. Nutrient objectives do not apply during high flow events. See QWQG Section 5 and Appendix D for more
information on applying guidelines under high flow conditions.
9. During periods of low flow and particularly in smaller creeks, build up of organic matter derived from natural sources
(e.g. leaf litter) can result in increased organic N levels (generally in the range of 400 to 800µg/L). This may lead to
total N values exceeding the WQOs. Provided that levels of inorganic N (i.e. NH3 + oxidised N) remain low, then
the elevated levels of organic N should not be seen as a breach of the WQOs, provided this is due to natural
causes.
10. Conductivity. Under natural conditions, conductivity is highly dependent on local geology and soil types. The
Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009 (Appendix G) provides information on conductivity values in a set of 18
defined salinity zones throughout Queensland. For each zone, the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009
provide a range of percentile values based on data from all the sites within that zone. This provides a useful first
estimate of background conductivity within a zone. However, even within zones there is a degree of variation
between streams and therefore the values for the zone would still need to be ground truthed against local values.
11. Temperature varies both daily and seasonally, it is depth dependent and is also highly site specific. It is therefore
not possible to provide simple generic water quality objectives (WQOs) for this indicator. The recommended
approach is that local WQOs be developed. Thus, WQOs for potentially impacted streams should be based on
measurements from nearby stream that have similar morphology and which are thought not to be impacted by
anthropogenic thermal influences.
From an ecological effects perspective, the most important aspects of temperature are the daily maximum
temperature and the daily variation in temperature. Therefore measurements of temperature should be designed to
collect information on these indicators of temperature and, similarly, local WQOs should be expressed in terms of
these indicators. Clearly, there will be an annual cycle in the values of these indicators and therefore a full
seasonal cycle of measurements is required to develop guideline values.
Sources:
The water quality objectives were determined from a combination of documents (and supporting data), including:
• Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (2009);
• Australian Water Quality Guidelines (2000);
• Code of Practice for Antifouling and In-water Hull Cleaning and Maintenance, Australian and New Zealand
Environment and Conservation Council (1997); and
• Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 and Regulations 2008, Queensland Transport.
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Section 21
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
3.1.2 Riparian WQOs
For vegetation management relating to waterways, reference should be made to the relevant regional
vegetation management codes under the Vegetation Management Act. These codes include performance
requirements relating to watercourses and wetlands, aimed at maintaining water quality, bank stability,
aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Codes include vegetation clearing controls that vary according to stream
order.
To review the latest applicable VM code (and other explanatory information) for waters for this area, refer to
the vegetation management page on the DERM website.
Planning schemes under the Sustainable Planning Act may also specify riparian buffers (for example under
catchment protection or waterway codes). The latest planning schemes are accessible from
http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/local-area-planning/local-government-planning-schemes.html.
3.1.3 Stormwater design objectives
Stormwater design objectives for urban development are contained in “Urban Stormwater Quality Planning
Guidelines 2010” DERM (2010, as amended). Design objectives are specified for both the construction and
operational phases of development in accordance with landscape features and the regional location of
proposed development. The latest guidelines are available from the DERM website:
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/water/index.html.
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Section 22
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
3.2 Water quality objectives (WQOs) for human use EVs
This section outlines WQOs to protect human use EVs, which comprise those EVs other than the aquatic
ecosystem EV (eg recreation, stock watering, aquaculture and crop irrigation). Table 1 of this document
outlines the EVs that have been identified for different waters in the catchment. Where a human use EV has
been identified, the following tables can be used to identify the WQOs to support that EV. Where Table 1
indicates more than one EV applies to a given water (for example aquatic ecosystem and recreational use),
the adoption of the most stringent WQO for each water quality indicator will then protect all identified EVs.
WQOs in this section are, unless otherwise specified, based on relevant national water quality guidelines
7
including AWQG (2000) and the Australian drinking water guidelines (2004) . Table 3 outlines human use
EVs, applicable water types, and a selection of more commonly used WQOs to support those EVs. Tables 4
to 12 provide further WQOs to protect particular human use EVs (based on national guidelines or other
more local studies). Where national guidelines or other codes remain the primary source for WQOs,
reference to those national guidelines or codes is necessary to obtain comprehensive listings of all indicators
and corresponding WQOs.
