River Murray and Lower Lakes Catchment Risk Assessment for Water Quality: Results and Management Options

River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

7G oolwa to Wellington and Coorong District LAP areas assessment

7.1 Description of the area

This chapter combines the two Local Action Planning (LAP) areas: Goolwa to Wellington (GW) and the Coorong District (CD).

The key water resources within this region are the large (85,000 ha) and shallow (2–3 m deep) freshwater Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, and the saline Coorong (140 km long, 2–3 km wide)( Figure 7.1). The River Murray enters Lake Alexandrina near Wellington and Lake Albert is connected to Lake Alexandrina by a narrow passage near Narrung. The Lower Lakes and Coorong are highly ecologically significant (see eg Phillips et al. 2005) and have been identified as one of six significant ecological assets across the entire Murray–Darling Basin. The region was selected because of its unique ecological qualities and hydrological significance and social, cultural and economic values for local and state communities including the Ngarrindjeri, the traditional owners of the region, for whom the lands and waters (or Ruwe), are a living body (MDBC 2005).

Goolwa to Wellington LAP

The GW LAP area, in the southernmost section of the Murray–Darling Basin, covers an area of about 265,000 ha11 and includes the townships Goolwa, Clayton and Milang (Alexandrina Council jurisdiction). The Goolwa population of about 2400 swells during holiday periods and residential development is currently increasing in the area. The LAP area includes a large area of Lake Alexandrina and encompasses all the plains and catchments that drain into the lake, from Goolwa to Wellington. This includes Currency Creek, Tookayerta, Finniss, Angus and Bremer-Barker catchments, and adjoining plains. Hindmarsh and Mundoo Islands at the mouth of the River Murray are also included.

The main agricultural land use on the plains is cropping but there are also dairy farms, vineyards and vegetable production. Grazing is the main land use on Hindmarsh and Mundoo islands. Water management in the catchment area has undergone a number of significant changes in the last 150 years with diversion of surface drainage, construction of dams, groundwater extraction and establishment of an irrigation industry (CSIRO 2004). Land and water salinisation is currently a major problem, and salt and stream salinity levels are predicted to rise in the future (Dooley & Henschke 1999). Salinisation, wetland and watercourse degradation, lakeshore erosion, overuse of water resources and irrigation management are key issues being targeted by the GW LAP group12 and other agencies.

Coorong District LAP

The CD LAP area extends from just above Tailem Bend and Peake in the north, to just above Keith in the Upper South East (USE). Coorong National Park, Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina form its western boundary (Figure 7.1). The land area covers 883,500 ha, the lakes 46,800 ha13. Townships include Meningie and Raukkan (Coorong District Council jurisdiction).

Land use in this LAP area is predominantly a mixture of cropping and grazing with 0.6% of the area irrigated for dairies, fodder and lucerne seed (CD LAP 2000). Significant areas of wetlands and national parks lie within the CD LAP area, as does the mouth of the River Murray.

11,13 This report only considers the portion of the LAP area that is part of the water protection areas defined under the Environment Protection Act 1993 and River Murray Act 2003. 12 See website for more information

191 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

The highest priority issues identified in the local action plan for the area (CD LAP 2000) are dryland salinity control and remnant native vegetation, wetlands, and habitat protection and enhancement. An estimated 250,000 hectares or 40% of the land in the USE district part of the CD LAP (productive farmland, native vegetation and wetlands) have been degraded by salinisation caused by high groundwater levels and flooding. A further 200,000 ha including approximately 40,000 ha of high value wetlands are at risk. This is by far South Australia’s largest and most severe case of dryland salinity. The USE Dryland Salinity and Flood Management Program, with a total funding commitment of $49.3 million, is undertaking 410 km of drainage works, wetlands management and restoration, and improved management of remnant vegetation and wetland habitat. As at 30 September 2005, approximately 200 kilometres of open cut drains have been completed. Morella Basin is used to retain drainage water prior to periodic releases (4000–10,000 ML per annum) into Salt Creek and the Coorong.

Flow and circulation in the Lower Lakes and Coorong

Not only have water flows in the GW & CD LAP area catchments been modified extensively, in the last 100 years human intervention has also greatly modified the flow and water circulation in the Lower Lakes and Coorong. Historically, this estuarine environment had wide fluctuations in salinity and water levels (Walker 2002, Gell & Haynes 2005). Since the 1940s, several barrages have been constructed to maintain more freshwater conditions in the lakes and lower reaches of the river. The Murray mouth closed over in 1981 and was reopened by dredging, a condition that was maintained for some time by river flows. The subsequent decline in peak (spring) flow levels has seen the mouth has become greatly restricted in recent years (Walker 2002). Only regular dredging of the Murray Mouth now maintains a channel through the sand bars to the open ocean.

The Coorong is also now a much more ‘closed system’ than in the past with the southern lagoon being hyper-saline for much more extended periods of time (DWLBC 2005) than in pre-European settlement times (Gell & Haynes 2005). Human interventions have reduced tidal flushing rates (through the Murray mouth, see above) and regular freshwater inputs from the South East region into the southern lagoon of the Coorong (Gell & Haynes 2005). Sedimentation rates have also markedly increased in the Coorong (Gell & Haynes 2005).

It is clear that improved flow regimes are essential for improving water quality and ecosystem health in the Lower Lakes and Coorong. A Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth Asset Environmental Management Plan (MDBC 2005) has been drafted which looks at how flows could be managed better in the area. As it is already addressed by these other initiatives, this current report does not specifically look at flow management.

Water quality

Various agencies and volunteer groups (eg DWLBC, DEH, EPA, Waterwatch) carry out a large amount of monitoring in the Lower Lakes and Coorong. DWLBC is preparing a summary of the monitoring in this area which will provide a valuable resource to ensure monitoring programs are coordinated, and promote collaborations and information sharing.

192 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options Figure 7.1 and Coorong District LAP areas Goolwa to Wellington

193 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

The water quality of Lakes Alexandrina and Albert has been noted in the past as being poor (EPA 1998a, b) as a result of: • high turbidity in Lake Alexandrina (influenced by wind action readily suspending sediment in the shallow water depth) • moderate nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations • concentrations of heavy metals exceeding national guidelines for the protection of aquatic ecosystems at some sites • salinity exceeding the guidelines for good quality drinking water at some sites • pollutant inputs from rivers (eg Angas, Bremer, Murray).

Although detailed load information was not obtained, it was assumed that pollutant loads from the River Murray itself were the biggest influence on water quality in the Lower Lakes. The River Murray was not specifically assessed as a hazard in this chapter; its risks have been assessed separately in previous chapters of this report. Other creeks and rivers were assessed as point source hazards as a detailed catchment risk assessment was outside the scope of this stage of the study.

The first recorded incidence in Australia of animal poisoning from a blue-green algal bloom was in Lake Alexandrina, in the late 1800s. Cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and dogs died after drinking water covered by a scum of the blue-green alga Nodularia spumigena. Algal blooms in the lake since then(Codd et al 1994) include a recent Nodularia sp outbreak.

Salinity reduces the Coorong’s water quality: reduced tidal flushing and freshwater inputs (Gell & Haynes 2005) lead to prolonged hyper-saline conditions in the southern lagoon (DWLBC 2005) where salinity levels are often elevated above the tolerance of many aquatic species. The southern lagoon is now almost devoid of macrofauna (Dittman et al 2006). The USE Dryland Salinity and Flood Management Program releases are having a freshening effect on salinity of the Coorong near the mouth of Salt Creek (DWLBC 2005).

7.2 Environmental value zones

Spatial zones assigned for each environmental value allowed hazards to be identified and assessed for risk in manageable amounts.

