Benchmarking saline flows in key rivers and streams for resource condition target development
SALINITY MONITORING IN THE MOORABOOL, BARWON, LAKE CORANGAMITE AND OTWAY BASINS
Final
25 July 2005
Benchmarking saline flows in key rivers and streams for resource condition target development
SALINITY MONITORING IN THE MOORABOOL, BARWON, LAKE CORANGAMITE AND OTWAY BASINS
Final
25 July 2005
Sinclair Knight Merz ABN 37 001 024 095 590 Orrong Road, Armadale 3143 PO Box 2500 Malvern VIC 3144 Australia Tel: +61 3 9248 3100 Fax: +61 3 9248 3400 Web: www.skmconsulting.com
COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Sinclair Knight Merz constitutes an infringement of copyright.
SALINITY MONITORING IN THE MOORABOOL, BARWON, LAKE CORANGAMITE AND OTWAY BASINS
Contents
1. Introduction 1 1.1 Study area 1 1.2 Project scope 3 1.3 Report structure 3 2. Framework for water quality monitoring 4 2.1 Consideration of monitoring program objectives 4 2.2 Consideration of study design 4 2.3 Summary 6 3. Data availability 7 3.1 Moorabool Basin 8 3.2 Barwon Basin 9 3.3 Lake Corangamite Basin 10 3.4 Otway Coast Basin 10 4. Method of site selection and data analysis 12 4.1 Selection of “key points” 12 4.2 Method of data analysis 16 5. Results 18 5.1 Moorabool Basin 18 5.2 Barwon Basin 26 5.3 Lake Corangamite Basin 33 5.4 Otway Coast Basin 40 6. Discussion 49 6.1 Monitoring of salinity target areas 49 6.2 Monitoring of “end-of-valley” type points 55 7. Conclusions 59 7.1 Recommendations for salinity target areas 59 7.2 Recommendations for “end-of-valley” type points 59 7.3 Further recommendations 59 8. References 60
Appendix A Hydrographic monitoring sites 61
Appendix B Outliers removed from spot salinity records 65
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Document history and status
Revision Date issued Reviewed by Approved by Date approved Revision type Draft A 24-Jun-05 B Neal R Lett 24-Jun-05 Internal draft Draft A 28-Jun-05 G Hoxley R Lett 28-Jun-05 Internal draft Draft A 30-Jun-05 R Lett 30-Jun-05 Draft for release Final 25-July-05 G Hoxley R Lett 25-July-05 Final for release
Distribution of copies Revision Copy no Quantity Issued to Draft A 1 (pdf) 1 Felicia Choo (CCMA) Final 1 (pdf) 1 Felicia Choo (CCMA)
Printed: 25 July 2005
Last saved: 25 July 2005 04:01 PM File name: I:\WCMS\Projects\WC03289\Deliverables\D04ral_Final_Report.doc
Author: Rebecca Lett
Project manager: Rebecca Lett
Name of organisation: Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Benchmarking saline flows in key rivers and streams for resource condition target Name of project: development Name of document: Salinity monitoring in the Moorabool, Barwon, Lake Corangamite and Otway Basins
Document version: Final
Project number: WC03289
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1. Introduction
The co-ordinated management of salinity within the Corangamite area has gone through a number of stages of development. In 1992 a publication was launched, called “Restoring the Balance”, as part of a salinity initiative by the State Government. In October 2001, the Commonwealth Government and the state of Victoria entered into an agreement for the implementation of a National Action Plan (NAP) for Salinity and Water Quality and in 2002 the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority launched a Catchment Strategy for the Corangamite Region.
Among the key commitments of the NAP was a plan to establish regional targets and national standards for natural resource management, particularly for salinity and water quality (Commonwealth of Australia, 2001). The Catchment Management Authorities were designated the task of coordinating the NAP at a regional level. Responsibilities included target setting, community consultation and annual reporting. Monitoring of natural assets is an integral part of the NAP.
SKM has been engaged by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) to collate and analyse all available stream salinity data for the major basins in the CCMA area. The CCMA has instructed that the flow weighted historical salinity should be defined at “key points” and that data sets should be grouped by basin. “Key points” are to include an “end-of-valley” type point that can be used as a baseline to indicate the overall resource condition of the stream from a salinity point of view. From this assessment, the CCMA requires general conclusions to be drawn as to the adequacy of salinity monitoring for the purpose of defining resource condition targets (RCTs).
This report documents the findings of the salinity monitoring investigation. Within the following sections the study area (Section 1.1) and project scope are defined (Section 1.2).
1.1 Study area The basins within the CCMA area are the Moorabool, Barwon, Lake Corangamite and Otway Coast. These basins are all south of the Great Dividing Range and, as such, generally drain towards Bass Strait. The Lake Corangamite Basin however constitutes a terminal system, with streams generally flowing north to south into local lakes.
The Moorabool River drains an area of 2,170 km2 (Department of Water Resources Victoria, 1989), from the Wombat State Forest, near Ballan, to the Bass Strait. In its upper reaches the river is divided into two branches, called the West Branch and East Branch. At Geelong, the Moorabool River meets the Barwon River. The river is highly regulated; the major reservoirs within the Moorabool Basin are Lal Lal Reservoir, Moorabool Reservoir and Bostock Reservoir. Located within the Moorabool Basin is the Little River, which drains in a south-easterly direction, from the Brisbane Ranges to Port Phillip Bay.
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The Barwon Basin covers an area of 3,880 km2 (Department of Water Resources Victoria, 1989) and has its headlands in the Otway Ranges. The River drains to the north while, at the opposite end of the basin, the Leigh River flows south from Ballarat. The two rivers meet at Inverleigh, where the Barwon River turns east and flows towards the Bass Strait. The Barwon River is also highly regulated; the major reservoirs are the West Barwon Reservoir, Wurdee Boluc Reservoir (off- stream) and the White Swan Reservoir.
The Lake Corangamite Basin covers an area of 4,190 km2 (Department of Water Resources Victoria, 1989). The basin is land-locked; the drainage system flows to a number of terminal lakes, the largest of which is Lake Corangamite. The streams within the Lake Corangamite Basin include the Woady Yaloak River, Pirron Yallock Creek, Mundy Gully Creek, the Gnarkeet Chain of Ponds, Deans Creek and Barongarook Creek. Water is transferred from the Lake Corangamite Basin into the Barwon River Basin at two points – from Black Bridge Pool to Warrambine Creek via the Woady Yaloak Diversion Channel and from Lake Colac to Birregurra Creek.
The Otway Coast Basin drains the land south of the Otway Ranges and an area to the west – a total area equalling 3,900 km2. Several streams flow in a coastal direction, including the Curdies, Gellibrand and Aire Rivers. There are no major storages within the Otway Coast Basin, although there are a number of pump stations and weirs which supply water to towns, both in and outside the basin (Department of Water Resources Victoria, 1989).
The principle landuses within the CCMA area are livestock grazing and dryland agriculture:
Table 1-1 Landuse within the basins of the CCMA area (CCMA, 2003). Landuse Morrabool Barwon River Lake Otway Coast River Basin Basin Corangamite Basin Basin Nature conservation 4.5 2.0 12.0 14.5 Minimal user (mainly Crown land) 11.7 3.0 1.5 8.3 Forestry 3.3 9.0 2.5 22.4 Livestock grazing 39.1 42.3 38.9 26.5 Dryland agriculture 33.7 35.9 43.0 26.6 Irrigated agriculture 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.4 Built environment 7.3 6.8 1.1 0.6 Water 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.2 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
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1.2 Project scope The objectives of the current study are: To collate and analyse all available stream salinity data for the major basins in the CCMA area; To identify "key points" within each basin for resource condition target setting; To define at each “key point” the historic flow weighted salinity; and To ascertain the suitability of the current monitoring network for the purpose of resource condition target development.
For the purpose of the current study, "key points" are defined as the stream1 monitoring sites of relevance to the proposed resource condition targets for interim salinity management target locations as well as an “end-of-valley” type point for each of the landscape zones within the CCMA basins.
1.3 Report structure The Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council have developed guidelines for water quality monitoring and reporting (ANZECC, 2000). These guidelines are discussed in Chapter 2 of this report. In Chapter 3, salinity monitoring sites within the CCMA area are identified. Sites are listed by basin. In Chapter 4 "key points" are identified and the method for calculating flow weighted salinity is described. Calculation results are presented in Chapter 5.
In a discussion of findings, Chapter 6, the existing salinity monitoring network is evaluated in terms of its suitability for resource condition target development. The discussion is divided into two parts. The first part addresses resource condition targets for salinity management target locations. The second part addresses "end-of-valley" type points. Note that there is some overlap in content. In the final chapter, Chapter 7, there is a general summary of findings and a list of recommendations, ordered by priority.
1 Within the CCMA area, salinity monitoring of lakes and drains is undertaken (for example), but these sites have not been investigated as part of the current study. Only stream salinity sites have been investigated.
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2. Framework for water quality monitoring
The Australian guidelines for water quality monitoring and reporting state that “an effective monitoring program is designed to measure and report on, or provide understanding about, a particular situation or set of issues; it is carefully planned initially, to ensure its objectives are achieved” (p.3 ANZECC, 2000). Careful planning is also required to ensure that resources are adequately targeted to meet regional objectives, and to ensure that the program is cost effective.
The major components of the water quality monitoring and reporting guidelines are summarised in Figure 2-1. The “field sampling program”, “laboratory analysis”, “data analysis and interpretation” and “reporting and information dissemination” components of the monitoring framework are not relevant to the current study, and will not be considered further. However, the following sections will discuss “setting monitoring program objectives” and “study design” in the context of benchmarking saline flows for resource condition targets.
2.1 Consideration of monitoring program objectives It is beyond the scope of the current study to set resource condition targets. However, in order to define resource condition targets, and to monitor whether targets have been achieved, it is acknowledged that catchment managers require salinity (and flow) data that: Is of a length that is appropriate for the detection of long term trends in the data. Hydrologic data is influenced by climate, for example. Data that covers just a few years will not represent the full range of conditions that are experienced, and can be misused when attributing trends to influencing factors. Captures information at appropriate sites that are located at “key points”, such as the downstream end of landscape zones and interim target areas for salinity management. Captures variability in the record, for example, both low and high flow conditions. Is of an appropriate quality, so that managers can be confident in the accuracy of the conclusions that are drawn from the data.
2.2 Consideration of study design There are three types of water quality studies. These are (i) descriptive studies, (ii) studies that measure change, and (iii) studies that improve system understanding (ANZECC, 2000). Salinity monitoring for the purpose of defining resource condition targets predominantly fall under the second category. Initial monitoring will be used to determine the resource condition in the first instance. Monitoring will be repeated in order to determine how the resource condition has changed in response to influencing factors, and to determine whether resource condition targets have been met.