Table 3 Water quality objectives to protect human use environmental values
Environmental Water type/ Water quality objectives to protect EV
value area (refer to specified codes and guidelines for full details)
(refer Table 1
and Plan
WQ1381)
Protection of the coastal and Objectives as per AWQG (2000) and Australia New Zealand Food
8
human estuarine waters Standards Code , Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2007 and
consumer for updates.
oystering
Protection of the coastal, Objectives as per AWQG (2000) and Australia New Zealand Food
human estuarine and Standards Code, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2007 and
consumer freshwaters updates.
7
For further details on the AWQG click on:
http://www.mincos.gov.au/publications/australian_and_new_zealand_guidelines_for_fresh_and_marine_water_quality
For further details on the Australian drinking water guidelines click on:
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/eh19syn.htm
8
For further details on the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code click on:
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodstandards/foodstandardscode/
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Section 23
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Environmental Water type/ Water quality objectives to protect EV
value area (refer to specified codes and guidelines for full details)
(refer Table 1
and Plan
WQ1381)
9
Suitability for coastal, Objectives as per NHMRC (2008) , including:
primary contact estuarine and • Water free of physical (floating and submerged) hazards
recreation freshwaters • Temperature: 16–34°C
• pH: 6.5 – 8.5
• DO: >80%
• Faecal contamination: designated recreational waters are protected
against direct contamination with fresh faecal material, particularly of
human or domesticated animal origin. Two principal components are
required for assessing faecal contamination:
• assessment of evidence for the likely influence of faecal
material; and
• counts of suitable faecal indicator bacteria (usually
enterococci).
These two components are combined to produce an overall microbial
classification of the recreational water body.
th
• Intestinal enterococci: 95 %ile ≤40 organisms per 100mL (for
healthy adults) (NHMRC, 2008; Table 5.7)
• Direct contact with venomous or dangerous aquatic organisms
should be avoided. Recreational water bodies should be reasonably
free of, or protected from, venomous organisms (eg box jellyfish and
bluebottles).
• Cyanobacteria/algae - coastal/estuarine: recreational water bodies
should not contain ≥ 10 cells/mL Karenia brevis and/or have Lyngbya
majuscula and/or Pfiesteria present in high numbers.
• Cyanobacteria/algae – fresh water: recreational water bodies should
not contain ≥10 µg/L total microcystins; ≥50 000 cells/mL toxic
3
Microcystis aeruginosa; or biovolume equivalent of ≥4 mm /L for the
combined total of all cyanobacteria where a known toxin producer is
3
dominant in the total biovolume; OR ≥10 mm /L for total biovolume of
all cyanobacterial material where known toxins are not present; OR•
cyanobacterial scums consistently present. Further details contained
in Table 4.
Waters contaminated with chemicals that are either toxic or irritating to
the skin or mucous membranes are unsuitable for recreational purposes.
Suitability for coastal, Objectives as per NHMRC (2008), including:
th
secondary estuarine and • Intestinal enterococci: 95 %ile ≤40 organisms per 100mL (for
contact freshwaters healthy adults) (NHMRC, 2008; Table 5.7)
recreation
Suitability for coastal, Objectives as per NHMRC (2008), including:
visual recreation estuarine and Recreational water bodies should be aesthetically acceptable to
freshwaters recreational users. The water should be free from visible materials that
may settle to form objectionable deposits; floating debris, oil, scum and
other matter; substances producing objectionable colour, odour, taste or
turbidity; and substances and conditions that produce undesirable
aquatic life.
Protection of coastal, estuarine Protect or restore indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage consistent
cultural and and freshwaters, with relevant policies and plans.
spiritual values ground waters
9
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has updated the recreational water quality guidelines
established in the AWQG (2000). These are available from the NHMRC website at:
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/eh38.pdf
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Section 24
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Environmental Water type/ Water quality objectives to protect EV
value area (refer to specified codes and guidelines for full details)
(refer Table 1
and Plan
WQ1381)
Suitability for coastal, No WQOs are provided in this scheduling document for industrial uses.
industrial use estuarine and Water quality requirements for industry vary within and between
freshwaters industries. The AWQG (2000) do not provide guidelines to protect
industries, and indicate that industrial water quality requirements need to
be considered on a case-by-case basis. This EV is usually protected by
other values, such as the aquatic ecosystem EV.