Aquatic ecosystem zones

Risks to aquatic ecosystem health were assessed for the entire Lower Lakes and Coorong area.

Raw water supply zones

There are no large public raw water supply off-takes in the Lower Lakes and Coorong area so risks to this environmental value were not assessed in this report. Municipal water supplies for this area are sourced from the Myponga, Summit Storage and Tailem Bend water supply systems. Assessment of the private and other small supplies on the Lower Lakes was considered outside the scope of this stage of the study.

Recreational zones Nine recreational zones were identified in the GW & CD LAP areas: RWREC001 Goolwa and surrounds (8 km long) RWREC002 Number 19 beacon to Murray mouth (5.36 km long) RWREC003 Mundoo channel (& Holmes Creek) to Coorong channel (8.5 km long)

194 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

RWREC004 Clayton and surrounds (2.5 km long) RWREC005 Milang and surrounds (3.2 km long) RWREC006 Boggy Lake (5.5 km long) RWREC007 Meningie and surrounds (3.7 km long) RWREC008 Milang and surrounds (6.4 km long) RWREC009 Mark Point to Long Point (11.6 km long).

7.3 Hazard identification process

A community consultation workshop was held with representatives from the Goolwa to Wellington and Coorong District LAP groups, Alexandrina and Coorong District councils, community groups (eg Signal Point riverine, Waterwatch), DWLBC, SAMDB NRMB, local marinas, Ngarrindjeri, EPA and private industry. The workshop identified the nature and location of potential water quality hazards and recreation zones, and provided useful information for the subsequent risk evaluation process.

7.4 Risks to water quality in the Goolwa Wellington and Coorong District LAP areas

A total of 168 hazards were identified within the GW & CD LAP areas. The hazards with the highest frequencies were stormwater discharge points, toilets/septic tank systems, dairy farms, vessel launching/boat ramps, grazing (of riparian area) and wastewater infrastructure (Figure 7.3).

Frequency (occurrence) does not necessarily indicate risk—a hazard may have a high frequency but a low risk. The cumulative impacts of low-risk activities will be considered and assessed as part of mitigation strategy development.

Figure 7.2 Example of hazard to water quality in GW & CD LAP areas: Finniss River

195 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

Number of hazards 10

0 Ferry Marina Grazing Slipway Landfill Fuel Store Dairy Farm Horticulture Creek/River Dredging Site Petrol Station Wetland/Lagoon Vessel Mooring(s) Informal Camping Toilet/Septic Tanks Drainage Disposal Site Wastewater Disposal Area Stormwater Infrastructure Wastewater Infrastructure Vessel Launching/Boat Ramp Figure 7.3 FrequencyVessel Waste Disposal Station of hazards to water quality, GW & CD LAP areas

Risks to aquatic ecosystem health

Figure 7.4 is the key map for risks to the aquatic ecosystem environmental value in the GW & CD LAP areas. The attached DVD has individual maps numbered according to the key map.

Each hazard was assessed for relevant water quality stressors. A summary of the frequencies of the identified risks to aquatic ecosystem health for the various water quality stressors (Table 7.1) shows that the highest frequency of risks was for nutrients and organic matter, followed by turbidity, pesticides, hydrocarbons, salinity and heavy metals. The majority of these risks were rated as low (337) or moderate (358) level, but a number (18) of high risks were recorded (Table 7.1).

Table 7.1 Frequency of risks to aquatic ecosystem health, GW & CD LAP areas

Stressor Risk NU TU OR HM PE HY SA Total Low 45 72 64 9 81 37 29 337 Moderate 120 36 103 39 0 34 26 358 High 5 5 3 4 0 0 1 18 Very high 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 170 113 170 52 81 71 56 713

NU—nutrients; TU—turbidity; OR—organic matter; HM—heavy metals; PE—pesticides; HY—hydrocarbons; SA—salinity

196 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options Figure 7.4 Key map for aquatic ecosystem zones, GW & CD LAP areas Note: shaded maps are included on the attached DVD; not all have hazards associated with them

197 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

Table 7.2 lists the aquatic ecosystem risks identified in the GW & CD LAP areas which are discussed in more detail below for each stressor.

Nutrients It is generally true that excessive levels of nutrients pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems because of the tendency to encourage dominance of algal species that are less desirable (and less representative of the natural conditions), and to promote excessive weed and algal growth. Algal blooms in the Lower Lakes are also closely linked to environmental conditions (eg turbidity, temperature, water residence times) as well as nutrient inputs (eg Geddes 1988).

Several (6) high nutrient risks were identified, mostly event discharges from the Angas, Bremer and Finniss rivers, and Currency and Tookayerta creeks into Lake Alexandrina. Many of these creeks/rivers have low flows during summer/dry conditions but rainfall events are likely to send a significant pulse of nutrients down the catchments to the lake (see EPA 1998a for a summary of water quality data and the DWLBC surface water archive for river flow data). The catchments for several of these are in the Mount Lofty ranges and experience higher rainfall rates (higher likelihood values) than other creeks entering the River Murray. At this stage of the study the outlets of the creeks/rivers to the lakes were assessed as individual hazards (sum of all catchment hazards). Land-use in these catchments is mixed but includes large areas of irrigated horticulture (eg 7869 ha in Angas-Bremer in 2005) including large vineyard areas (eg on Finniss, Currency, Bremer), townships (Mount Barker, Bremer catchment; Strathalbyn, Angas catchment), dairy farms (eg on Tookayerta), and mines (eg on Dawsley Creek, Bremer). Stage III of the project will examine catchment risks in more detail.

Salt Creek discharge was assessed as a moderate nutrient risk although there was a large degree of uncertainty as to its overall impact, if any, on the Coorong water quality. DWLBC is currently undertaking detailed monitoring and risk assessment work on Salt Creek.

Horticultural areas immediately adjacent to the lakes and Coorong received a moderate risk ranking (although the certainty value for this was noted as low, indicating the need for further research). Horticultural land uses dominate the river and creek catchments. Both LAP groups have identified sustainable agriculture as being a priority in the region. Land use must be matched to land capability and water usage and application rate is also needed in this area to reduce drainage volumes. The GW LAP irrigation management program aims to support community initiatives for managing irrigation to achieve efficient water use within the area. The program includes targeted irrigator training and awareness raising, and land and water management planning for sustainable use of land and water resources14. Other agencies such as DWLBC, EPA and the SAMDB NRMB (formerly catchment) boards are actively involved in catchment-scale land management issues in this region, and monitor ground and surface water quality and quantity.

Stormwater discharges from the urban catchments in Goolwa, Meningie and Clayton were categorised as a moderate risk. Most nutrients from stormwater are likely to be in organic form (plant and detrital material) and not immediately bio-available (not likely to cause wide-scale algal blooms). A higher cumulative risk may exist in the Goolwa area where several (15) outlets enter into a reasonably narrow

14 See GW LAP website for more details,

198 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

channel with flow restricted by the Goolwa barrage. Some of these discharges are directed into reed systems when they enter the lake, others have gross pollutant traps (GPTs), and some discharge directly into the lake with no prior treatment. At Clayton, nine discharges were assessed, with stormwater filtering through grass swales before entering the lake. At Meningie, seven discharges were assessed. A significant amount of Meningie’s stormwater is diverted through a GPT and into the Falkner Street retention basin. At the community workshop locals commented that this basin periodically overflows and discharges directly into Lake Albert. The majority of Milang stormwater is also discharged, through a GPT and filtered by a grass bank, into a wetland. Management strategies have also been developed to help address stormwater risks (Alexandrina Council 2003; Coorong District Council 2004).