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TASKS (Note that the following list of tasks is not exhaustive and that tasks are not independent of one another)
Setting monitoring - Define the issue program objectives - Define information requirements - Compile available information - Develop system understanding and conceptual process model - Set objectives
Study Design - Define study type - Determine study scope - Consider Sampling Design: sampling site variability, frequency - Consider Sampling Design: measurement parameters and cost-effectiveness - Specific data requirements
Field sampling - Consider specific data requirements program - Identify any field measurement needed - Select sample collection methods - Determine sample container requirements for identified analytes - Determine sample preservation and storage requirements - Consider other quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) needs - Consider OH&S issues regarding the field program
Laboratory analyses - Identify desired analyses - Select appropriate analytical methods for required detection limits and precision - Undertake analyses with appropriate QA/QC - Consider OH&S
Data analysis and - Check data integrity interpretation - Data Analysis: analyse changes in time and space; explore relationships between measurement parameters - Data Analysis: compare test site statistics and a water quality guideline - Interpret data in relation to study objectives and conceptual model - Refine model and if necessary collect new data
Reporting and - Prepare primary technical report information - Identify other information users and form of presentation dissemination
Figure 2-1 Framework for a water quality monitoring program (ANZECC, 2000).
The spatial (geographic) boundaries of the study area are the basins of the CCMA area and, in particular, the interim target areas for salinity management (listed in Table 4-1) and “end-of-valley” type locations. Resource condition targets should be specific, measurable and time-bound (Environment Australia, 2002). They may be medium term targets in the order of 10 to 20 years. For this reason it is assumed that monitoring should be on going.
The parameters to be measured are flow and salinity. Flow records are used to give an indication of the relative contribution of recorded salinities to river salt load. In this study, stream salinity has been characterised in terms of flow weighted salinity. If we were to use mean salinity, extreme
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events may unduly affect the calculation of the mean value. For example, low flow events often correspond to high salinities. These types of events may only persist for a few days at a time, but because the salinity is so much higher, these readings may unduly shift the mean salinity towards the extreme values. Thus hydrographic (flow) monitoring is a necessary component of resource condition target evaluation.
Salinity is measured by use of conductivity as a surrogate. Within the CCMA basins, both spot and continuous monitoring of stream salinity is undertaken. Typically, spot salinity is read by field staff using a hand held salinity probe. The salinity meter is submerged in the sample, either directly into the stream or by use of a “grab” sample container. Thus a spot salinity reading constitutes an instantaneous reading. That is, it represents the salinity in the river at the exact moment that the sample is taken. Spot salinity may be measured daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or quarterly (etc.) depending on the monitoring arrangement.
In the case that a data logger is used, the salinity of a stream can be measured on a continuous basis. Data down loaded from the data logger can then be used to compute a record of average daily salinity, for example. Average daily salinity, measured by use of a data logger, and a spot salinity measured on the same day, may not necessarily be in agreement; it would depend on the variability of salinities observed within the stream in question.
Spot monitoring is often undertaken at a frequency that is insufficient to capture certain events, such as peak flows and cease-to-flow events. Thus a spot salinity record may not pick up extreme salinity values. However, if a spot record is long enough, and a suitable monitoring frequency is selected, it is likely that both spot and continuous records would share the same range of values (distribution) and trends over time. Thus spot monitoring can be used to make management decisions which are based on valid statistical observations, and may reduce the overall cost of a monitoring program.
2.3 Summary Ideally, "key points" for RCT development should have both flow and salinity records which: Are lengthy, for the detection of long term trends and the evaluation of RCT compliance. Are of an appropriate quality, so that managers can be confident in the accuracy of the conclusions that are drawn from the data. Capture variability in the record, so that the true range of salinities is detected (continuous monitoring is preferred but not mandatory).
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3. Data availability
The following sections describe the availability of salinity and flow data within the four basins of the CCMA area.
Flow: Continuous hydrographic monitoring - Thiess Hydrographic Services (Thiess) conducts continuous flow monitoring. The ownership of sites varies from the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Southern Rural Water, Corangamite CMA, Central Highlands Water to Barwon Water. Spot flow measurements - Spot flow measurements are generally also undertaken when spot water quality measurements are undertaken.
Salinity Monitoring: Continuous salinity monitoring - Thiess undertake continuous salinity monitoring at a number of sites. Spot salinity monitoring – Spot salinity monitoring is undertaken for the purpose of the Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network (VWQMN). Monitoring is undertaken by Water ECOscience. Water ECOscience have a manual of procedures that is available via the Internet (Water ECOscience, 1999). The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has also conducted a limited amount of spot salinity monitoring within the CCMA area.
The following tables summarise the sites at which salinity monitoring is undertaken. For each site identified, the status of hydrograhic monitoring is also summarised. For a full list of hydrograhic river monitoring sites within the CCMA area, refer to Appendix A.
In some cases, both spot and continuous salinity monitoring is conducted at the same site. This is a result the different authorities collecting the data, for differing purposes. For example, at some sites water authorities would undertake continuous salinity monitoring to access the quality of water resources. At the same site, spot salinity data may be undertaken for the purpose of the VWQMN. VWQMN contractors also monitor for phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended solids (etc). Because staff have to travel to the VWQMN sites to collect this water quality data, there is no additional cost associated with the double-up of salinity monitoring.
The information contained within the following tables has been sourced from two separate locations. Information describing the availability of spot data is sourced from the Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse (www.vicwaterdata.net) and also the Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report (Water ECOscience, 2003). Information describing the availability of
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continuous data has been sourced from the Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse and Thiess2.
The current status of each gauge is indicated in this section of the report as either: Current - Parameter is actively monitored at the site to the current day; Discontinued - Parameter has been monitored at site in the past, but is no longer monitored; or N/A - To our knowledge, parameter has never been monitored at site.
3.1 Moorabool Basin Within the Moorabool Basin there are nine sites where salinity data is collected and one site where salinity monitoring has been discontinued (Table 3-1). Continuous salinity monitoring is undertaken at seven of these sites. Spot salinity monitoring is undertaken at four sites, and has been discontinued at one. Hydrographic data is collected at eight of the salinity monitoring sites. For a full list of hydrographic monitoring sites within the Moorabool Basin, refer to Appendix A.
The highest concentration of salinity monitoring is found within the upper reaches of the Moorabool River, upon the East and West Branches and tributaries.
Table 3-1 Salinity monitoring sites within the Moorabool Basin (32).
Site Salinity data Hydrographic data # Name Continuous Spot Continuous 232200 LITTLE RIVER @ LITTLE RIVER N/A Current Current 232202 MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD N/A Current Current 232204 MOORABOOL RIVER @ MORRISONS Current Current Current 232210 MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ LAL LAL Current Current Current 232211 MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ MOUNT N/A Discontinued Current DORAN 232223 FRAWLEY CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR Current N/A Current 232233 PADDOCK CK @ U/S BOSTOCK RES Current N/A Current 232234 EAST MOORABOOL RIVER @ U/S BOSTOCK Current N/A Current RES 232240 TEETREE CREEK @ MORRISONS Current N/A N/A 232241 MOORABOOL RIVER EAST BRANCH @ U/S Current N/A N/A KORWEINGUBOORA RESERVOIR
2 Personal communication, Barbara Dworakowski, Thiess, 17-May-05
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3.2 Barwon Basin Within the Barwon Basin there are nineteen sites where salinity data is collected (Table 3-2). Continuous salinity monitoring is undertaken at sixteen of these sites. Spot salinity monitoring is undertaken at seven sites, and has been discontinued at one. Hydrographic data is collected at all nineteen salinity monitoring sites. For a full list of hydrographic monitoring sites within the Barwon Basin, refer to Appendix A.
The highest concentration of salinity monitoring is found within the upper reaches of the Barwon River, above Winchelsea.
Table 3-2 Salinity monitoring sites within the Barwon Basin (33).
Site Salinity data Hydrographic data # Name Continuous Spot Continuous 233200 BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD Current Current Current 233201 BARWON RIVER @ WINCHELSEA Current N/A Current 233211 BIRREGURRA CREEK @ RICKETTS MARSH Current Current Current 233214 BARWON RIVER EAST BRANCH @ FORREST N/A Current Current (1030 hour reading) 233215 LEIGH RIVER @ MOUNT MERCER N/A Current Current 233218 BARWON RIVER @ INVERLEIGH Current Current Current 233223 WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE Current Discontinued Current 233224 BARWON RIVER @ RICKETTS MARSH Current Current Current 233228 BOUNDARY CREEK @ YEODENE N/A Current Current 233240 MATTHEWS CK @ SIPHON Current N/A Current 233245 WEST BARWON RIVER @ COMPENSATION Current N/A Current WEIR 233246 CALLAHAN CK @ COMPENSATION WEIR Current N/A Current 233247 BARWON RIVER @ KILDEAN LANE Current N/A Current 233248 LEIGH RIVER @ SHELFORD (GOLF HILL) Current N/A Current 233249 BIRREGURRA CREEK @ IRREWARRA Current N/A Current 233250 AGROFORESTRY SITE @ RACECOURSE Current N/A Current PADDOCK GERANGAMETE 233251 MIA MIA CREEK @ U/S LAKE MURDEDUKE Current N/A Current 233253 EAST BARWON RIVER @ OFFTAKE Current N/A Current 233258 PENNYROYAL CK @ RAIWAY CULVERT Current N/A Current
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3.3 Lake Corangamite Basin Within the Lake Corangamite Basin there are five sites where salinity data is collected and one site where salinity monitoring has been discontinued (Table 3-3). Continuous salinity monitoring is undertaken at four of these sites, and has been discontinued at one. Spot salinity monitoring is undertaken at two sites, and has been discontinued at one. Hydrographic data is collected at five salinity monitoring sites and has been discontinued at one. For a full list of hydrographic monitoring sites within the Lake Corangamite Basin, refer to Appendix A.
Table 3-3 Salinity monitoring sites within the Lake Corangamite Basin (34).
Site Salinity data Hydrographic data # Name Continuous Spot Continuous 234200 WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ PITFIELD Current Discontinued Current 234201 WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) Current Current Current 234203 PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK @ PIRRON YALLOCK N/A Current Current (ABOVE HWY BR.) 234209 DEAN CREEK @ LAKE COLAC Current N/A Current 234212 BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE Current N/A Current (URARA) 234214 SALT CREEK @ ROKEWOOD Discontinued N/A Discontinued
3.4 Otway Coast Basin Within the Otway Coast Basin there are thirteen sites where salinity data is collected and twelve sites where salinity monitoring has been discontinued (Table 3-4). Continuous salinity monitoring is undertaken at four of these sites. Spot salinity monitoring is undertaken at eleven sites, and has been discontinued at thirteen. Hydrographic data is collected at seventeen salinity monitoring sites. For a full list of hydrographic monitoring sites within the Otway Coast Basin, refer to Appendix A.