Suitability for coastal, Objectives as per:
aquaculture estuarine and • Tables 5-7; and
freshwaters • AWQG (2000) and Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code ,
Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2007 and updates.
Suitability for All freshwaters ANZECC objectives for pathogens and metals are provided in Tables 8
irrigation including ground and 9. For other indicators, such as salinity, sodicity and herbicides, see
waters AWQG (2000).
Suitability for All freshwaters Objectives as per AWQG (2000), including median faecal coliforms <100
stock watering including ground organisms per 100 mL.
waters
WQOs for total dissolved solids and metals are provided in Tables 10 and
11, based on AWQG (2000).
For other objectives, such as cyanobacteria and pathogens, see AWQG
(2000).
Suitability for All freshwaters Objectives as per AWQG (2000).
farm supply/use including ground
waters
Suitability for All freshwaters Local WQOs for drinking water supply are provided in Table 12.
drinking water including ground
supply waters Also refer to AWQG (2000) and Australian drinking water guidelines
(ADWG) that discuss how to manage the catchment to minimise the risks
to drinking water supply. ADWG also provides health guideline values for
potable water at the tap.
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Section 25
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Table 4 Primary contact recreation EV: Water quality objectives for management of cyanobacteria in
contact recreation areas
When cyanobacteria are present in large numbers they can present a significant hazard, particularly to
primary contact users of waters.
Green level surveillance mode Amber level alert mode Red level action mode
-1 -1
≥ 500 to <500 cells mL ≥ 5000 to <50 000 cells mL Level 1 guideline:
-1
Microsystis aeruginosa Microsystis aeruginosa ≥ 10 µg L total microsystins
3 -1 -1
or Or ≥ 0.4 to <4 mm L for the Or ≥ 50 000 cells mL toxic
combined total of all Microsystis aeruginosa
biovolume equivalent of >0.04 to cyanobacteria where a known
3 -1
<0.4mm L for the combined total toxin producer is dominant in the Or biovolume equivalent of ≥ 4
3 -1
of all cyanobacteria. total biovolume mm L for the combined total of
all cyanobacteria where a known
1
Or toxin producer is dominant in the
total biovolume
3 -1
≥ 0.5 to <10 mm mm L for the
2
combined total of all Or
cyanobacteria where known toxin
producers are not present. Level 2 guideline:
3 -1
≥ 10 mm L for total biovolume of
all cyanobacterial material where
known toxins are not present
Or
Cyanobacteria scums are
3
consistently present .
Source: NHMRC Guideline for Managing Risks in Recreational Water – Cyanobacteria and algae in freshwater
(NHMRC, 2008).
Notes:
1. The definition of “dominant” is where the known toxin producer comprises 75% or more of the total biovolume of
cyanobacteria in a representative sample
2. This applies where high cell densities or scums of “non toxic” cyanobacteria are present i.e. where the
cyanobacterial population has been tested and shown not to contain known toxins (mycrocystins, nodularian,
cylindrospermopsin or saxitoxin).
3. This refers to the situation where scums occur at the recreation site each day when conditions are calm,
particularly in the morning. Note that it is not likely that scums are always present and visible when there is a high
population as the cells may mix down with wind and turbulence and then reform later when conditions become
stable.