Several marinas15 and vessel mooring areas in the Goolwa-Hindmarsh Island area were categorised as a moderate risk. Many of the marinas have no pump out facilities and are not licensed by the EPA. The exception to this, The Marina, Hindmarsh Island, is part of the global ‘Clean Marinas‘ program, has an accredited EPA licence and has very good environmental management systems. It was given a low risk rating on this basis. Some live-aboard accommodation (eg paddle steamers Goolwa and Federal) was given a moderate risk as it was unclear how their waste is disposed of (the vessels do not move according to community informants). Accidental vessel blackwater spillage at the Goolwa river vessel waste disposal station was classed as a moderate risk. The station is quite exposed making operations during windy conditions difficult.

Toilets/septic tank systems in several locations received a moderate risk ranking. Septic tanks pose most risk when they have a high density of soakage trenches in a particular area, for example on the north side of Hindmarsh Island the high density is of particular concern given the flow restrictions in this area (imposed by the Goolwa barrage). Several other shack (eg Murray Mouth, Mundoo channel), accommodation/caravan parks (eg Hindmarsh Island and Goolwa caravan parks), and a township (Clayton) received moderate risk rankings. Goolwa, Milang and Meningie townships have STEDS. The Milang south shores shacks are being connected to STEDS but this was not fully operational so a moderate risk was also assigned. Goolwa STEDS was overflowing and leaking to groundwater at the time of inspection but this received a low risk ranking due to its distance from the lake. The Alexandrina Council (with funding support from SAMDB NRMB) will shortly upgrade the lagoon system to a treatment plant with storage and reuse of effluent for the irrigation of lucerne on recently acquired council land.

Dairy farms also produced a moderate risk rating, predominantly through leakage to groundwater. There are a number of farms in the Coorong and Lower Lakes area where the groundwater table is quite close to the surface and nutrients (in particular nitrate) can readily enter the groundwater and subsequently reach the Coorong or Lower Lakes. The high number of farms may also present a cumulative risk in some locations (eg south-western area of Lake Albert). Unrestricted access by beef and/or dairy cattle to the lakes for drinking water and grazing riparian vegetation, posed a nutrient risk in several locations. These were assessed as low-moderate risks depending on an assessment of grazing pressure and location.

Low risk sources included informal camping areas, some grazing locations, livestock grazing, wetlands and wastewater infrastructure failure.

15 A marina is defined as a formalised mooring location (more than five boats), often with additional facilities (eg slipway, wastewater pumpout, refueling station, office).

199 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

Salinity The estuarine flow circulation in the Coorong and Lower Lakes before the arrival of Europeans (Walker 2002; Gell & Haynes 2005) has since been greatly modified by human intervention (eg by construction of the barrages) but current salinity impacts must be considered with the historical context in mind.

Discharges from the other creeks/rivers (Angas, Bremer and Finniss rivers, and Currency and Tookayerta creeks) were classified as a moderate risk, reduced to low during rainfall events on the assumption of dilution by runoff of low salinity rainwater. This assessment was somewhat uncertain as salt may also be flushed out of areas where it has accumulated in between rainfall events. Leakage from irrigated horticultural and dairy farm areas was also given a moderate salinity risk ranking although there was a high degree of uncertainty to this assessment. Drainage water enters the Finniss River from irrigation areas so this may be one of the most impacted systems.

Salt Creek was characterised as a low salinity risk from regular contributions of saline drainage water from Morella basin/USE Dryland Salinity and Flood Management Program to the Coorong via Salt Creek. This discharge reduces salinity in the immediate vicinity of the mouth of Salt Creek but does not appear to influence salinity of the Coorong as a whole (DWLBC 2005). Due to the current hyper-saline environment in the Coorong and associated loss of species, this discharge of freshwater was not considered significantly detrimental.

Low risk sources included wetlands. Given that wetlands are a natural and intrinsically important part of the river ecosystem, they are not a ‘risk’ in the conventional sense—management should be focused on reducing inputs of contaminants from wetland catchments and improving wetland health and habitat. Recent basic monitoring in this area as part of the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey looked at wetlands at Tolderol, Milang Shores/Clayton, Clayton, Hindmarsh/Mundoo Island, Teringue, Narrung and Waltowa. Current surveys are examining another set of wetlands including Poltalloch, Hindmarsh Island estuary and Point Sturt. This survey collects data on site physical characteristics, water quality, groundwater inputs, vegetation, fish, birds, frogs and macro-invertebrates. The data will be used to identify conservation values and management objectives for each wetland (eg salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity). A Ramsar (wetlands of international importance) Management Plan has been developed for the Coorong and Lower Lakes. The Coorong District LAP has already implemented a number of on-ground works identified in the plan and this process will continue (CD LAP 2000 & 2006). Many USE wetlands are also impacted negatively by salinity. The USE Dryland Salinity and Flood Management Program is proposing to undertake remediation works including diverting water (from drain M and Hacks lagoon) into wetlands. Recent coring work has highlighted the massive historical changes to the Coorong’s salinity as a result of reduced tidal flushing and freshwater inputs from the South East region (Gell & Haynes 2005).

Organic matter Generally the organic matter risks aligned with nutrient risks as nutrients and organic matter typically co-exist in waste/sewage discharges.

High level organic matter risks were attributed to discharges from the major creeks and rivers noted above although there was some uncertainty about their ecological impact.

Several moderate organic matter risks were noted including marinas and river vessel mooring locations (greywater contains high organic levels from detergents), horticultural area leakage to groundwater, some grazing locations, and stormwater and septic tank discharges.

200 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

Low risks included leakage from dairy farms and possible failure of wastewater infrastructure which would need to be inspected in more detail, and locations checked, to confirm this low risk assessment for this area.

Turbidity High turbidity risks were assessed for event discharges from the Angas, Bremer and Finniss rivers, and Currency and Tookayerta creeks. It is likely that a large amount of sediment would be discharged into Lake Alexandrina during rainfall events (EPA 1998a). Wind action regularly stirs up the bottom sediments in the shallow Lower Lakes, which may be the most important factor influencing the distribution and levels of turbidity and other particulate-associated contaminants (eg heavy metals) between the bottom sediments and the water column. Turbidity also affects phytoplankton growth/algal blooms and also appears to be closely related to the amount and concentration of turbidity received from the River Murray (Geddes 1988).

Moderate turbidity risks were identified for event discharges from township stormwater catchments. Goolwa’s high density of discharges in a confined area may present a higher cumulative risk.

Dredging operations at the Murray Mouth were noted as a moderate turbidity risk. The potential benefits of keeping the mouth open probably outweigh any negative impacts of the dredging operations itself.

Sources of low turbidity risk included vessel launching and mooring areas, river and creek discharges (during dry weather), dairy farms and wetlands. Wind-driven waves were noted to also cause bank erosion in the Lower Lakes, particularly in areas where reeds have been cleared and/or the water’s edge is grazed. Grazing of riparian margins been highlighted as an issue of concern by the community in this area and current trials by the LAP network are aiming to find the best methods to address erosion of banks, including fencing and revegetation works.

Heavy metals High heavy metal risks were assessed for event discharges from the Angas, Bremer, and Finniss rivers, and Currency and Tookayerta creeks. This assessment was based on monitoring data indicating that water quality of these systems is generally poor for heavy metals (EPA 1998a). Urban stormwater enters some of the rivers (eg from Strathalbyn into the Angas) and heavy metal mines are present in some catchments (eg Brukunga, Kanmantoo, Callingtons mines in Bremer catchment).