The highest concentration of salinity monitoring can be found on the Gellibrand, Aire and Barham Rivers and their tributaries.
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Table 3-4 Salinity monitoring sites within the Otway Coast Basin (35).
Site Salinity data Hydrographic data # Name Continuous Spot Continuous 235202 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ UPPER GELLIBRAND N/A Current Current 235203 CURDIES RIVER @ CURDIE N/A Current Current 235204 LITTLE AIRE CREEK @ BEECH FOREST N/A Current Current 235205 ARKINS CREEK WEST BRANCH @ WYELANGTA N/A Current Current 235208 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ CARLISLE N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235209 AIRE RIVER @ BEECH FOREST N/A Current Current 235210 LARDNER CREEK @ GELLIBRAND Current Discontinued Current 235211 KENNEDYS CREEK @ KENNEDYS CREEK Current Current Current 235212 CHAPPLE CREEK @ CHAPPLE VALE N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235214 BARHAM RIVER EAST BRANCH @ APOLLO BAY N/A N/A (2 readings Discontinued only) 235216 CUMBERLAND RIVER @ LORNE N/A Current Current 235219 AIRE RIVER @ WYELANGTA N/A Discontinued Current 235222 ANGLESEA RIVER (SALT CREEK) @ ANGLESEA N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235223 SCOTTS CREEK @ SCOTTS CREEK N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235224 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BURRUPA N/A Current Current 235225 GELLIBRAND RIVER AT CARLISLE RIVER N/A N/A (1 reading Current (PUMPING STATION) only) 235226 ST. GEORGE RIVER @ ALLENVALE N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235227 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BUNKERS HILL N/A Current Current 235229 FORD RIVER @ GLENAIRE N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235232 PAINKALAC CREEK @ PAINKALAC CREEK DAM N/A Discontinued Current 235233 BARHAM RIVER EAST BRANCH @ APOLLO BAY N/A Discontinued Current PARADISE 235234 LOVE CREEK @ GELLIBRAND N/A Current Current 235237 SCOTTS CREEK @ CURDIE (DIGNEYS BRIDGE) Current Current Current 235239 TEN MILE CREEK @ KAWARREN N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235240 YAHOO CREEK @ KAWARREN N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235241 PORCUPINE CREEK @ KAWARREN N/A Discontinued Discontinued 235255 THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE Current N/A Current
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4. Method of site selection and data analysis
4.1 Selection of “key points” The CCMA has produced a list of proposed resource condition targets for interim salinity management target locations (Figure 4-1). The proposed targets relevant to the current study are reproduced in Table 4-1, along with a list of salinity monitoring sites that may be useful in target setting. Table 4-2 lists the salinity monitoring sites investigated as potential “end-of-valley” type points. These sites are listed by landscape zone (Figure 4-2).
Figure 4-1 CCMA interim salinity target areas (courtesy of the CCMA).
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Table 4-1 CCMA Summary list of resource condition targets. Resource condition Objective of current Gauge number of investigation, as related to “key points” resource condition Upper West Moorabool (MOORABOOL) RCT1. Establish the cause(s) of rising salinity Review and/or investigate 232210 trends in the Lal Lal Reservoir by June 2005. monitoring of rivers upstream 232223 or downstream of Lal Lal Reservoir RCT2. Maintain the EC as measured in the Lal Lal As above As Above Reservoir (Tower surface) below 700 µS/cm until 2010. RCT3. Establish an appropriate end of valley target Review monitoring at Lal Lal 232210 for the EC value measured at the Lal Lal gauging gauging station (# 23210) station (# 232210) on the West Branch of the Moorabool River by June 2006. Morrisons – Sheoaks (MOORABOOL) RCT1. Establish the cause(s) of rising salinity Review and/or investigate 232204 trends in the Morrisons-Sheoaks target area by monitoring of streams in the 232211 June 2005. Morrisons-Sheoaks target area 232240 RCT2. Maintain the EC as measured at the Review and/or investigate No gauge of Sheoaks off-take below 800 µS/cm for 95% of the monitoring at the Sheoaks off- relevance time until 2010. take RCT3. Establish an appropriate end-of-valley target Review monitoring at 232202 for the EC value for the Moorabool River as Batesford Gauging Station (# measured at the Batesford Gauging Station (# 232202) 232202) by June 2006. Pittong (LAKE CORANGAMITE) RCT1. Establish the suitable salinity targets to Review and/or investigate No gauge of measure the level of risk to the ecology of the monitoring of Woady Yaloak relevance Woady Yaloak River system from either increasing River. or decreasing salinity by 2006. RCT2. Establish a target for EC measured in the Review and/or investigate No gauge of Naringhil Creek at the edge of the Pittong target monitoring of the Naringhil relevance area by 2006. Creek Illabarook (LAKE CORANGAMITE) RCT1. Establish suitable salinity targets to measure Review and/or investigate 234214 the level of risk to the ecology of the Woady Yaloak monitoring of the Woady 234201 River system from either increasing or decreasing Yaloak River system salinity by 2006. RCT2. Establish targets for EC measured in the Review and/or investigate As above major tributaries to the Woady Yaloak River at the monitoring of the major edge of the Illabarook target area by 2006. tributaries to the Woady Yaloak River Lismore – Derrinallum (LAKE CORANGAMITE) RCT1. Establish a target for salinity measured at Review and/or investigate No gauge of appropriate sites in Lake Tooliorook by 2006. monitoring of the rivers relevance upstream or downstream of Lake Tooliorook RCT2. Establish a target for EC measured at the Review monitoring at the 234212 gauging station in Browns Waterholes (#234212) gauging station in Browns
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Resource condition Objective of current Gauge number of investigation, as related to “key points” resource condition by 2006. Waterholes (#234212) Lake Corangamite (LAKE CORANGAMITE) RCT1. Establish targets for salinity measured at Review and/or investigate 234201 appropriate monitoring sites in Lake Corangamite, monitoring of rivers upstream 234203 Lake Gnarpurt, Lake Martin and Cundare Pool by or downstream of Lake 2005. Corangamite, Lake Gnarpurt, 234212 Lake Martin and Cundare Pool RCT3. Establish a target for EC measured at the Review monitoring at the 234203 Pirron Yallock gauging station (# 234203) by 2005. Pirron Yallock gauging station (# 234203) Colac – Eurack (LAKE CORANGAMITE) RCT2. Establish targets for salinity measured at Review and/or investigate 234209 appropriate monitoring sites in Lake Colac, Lake monitoring of rivers upstream Beeac and Lough Calvert by 2005. or downstream of Lake Colac, Lake Beeac and Lough Calvert Warncoort (BARWON) RCT1. Establish an appropriate end-of-valley target Review and/or investigate 233211 for the EC value for the Birregurra Creek at the monitoring of Birregurra Creek Ricketts Marsh gauging station (#233211) by 2006. at the Ricketts Marsh gauging station (#233211) Modewarre (OTWAY COAST) RCT2. Establish a target for salinity measured at Review and/or investigate No gauge of appropriate sites in Lake Modewarre, Gherang monitoring of rivers upstream relevance Swamp and Browns Swamp by 2010. of Lake Modewarre, Gherang Swamp and Browns Swamp. RCT3. Establish an appropriate end of valley target Review and/or investigate 235255 for salinity measured in Thompsons Creek at the monitoring in Thompsons edge of the Modewarre target area by 2006. Creek. Geelong – Lake Connewarre (BARWON/OTWAY COAST) RCT3. Establish a target for salinity measured at Review and/or investigate 235255 appropriate sites in the Lower Barwon wetlands monitoring of the rivers 233200 and the Thompsons Creek estuary by 2010. upstream of the Lower Barwon wetlands and the Thompsons Creek estuary.
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Figure 4-2 Landscape zones of the Corangamite Region (courtesy of the CCMA).
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Table 4-2 Potential “end-of-valley” type points. Salinity Site Catchment area management # Name km2 % basin target location area by basin Moorabool Moorabool 232202 MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD 1114 51% Hovells 232200 LITTLE RIVER @ LITTLE RIVER 417 19% Barwon Leigh 233248 LEIGH RIVER @ SHELFORD (GOLF LINK) Unknown Murdeduke 233251 MIA MIA CREEK @ U/S LAKE MURDEDUKE Unknown Unknown 233223 WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE 57.2 1% Upper Barwon 233247 BARWON RIVER @ KILDEAN LANE 864 22% Mid Barwon 233200 BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD 2713 70% Bellarine No salinity monitoring station of relevance Lake Corangamite Lismore 234212 BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE 226 5% (URARA) Woady Yaloak 234201 WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) 1158 28% Stony Rises 234209 DEAN CREEK @ LAKE COLAC 49.1 1% 234203 PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK @ PIRRON YALLOCK 166 4% (ABOVE HWY BR.) Otway Coast Curdies 235203 CURDIES RIVER @ CURDIE 790 20% 235237 SCOTTS CREEK @ CURDIE (DIGNEYS BRIDGE) 361 9.3% Gellibrand 235224 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BURRUPA 1046 27% Aire 235219 AIRE RIVER @ WYELANGTA 89.9 2% 235229 FORD RIVER @ GLENAIRE 56.2 1% 235209 AIRE RIVER @ BEECH FOREST 21 1% Otway Coast 235216 CUMBERLAND RIVER @ LORNE 38.3 1% Thompsons 235255 THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE Unknown
4.2 Method of data analysis In the following sections, we have defined the flow weighted historical salinity at key points within the four basins in the CCMA area. When S is mean daily salinity in µScm-1 (EC) and Q is mean daily discharge in ML, the formula for calculating flow weighted salinity is:
1→n ∑ SQ
Flow weighted salinity = 1→n ∑Q
We have used flow weighted salinity as it provides a good indication of the resource condition. If we were to use mean salinity, extreme events may unduly affect the calculation of the mean value. An alternative approach is to use the median salinity. This method is useful, as the median is not
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influenced by extreme values. However, it does not take into consideration the relative contribution of salinities to salt load. Thus the median will be used in place of flow weighted salinity only where a flow record does not exist (and consequently flow-weighted salinity cannot be calculated – one site only).
In the event that a continuous salinity record and a spot salinity record are both available at a particular site, the continuous flow record was used preferentially in the calculation of flow weighted salinity. Continuous flow and salinity data was excluded from the calculations if the quality code was greater than 150. “Good quality data” was therefore defined as data with a quality code less than or equal to 150 (meaning rating extrapolated due to insufficient gaugings). Missing data was not in-filled. In the case of the continuous flow record, the percentage “good quality data” is reported for the period of record that corresponds to the period of the salinity record. Spot data was scanned for outliers. Obvious outliers were removed (see Appendix B).
