Environment
Onsite waste water systems and sewer connection powers
In February 2020 VicWater circulated a proposed water industry position on policy options to augment powers to connect properties to sewer services were circulated to water corporations. The DELWP ‘Onsite Domestic Wastewater Management Steering Committee’ developed these policy options in response to a VAGO Performance Audit in 2018.
Read MoreRecreational access to potable water storages
VicWater met with DELWP and the GHD project team 27 March for a progress meeting of the project to develop a state-wide inventory of water storages, and identify cost and timing implications of providing recreational access at currently closed storages, on a transparent per-storage basis.
Read MoreHigh Usage and Leakage Allowance
VicWater has appointed Paul Pretto to assist the review and redrafting of the VicWater High Usage and Leakage Allowance (HULA) Guideline. Paul Pretto, VicWater and YVW Chair of the HULA Working Group met with the Energy and Water Ombudsman and representatives from the Essential Services Commission March 24 to gain their preliminary input in the…
Read MoreCarbon offsets
An online workshop will be held 24 April for the Carbon Offsets for Victorian Water Corporations Working Group. The purpose of the workshop is to provide broader water industry input on a set of principles and priorities for carbon offset sourcing and procurement. Melbourne Water has appointed Michael Wheelahan to coordinate the workshop and document…
Read MoreEPA license review and transition
VicWater has commenced discussions with the EPA regarding the review of all licence conditions as part of transition to the new Environment Protection Act. New licence conditions will include updated standard conditions for Risk Management and Monitoring Programs, changed licence limits to align with the General Environmental Duty (licences will have a maximum allowable limit…
Read MoreReview of the recycled water guidelines – red tape reduction
VicWater hosted an online briefing on the revised recycled water guidelines on 30 March. The briefing pre-empts the public consultation phase of the review, which will occur in the coming months. VicWater will coordinate a water industry submission during the public consultation period. VicWater and Yarra Valley Water played a significant role in the instigation…
Read MoreCarbon offsets
Sixteen water corporations have nominated to join the Carbon offsets for Victorian Water Corps Working Group. Melbourne water is currently leading the development of a project scope to draft a set of principles and priorities for carbon offset sourcing and procurement, to assist Melbourne Water’s need to explore such topics in preparation for its upcoming…
Read MoreEPA license review and transition
As part of the transition to the new Environment Protection Act, EPA is commencing a review of all licences. Significant changes include: updated standard conditions for Risk Management and Monitoring Programs, changed licence limits to align with the General Environmental Duty (licences will have a maximum allowable limit and 90th%il limit), and new reporting and…
Read MoreEmerging contaminants environmental risk assessment
Final emerging contaminants risk assessment reports have been provided to water corporations. This risk assessment of emerging contaminants and new ANZECC parameters (at $2500 per assessed site) has saved water corporations hundreds of thousands of dollars, compared to alternative options to assess risk from these pollutants. This project and its results will be integral for…
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