Moderate turbidity risks were identified for event discharges from the township stormwater catchments. Goolwa, in particular has a high density of discharges in a confined area. Stormwater typically contains a significant amount of heavy metals (eg lead, copper, zinc) in the ‘first flush’ of a rainfall event but the metals are likely to be mostly in particulate form (therefore not immediately bioavailable or toxic). However, metals may be accumulating in the immediate vicinity of stormwater outfalls and having an effect on benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms. Two stormwater discharges of particular interest for mitigation were identified at North Terrace, Meningie and Goolwa wharf. The discharge point at Meningie is associated with a catchment that encompasses a fair portion of the Princes Highway. The Goolwa wharf catchment is predominantly commercial and includes a railway line. Alexandrina Council (2003) has a stormwater management plan for their area and Strathalbyn’s catchments have been noted as priorities for management.

201 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

The old landfill at Narrung was given a moderate risk ranking due to its proximity to the lake but it was uncertainty whether any metals are leaching there.

Low risk sources included the Narrung ferry (event discharge), and the slipway and boat building yard in Goolwa (wash-off of metal anti-fouling paints).

Pesticides Moderate pesticide risks were assessed for event discharges from the Angas, Bremer, and Finniss rivers, and Currency and Tookayerta creeks. There was some uncertainty to this assessment due to a lack of monitoring data but the risk was assigned on the basis of large-scale agricultural activities in the catchments.

Hydrocarbons Urban stormwater discharges presented a moderate hydrocarbon risk to water quality. As mentioned previously, the cumulative impact of stormwater discharges is worth noting, particularly around townships such as Goolwa. The Goolwa wharf catchment is of particular concern due to the high percentage of commercial activity and presence of the railway line.

Low hydrocarbon risk sources included fuel stores on the edge of the lake, ferries, petrol stations, disused landfills, vessel launching areas and marinas.

Car tyres are commonly used to stabilise lake banks and for boat jetty protection in the Lower Lakes. While not an immediate water quality risk, these are a poor method of bank stabilisation as they are frequently undermined and dislodged from their original location. Suitable alternatives such as geotextile bags now exist which are being successfully used in several locations on the Lower Lakes.

202 Table 7.2 Summary of risks to aquatic ecosystem environmental values, GW & CD LAP areas low=low risk, mod=moderate risk, high=high risk, v high=very high risk certainty value in italics follows each risk ranking River MurrayandLowerLakescatchmentriskassessmentforwaterquality:Resultsmanagementoptions

GEOCODE HAZARD EVENT TYPE NU TU OR HM PE HY SA

CREEK/RIVER GC058B Creek, Tea Tree Creek EVENT DISCHARGE mod 2 mod 2 mod 2 low 1 low 2 low 2 GC112A Angas River DISCHARGE mod 2 low 2 mod 2 mod 3 low 2 mod 3 GC112B Angas River EVENT DISCHARGE high 3 high 3 high 3 high 3 mod 2 low 3 GC115A Bremer River DISCHARGE mod 2 low 2 mod 2 mod 3 low 2 mod 3 GC115B Bremer River EVENT DISCHARGE high 3 high 3 high 3 high 3 mod 2 low 3 GC173A Currency Creek DISCHARGE mod 2 low 2 mod 2 mod 3 low 2 mod 3 GC173B Currency Creek EVENT DISCHARGE high 3 high 3 high 3 high 3 mod 2 low 3 GC174A Finniss River DISCHARGE mod 2 low 2 mod 2 mod 3 low 2 mod 3 GC174B Finniss River EVENT DISCHARGE high 3 high 3 high 3 high 3 mod 2 low 3 GC175B Salt Creek DISCHARGE mod 2 low 2 mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 3 GC178A Tookayerta Creek DISCHARGE mod 2 low 2 mod 2 low 3 low 2 mod 3 GC178B Tookayerta Creek EVENT DISCHARGE high 2 high 2 mod 2 low 3 mod 2 low 2 DAIRY FARM GC032B Dairy discharge, Tauwitchere EVENT DISCHARGE mod 2 low 2 mod 2 low 2 low 2 GC150L Dairy, Lake Alexandrina station LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC151L Dairy, Lake Alexandrina, Potalloch LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC152L Dairy, Lake Albert, Nindthara LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC153L Dairy, Lake Albert, Reedy point LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC155L Dairy, Lake Albert eastern shore LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC156L Dairy, Lake Albert, Punbundamong LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC157L Dairy, Lake Albert west (inland) LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC158L Dairy, Lake Albert, Narrung narrows LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC159L Dairy, Lake Albert, Rumply Point LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC160L Dairy, inland between lakes LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC161L Dairy, Lake Albert, West Kilbride LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC162L Dairy, Lake Albert, west of Belcanoe LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC164L Dairy, Lake Albert, Naldene LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 GC165L Dairy, Lake Albert, Springhill LEAKAGE mod 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 mod 2 203 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 2 mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 low 1 1 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low 2 low 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low low low low low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 3 2 low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 DREDGING SITE FERRY FUEL STORE GRAZING HORTICULTURE INFORMAL CAMPING DRAINAGE DISPOSAL SITE GC169T Murray Mouth dredging operationsGC037B Ferry, NarrungGC011C SEDIMENT DISTURBANCEGC007B Pump fuel store, Meningie Cattle grazing, Lake Albert station mod EVENT DISCHARGE ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE EVENT DISCHARGE low low GC030L Horticulture, Nindethara centre pivots low GC028G LEAKAGE Informal camping, Duthalamung mod HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION low GEOCODE HAZARDGC116LGC104L Irrigation drainage ponds, adj Tolderol Irrigation drainage into Finniss RiverGC037C LEAKAGE LEAKAGE Ferry, Narrung EVENT TYPEGC031G mod GC036G mod NU Cattle grazing, TauwitchereGC050G grazing, Narrung Cattle TUGC056B Cattle grazing, Poltalloch BluffGC060G OR grazing, Mundoo Island Cattle GC097G ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE HM Cattle grazing, Goat IslandGC098G grazing, station on peninsula near Milang Cattle GC102G PE HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION grazing, Milang shores Cattle GC113G HY mod HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION Cattle grazing, Finniss River HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETIONGC118B HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION Cattle grazing, adj Windermere mod GC119G SA mod EVENT DISCHARGE mod Cattle grazing, game reserveGC120B HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION Cattle grazing, Wellington peninsulaGC121G Horse stud, Wellington mod low HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION Intensive cattle grazing, Pelican Lagoon HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION mod HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETIONGC101L mod GC114L HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION mod EVENT DISCHARGE Horticulture, adj Finniss RiverGC117L mod low HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION Horticulture, Windermere mod Horticulture, Tolderol low EVENT DISCHARGEGC122G Informal camping, Boggy Lake LEAKAGE low LEAKAGE LEAKAGE mod HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION low mod mod

204 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low low low low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low MARINA PETROL STATION SLIPWAY STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE LANDFILL GC076Q Marina, Goolwa, Birk's Harbour MARINA DISCHARGESGC014C mod Petrol station, MeningieGC087H Slipway—wooden boatsGC013B ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE Stormwater discharge, Bonney St, Meningie EVENT DISCHARGE WASH DOWN mod low low GEOCODE HAZARDGC108L Disused solid waste landfillGC077QGC078Q Marina, Goolwa, Chippy'sGC081Q Marina, Goolwa, FioreGC088Q Marina—boatbuilding, GoolwaGC090Q EVENT TYPE LEAKAGE Goolwa regatta yacht clubGC093Q Marina, Goolwa, Alongshore Marina, Hindmarsh Island, The MarinaGC014L MARINA DISCHARGES NUGC043L MARINA DISCHARGES low MARINA DISCHARGES TU Petrol station, MeningieGC085C mod MARINA DISCHARGES MARINA DISCHARGES Petrol station, Narrung (disused)GC085L OR MARINA DISCHARGES mod Petrol station—Mobil mod HM Petrol station—Mobil low mod PE mod HY LEAKAGE GC016B LEAKAGE SA GC080B Stormwater retention basin, Falkner St, MeningieGC083B ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE Stormwater discharge, Liverpool Rd, GoolwaGC092B EVENT DISCHARGE LEAKAGE Stormwater pond, GoolwaGC105B Stormwater discharge, Barrage RoadGC111B EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, MilangGC123B mod Milang stormwater detention basinGC124B Stormwater discharge, Allen St, MeningieGC125B mod EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, Feibig St, MeningieGC126B EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, Pettet Rd, MeningieGC127B Stormwater discharge, Forbes St, Meningie EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, North Tce, Meningie EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT DISCHARGE mod mod mod low EVENT DISCHARGE mod mod mod mod GC044L Disused landfill, Narrung LEAKAGE mod