It is very important to note that the salinities presented are indicative of the stream condition and should not be compared directly to other streams. This is because salinity statistics have been calculated over the entire period of record and the length of record varies from site to site and spans different climatic periods. Stream salinity is heavily influenced by climate and, in particular, rainfall, as rainfall affects run-off, which can dilute stream salinity. We are currently in a drought period, but in the past wet periods have been observed. For example, in the early 1990s, and during the 1970s, above average stream-flow was observed in Victoria. Thus it is not suitable to say, for example, “this stream is twice the salinity of that stream”, as one period of record may span a decade, while the other may span just a few years. However, it is possible to infer from the data whether a river typically suffers from high levels of salinity or remains relatively unaffected. For example, the flow-weighted salinity at TEETREE CREEK @ MORRISONS (232240) is 3,780 EC, while at FRAWLEY CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR (232223) it is just 130 EC.
Upstream hydrologic and water quality controls are also reported. These are issues that may influence the selection of an “end-of-valley” type point.
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5. Results
5.1 Moorabool Basin Key information is presented below for sites identified in Section 4.1 as being "key points" for resource condition target setting in the Moorabool Basin.
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Table 5-1 LITTLE RIVER @ LITTLE RIVER (232200). Basin Moorabool (32) Site number 232200 Site name LITTLE RIVER @ LITTLE RIVER Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 417 km2 (19%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1976 to present Number of years 28.2 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 301 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record May-1965 to Present Number of years 40.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 2,290 EC (one outlier removed – see Appendix B) Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
232200
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
4,000
2,000
0 Jan-70 Jun-75 Dec-80 Jun-86 Nov-91 May-97 Nov-02 May-08 Date
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Table 5-2 MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202). Basin Moorabool (32) Site number 232202 Site name MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 114 km2 (51%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1976 to Present Number of years 28.2 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 331 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jan-1908 to Present Number of years 97.2 Percentage of days with good quality data 98.9% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 780 EC (one outlier removed – see Appendix B) Description of upstream hydrologic and water - The upper reaches of the Moorabool River are regulated by quality controls the Lal Lal, Moorabool and Bostock Reservoirs.
232202
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
1,500
1,000
500
0 Jan-70 Jun-75 Dec-80 Jun-86 Nov-91 May-97 Nov-02 May-08 Date
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Table 5-3 MOORABOOL RIVER @ MORRISONS (232204). Basin Moorabool (32) Site number 232204 Site name MOORABOOL RIVER @ MORRISONS Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 575 km2 (26%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Oct-03 to Present Number of years 1.6 Percentage of days with good quality data 94.0% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-76 to Present Number of years 28.3 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 333 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Aug-1945 to Present Number of years 60.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 710 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water - The upper reaches of the Moorabool River are regulated by quality controls the Lal Lal, Moorabool and Bostock Reservoirs.
232204
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800 Salinity (EC) Salinity 600
400
200
0 Jun-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 Apr-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Feb-05 May-05 Sep-05 Date
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Table 5-4 MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ LAL LAL (232210). Basin Moorabool (32) Site number 232210 Site name MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ LAL LAL Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 83 km2 (4%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Aug-1994 to Present Number of years 10.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 92.8% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Dec-1976 to Present Number of years 28.2 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 326 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Sep-1973 to Present Number of years 31.7 Percentage of days with good quality data 99.7% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 290 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water - The upstream reaches are regulated by the Moorabool quality controls Reservoir.
232210
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
Salinity (EC) Salinity 1,500
1,000
500
0 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-5 MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ MOUNT DORAN (232211). Basin Moorabool (32) Site number 232211 Site name MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ MOUNT DORAN Monitoring status Active (flow) Discontinued (Salinity) Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 292 km2 (13%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1976 to Jul-1990 Number of years 13.6 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 157 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jun-1970 to Present Number of years 34.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 390 Description of upstream hydrologic and water - The upstream reaches are regulated by the Moorabool and quality controls Lal Lal Reservoirs.
232211
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800 Salinity (EC) Salinity 600
400
200
0 Dec-73 Aug-76 May-79 Feb-82 Nov-84 Aug-87 May-90 Jan-93 Date
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Table 5-6 FRAWLEY CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR (232223). Basin Moorabool (32) Site number 232223 Site name FRAWLEY CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) Unknown Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Sep-1995 to Present Number of years 9.7 Percentage of days with good quality data 68.0% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Freuency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jul-1995 to Present Number of years 9.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 99.8% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 130 Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
232223
250
200
150 Salinity (EC) Salinity 100
50
0 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-7 TEETREE CREEK @ MORRISONS (232240). Basin Moorabool (32) Site number 232240 Site name TEETREE CREEK @ MORRISONS Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) Unknown Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Jul-2004 to Present Number of years 0.9 Percentage of days with good quality data 96.0% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data in concurrent period MEDIAN SALINITY 3,780 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
232240
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
1,500
1,000
500
0 Jun-04 Aug-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Dec-04 Feb-05 Apr-05 May-05 Jul-05 Date
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5.2 Barwon Basin Key information is presented below for sites identified in Section 4.1 as being "key points" for resource condition target setting in the Barwon Basin.
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Table 5-8 BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD (233200). Basin Barwin (33) Site number 233200 Site name BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 2713 km2 (70%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Jun-1994 to Present Number of years 10.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Oct-1976 to Present Number of years 28.3 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 331 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jul-1906 to Present Number of years 98.5 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 1,090 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water - Downstream of a number of reservoirs, including the West quality controls Barwon Reservoir and the White Swan Reservoir. - The Barwon River also receives diversions from the Lake Corangamite Basin. - On the Leigh River, 7,000 ML/yr of treated wastewater is discharged from the Ballarat South treatment plant (CCMA, 2004).
233200
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity 1,500
1,000
500
0 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-9 BIRREGURRA CREEK @ RICKETTS MARSH (233211). Basin Barwon (33) Site number 233211 Site name BIRREGURRA CREEK @ RICKETTS MARSH Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) Unknown Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Nov-1993 to present Number of years 11.5 Percentage of days with good quality data 51.1% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Oct-1976 to Present Number of years 28.1 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 196 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jan-1959 to present Number of years 46.4 Percentage of days with good quality data 97.6% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 2,650 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water - Diversions from the Lake Corangamite Basin are delivered quality controls into Birregurra Creek from Lake Colac.
233211
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
10,000
5,000
0 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-10 WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE (233223). Basin Barwon (33) Site number 233223 Site name WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 57.2 km2 (1%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Aug-1994 to Present Number of years 11.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 66.1% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1976 to Jul-1990 Number of years 13.6 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 124 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jun-1970 to Present Number of years 35.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 670 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
233223
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
3,000
2,000
1,000
0 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-11 BARWON RIVER @ KILDEAN LANE (233247). Basin Barwon (33) Site number 233247 Site name BARWON RIVER @ KILDEAN LANE Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 864 km2 (22%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Jun-1993 to Present Number of years 11.9 Percentage of days with good quality data 96.6% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jun-1993 to Present Number of years 11.9 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 810 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water - Upstream reaches of the Barwon River are regulated by quality controls the West Barwon Reservoir.
233247
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity 1,500
1,000
500
0 Sep-91 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-12 LEIGH RIVER @ SHELFORD (GOLF HILL) (233248). Basin Barwon (33) Site number 233248 Site name LEIGH RIVER @ SHELFORD (GOLF HILL) Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) Unknown Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Jul-1994 to present Number of years 10.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 99.8% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jul-1994 to present Number of years 10.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 960 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water - The upstream reaches of the Leigh River are regulated by quality controls the White Swan Reservoir. - On the Leigh River, 7,000 ML/yr of treated wastewater is discharged from the Ballarat South treatment plant (CCMA, 2004).
233248
2,500
2,000
1,500 Salinity (EC) Salinity 1,000
500
0 31/01/1993 15/06/1994 28/10/1995 11/03/1997 24/07/1998 6/12/1999 19/04/2001 1/09/2002 14/01/2004 28/05/2005 10/10/2006 Date
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Table 5-13 MIA MIA CREEK @ U/S LAKE MURDEDUKE (233251). Basin Barwon (33) Site number 233251 Site name MIA MIA CREEK @ U/S LAKE MURDEDUKE Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) Unknown Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Apr-1997 to Present Number of years 8.1 Percentage of days with good quality data 93.8% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Apr-1997 to Present Number of years 8.1 Percentage of days with good quality data 97.6% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 11,900 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
233251
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
Salinity (EC) Salinity 15,000
10,000
5,000
0 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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5.3 Lake Corangamite Basin Key information is presented below for sites identified in Section 4.1 as being "key points" for resource condition target setting in the Lake Corangamite Basin.
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Table 5-14 WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ PITFIELD (234200). Basin Lake Corangamite (34) Site number 234200 Site name WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ PITFIELD Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 324 km2 (8%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Mar-1995 to Present Number of years 10.2 Percentage of days with good quality data 97.4% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1996 to Jul-1990 Number of years 13.6 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 159 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Apr-1957 to Present Number of years 48.1 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 1,240 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
234200
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500 Salinity (EC) Salinity 2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-15 WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) (234201). Basin Lake Corangamite (34) Site number 234201 Site name WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 1158 km2 (28%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record May-1993 to Present Number of years 12.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 99.7% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1976 to Present Number of years 28.3 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 334 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record May-1955 to Present Number of years 50.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 2,110 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
234201
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
4,000
2,000
0 Sep-91 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-16 PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK @ PIRRON YALLOCK (ABOVE HWY BR.) (234203). Basin Lake Corangamite (34) Site number 234203 Site name PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK @ PIRRON YALLOCK (ABOVE HWY BR.) Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 166 km2 (4%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Jan-1977 to Present Number of years 28.2 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 319 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record May-1964 to Present Number of years 41.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 98.7% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 470 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
234203
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
4,000
2,000
0 Jan-70 Jun-75 Dec-80 Jun-86 Nov-91 May-97 Nov-02 May-08 Date
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Table 5-17 DEAN CREEK @ LAKE COLAC (324209). Basin Lake Corangamite (34) Site number 324209 Site name DEAN CREEK @ LAKE COLAC Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 49.1 km2 (1%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Apr-1993 to Present Number of years 12.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 95.8% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Nov-1975 to Present Number of years 29.4 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 1,120 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
234209
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
2,000
1,000
0 Sep-91 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-18 BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE (URARA) (234212). Basin Lake Corangamite (34) Site number 234212 Site name BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE (URARA) Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 226 km2 (5%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Sep-1993 to Present Number of years 11.5 Percentage of days with good quality data 97.1% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Sep-1993 to Present Number of years 11.5 Percentage of days with good quality data 96.4% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 3,480 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
234212
20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity 8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-19 SALT CREEK @ ROKEWOOD (234214). Basin Lake Cornagamite (34) Site number 234214 Site name SALT CREEK @ ROKEWOOD Monitoring status Discontinued Catchment Area (as a % of basin) Unknown Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Oct-1994 to Apr-1997 Number of years 2.5 Percentage of days with good quality data 99.8% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Oct-1994 to Apr-1997 Number of years 2.5 Percentage of days with good quality data 89.6% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 8,520 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
234212
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
10,000
5,000
0 Mar-94 Sep-94 Apr-95 Oct-95 May-96 Dec-96 Jun-97 Date
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5.4 Otway Coast Basin Key information is presented below for sites identified in Section 4.1 as being "key points" for resource condition target setting in the Otway Coast Basin.