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Section 26
Mary River environmental values and water quality objectives
Table 5 Aquaculture EV: Water quality objectives for tropical aquaculture
Recommended range Recommended range
Freshwater Marine General aquatic
Water parameter Water parameter
Dissolved oxygen >4mg/L >4mg/L Arsenic <0.05mg/L
0
Temperature C 21–32 24–33 Cadmium <0.003mg/L
pH 6.8–9.5 7–9.0 Calcium/Magnesium 10–160mg/L
Ammonia (TAN, total
ammonia-nitrogen) <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L Chromium <0.1mg/L
Ammonia (NH3, un-ionised <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L Copper <0.006mg/L in soft water
form)
Nitrate (NO3) 1–100mg/L 1–100 Cyanide <0.005mg/L
mg/L
Nitrite (NO2) <0.1mg/L <1.0mg/L Iron <0.5mg/L
Salinity 0–5ppt 15–35 ppt Lead <0.03mg/L
Hardness 20–450mg/L Manganese <0.01mg/L
Alkalinity 20–400 >100mg/L Mercury <0.00005mg/L
mg/L
Turbidity <80 NTU Nickel <0.01mg/L in soft water
<0.04mg/L in hard water
Chlorine <0.003mg/L Tin <0.001mg/L
Hydrogen sulphide <0.002mg/L Zinc 0.03–0.06 mg/L in soft water
1–2 mg/L in hard water
Source: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries - Water Quality in Aquaculture—DPI Notes April 2004.
Table 6 Aquaculture EV: Water quality objectives for optimal growth of particular species in
freshwater
Water parameter Barramundi Eel Silver perch Jade perch Sleepy cod Redclaw
Dissolved oxygen 4–9mg/L >3mg/L >4mg/L >3mg/L >4.0mg/L >4.0mg/L
0
Temperature C 26–32 23–28 23–28 23–28 22–31 23–31
pH 7.5–8.5 7.0–8.5 6.5–9 6.5–9 7.0–8.5 7.0–8.5
Ammonia (TAN,
Total ammonia- <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L
nitrogen)
Ammonia (NH3, un-
ionised form)*pH <0.46mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L
dependent.
Nitrate (NO3) <100mg/L
Nitrite (NO2) <1.5mg/L <1.0mg/L <0.1mg/L <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L
Salinity (extended
0–35ppt <5ppt <5ppt <4ppt
periods)
5–10ppt for 1 max. 20ppt
Salinity bath 0–35ppt
hour for 1 hour
Hardness (CaCO3) >50 mg/L >50 mg/L >40mg/L >40mg/L
Alkalinity >20mg/L 100–400 ppm 100–400 ppm >40mg/L >40mg/L
Chlorine <0.04mg/L <0.04mg/L
Hydrogen sulphide 0–0.3mg/L 0–0.3mg/L
Iron <0.1mg/L <0.5mg/L <0.5mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L
Spawning >24 for more
Marine 23–28 23–28
temperature than 3 days
Source: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries - Water Quality in Aquaculture—DPI Notes April 2004.
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Table 7 Aquaculture EV: Water quality objectives for optimal growth of particular marine species
Kuruma
Water parameter Barramundi Tiger prawn prawn
Hatchery Grow out Hatchery Grow out Grow out
Dissolved oxygen Saturation >4.0mg/L >4.0mg/L >3.5mg/L >4.0mg/L
28–30
0 28–30
Temperature C optimum 25– 26–32 24
optimum
31 range
pH ~8 ~8 ~8 7.5–8.5 7.5–8.5
Ammonia (TAN,
total ammonia- 0.1–0.5 mg/L
nitrogen)
Ammonia (NH3, un-
<0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L <0.1mg/L
ionized form)
Nitrate (NO3) <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L <1.0mg/L
Nitrite (NO2) <0.2mg/L <20mg/L <0.2mg/L <0.2mg/L <0.2mg/L
10–25ppt 30–35 ppt
Salinity 28–31ppt 0–35ppt
optimum optimum
105–125mg/L
Alkalinity
CaCO3
30–40cm 30–40cm
Clarity
Secchi disk Secchi disk
Hydrogen sulphide <0.3mg/L
Iron <0.02mg/L <1.0mg/L
Spawning 28–32 *strain
dependent 27–32
temperature
Source: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries - Water Quality in Aquaculture—DPI Notes April 2004.