205 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 low low low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 TOILETS/SEPTIC TANKS GC002L Septic tanks, Noonameena shacks LEAKAGE mod GEOCODE HAZARDGC128BGC129BGC130B Stormwater discharge, Billabong Dr, (C20) Goolwa Stormwater discharge, C19 Goolwa, adj Riverside DrGC131B Stormwater discharge, Goolwa wharf (C16-18)GC132B Stormwater discharge, C15 Goolwa, adj Dowland St EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGEGC133B Stormwater discharge, C13 Goolwa, adj Mark LaneGC134B Stormwater discharge, C12 Goolwa, adj Osborne St EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE mod GC135B mod Stormwater discharge, C11 Goolwa, adj Graham St EVENT DISCHARGEGC136B Stormwater discharge, C9 Goolwa, adj Johnston St EVENT DISCHARGE mod mod GC137B Stormwater discharge, C7/8 Goolwa, adj Currency Creek Rd EVENT TYPE EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGEGC138B mod Stormwater discharge, C6 Goolwa, adj Quebec St EVENT DISCHARGE mod GC139B Stormwater discharge, C3/4 Goolwa, adj Bricknell RdGC140B mod mod Stormwater discharge, C2 Goolwa, adj Noble Ave EVENT DISCHARGEGC141B mod EVENT DISCHARGE NU Stormwater discharge, C1 Goolwa, adj Sampson StGC142B Stormwater discharge, C1 Clayton TU EVENT DISCHARGEGC143B mod Stormwater discharge, C2/3 Clayton mod EVENT DISCHARGE ORGC144B Stormwater discharge, C4 ClaytonGC145B HM mod Stormwater discharge, C5 ClaytonGC146B mod Stormwater discharge, C6/7 Clayton PEGC147B Stormwater discharge, C6 Clayton EVENT DISCHARGEGC148B HY Stormwater discharge, C9/10 Clayton EVENT DISCHARGEGC149B Stormwater discharge, C11 Clayton SA EVENT DISCHARGE mod Stormwater discharge, C12 Clayton mod EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGEGC003L mod EVENT DISCHARGEGC004L EVENT DISCHARGE mod Septic tanks, Camp Noonameena mod GC015D Septic tanks, Gullirunda Sanctuary EVENT DISCHARGEGC025L mod Public toilet—STEDS mod EVENT DISCHARGEGC026L Septic tanks, Long Point shacksGC027L mod Compost toilet & holding tank, Marks PointGC029L mod Septic tanks, Marks Point shacksGC034L LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Nindethara cottages LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Pelican Point INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low LEAKAGE mod INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low LEAKAGE low LEAKAGE mod LEAKAGE mod mod mod

206 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 VESSEL LAUNCHING/BOAT RAMP GC019S Recreation area, Meningie Sailing Club VESSEL LAUNCHING low GEOCODE HAZARDGC040LGC035LGC042L Septic—public toilet, Narrung Septic tanks, Gilpin Hill housesGC047L Septic tanks, Narrung townshipGC049L Septic tanks, Poltalloch plainsGC051L Septic tanks, Poltalloch homesteadGC052L Septic tanks, Murray Mouth shacksGC054L LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Mundoo shacksGC057L LEAKAGE LEAKAGE Septic tanks, shacks opp Murray MouthGC059L EVENT TYPE Septic tanks—shacks, Hindmarsh Is, east pointGC064L LEAKAGE LEAKAGE Septic tanks, shacks adj to Rushy IslandGC066L LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Clayton WestGC067L LEAKAGE LEAKAGE low mod Septic tanks, Clayton townshipGC068L NU LEAKAGE mod Septic tanks, Clayton Caravan ParkGC069L LEAKAGE TU mod mod Septic tanks, Hindmarsh Is, northGC070L OR mod Septic tanks, Hindmarsh Is, Narnu DrGC071L mod Septic tanks, Hindmarsh Island Caravan ParkGC073L mod HM LEAKAGE LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Hindmarsh Is, Capt Sturt Pde mod GC086L LEAKAGE PE mod Septic tanks, Caravan Park, GoolwaGC100L LEAKAGE LEAKAGE LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Goolwa beach HYGC103L LEAKAGE Septic tanks—outdoor education centreGC176L SA Public toilet, Finniss RiverGC177L mod mod mod Coorong Wilderness Lodge LEAKAGE Coowinda shacks mod mod LEAKAGE mod GC020S mod LEAKAGEGC021S Recreation area, Allen St, MeningieGC022S mod LEAKAGE Recreation area, West Tce, MeningieGC024S LEAKAGE Recreation area, Meningie South mod GC046S Recreation area, Long PointGC053S mod Boat Ramp, RaukkanGC055S VESSEL LAUNCHING LEAKAGE VESSEL LAUNCHING Recreation area, Mundoo Channel mod Recreation area, Goolwa Channel low VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING low mod VESSEL LAUNCHING low VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING low low low low low

207 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 VESSEL MOORING(S) VESSEL WASTE DISPOSAL STATION WASTEWATER DISPOSAL AREA WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE GC072R Mooring, Laffin PointGC084C River vessel waste disposal station, GoolwaGC094L The Marina, Hindmarsh Island wastewater irrigation area VESSEL DISCHARGES LEAKAGE ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGEGC006D Effluent ponds—piggery, Lake Albert mod mod mod INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low GEOCODE HAZARDGC063SGC062SGC065S Recreation area, Clayton Reserve Recreation area, Clayton BayGC074S Recreation area, Clayton WestGC089S Recreation area, Laffin PointGC095S Recreation area, Goolwa Aquatic ClubGC107S Recreation Area, Number 19 Beacon Recreation area, Milang VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHINGGC091R VESSEL LAUNCHING EVENT TYPE VESSEL LAUNCHINGGC167R Paddle steamer, Goolwa VESSEL LAUNCHINGGC168R Goolwa public mooring area VESSEL LAUNCHING low Paddle steamer, Federal low NU low low TU VESSEL LAUNCHING low low ORGC096B HM Effluent-spreading STEDS from Goolwa VESSEL DISCHARGES VESSEL DISCHARGES PE low GC008D VESSEL DISCHARGES mod HY mod GC009D STEDS infrastructure, Meningie Waterfront Motel SA GC010D STEDS ponds, Meningie mod EVENT DISCHARGEGC017D STEDS infrastructure, Meningie Caravan Park INFRASTRUCTURE FAILUREGC018D STEDS infrastructure, Meningie Sailing Club low GC045D STEDS infrastructure, Meningie shacks low GC075D STEDS infrastructure, Raukkan INFRASTRUCTURE FAILUREGC082D STEDS infrastructure, Goolwa, north east, Liverpool Rd low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILUREGC094D Effluent ponds, Goolwa INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low GC106D The Marina, Hindmarsh Island WWTP INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low GC109D STEDS infrastructure, Milang South shacks low low GC110D STEDS infrastructure, Milang Caravan Park INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE STEDS ponds, Milang low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low

208 GEOCODE HAZARD EVENT TYPE NU TU OR HM PE HY SA River MurrayandLowerLakescatchmentriskassessmentforwaterquality:Resultsmanagementoptions WETLAND/LAGOON GC005B Wetland, Waltowa EVENT DISCHARGE low 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 GC023B Wetland, Lallawa EVENT DISCHARGE low 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 GC033B Wetland, Yalkuri EVENT DISCHARGE low 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 GC038B Wetland, Teringe EVENT DISCHARGE low 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 GC041B Wetland, Narrung EVENT DISCHARGE low 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 GC048B Wetland, Poltalloch EVENT DISCHARGE low 2 low 2 low 2 low 2 209 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

Risks to recreational use

Figure 7.5 is the key map for risks to the raw water supply environmental value in the GW & CD LAP areas. The attached DVD has individual maps numbered according to the key map.

