EHS Support Pty Ltd (EHS Support) conducted a Groundwater Pumping Impact Assessment (GPIA) to assist the client’s application for a groundwater extraction licence to take and use water from a bore, in accordance with the Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) GPIA guidelines. The proposed extraction volume is 250 ML per year (or an equivalent amount approved by GMW).
The client’s pumping bore reaches a depth of 58 meters below ground level and draws water from the Alluvial Aquifer, which consists of sand and gravel. In March 2021, the client applied for a groundwater licence with GMW, requesting an annual allocation to support agricultural activities. This application was driven by the unreliable water quality of Nariel Creek (also known as Corryong Creek), which has been unusable at times since the region’s 2019 and 2020 fires. Based on feedback from GMW, additional assessments in the form of a GPIA was required.
The GPIA is expert information used to provide an informed decision regarding an application for a licence to take and use water from a bore. The purpose of the GPIA is to demonstrate, to a high degree of confidence, the likely impacts of groundwater extraction on surrounding groundwater users and the environment in consideration of the matters outlined in Sections 53 and 40(1)(b)-(m) of the Water Act 1989.
The preparation of the GPIA was a three-step process. The first step, a Risk Assessment and Work Plan, was submitted to GMW in February 2024. The next step involved conducting a constant rate pumping test. Finally, the process concludes with an environmental impact evaluation associated with groundwater extraction, and the submission of the comprehensive GPIA report to inform the licensing decision.