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Table 5-20 CURDIES RIVER @ CURDIE (235203). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235203 Site name CURDIES RIVER @ CURDIE Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 790 km2 (20%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Jan-1977 to Present Number of years 28.1 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 329 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Oct-1955 to Present Number of years 49.5 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 810 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
235203
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
1,500
1,000
500
0 Jan-75 Jun-80 Dec-85 Jun-91 Nov-96 May-02 Nov-07 Date
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Table 5-21 AIRE RIVER @ BEECH FOREST (235209). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235209 Site name AIRE RIVER @ BEECH FOREST Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 21 km2 (1%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-76 to Present Number of years 28.3 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 304 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Mar-64 to Present Number of years 41.1 Percentage of days with good quality data in concurrent period 100.0% Flow weighted salinity 110 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
235209
450
400
350
300
250
200 Salinity (EC) Salinity
150
100
50
0 Jan-75 Jun-80 Dec-85 Jun-91 Nov-96 May-02 Nov-07 Date
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Table 5-22 CUMBERLAND RIVER @ LORNE (235216). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235216 Site name CUMBERLAND RIVER @ LORNE Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 38.3 km2 (1%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Oct-76 to Present Number of years 28.3 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 303 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record May-1966 to Present Number of years 39.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 130 EC (one outlier removed – see Appendix B) Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
235216
800
700
600
500
400 Salinity (EC) Salinity 300
200
100
0 Jan-75 Jun-80 Dec-85 Jun-91 Nov-96 May-02 Nov-07 Date
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Table 5-23 AIRE RIVER @ WYELANGTA (235219). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235219 Site name AIRE RIVER @ WYELANGTA Monitoring status Active (flow) Discontinued (salinity) Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 89.9 km2 (2%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1976 to Jun-1988 Number of years 11.6 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 129 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Mar-1967 to Present Number of years 38.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 110 EC (one outlier removed – see Appendix B) Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
235219
300
250
200
150 Salinity (EC) Salinity
100
50
0 Apr-75 Aug-76 Jan-78 May-79 Oct-80 Feb-82 Jul-83 Nov-84 Mar-86 Aug-87 Dec-88 May-90 Date
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Table 5-24 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BURRUPA (235224). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235224 Site name GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BURRUPA Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 1046 km2 (27%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Dec-1976 to Present Number of years 28.2 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 340 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Mar-1969 to Present Number of years 36.1 Percentage of days with good quality data 99.9% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 280 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
235224
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800 Salinity (EC) Salinity 600
400
200
0 1/01/1975 23/06/1980 14/12/1985 6/06/1991 26/11/1996 19/05/2002 9/11/2007 Date
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Table 5-25 FORD RIVER @ GLENAIRE (235229). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235229 Site name FORD RIVER @ GLENAIRE Monitoring status Discontinued Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 56.2 km2 (1%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record None Number of years Percentage of days with good quality data Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Nov-1976 to Jun-1987 Number of years 10.5 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 120 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Apr-1970 to Jun-1987 Number of years 17.2 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 160 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
235229
300
250
200
150 Salinity (EC) Salinity
100
50
0 Apr-75 Aug-76 Jan-78 May-79 Oct-80 Feb-82 Jul-83 Nov-84 Mar-86 Aug-87 Dec-88 Date
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Table 5-26 SCOTTS CREEK @ CURDIE (DIGNEYS BRIDGE) (235237). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235237 Site name SCOTTS CREEK @ CURDIE (DIGNEYS BRIDGE) Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) 361 km2 (9%) Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Jun-1993 to Present Number of years 11.9 Percentage of days with good quality data 89.6% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record Jul-1988 to Present Number of years 16.6 Frequency Monthly Number of data points 196 Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Apr-1982 to present Number of years 23.0 Percentage of days with good quality data 100.0% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 830 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water quality controls
235237
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity
1,500
1,000
500
0 Sep-91 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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Table 5-27 THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE (235255). Basin Otway Coast (35) Site number 235255 Site name THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE Monitoring status Active Catchment Area (as a % of basin) Unknown Data Type Continuous salinity Period of record Jul-1994 to Present Number of years 10.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 79.9% Data Type Spot salinity Period of record None Number of years Frequency Number of data points Data Type Continuous flow Period of record Jul-1994 to Present Number of years 10.8 Percentage of days with good quality data 96.5% in concurrent period Flow weighted salinity 1,880 EC Description of upstream hydrologic and water - The lower reaches of the Thompson Creek are affected by quality controls tidal influence, but 235255 is approximately 10 km upstream of the ocean outlet and the base of the gauge is at an elevation of approximately 25 mAHD.
235255
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000 Salinity (EC) Salinity 6,000
4,000
2,000
0 Jan-93 Jun-94 Oct-95 Mar-97 Jul-98 Dec-99 Apr-01 Sep-02 Jan-04 May-05 Oct-06 Date
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6. Discussion
The following discussion is divided into two parts. The first part (Section 6.1) addresses the suitability of the existing salinity monitoring network for resource condition target setting in interim salinity management target locations. The second part (Section 6.2) addresses "end-of- valley" type points. Note that there is some overlap in content.
Guide to recommended actions: Low Priority actions would facilitate the development of resource condition targets. Moderate Priority actions are actions which should be completed to ensure that the quality/availability of data does not compromise the ability for resource condition targets to be set. High Priority actions are those actions that should be undertaken to allow the resource condition target to be set.
6.1 Monitoring of salinity target areas Upper West Moorabool RCT1. Establish the cause(s) of rising salinity trends in the Lal Lal Reservoir by June 2005. and RCT2. Maintain the EC as measured in the Lal Lal Reservoir (Tower surface) below 700 µS/cm until 2010. The existing salinity monitoring of rivers upstream of Lal Lal Reservoir is appropriate. The monitoring station MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ LAL LAL (232210) provides over ten years of continuously monitored salinity data, thirty years of spot salinity data and a continuous flow record beginning in 1977. However, this site only captures a portion of the upstream area draining to Lal Lal Reservoir (83 km2). FRAWLEY CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR (232223) provides additional salinity information for the upper reaches of the Lal Lal Creek, but an existing station - LAL LAL CREEK @ U/S OF BUNGAL DAM (232213) - is well placed to capture salinity information for the remainder of the upstream area. Currently there is no salinity monitoring undertaken at this site, which has a catchment area of 157 km2 and a flow record that begins in 1977. Recommended actions: Consider upgrading LAL LAL CREEK @ U/S OF BUNGAL DAM (232213) to incorporate salinity monitoring of Lal Lal Creek (Low priority).
RCT3. Establish an appropriate end of valley target for the EC value measured at the Lal Lal gauging station (# 232210) on the West Branch of the Moorabool River by June 2006. The MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ LAL LAL (232210) gauging station provides over ten years of continuously monitored salinity data, thirty years of spot salinity data and a continuous flow record beginning in 1977. Thus the salinity and flow record is suitable for target
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setting, being both lengthy and able to capture variability in the record. The quality is likely to be suitable also, although 7.2% of the continuous salinity record cannot be classed as “good quality data”. Recommended actions: Investigate the salinity monitoring undertaken at MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ LAL LAL (232210) to determine why such a large portion of the record is of poor quality (Low Priority).
Morrisons – Sheoaks RCT1. Establish the cause(s) of rising salinity trends in the Morrisons-Sheoaks target area by June 2005. The Morrisons-Sheoaks salinity target location is well served by the MOORABOOL RIVER @ MORRISONS (232204) salinity monitoring site. Continuous salinity monitoring at this site was implemented in 2003. The flow record goes back to 1945 and spot salinity monitoring has been undertaken for 30 years. In the upper reaches of the Moorabool River, spot salinity monitoring at MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ MOUNT DORAN (232211) has been discontinued. This means that the relative contribution of salt load from the east and west branches of the Moorabool River must be inferred from salinity records much higher in the system.
TEETREE CREEK @ MORRISONS (232240) is a very important site, as it provides information on the salinity of tributary streams within the Morrisons-Sheoaks salinity target location. The median salinity recorded at this site since the installation of monitoring equipment in 2004 is 3,780 EC. This is considerably higher than the flow weighted salinity of the Moorabool River within this area (flow weighted salinity at 232204 is 710 EC), which would suggest that the tributaries within this reach are a source of salt load to the Moorabool River. To our knowledge, hydrographic information is not collected at TEETREE CREEK @ MORRISONS (232240). Recommended actions: Consider upgrading TEETREE CREEK @ MORRISONS (232240) so that hydrographic information is collected at the site (Low Priority). Consider re-establishing salinity monitoring of the downstream reaches of the east and/or west branch of the Moorabool River (Low Priority).
RCT2. Maintain the EC as measured at the Sheoaks off-take below 800 -S/cm for 95% of the time until 2010. Although there are several salinity monitoring stations in the upper reaches of the Moorabool River, to our knowledge the monitoring of salinity at the Sheoaks off-take is not undertaken. The closest upstream salinity monitoring site on the Moorabool River is MOORABOOL RIVER @ MORRISONS (232204). This site has a good flow and salinity record. There are two hydrographic stations that record flow at the Sheoaks site. These are MOORABOOL RIVER @
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SHEOAKS DIVERSION WEIR (232227) and MOORABOOL RIVER @ SHEOAKS (232209). Recommended actions: Investigate the change in salinity between Morrisons and the Sheoaks off-take. If the salinity record at Morrisons is a good indicator of salinity at Sheoaks, then use the MOORABOOL RIVER @ MORRISONS (232204) record to set resource condition targets at the Sheoaks off- take. If the salinity record at Morrisons does not approximate salinity at Sheoaks, then investigate upgrading one of the Sheoaks sites to incorporate salinity monitoring of the Moorabool River at the off-take. This action should be undertaken in consultation with Barwon Water, who draws water at Sheoaks Weir (Low Priority).