Frequencies of identified risks to recreational values for the various water quality stressors are summarised in Table 7.3. The highest frequency of risks was for pathogens followed by hydrocarbons, turbidity and nutrients. The majority of these risks (149) were assessed as low level although a large number (103) of moderate-level risks were identified. No high or very high risks were identified.

Table 7.3 Frequency of risks to recreational use, GW & CD LAP areas

Stressor Risk PA NU TU HY Total Low 21 41 22 65 149 Moderate 61 7 35 0 103 High 0000 0 Very high 0000 0 Total 82 48 57 65 252

PA—pathogens; NU—nutrients; TU—turbidity; HY—hydrocarbons

Table 7.4 lists the recreational risks identified in this LAP area which are discussed in more detail below in relation to each stressor.

Pathogens Septic tanks (eg north side of Hindmarsh Island, Mundoo channel, Clayton West, Meningie shacks) presented a moderate risk through leakage (exacerbated by overloading or other system failures). The north side of Hindmarsh Island could be a priority for mitigation given that there is high-use recreation in this area and flow/flushing restrictions imposed by the Goolwa barrage. The Milang south shores shacks are being connected to STEDS but this was not fully operational (still some septic tank soakage trench risks) so a moderate risk was assigned.

Vessel mooring areas and marinas were in general assigned a moderate risk ranking due to the likelihood of greywater and blackwater discharges. A cumulative risk may be present from vessels and marinas in and near Goolwa. The Marina, Hindmarsh Island was given a low risk ranking due to presence of a vessel waste disposal station and no vessels with live-aboard accommodation that discharge waste (there are only a few live-aboard vessels and the waste from these is pumped to the marina treatment plant). There are much fewer live-aboard vessels/houseboats in the Coorong and Lower Lakes area than on the river but there is a large amount of boating activity (over 1400 boats mainly fishing, sailing and ski, Helicon Consulting 2003). Many of these types of vessels have only portable toilet systems (higher potential for illegal discharge) and there are currently insufficient land-based facilities for people to empty these toilets. Potential accidental spillage at the Goolwa river vessel waste disposal station (connected to the Goolwa STEDS) was also given a moderate risk and community concern was raised about its exposed location.

210 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options Figure 7.5 Key map of recreation zones, GW & CD LAP areas Note: only hazards identified in the shaded areas were assessed for risk to recreational values

211 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

Other moderate risk sources included stormwater discharges at the townships (with potential cumulative effects around Goolwa of highest concern), and informal camping (no sanitation facilities) areas at Boggy Lake and Duthalamung.

Turbidity Stormwater discharges presented a moderate risk, particularly around Goolwa. The Angas River also posed a moderate risk during event discharges. People are likely to avoid swimming/skiing during rainfall conditions so these risks may be mainly to aesthetic values.

Vessel launching areas presented a low risk. Turbidity and bank erosion due to recreational boating activities has been highlighted as a community concern but its actual impact on recreation values was difficult to quantify. This issue is probably much less relevant in the Lower Lakes area than in the river due to the increased influence of wind action on turbidity in the Lower Lakes. However, the importance of managing and maintaining vegetation cover on the lake edges and controlling grazing in the riparian area cannot be underestimated. Both LAP groups in this area have identified erosion as an issue (as a result of wind, water and animals) and offer assistance to landholders with revegetation and fencing efforts.

Nutrients A moderate nutrient risk level was assigned to discharge from the Angas River and marinas (with the exception of the Hindmarsh Island marina which was given a low level risk for the reasons noted above).

Low risk sources included informal camping areas (eg Boggy Lake and Duthalamung), wetlands, toilets/septic tanks (eg Meningie Caravan Park, Marks Point shacks), and wastewater infrastructure (eg STEDS pumps at Meningie, vessel waste disposal station at Goolwa).

The risk posed by nutrients to primary contact recreation is assessed for the possible production of algal blooms. It is unlikely that one low-moderate nutrient risk will result in an algal bloom of a scale that would affect recreational values. However, cumulative inputs from many nutrient risks in a confined area may contribute to blooms when environmental conditions (eg temperature, turbidity, light) are suitable (Geddes 1988).

Hydrocarbons Low hydrocarbon risks were assessed for urban stormwater discharges (eg Goolwa). There was some uncertainty to this assessment and some of the larger/commercial catchments in Goolwa may present a moderate risk. However, people are not likely to swim or ski during rainfall conditions so the risk is mainly to aesthetic values.

Other low-level hydrocarbon risks included vessel launching and mooring areas (eg Clayton West and Goolwa Aquatic Club, various marinas), petrol stations and pump fuel stores, and the Narrung ferry.

212 Table 7.4 Summary of risks to recreational environmental values, GW & CD LAP areas low=low risk, mod=moderate risk, high=high risk, v high=very high risk

certainty value (in italics) follows each risk ranking River MurrayandLowerLakescatchmentriskassessmentforwaterquality:Resultsmanagementoptions