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Table 8 Irrigation EV: Water quality objectives for thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms in irrigation
waters used for food and non-food crops
Intended use Median values of thermotolerant
coliforms (colony forming units -
2
cfu)
Raw human food crops in direct contact with irrigation water (e.g. <10 cfu / 100 mL
via sprays, irrigation of salad vegetables)
Raw human food crops not in direct contact with irrigation water <1000 cfu / 100 mL
(edible product separated from contact with water, e.g. by peel,
use of trickle irrigation); or crops sold to consumers cooked or
processed
Pasture and fodder for dairy animals (without withholding period) <100 cfu / 100 mL
Pasture and fodder for dairy animals (with withholding period of 5 <1000 cfu / 100 mL
days)
Pasture and fodder (for grazing animals except pigs and dairy <1000 cfu / 100 mL
animals, i.e. cattle, sheep and goats)
Silviculture, turf, cotton, etc. (restricted public access) <10 000 cfu / 100 mL
Source: AWQG (2000), Volume 1, Section 4.2.3.3, Table 4.2.2.
Notes:
1. Adapted from ARMCANZ, ANZECC and NHMRC (1999)
2. Refer to AWQG (2000) Volume 1, Section 4.2.3.3 for advice on testing protocols
.
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Table 9 Irrigation EV: Water quality objectives for heavy metals and metalloids in agricultural
1
irrigation water – long-term trigger value (LTV), short-term trigger value (STV) and soil cumulative
contamination loading limit (CCL)
Element Soil cumulative Long-term trigger value (LTV) in Short-term trigger value
contaminant loading limit irrigation water (up to 100 yrs) (STV) in irrigation water
2
(CCL - kg/ha) (mg/L) (up to 20 yrs) (mg/L)
Aluminium ND 5 20
Arsenic 20 0.1 2.0
Beryllium ND 0.1 0.5
Boron ND 0.5 Refer to AWQG (2000)
Vol 3,Table 9.2.18
Cadmium 2 0.01 0.05
Chromium ND 0.1 1
Cobalt ND 0.05 0.1
Copper 140 0.2 5
Fluoride ND 1 2
Iron ND 0.2 10
Lead 260 2 5
Lithium ND 2.5 2.5
(0.075 for Citrus crops) (0.075 for Citrus crops)
Manganese ND 0.2 10
Mercury 2 0.002 0.002
Molybdenum ND 0.01 0.05
Nickel 85 0.2 2
Selenium 10 0.02 0.05
Uranium ND 0.01 0.1
Vanadium ND 0.1 0.5
Zinc 300 2 5
Source: AWQG (2000), Volume 1, Section 4.2.6, Table 4.2.10
Notes:
1. Concentrations in irrigation water should be less than the trigger values. Trigger values should only be used in
conjunction with information on each individual element and the potential for off-site transport of contaminants (refer
AWQG [2000], Volume 3, Section 9.2.5)
2. ND = Not determined; insufficient background data to calculate CCL
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Table 10 Stock watering EV: Water quality objectives for tolerances of livestock to total dissolved
1
solids (salinity) in drinking water
Livestock Total dissolved solids (TDS) (mg/L)
No adverse Animals may have initial reluctance to Loss of production and
effects on animals drink or there may be some scouring, decline in animal condition
expected. but stock should adapt without loss of and health would be
production expected. Stock may
tolerate these levels for
short periods if introduced
gradually
Beef cattle 0–4000 4000–5000 5000–10,000
Dairy cattle 0–2500 2500–4000 4000–7000
2
Sheep 0–5000 5000–10,000 10,000–13,000
Horses 0–4000 4000–6000 6000–7000
Pigs 0–4000 4000–6000 6000–8000
Poultry 0–2000 2000–3000 3000–4000
Source: AWQG (2000), Volume 1, Section 4.3.3.5, Table 4.3.1
Notes:
1. From ANZECC (1992), adapted to incorporate more recent information
2. Sheep on lush green feed may tolerate up to 13,000 mg/L TDS without loss of condition or production
Table 11 Stock watering EV: Water quality objectives (low risk trigger values) for heavy metals and
metalloids in livestock drinking water
1, 2
Metal or metalloid Trigger value (low risk)
(mg/L)
Aluminium 5
3
Arsenic 0.5 (up to 5 )
Beryllium ND
Boron 5
Cadmium 0.01
Chromium 1
Cobalt 1
Copper 0.4 (sheep), 1 (cattle), 5 (pigs), 5 (poultry)
Fluoride 2
Iron not sufficiently toxic
Lead 0.1
Manganese not sufficiently toxic
Mercury 0.002
Molybdenum 0.15
Nickel 1
Selenium 0.02
Uranium 0.2
Vanadium ND
Zinc 20
Source: AWQG (2000), Volume 1, Section 4.3.4, Table 4.3.2
Notes:
1. Higher concentrations may be tolerated in some situations (further details provided in AWQG [2000] Volume 3, Section 9.3.5)