RCT3. Establish an appropriate end-of-valley target for the EC value for the Moorabool River as measured at the Batesford Gauging Station (# 232202) by June 2006. The MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202) has thirty years of spot salinity data and one hundred years of flow data. A cursory analysis of the spot salinity data indicates large scatter within the record, but a definite upward trend is apparent. Although continuous salinity is preferred relative to spot monitoring, continuous salinity monitoring would incur an additional cost. The data for this site is suitable for resource condition targets setting. No actions required.
Pittong RCT1. Establish the suitable salinity targets to measure the level of risk to the ecology of the Woady Yaloak River system from either increasing or decreasing salinity by 2006. and RCT2. Establish a target for EC measured in the Naringhil Creek at the edge of the Pittong target area by 2006. Figure 4-1 indicates that the Pittong salinity target area is in the upstream reaches of the Naringhil Creek. Although the salinity of downstream rivers is captured by the WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) (234201) gauge, there are no salinity monitoring sites on the Naringhil Creek. Recommended actions: Establish a salinity and hydrographic monitoring station on the Naringhil Creek below the Pittong target area as a matter of priority (High Priority).
Illabarook RCT1. Establish suitable salinity targets to measure the level of risk to the ecology of the Woady Yaloak River system from either increasing or decreasing salinity by 2006. and RCT2. Establish targets for EC measured in the major tributaries to the Woady Yaloak River at the edge of the Illabarook target area by 2006. Unfortunately, the continuous flow and salinity monitoring site at SALT CREEK @ ROKEWOOD (234214) has been discontinued. This site operated for 2.5 years, between 1994 and 1997 and is
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located within the Illabarook salinity target area. The purpose of this site is unknown. Historic salinity data could be used to set targets, but there would be no data to review targets and to determine whether resource condition targets have been achieved.
Another site of relevance is the WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) (234201). This site is well downstream of the Illabarook salinity target area and is influenced by drainage from the Narringhil Creek and the upper Woady Yaloak River. The WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ PITFIELD (234200) gauge is located upstream of this site.
In the event that the above (Pittong) recommendation is adopted, there would be three salinity monitoring stations within the Woady Yaloak River and tributaries. Although there would be no salinity monitoring undertaken within the Illabarook salinity target locations, the existing and proposed salinity records could be used to “isolate”, or “infer”, the salinity record in the Illabarook salinity target area. That is, the salt input from Illabarook would be the remainder of the salt record at WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) (234201) minus the records at WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ PITFIELD (234200) and the Naringhil Creek. Recommended actions: Establish a salinity and hydrographic monitoring station on the Naringhil Creek below the Pittong target area as a matter of priority, as instructed above (High Priority).
Lismore – Derrinallum RCT1. Establish a target for salinity measured at appropriate sites in Lake Tooliorook by 2006. There is no salinity monitoring site upstream of Lake Tooliorook. Recommended actions: Review the major cause of salinity within Lake Tooliorook. If catchment yield is an important factor (as opposed to groundwater inputs, for example) investigate the need for a salinity monitoring station within the upstream rivers of Lake Tooliorook (Moderate Priority).
RCT2. Establish a target for EC measured at the gauging station in Browns Waterholes (#234212) by 2006. The continuous flow and salinity gauging station at BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE (URARA) (234212) has been in operation since September 1993. As such there is nearly 12 years of data available for this site. The majority of this data can be classed as “good quality data”. The flow and salinity records at BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE (URARA) (234212) are suitable for resource condition target setting. No actions required.
Lake Corangamite RCT1. Establish targets for salinity measured at appropriate monitoring sites in Lake Corangamite, Lake Gnarpurt, Lake Martin and Cundare Pool by 2005. The gauging stations 234201, 234203, and 234212 each monitor flow and salinity within streams that flow to Lake Corangamite, Lake Gnarpurt, Lake Martin and Cundare Pool. These gauging
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stations have a combined catchment area of 1,550 km2 and are located on the Woady Yaloak River, the Pirron Yallock Creek and Browns Waterholes. Thus, these sites capture a large portion of the catchment area draining to the lakes and are suitable for the purpose of resource condition target setting. No actions required.
RCT3. Establish a target for EC measured at the Pirron Yallock gauging station (# 234203) by 2005. The PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK @ PIRRON YALLOCK (234203) has thirty years of spot salinity data and forty years of flow data. A cursory analysis of the spot salinity data indicates large scatter within the record. No obvious trend is apparent. Although continuous salinity is preferred relative to spot monitoring, continuous salinity monitoring would incur an additional cost. The data for this site is suitable for resource condition targets setting. No actions required.
Colac – Eurack RCT2. Establish targets for salinity measured at appropriate monitoring sites in Lake Colac, Lake Beeac and Lough Calvert by 2005. There is only one salinity monitoring site upstream of Lake Colac, Lake Beeac and Lough Calvert. This site is DEAN CREEK @ LAKE COLAC (234209). Apparently there has been a second monitoring station located upstream of Lake Colac at BARONGAROOK CREEK @ LAKE COLAC (234210), but to our knowledge no salinity data was collected and this site has been discontinued. Lake Beeac is a site of natural salting. Recommended actions: Review the major controls on salinity within Lake Beeac and Lough Calvert. If catchment yield is an important factor (as opposed to groundwater inputs, for example) investigate the need for a salinity monitoring station within the upstream rivers of these sites (Moderate Priority).
Warncoort RCT1. Establish an appropriate end-of-valley target for the EC value for the Birregurra Creek at the Ricketts Marsh gauging station (#233211) by 2006. There are 50 years of flow data, 11 years of continuously monitored salinity and 30 years of spot salinity data recorded at the BIRREGURRA CREEK @ RICKETTS MARSH (233211) monitoring station. However only 51% of the continuously monitored salinity record can be classed as “good quality data” and this gauge would record diversions from the Lake Corangamite Basin. Despite this fact, the salinity record at BIRREGURRA CREEK @ RICKETTS MARSH (233211) is a sufficient resource for target setting. Recommended actions: Investigate why such a high proportion of continuously monitored salinity data is of poor quality (Low Priority).
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Modewarre RCT2. Establish a target for salinity measured at appropriate sites in Lake Modewarre, Gherang Swamp and Browns Swamp by 2010. There are no salinity monitoring sites upstream of Lake Modewarre, Gherang Swamp and Brown Swamp. Recommended actions: Review the major cause of salinity within the Lake Modewarre, Gherang Swamp and Browns Swamp. If catchment yield is an important factor (as opposed to groundwater inputs, for example), then investigate the need for a salinity monitoring station within the upstream rivers of these sites (Moderate Priority).
RCT3. Establish an appropriate end of valley target for salinity measured in Thompsons Creek at the edge of the Modewarre target area by 2006. The THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE (235255) monitoring site is suitable for the purpose of "end-of-valley" resource condition target setting at the edge of the Modewarre target area. This site has both a continuously monitored flow and salinity record that extends from 1994 to the present day. The 11 years of hydrographic data is mostly "good quality data", however 20% of the salinity data can be considered poor. Recommended actions: Investigate why such a large proportion of the salinity data is of poor quality (Low Priority).
Geelong – Lake Connewarre RCT3. Establish a target for salinity measured at appropriate sites in the Lower Barwon wetlands and the Thompsons Creek estuary by 2010. The BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD (233200) is the nearest salinity monitoring site on the Barwon River upstream of the Lower Barwon wetlands. It has a good continuous flow and salinity record, as well as thirty years of spot salinity data. The wetlands are also downstream of the Moorabool River, which joins the Barwon at Geelong. The lowest salinity monitoring site on the Moorabool River is MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202), which has thirty years of spot salinity data and a continuous flow record that begins in 1908. Although these gauges are several kilometres upstream of the wetlands, and the river passes through Geelong before reaching the wetlands, the lower reaches of the Barwon and Mooorabool Rivers have little catchment area. There was a hydrographic monitoring station downstream of the Barwon/Moorabool confluence. This station was called BARWON RIVR @ GEELONG (233217), but it has been inactive since 1985.
The THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE (235255) monitoring site captures the majority of the upstream area draining to the Thompson Creek estuary, although the catchment area remains undefined. Recommended actions: Review the major controls on primary salinity within the Lower Barwon wetlands. If catchment yield is an influencing factor, investigate whether the salinity records measured at
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the existing gauges BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD (233200) and MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202) are indicative of inflows. If not, consider establishing a salinity monitoring site downstream of Geelong on the Barwon River (Low priority).
6.2 Monitoring of “end-of-valley” type points Note that many reaches of the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers are heavily regulated. The CCMA will have to consider how regulation is to be factored into the measurement of performance against “end-of-valley” resource condition targets. Alternatively, the CCMA will have to select a gauge upstream of the regulated portion of the landscape zone. In this case, it may be difficult to select a site on an unregulated stream at a meaningful location.
Moorabool The Moorabool landscape zone See recommendations for the Moorisons-Sheoaks RCT3, which endorses the selection of the MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202) gauge for “end-of-valley” target setting. No action required.
The Hovells landscape zone The LITTLE RIVER @ LITTLE RIVER (232200) gauge has thirty years of spot salinity data and forty years of continuous flow data and is located at the downstream edge of the Hovells landscape zone. A cursory analysis of the spot salinity data indicates large scatter within the record. Although continuous salinity is preferred relative to spot monitoring, continuous salinity monitoring would incur an additional cost. The data for this site is suitable for “end-of-valley” resource condition targets setting. No actions required
Barwon The Leigh landscape zone The LEIGH RIVER @ SHELFORD (GOLD HILL) (233248) gauge is located in the downstream end of the Leigh landscape zone. This site has eleven years of continuous flow and salinity data. The percentage of days with “good quality data” is high. The LEIGH RIVER @ SHELFORD (GOLD HILL) (233248) is an appropriate point for “end-of-valley” target settting. No actions required.
The Murdeduke landscape zone There are two major streams within the Murdeduke landscape zone. These are the Warrambine Creek and the Mia Mia Creek. The MIA MIA CREEK @ U/S LAKE MURDEDUKE (233251) gauge serves the Mia Mia Creek, with eight years of both continuously monitored flow and salinity data. However, there are no salinity gauges in the lower reaches of the Warrambine Creek. This creek receives diversions from the Lake Corangamite Basin. As such, the upstream gauge
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WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE (233223) may provide a better indication of the resource condition of the Murdeduke landscape zone. Recommended actions: Adopt MIA MIA CREEK @ U/S LAKE MURDEDUKE (233251) as an “end-of-valley” type point. Investigate whether the gauge WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE (233223) salinity record is a suitable resource for assessing the condition of the Murdeduke landscape zone. If not, consider establishing a salinity monitoring site at the downstream edge of the Murdeduke landscape zone on the Warrambine Creek (Moderate Priority).
