Forums Posts

by Singleton Shire Council Joined 01-01-0001 12:00 AM Posts 7

Hi All, Singleton Council extracts water from the Hunter River to supply local mines with a raw water supply. Recently, with low river levels and the movement of rocks and debris, the extraction point has become restricted. Council is looking to undertake some remedial maintenance of this point which would involve the removal of riverbed material. Initial contact with our local WaterNSW rep has indicated that we may need to seek approval from NRAR however I was just checking to see whether anyone else had undertaken similar works and what sort of approval process was required? Clayton Miechel Coordinator Utilities Engineering - Water and Sewer Singleton Council

by Goldenfields Water County Council Joined 22-07-2016 02:43 PM Posts 23

Hi Clayton, Contact Cowra Shire Council, they regularly do bed works to clean out the sand from the river intake.

by brendan.guiney@waterdirectorate.asn.au Joined 07-06-2019 12:25 PM Posts 8

Hi Clayton, In general, works to remove river bed material may require a controlled activity approval (CAA) from NRAR under the Water Management Act 2000, reference: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/water/licensing-and-trade/controlled-activity-approvals . However, if works are undertaken by or on behalf of a Public Authority they may be exempt from obtaining a CAA. Best practice must still be applied and NRAR/DPE should be consulted. Separately, the Fisheries Management Act specifies that a person must not carry out dredging work or reclamation work without a permit. And most beds and banks of waterways are Crown land and consent may be required for works on Crown land. I acknowledge the earlier reply post that hopefully routine river bed works should be relatively straightforward once the initial conversations and permits are obtained. Best regards Brendan Guiney | Executive Officer Water Directorate | 0498 765 055

by Singleton Shire Council Joined 01-01-0001 12:00 AM Posts 7

Thanks for the information Brendan, much appreciated. I'm currently following up with Soil Conservation Services which Upper Hunter Shire Council have previously used for similar works, they apparently assist with all of the required approvals and permits.