The Executive Committee recently resolved to support concerns
raised by a member council that numerous disused bores in
its area of operations appear to have not been decommissioned
correctly.
Feedback
was sought from member councils via the Discussion Forum to
determine the extent of the problem. It is believed there
are some 90,000 bores in NSW and each of these is a potential
conduit from the surface to the aquifer or between aquifers
at some stage in the future, if the condition of bores is
not monitored and if the bores are not properly decommissioned
at the end of their useful life.
It
is considered that it is important to start addressing this
issue now as it is something that cannot be fixed once the
damage is done. The Water Directorate wrote to DIPNR to seek
confirmation that adequate decommissioning works including
measures such as ongoing inspections, monitoring and maintenance
are in place.
The
Water Directorate also wrote to the Department of Health,
Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority and LGSA to raise
awareness. If you have more information or feedback
please contact Gary
Mitchell.