The Upper Barwon landscape zone The Upper Barwon landscape zone is well served by the BARWON RIVER @ KILDEAN LANE (233247) gauge. This gauge has twelve years of continuously monitored flow and salinity data and is located on the downstream edge of the zone. No actions required.
The Mid Barwon landscape zone The Mid Barwon landscape zone is well served by the BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD (233200) gauge, located upstream of the confluence of the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers. This site has one hundred years of continuously monitored flow data, ten years of continuously monitored salinity data and thirty years of spot salinity data. No actions required.
The Bellarine landscape zone The BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD (233200) is the nearest salinity monitoring site on the Barwon River upstream of the Lower Barwon wetlands. It has a good continuous flow and salinity record, as well as thirty years of spot salinity data. The wetlands are also downstream of the Moorabool River, which joins the Barwon at Geelong. The lowest salinity monitoring site on the Moorabool River is MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202), which has thirty years of spot salinity data and a continuous flow record that begins in 1908. Although these gauges are several kilometres upstream of the wetlands, and the river passes through Geelong before reaching the wetlands, the lower reaches of the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers have little catchment area. Recommended actions: Investigate whether the salinity records measured at the existing gauges BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD (233200) and MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202) are indicative of river salinity within the Bellarine landscape zone and thus will enable “end-of- valley” resource condition targets to be set. If not, consider establishing a salinity monitoring site downstream of Geelong on the Barwon River. In order to save on monitoring costs, tie this recommendation in with that of the Geelong-Lake Connewarre RCT3 (Low Priority).
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Lake Corangamite The Lismore landscape zone See recommendations for the Lismore – Derrinallum RCT2, which endorses the BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE (URARA) (234212) gauge as an appropriate gauge for “end- of-valley” target setting. This gauge captures an upstream area of 226 km2, but not the entirety of the Lismore landscape zone. No actions required.
The Woady Yaloak landscape zone The Woady Yaloak landscape zone is well served by the WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) (234201) gauge. This site has fifty years of continuously monitored flow data, twelve years of continuously monitored salinity data and thirty years of spot salinity data. This site has a catchment area of 1,158 km2 and is located on the downstream edge of the Woady Yaloak landscape zone. No actions required.
The Stony Rises landscape zone The Stony Rises landscape zone incorporates a number of drainage lines. As such, it would be unrealistic to monitor all streams that flow to the multiple lake system given the cost that would be involved. The DEAN CREEK @ LAKE COLAC (234209) and PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK @ PIRRON YALLOCK (ABOVE HWY BR.) (234203) gauges both have flow and salinity records that can be used for the purpose of “end-of-valley” target setting. These gauges have a combined area of 215 km2. No actions required.
Otway Coast The Curdies landscape zone There are two salinity monitoring station within the Curdies landscape zone. The CURDIES RIVER @ CURDIE (235203) has thirty years of spot data and fifty years of flow data, but is located in the mid reaches of the Curdies River. The second gauge is SCOTTS CREEK @ CURDIE (DIGNEYS BRIDGE) (235237), but it is located on a tributary stream. As such, it is not suitable for “end-of-valley” RCT setting. The flow weighted salinity of both sites are above 800EC, which would suggest that salinity could be an issue within the Curdies landscape zone. Recommended actions: Establish a salinity and hydrographic monitoring station upon the Curdies River at the downstream edge of the Curdies landscape zone as a matter of priority (High Priority).
The Gellibrand landscape zone The GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BURRUPA (235224) gauging station is located near to the downstream edge of the Gellibrand landscape zone. It has a catchment area of 1046 km2, thirty years of spot salinity data and forty years of continuous flow data. The data for this site is suitable for “end-of-valley” resource condition targets setting. No actions required.
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The Aire landscape zone Unfortunately, salinity monitoring at the AIRE RIVER @ WYELANGTA (235219) gauge in the downstream portion of the Aire landscape zone has been discontinued. There are two other gauges within this landscape zone, but they are located within the upstream reaches, with the exception of the FORD RIVER @ GLENAIRE (235229), which has also been discontinued. However, the water quality within this region is likely to be good. The flow weighted salinity at the Aire River site was calculated to be 110 EC and the Ford River site 160 EC. Due to the high water quality, it may be reasonable to use one of the upstream gauges for the purpose of resource condition target setting. Of the upstream salinity monitoring sites, AIRE RIVER @ BEECH FOREST (235209) has the greater catchment area (21 km2). This site has a long flow and spot salinity record. No actions required.
The Otway Coast landscape zone There are a large number of streams draining the Otway Coast landscape zone. These streams drain from the Otway Ranges to the Bass Straight. Most of the spot salinity monitoring stations within this zone have been discontinued. Only the monitoring site CUMBERLAND RIVER @ LORNE (235216) remains active. The flow weighted salinity of this site is 130 EC. Considering that water quality is unlikely to be an issue in this area, this site is suitable for “end-of-valley” resource condition target setting, despite the small catchment area. The upstream area is 38.3 km2. No actions required.
The Thompsons landscape zone See recommendations for the Modewarre RCT3 which endorses THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE (235255) as the preferred gauge for “end-of-valley” resource condition target setting. No action required.
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7. Conclusions
Generally speaking, the existing salinity monitoring network provides an invaluable resource for resource condition target setting. The spread of sites is good, as is the period of record. Some sites have flow and salinity records beginning in the 1970s. However a number of gaps exist in the monitoring network that, in some cases, makes it unsuitable for the development of resource condition targets. The following are recommended actions of high and moderate priority, which could be used to enhance the existing salinity monitoring network. Recommendations of low priority are outlined in the previous chapter.
7.1 Recommendations for salinity target areas It is strongly recommended that the CCMA: 1) Establish a salinity and hydrographic monitoring station in the Naringhil Creek below the Pittong target area. It is recommended that the CCMA: 2) Review the major cause of salinity within Lake Tooliorook. If catchment yield is an important factor (as opposed to groundwater inputs, for example), investigate the need for a salinity monitoring station within the upstream rivers of Lake Tooliorook. 3) Review the major controls on salinity within Lake Beeac and Lough Calvert. If catchment yield is an important factor, investigate the need for a salinity monitoring station within the upstream rivers of these sites. 4) Review the major cause of salinity within the Lake Modewarre, Gherang Swamp and Browns Swamp. If catchment yield is an important factor, then investigate the need for a salinity monitoring station within the upstream rivers of these sites.
7.2 Recommendations for “end-of-valley” type points It is strongly recommended that the CCMA: 5) Establish a salinity and hydrographic monitoring station upon the Curdies River at the downstream edge of the Curdies landscape zone. It is recommended that the CCMA: 6) Investigate whether the gauge WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE (233223) salinity record is a suitable resource for assessing the condition of the Murdeduke landscape zone. If not, consider establishing a salinity monitoring site at the downstream edge of the Murdeduke landscape zone on the Warrambine Creek.
7.3 Further recommendations Furthermore: 7) It is recommended that the salinity monitoring network be reviewed again at a later date, to determine if monitoring needs are being met by the future monitoring arrangement.
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8. References
ANZECC, 2000. Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting - Summary. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, Canberra. CCMA, 2003. Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy 2003-2008. The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac. CCMA, 2004. Corangamite River Health Strategy. Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac. Commonwealth of Australia, 2001. An agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Victoria for the implementation of the intergovernmental agreement on a national action plan for salinity and water quality. Department of Water Resources Victoria, 1989. Water Victoria: A Resource Handbook. VGPO, Melbourne. Environment Australia, 2002. Water Quality Targets: A Handbook, Canberra. Water ECOscience, 1999. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network and State Biological Monitoring Program Manual of Procedures 1999 182/97. Prepared for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Mt Waverley. Water ECOscience, 2003. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: 2002. Prepared for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Mt Waverley.