GEOCODE HAZARD EVENT TYPE PA TU NU HY

CREEK/RIVER GC112A Angas River DISCHARGE low 2 mod 2 GC112B Angas River EVENT DISCHARGE mod 2 mod 2 low 2 FERRY GC037B Ferry, Narrung EVENT DISCHARGE low 2 low 2 GC037C Ferry, Narrung ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE low 2 FUEL STORE GC011C Pump fuel store, Meningie ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE low 2 INFORMAL CAMPING GC028G Informal camping, Duthalamung HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION mod 3 low 3 GC122G Informal camping, Boggy Lake HUMAN/ANIMAL EXCRETION mod 2 low 2 LANDFILL GC044L Disused landfill, Narrung LEAKAGE low 1 low 2 GC108L Disused solid waste landfill LEAKAGE low 1 low 2 MARINA GC076Q Marina, Birk's Harbour MARINA DISCHARGES mod 2 mod 2 low 2 GC077Q Marina, Chippy's MARINA DISCHARGES mod 2 mod 2 low 2 GC078Q Marina, Fiore MARINA DISCHARGES mod 2 mod 2 low 2 GC081Q Marina MARINA DISCHARGES mod 2 mod 2 low 2 GC088Q Goolwa regatta yacht club MARINA DISCHARGES mod 2 mod 2 low 2 GC090Q Marina, Alongshore Marina MARINA DISCHARGES mod 2 mod 2 low 2 GC093Q The Marina, Hindmarsh Island MARINA DISCHARGES low 2 low 2 low 2 PETROL STATION GC014C Petrol station, Meningie ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE low 2 GC014L Petrol station, Meningie LEAKAGE low 2 GC085C Petrol station—Mobil ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE low 2 GC085L Petrol station—Mobil LEAKAGE low 2 SLIPWAY GC087H Slipway, wooden boats WASH DOWN low 1 low 2 213 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod modmod mod mod low mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod mod 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE GC016BGC080BGC083B Stormwater retention basin, Falkner St, Meningie Stormwater discharge, Liverpool Rd, GoolwaGC092BGC105B Stormwater pond, GoolwaGC111B Stormwater discharge, Barrage Road EVENT DISCHARGEGC123B Stormwater discharge, MilangGC124B Milang stormwater detention basin EVENT DISCHARGE mod GC125B Stormwater discharge, Allen St, MeningieGC126B Stormwater discharge, Feibig St, Meningie mod GC127B Stormwater discharge, Pettet Rd, Meningie EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, Forbes St, MeningieGC128BGC129B Stormwater discharge, North Tce, Meningie EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGEGC130B Stormwater discharge, Billabong Dr, (C20) Goolwa EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, C19 Goolwa, adj Riverside Dr EVENT DISCHARGE mod GC132B Stormwater discharge, Goolwa wharf (C16-18) EVENT DISCHARGE mod GC133B mod EVENT DISCHARGE mod mod EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGEGC134B Stormwater discharge, C13 Goolwa, adj Mark Lane mod GC135B Stormwater discharge, C12 Goolwa, adj Osborne St mod mod EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, C11 Goolwa, adj Graham StGC136B mod mod EVENT DISCHARGEGC137B Stormwater discharge, C9 Goolwa, adj Johnston St EVENT DISCHARGEGC138B Stormwater discharge, C7/8 Goolwa, adj Currency Creek Rd mod EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGEGC139B Stormwater discharge, C6 Goolwa, adj Quebec St mod EVENT DISCHARGEGC140B Stormwater discharge, C3/4 Goolwa, adj Bricknell Rd mod GC141B Stormwater discharge, C2 Goolwa, adj Noble Ave mod mod GC142B Stormwater discharge, C1 Goolwa, adj Sampson St EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE mod GC143B Stormwater discharge, C1 Clayton Stormwater discharge, C2/3 ClaytonGC144B EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT DISCHARGE Stormwater discharge, C4 ClaytonGC145B mod GC146B Stormwater discharge, C5 Clayton mod GC147B Stormwater discharge, C6/7 Clayton mod Stormwater discharge, C6 Clayton Stormwater discharge, C9/10 Clayton EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT DISCHARGE mod mod mod mod GC131B Stormwater discharge, C15 Goolwa, adj Dowland St EVENT DISCHARGE mod GEOCODE HAZARDGC013B Stormwater discharge, Bonney St, Meningie EVENT DISCHARGE mod EVENT TYPE PA TU NU HY

214 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low low low low low low 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 mod mod 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 TOILETS/SEPTIC TANKS VESSEL LAUNCHING/BOAT RAMP GC149B Stormwater discharge, C12 Clayton EVENT DISCHARGE mod GC020SGC021S Recreation area, Allen St, MeningieGC022S Recreation area, West Tce, MeningieGC024S Recreation area, Meningie southGC046S Recreation area, Long PointGC053S Boat Ramp, RaukkanGC055S Recreation area, Mundoo channelGC062S VESSEL LAUNCHING Recreation area, Goolwa channel VESSEL LAUNCHINGGC063S Recreation area, Clayton Bay Recreation area, Clayton Reserve VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING low low VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING low VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING low low low low low low GC015D toilet holding tank, Meningie waterfront Public INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low GC025LGC026L Septic tanks, Long Point shacksGC027L toilet & holding tank, Marks Point Compost GC039L Septic tanks, Marks Point shacksGC051L Septic, Point Malcolm lighthouseGC052L Septic tanks, Murray Mouth shacksGC054L INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE Septic tanks, Mundoo shacksGC059L Septic tanks, shacks opp Murray MouthGC064L LEAKAGE low Septic tanks, shacks adj to Rushy IslandGC066L Septic tanks, Clayton West LEAKAGEGC067L Septic tanks, Clayton township LEAKAGEGC068L LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Clayton Caravan ParkGC069L LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Hindmarsh Island northGC070L LEAKAGE low LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Narnu Dr, Hindmarsh IsGC071L Septic tanks, Hindmarsh Island Caravan ParkGC073L mod Septic tanks, Capt Sturt Pde, Hindmarsh IsGC086L mod Septic tanks, Caravan Park mod LEAKAGE LEAKAGE LEAKAGE Septic tanks, Goolwa beach LEAKAGE mod LEAKAGE mod LEAKAGE mod LEAKAGE mod mod mod mod mod LEAKAGE mod LEAKAGE mod mod mod GC019S Recreation area, Meningie Sailing Club VESSEL LAUNCHING low GEOCODE HAZARDGC148B Stormwater discharge, C11 Clayton EVENT DISCHARGE EVENT TYPE mod PA TU NU HY

215 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low low 2 2 2 low low 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 low low low low 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 VESSEL MOORING(S) VESSEL WASTE DISPOSAL STATION WASTEWATER DISPOSAL AREA WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE WETLAND/LAGOON GC074S Recreation area, Laffin PointGC089S Recreation area, Goolwa aquatic clubGC095S Recreation area, Number 19 BeaconGC107S Recreation area, Milang VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING VESSEL LAUNCHING low low low low GC072R Mooring, Laffin Point VESSEL DISCHARGES mod GC009D STEDS ponds, MeningieGC010D STEDS infrastructure, Meningie Caravan ParkGC017D STEDS infrastructure, Meningie Sailing ClubGC018D STEDS infrastructure, Meningie shacksGC045D STEDS infrastructure, RaukkanGC075D INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE STEDS infrastructure, Goolwa, north east, Liverpool RdGC082D INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE Effluent ponds, GoolwaGC094D low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE The Marina, Hindmarsh Island WWTPGC106D INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE STEDS infrastructure, Milang south shacksGC109D low low STEDS infrastructure, Milang Caravan ParkGC110D low STEDS ponds, Milang INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low mod low low INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low GC084C River vessel waste disposal station, GoolwaGC094L The Marina, Hindmarsh Island wastewater irrigation areaGC008D LEAKAGE ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE STEDS infrastructure, Waterfront Motel Meningie mod INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE low low GC041B Wetland, Narrung EVENT DISCHARGE low GC091R P/S Goolwa VESSEL DISCHARGES mod GEOCODE HAZARDGC065S Recreation area, Clayton west VESSEL LAUNCHING EVENT TYPE low PA TU NU HY

216 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options

7.5 Options for management of risks, GW & CD LAP areas

Several current and future potential options to manage risks identified in the GW & CD LAP areas are shown in Table 7.5 in the categories of: capital and on-ground works, capacity building, monitoring, compliance, policy planning, and research and development.

The suggestions as to which stakeholders may take responsibility for undertaking management options do not imply that they should, or will, be performed by those parties. Management options and stakeholder responsibilities are being examined in much more detail in Stage III of this project, following further consultation and more in-depth examination of priority risks.

Funding would be required for some strategies and funding sources are yet to be determined. Uncertainties in risk assessment rankings may also need to be addressed before management decisions can be made.

Of particular importance to improving water quality of the Coorong and Lower Lakes are the outcomes of current programs on improving flows and water quality down the River Murray (eg MDBC 2005). Recent research has highlighted the major ecological changes in the Coorong as a result of reduced tidal flushing and freshwater inputs (Gell & Haynes 2005, Dittman et al 2006).