2. ND = not determined, insufficient background data to calculate
3. May be tolerated if not provided as a food additive and natural levels in the diet are low.
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Table 12 Drinking water EV: Priority water quality objectives for drinking water supply in the vicinity
of off-takes, including groundwater, before treatment
Indicator Hazard and critical control point (HACCP) rating
(refer notes 1, 2 for explanation of HACCP levels)
1
Suspended solids • Level 1: 25 mg/L
2
• Level 2: 100 mg/L
Blue-green algae • 2,000 cells/mL
(cyanobacteria)
1
Algal biomass • Level 1: > 30,000 cells/mL Cylindrospermopsin or Microcystin
2
• No Level 2
1
Algal toxin • Level 1: 0.1 µg/L Microcystin or 0.2 µg/L Cylindrospermopsin
2
• Level 2: 4 µg/L Microcystin or 1 µg/L Cylindrospermopsin
Taste and odour • Level 1: 5 µg/L Geosmin or 10 µg/L MIB or 10 µg/L combined Geosmin
1
& MIB
2
• Level 2: > 30 µg/L of both Geosmin & MIB combined
1
Cryptosporidium • Level 1: > 0 cyst
2
• Level 2: 10 cysts per 10 L
1
Giardia • Level 1: > 0 cyst
2
• Level 2: 10 cysts per 10 L
1
E coli • Level 1: > 60 cfu/100mL
2
• No Level 2
1
Total coliforms • Level 1: > 800 cfu/100mL
2
• No Level 2
1
Manganese (soluble) • Level 1: 50 µg/L
2
• Level 2: 200 µg/L
1
Iron (soluble) • Level 1: 50 µg/L
2
• Level 2: 200 µg/L
1
Turbidity • Level 1: 25 NTU
2
• Level 2: 100 NTU
1
Colour • Level 1: 50 Hazen Units
2
• No Level 2
1
Conductivity • Level 1: > 50% change from long term median
2
• Level 2 same as Level 1 (no treatment options to remove salt)
1
Dissolved oxygen • Level 1: < 4 mg/L at surface
2
• No Level 2
Pesticides • Level 1: Above detection limits specified by Qld Health Scientific
1
Services
2
• Level 2: Notification of spills or illegal dumping
1
Hydrocarbons • No Level 1
2
• Level 2: Notification of spills or illegal dumping
Source: Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives for Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine Dam, SEQ Water,
2005.
Notes:
1. “Level 1” means Level 1 Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP) response rating, namely – Treatment plant
process change required to ensure water quality and quantity to customers is not compromised.
2. “Level 2” means Level 2 Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP) response rating, namely –Treatment plant
process change required but water quality and quantity to customers may still be compromised.
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4 Ways to improve water quality
The following documents are relevant in considering ways to improve water quality in the Mary River
catchment. The document list below is additional to the plans, guidelines and other sources referred to in
previous sections, and is provided for information only.