217 218 Table 7.5 Current and potential future options for management of risks, GW & CD LAP areas River MurrayandLowerLakescatchmentriskassessmentforwaterquality:Resultsmanagementoptions EV= environmental value, ECO=aquatic ecosystem EV, RAW=raw water supply EV, REC=recreational EV; risk management options which are already being implemented are in italics

Current and potential future options Lead Activity Stressor EV Capital on-ground Research and Capacity building Monitoring Compliance Policy planning stakeholder(s) works development

HIGH RISKS Rivers/creek event NU ECO Maintenance in Education and Continued ground Water allocation and Planning and Examine catchment Land owners, LAP discharges catchment eg awareness raising on and surface water efficiency development risks in more detail groups. DWLBC, TU Bremer, Angas, FInniss fencing from irrigation efficiency quality and quantity compliance work policies that ensure to prioritise SAMDB NRMB, OR livestock, and sustainable land protection of water catchments/specific * rivers monitoring Enforce Water EPA, Planning SA revegetation of use quality locations Currency & SA Quality EPP to riparian zones * Tookayerta creeks regulate activities in Possible catchment (note: risk assessed as a Divert drainage catchments if water quality sum of risks from their water entering into necessary modeling respective catchments) rivers (e.g. Finniss) to evaporation lagoons MODERATE RISKS Toilets/septic tank systems NU ECO Upgrade to STEDS or Education of users Auditing and enforce Consider density of Department of WWTP where on best management the Public and septic tank soakage Health, SAMDB Hindmarsh Island PA REC * north appropriate practices and the Environmental trenches and NRMB, OR importance of Health Act or Water develop policies for Alexandrina and Clayton Complete Milang Quality EPP if use of catchment Coorong councils, * south shore shacks regular maintenance various shack sites necessary area to ensure DWLBC, EPA connection to STEDS * (eg Mundoo channel, ongoing protection Murray Mouth) of receiving water quality Stormwater discharges HM ECO Treatment systems/ Community Monitor discharge Audit industries require new Investigate Councils, SAMDB devices for water, education on within the urban developments to treatment/re-use Goolwa wharf HY REC water quality NRMB, EPA before entering lake pollution of catchments incorporate storm- alternatives * Catchment 19 Goolwa * stormwater water management * Catchment 15 Goolwa systems (eg Bonney St Meningie retention basins and * Catchment 13 Goolwa wetlands) and use * North Tce Meningie water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) * Various others * principles River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options stakeholder(s) SAMDB NRMB Council systems Lead Marina operators, vessel owners, BIASA, EPA, Alexandrina Land owner, EPA, LAP groups, development Research and Develop affordable and effective greywater treatment Research into grazing impacts and alternatives Current and potential future options Adopt 'Clean Marina' policies Introduce requirement for all houseboats (including non- commercial) to be slipped and surveyed vessel moorings Marinas/vessel facilities/ Houseboat/vessel mooring Audit and enforce Code of Practice for Vessel and Facility Management: Marine and Inland Waters and/or license Audit and enforce COP for Vessel and Facility Management: Marine and Inland Waters Priority: vessels that appear to be permanently moored Enforce Water Quality EPP if necessary Monitor marina water quality Monitor grazing activities Capacity building Monitoring Compliance Policy planning Education of marina & vessel owners regarding appropriate environmental practices Education of vessel owners on appropriate environmental practices Education and awareness raising on sustainable land use practices works Capital on-ground Construction of wastewater collection and disposal systems where needed prevented from entering water by fencing and providing alternative watering points REC REC ECO ECO ECO Ensure stock are PA PA PA NU OR NU OR NU OR TU Activity Stressor EV near Milang club islands Birks Harbour Chippy's Fiore Goolwa regatta yacht alongshore P/S Goolwa & Federal Goolwa public Laffin Point Lake Albert station Tauwitchere Goat and Mundoo Narrung Poltalloch Bluff Milang shores Adj Windermere Pelican lagoon Wellington peninsula station on peninsular moorings

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Grazing

219 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options stakeholder(s) DWLBC, BIASA, Alexandrina council, EPA, marina owners SAMDB NRMB Industry Health EPA, Dairy Additional waste disposal station investigation Audits to ensure compliance with COP for Milking Shed Audit record boats using the stations Education of river vessel users on the operation of stations Emergency procedures in place in the event of station failure Education of dairy farm operators on appropriate duties Additional portable toilet emptying facilities required watering points where required REC ECO ECO Fencing, alternative PA NU PA NU Lead Councils, EPA, Councils, Sustainable Recreation Project/MDA, campers, EPA, Department of Current and potential future options Effluent and other environmental station, Goolwa River vessel waste disposal infrastructure: STEDS/ wastewater Dairy farms, various locations around Lake Alexandrina and Albert development Research and Effluent application rate needs to be assessed to ascertain sustainability Research whether permit systems can be introduced Ensure applications for development take into account effluent disposal system capacity Designate camping sites that require permits, allowing greater control over use environmental management practices Audit systems and enforce licence conditions and/or Water Quality EPP if required Enforce Public Environmental Health Act or Water Quality EPP if required Informal camping areas: Survey campsites for frequency of use and density of campers Capacity building Monitoring Compliance Policy planning Emergency response procedures in the event of pump/storage failure Continual education and signage for campers is recommended to encourage appropriate waste disposal works Capital on-ground Complete planned upgrade to Goolwa STEDS Construction of sanitation facilities REC ECO ECO REC PA PA Activity Stressor EV near Lake Albert Goolwa STEDS Milang Meningie piggery effluent ponds Boggy Lake Duthalamung

* * * * * *

220 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options stakeholder(s) Coorong District council, EPA, EPA DWLBC, MDBC, SAMDB NRMB, DEH, drainage SAMDB NRMB board, EPA groups, EPA SAMDB NRMB, DWLBC, LAP Investigate treatment/re-use alternatives Research on any catchment pollutant inputs to wetlands Continued research on risks to Coorong and mitigation measures if necessary Require new developments to incorporate stormwater management systems (eg retention basins and wetlands) and use WSUD principles Improve Coorong water circulation through improved planning and increased environmental flows Audit any industries in the catchment Enforce Water Quality EPP to regulate activities in catchments if Monitor stormwater discharges at the outlet Continued monitoring of drainage water quality and risk assessment of impact on Coorong water quality and ecology Monitoring of water quality Community education on pollution of stormwater Education and awareness raising on sustainable land use practices Development and implementation of wetland management necessary Expand capacity of basin points objectives Upper South East Dryland Salinity and Flood Management Program drainage Protection from works grazing impacts through fencing and alternative watering REC ECO Lead SA ECO SA PA NU NU OR TU OR Alexandrina and Coorong District councils, BIASA, Current and potential future options development Research and Falkner St, Meningie Stormwater retention basin, Salt Creek (Coorong) (note: risk assessed as a sum of risks from catchment) Wetlands/lagoons, eg Narrung, Lallawa, Yalkuri, Teringe Approve new applications for boating facilities only for communal facilities Capacity building Monitoring Compliance Policy planning awareness on appropriate refuelling procedures works Capital on-ground Activity Stressor EV LOW/CUMULATIVE RISKS Boat ramps HY Presence of spill kits Education and

221 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options stakeholder(s) EPA, Coorong Council community owners Alexandrina and Coorong councils, DTEI, EPA EPA, fuel store LAP groups, local Examine risks in more detail, in particular runoff and leakage risks Investigate best options for treating or containing washdown water Enforce Water Quality EPP if required Monitor for leakage if further research supports this Education and awareness raising of Spill kits present and owners of riparian users educated in Training in land on best their operation emergency response practices for bank procedures stabilisation Presence of spill kits until risk investigated in more detail vegetation cover on Bunding of all fuel banks, use of geo- stores that pose a Treatment/ textile bags risk containment of washdown runoff water. Consultation is currently in progress Landfill, disused Narrung None recommended Bank erosion TU Management of Fuel stores/refueling facilities Ferry, Narrung HY Current and potential future options Lead development Research and Capacity building Monitoring Compliance Policy planning works Capital on-ground Activity Stressor EV

222