Local studies
• Council planning scheme and supporting codes, policies
Regional plans
• Wide Bay-Burnett Regional Plan 2007-2026
• Great Sandy Region Management Plan. Queensland Government 1994
• Hervey Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan. Department of Environment and Conservation. Queensland
Government 1989
• Mary Catchment Strategy. A community strategy for better management of resources in the
Mary River Catchment. Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee. 1996
• Fraser Island World Heritage Area Scientific Advisory Committee, 2004. (i) Cooloola: Assessment of
potential outstanding universal value. (ii) Fraser Island World Heritage Area: Review of outstanding
universal value. Reports for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Commonwealth Department of
the Environment and Heritage. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland
• Burnett Mary Regional Group. Natural Resource Management Plan. County to Coast - a healthy
sustainable future. June 2005
State plans, policies, guidelines, agreements etc
• Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009 (DERM)
• Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2009 (DERM)
• Draft Queensland Coastal Plan
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Queensland Government and Queensland Farmers’
Federation relating to Farm Management Systems 2005
• Queensland Water Plan 2005 – 2010 An action plan to meet our future water needs, Queensland
Government, August 2005
Other supporting technical information – riparian management
• Managing riparian widths to achieve multiple objectives, fact sheet 13, Land and Water Australia,
Australian Government, 2004.
• Improving water quality, fact sheet 3, Land & Water Australia, Australian Government, 2002.
• Riparian Land Management Technical Guidelines – Volume 1 and 2, November 1999, Land and Water
Resources Research and Development Corporation (LWRRDC)
• Guidelines for Queensland Streambank Stabilisation with Riparian Vegetation, CRC for Catchment
Hydrology, September 1999
• Restoration of Fish Habitats – Fisheries Guidelines for Marine Areas, FHG002, Fisheries Group,
Department of Primary Industries, October 1998
• Fisheries Guidelines for Fish Habitat Buffer Zones, FHG003, Fisheries Group, Department of Primary
Industries, August 2000
• Guidelines for Riparian Filter Strips for Queensland Irrigators, CSIRO Land and Water, September 1999
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5 Dictionary
AMTD means the adopted middle thread distance which is the distance in kilometres, measured along the
middle of a watercourse, that a specific point in the watercourse is from the watercourse’s mouth or junction
with the main watercourse (definition based on Water Regulation 2002).
ANZECC means the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.
Aquatic ecosystems (defined in the AWQG, 2000): comprise the animals, plants and micro-organisms that
live in water, and the physical and chemical environment and climatic regime in which they interact. It is
predominantly the physical components (eg light, temperature, mixing, flow, habitat) and chemical
components (eg organic and inorganic carbon, oxygen, nutrients) of an ecosystem that determine what lives
and breeds in it, and therefore the structure of the food web. Biological interactions (eg grazing and
predation) can also play a part in structuring many aquatic ecosystems.
ARMCANZ means the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand.
rd
Basin means the Basin name and number provided by Geoscience Australia, Canberra (3 edition, 2004).
Biological integrity, of water, means the water’s ability to support and maintain a balanced, integrative,
adaptive community of organisms having a species composition, diversity and functional organisation
comparable to that of the natural habitat of the locality in which the water is situated.
Catchment means the total area draining into a river, creek, reservoir or other body of water. The limits of a
given catchment are the heights of land (such as hills or mountains) separating it from neighbouring
catchments. Catchments can be made up of smaller sub-catchments.
Ecological health (defined in the AWQG, 2000): means the ‘health’ or ‘condition’ of an ecosystem. It is the
ability of an ecosystem to support and maintain key ecological processes and organisms so that their
species compositions, diversity and functional organisations are as comparable as possible to those
occurring in natural habitats within a region (also termed ecological integrity).
Environmental value (EV) means:
(a) a quality or physical characteristic of the environment that is conducive to ecological health or public
amenity or safety; or
(b) another quality of the environment identified and declared to be an environmental value under an
Environmental Protection Policy or Regulation (e.g. water suitable for swimming in or drinking).
The EVs for water that can be identified for protection are outlined in Table 13.
Highest astronomical tide (HAT) (defined in Marine Parks (Declaration) Regulation 2006): means the
highest level of the tides that can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and under
any combination of astronomical conditions.
High water mark (defined in Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995): means the ordinary high water
mark at spring tides.
Mean high water spring: refer high water mark.
Queensland waters (as defined in Acts Interpretation Act 1954): means all waters that are a) within the
limits of the State; or b) coastal waters of the State.
Sub-catchment means part of a catchment.
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Table 13 Suite of environmental values that can be chosen for protection
Environmental values and definitions ICON
Aquatic ecosystem:
“a community of organisms living within or adjacent to water, including riparian or foreshore areas”. (EPPW, schedule 2)
The intrinsic value of aquatic ecosystems, habitat and wildlife in waterways and riparian areas – for example, biodiversity, ecological interactions,
plants, animals, key species (such as turtles, platypus, seagrass and dugongs) and their habitat, food and drinking water.
Waterways include perennial and intermittent surface waters, ground waters, tidal and non-tidal waters, lakes, storages, reservoirs, dams,
wetlands, swamps, marshes, lagoons, canals, natural and artificial channels and the bed and banks of waterways.
(This EV incorporates the “Wildlife habitat” EV used in the South East Queensland Regional Water Quality Management Strategy - SEQRWQMS.)
See below for more details on aquatic ecosystems, based on the EPP Water.
High ecological/conservation value waters None
“Waters in which the biological integrity of the water is effectively unmodified or highly valued.” (EPPW, schedule 2)
Slightly disturbed waters None
“Waters that have the biological integrity of high ecological value waters with slightly modified physical or chemical indicators but effectively
unmodified biological indicators” (EPPW, schedule 2)
Moderately disturbed waters None
“Waters in which the biological integrity of the water is adversely affected by human activity to a relatively small but measurable degree.” (EPPW,
schedule 2)
Highly disturbed waters None
“Waters that are significantly degraded by human activity and have lower ecological value than high ecological value waters or slightly or
moderately disturbed waters.” (EPPW, schedule 2)
Seagrass (Goal within the Aquatic ecosystem EV):
Maintenance or rehabilitation of seagrass habitat. (Applies only to tidal waterways.)
Irrigation:
Suitability of water supply for irrigation - for example, irrigation of crops, pastures, parks, gardens and recreational areas.
Farm Water Supply/Use:
Suitability of domestic farm water supply, other than drinking water. For example, water used for laundry and produce preparation.
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Environmental values and definitions ICON
Stock Watering:
Suitability of water supply for production of healthy livestock.
Aquaculture:
Health of aquaculture species and humans consuming aquatic foods (such as fish, molluscs and crustaceans) from commercial ventures.
Human consumers of aquatic foods:
Health of humans consuming aquatic foods — such as fish, crustaceans and shellfish from natural waterways. Note that in some areas oystering
is a more specific goal identified under the human consumer EV (see below).
Oystering (Goal within the EV of Human consumers of aquatic foods):
Health of humans consuming oysters from natural waterways and commercial ventures. (Applies only to tidal waterways.)
Primary recreation:
Health of humans during recreation which involves direct contact and a high probability of water being swallowed — for example, swimming,
surfing, windsurfing, diving and water-skiing.
Primary recreational use, of water, means full body contact with the water, including, for example, diving, swimming, surfing, waterskiing and
windsurfing. (EPPW, s6)
Secondary recreation:
Health of humans during recreation which involves indirect contact and a low probability of water being swallowed — for example, wading,
boating, rowing and fishing.
Secondary recreational use, of water, means contact other than full body contact with the water, including, for example, boating and fishing.
(EPPW, s6)
Visual recreation:
Amenity of waterways for recreation which does not involve any contact with water — for example, walking and picnicking adjacent to a waterway.
Visual recreational use, of a water, means viewing the water without contact with it. (EPPW, s6)
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Environmental values and definitions ICON
Drinking water supply:
Suitability of raw drinking water supply. This assumes minimal treatment of water is required — for example, coarse screening and/or disinfection.
Industrial use:
Suitability of water supply for industrial use — for example, food, beverage, paper, petroleum and power industries. Industries usually treat water
supplies to meet their needs.
Cultural and spiritual values:
Indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage — for example:
• custodial, spiritual, cultural and traditional heritage, hunting, gathering and ritual responsibilities;
• symbols, landmarks and icons (such as waterways, turtles and frogs); and
• lifestyles (such as agriculture and fishing).
Cultural and spiritual values, of water, means its aesthetic, historical, scientific, social or other significance, to the present generation or past or
future generations. (EPPW, s6)
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