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Appendix A Hydrographic monitoring sites
Table 8-1Hydrographic sites within the basins of the Corangamite CMA area (Personal communication, Barbara Dworakowski, Thiess, 17-May-05). Site Period of available record # Name Start End (at 17/05/05) Moorabool Basin (32) 232200 LITTLE RIVER @ LITTLE RIVER May-1965 May-2005 232201 MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ BOLWARRAH WEIR Aug-1908 Feb-2005 232202 MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD Jan-1908 May-2005 232203 Unknown Sep-1908 Jan-1922 232204 MOORABOOL RIVER @ MORRISONS Aug-1945 Mar-2005 232205 WOMBAT CREEK @ BARKSTEAD May-1962 Mar-1967 232207 MOORABOOL RIVER EAST BRANCH @ BARKSTEAD May-1964 Mar-1967 232209 MOORABOOL RIVER @ SHEOAKS Mar-2001 Feb-2005 232210 MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ LAL LAL Mar-1967 Apr-2005 232211 MOORABOOL RIVER WEST BRANCH @ MOUNT DORAN Jun-1970 Apr-2005 232213 LAL LAL CREEK @ U/S OF BUNGAL DAM Jun-1977 Apr-2005 232214 BLACK CREEK @ U/S OF BUNGAL DAM Jun-1977 Apr-2005 232215 WOOLLEN CREEK @ U/S OF BUNGAL DAM Jun-1977 Apr-2005 232221 MOORABOOL RIVER EAST BRANCH @ BOSTOC RESERVOIR May-2002 Feb-2005 232223 FRAWLEY CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR Jul-1995 Apr-2005 232224 SLATER CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR Jun-1995 Mar-2004 232225 MAHARS CREEK @ U/S WILSON RESERVOIR Sep-1995 Mar-2004 232226 MOORABOOL RV EAST BRANCH @ D/S BOSTTOC RESERVOIR Jun-1998 Apr-2005 232227 MOORABOOL RV @ SHEOAKS DIVERSION WEIR Sep-2001 Feb-2005 232228 STONEY CREEK @ UPPER STONEY CK RESERVOIR May-2002 Feb-2005 SPILLWAY 232230 EAST MOORABOOL RV @ KORWEINGUBOORA RES H.G. May-2002 Feb-2005 232231 EAST MOORABOOL RV @ KORWEINGUBOORA RES P.D.R. Apr-2002 Feb-2005 232232 EAST MOORABOOL RV @ BOSTOCK RES ( COMPENSATION May-2002 Feb-2005 WEIR ) 232233 PADDOCK CK @ U/S BOSTOCK RES Mar-2001 Feb-2005 232234 EAST MOORABOOL RV @ U/S BOSTOCK RES Apr-2002 Feb-2005 232235 DEVIL CREEK @ U/S MOORABOOL RESERVOIR May-2001 Apr-2005 232236 WEST MOORABOOL RV @ U/S MOORABOOL RESERVOIR May-2001 Apr-2005 232237 BOLWARRA RESERVOIR H.G. @ Jun-2002 Feb-2005 232238 STONEY CREEK @ UPPER STONEY CK RES NO 2 H.G. Nov-2003 Feb-2005 232239 STONEY CREEK @ UPPER STONEY CK RES NO 3 H.G. Nov-2003 Feb-2005 Barwon Basin (33) 233200 BARWON RIVER @ POLLOCKSFORD Jul-1906 May-2005 233201 BARWON RIVER @ WINCHELSEA Feb-1922 Apr-2005 233202 LEIGH RIVEER @ GARIBALDI Mar-1922 Jan-1930 233203 BARWON RIVER WEST BRANCH @ FORREST Oct-1926 Jun-1965 233204 BARWON RIVER EAST BRANCH @ FORREST (BELOW Oct-1926 Oct-1959
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Site Period of available record # Name Start End (at 17/05/05) TUNNEL) 233205 CALLAHAN CREEK @ BARWON DOWNS Oct-1929 Feb-1956 233206 GOSLINGS CREEK @ MURROON Oct-1929 Jul-1930 233207 DEWING CREEK @ BARWON DOWNS Oct-1929 Jun-1930 233209 LEIGH RIVER @ INVERLEIGH Mar-1946 Jan-1962 233210 LEIGH RIVER @ GRENVILLE Mar-1946 Jan-1956 233211 BIRREGURRA CREEK @ RICKETTS MARSH Jan-1959 Apr-2005 233214 BARWON RIVER EAST BRANCH @ FORREST (ABOVE TUNNEL) May-1955 Apr-2005 233215 LEIGH RIVER @ MOUNT MERCER Oct-1956 Apr-2005 233217 BARWON RIVER @ GEELONG Mar-1961 Jul-1985 233218 BARWON RIVER @ INVERLEIGH Mar-1961 Apr-2005 233219 BARWON RIVER @ MURGHEBOLUC Feb-1968 Sep-1969 233220 WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WINGEEL May-1969 Jun-1972 233223 WARRAMBINE CREEK @ WARRAMBINE Jun-1970 Apr-2005 233224 BARWON RIVER @ RICKETTS MARSH Jul-1971 Apr-2005 233225 WARRAMBINE CREEK @ GUMLEY (U/S OF LAGOON) Jun-1977 Feb-1986 233226 WARRAMBINE CREEK @ GUMLEY (D/S OF LAGOON) Jun-1977 Feb-1986 233227 LAWALUK CREEK @ GUMLEY May-1977 Feb-1986 233228 BOUNDARY CREEK @ YEODENE Jun-1979 Apr-2005 233229 BOUNDARY CREEK @ D/S OF MACDONALDS DAM Dec-1989 Feb-1994 233230 BOUNDARY CREEK @ MCDONALD'S DAM Dec-1989 Feb-1994 233231 BOUNDARY CREEK @ U/S OF MCDONALDS DAM Dec-1989 Feb-1994 233240 MATTHEWS CK @ SIPHON Aug-2000 Apr-2005 233244 WEST BARWON RESERVOIR @ SPILLWAY May-2002 Mar-2005 233245 WEST BARWON RIVER @ COMPENSATION WEIR Sep-2000 Apr-2005 233246 CALLAHAN CK @ COMPENSATION WEIR Nov-2000 Apr-2005 233247 BARWON RIVER @ KILDEAN LANE Jun-1993 Apr-2005 233248 LEIGH RIVER @ SHELFORD (GOLF HILL) Jul-1994 Apr-2005 233249 BIRREGURRA CREEK @ IRREWARRA Jun-1994 Apr-2005 233250 AGROFORESTRY SITE @ RACECOURSE PADDOCK Jul-1994 Apr-2005 (GERANGAMETE) 233251 MIA MIA CREEK @ U/S LAKE MURDEDUKE Apr-1997 Apr-2005 233253 EAST BARWON RIVER @ OFFTAKE May-2002 Apr-2005 233255 ROADKNIGHT CK @ FORREST Aug-2000 Nov-2000 233256 CALLAHAN CREEK @ BIRAGURRA -FORREST ROAD Aug-2000 Jan-2002 233257 DEWING CK @ BIRAGURRA -FORREST ROAD Aug-2000 Mar-2005 233258 PENNYROYAL CK @ RAIWAY CULVERT Aug-2000 Apr-2005 233259 WURDIBOLUC RESERVOIR @ WURDIBOLUC RES H.G. Apr-2003 Apr-2005 Corangamite Basin (34) 234200 WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ PITFIELD Apr-1957 Apr-2005 234201 WOADY YALOAK RIVER @ CRESSY (YARIMA) May-1955 Apr-2005 234203 PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK @ PIRRON YALLOCK (ABOVE H'WY May-1964 Apr-2005 BR.) 234204 HAUNTED GULLY @ U/S LAKE GNARPURT Aug-1963 Dec-1966
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Site Period of available record # Name Start End (at 17/05/05) 234205 NO. 1 WATERWAY @ LAKE TERANGPOM Jul-1963 Dec-1966 234206 GNARKEET CHAIN OF PONDS @ FOXHOW Jun-1966 Dec-1966 234209 DEAN CREEK @ LAKE COLAC Nov-1975 Mar-2005 234210 BARONGAROOK CREEK @ LAKE COLAC Oct-1975 Jan-1981 234212 BROWNS WATERHOLES @ D/S LISMORE (URARA) Sep-1993 Mar-2005 234214 SALT CREEK @ ROKEWOOD Oct-1994 Apr-1997 Otway Coast Basin (35) 235200 CARLISLE RIVER @ CARLISLE RIVER Mar-1930 Apr-2005 235201 CURDIES RIVER @ TIMBOON Jun-1948 Jan-1960 235202 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ UPPER GELLIBRAND Aug-1949 Apr-2005 235203 CURDIES RIVER @ CURDIE Oct-1955 Apr-2005 235204 LITTLE AIRE CREEK @ BEECH FOREST May-1976 Apr-2005 235205 ARKINS CREEK WEST BRANCH @ WYELANGTA Feb-1958 Apr-2005 235206 SANDY CREEK (LEFT BRANCH) @ WYELANGTA Jul-1959 May-1966 235207 SANDY CREEK (RIGHT BRANCH) @ WYELANGTA Jul-1959 May-1966 235208 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ CARLISLE Feb-1964 Aug-1991 235209 AIRE RIVER @ BEECH FOREST Mar-1964 Apr-2005 235210 LARDNER CREEK @ GELLIBRAND Jun-1964 Apr-2005 235211 KENNEDYS CREEK @ KENNEDYS CREEK Jun-1964 Mar-2005 235212 CHAPPLE CREEK @ CHAPPLE VALE Jun-1964 Mar-1989 235213 SKINNER CREEK @ CHAPPLE VALE Jun-1964 Jan-1971 235214 BARHAM RIVER EAST BRANCH @ APOLLO BAY Jul-1964 Sep-1976 235215 COORIEMUNGLE CREEK @ COORIEMUNGLE Jun-1965 Apr-1969 235216 CUMBERLAND RIVER @ LORNE May-1966 Apr-2005 235219 AIRE RIVER @ WYELANGTA Mar-1967 Apr-2005 235220 PAINKALAC CREEK @ AIREY'S INLET Feb-1967 Oct-1974 235221 BARHAM RIVER WEST BRANCH @ APOLLO BAY May-1967 Jan-1985 235222 ANGLESEA RIVER (SALT CREEK) @ ANGLESEA Jun-1967 Nov-1982 235223 SCOTTS CREEK @ SCOTTS CREEK Mar-1968 Jun-1987 235224 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BURRUPA Mar-1969 Apr-2005 235225 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ CARLISLE RIVER (PUMPING STATION) Apr-1999 Apr-2005 235226 ST. GEORGE RIVER @ ALLENVALE Apr-1970 Feb-1989 235227 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ BUNKERS HILL Mar-1970 Apr-2005 235228 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ GELLIBRAND Apr-1970 May-1989 235229 FORD RIVER @ GLENAIRE Apr-1970 Jun-1987 235232 PAINKALAC CREEK @ PAINKALAC CREEK DAM Mar-1974 Apr-2005 235233 BARHAM RIVER EAST BRANCH @ APOLLO BAY (PARADISE) Oct-1977 Mar-2005 235234 LOVE CREEK @ GELLIBRAND May-1979 Apr-2005 235236 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ D/S OF DAM SITE G5A Jun-1981 Jul-1990 235237 SCOTTS CREEK @ CURDIE (DIGNEYS BRIDGE) Apr-1982 Apr-2005 235239 TEN MILE CREEK @ KAWARREN Apr-1985 Jul-1995 235240 YAHOO CREEK @ KAWARREN Mar-1985 Jul-1995 235241 PORCUPINE CREEK @ KAWARREN Mar-1986 Jul-1995 235242 ST. GEORGE RIVER @ U/S MELBA FALLS Feb-1987 Jul-1997
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Site Period of available record # Name Start End (at 17/05/05) 235243 ERSKINE RIVER @ LORNE Nov-1989 Jul-1997 235244 MYRTLE BEECH CREEK @ TURTON'S TRACK Oct-1990 Oct-1994 235245 FERN TREE CREEK @ TURNTON'S TRACK Sep-1990 Oct-1994 235246 BLACK SNAIL CREEK @ TURTON'S TRACK Nov-1990 Oct-1994 235249 WEST GELLIBRAND RESERVOIR @ SPILLWAY Aug-2002 Mar-2005 235250 OLANGOLAH RESERVOIR @ SPILLWAY Aug-2002 Mar-2005 235251 FANTAIL CREEK @ TURTON'S TRACK Mar-1991 Oct-1994 235252 JACKASS CREEK @ TURTON'S TRACK Mar-1991 Oct-1994 235255 THOMPSON CREEK @ GHAZEEPORE Jul-1994 May-2005 235256 ST GEORGE RIVER @ ALLENVALE RESERVOIR May-2002 Apr-2005 235257 PAINKALAC CREEK @ U/S PAINKALAC DAM Mar-1999 Apr-2005 235258 GELLIBRAND RIVER @ STH OTWAY PUMPS BRIDGE Mar-1999 Mar-2005 235259 ANGLESEA RIVER (SALT CREEK) @ D/S ALCOA POWER Aug-1999 Sep-2003 STATION 235264 PAINKALAC CREEK @ PAINKALAC RESERVOIR H.G. Dec-2003 Apr-2005 235265 MARINGO BASIN @ MARINGO H.G. Feb-2003 Mar-2005
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Appendix B Outliers removed from spot salinity records
232200
25,000
One outlier removed
20,000
15,000 Salinity (EC) 10,000
5,000
0 Jan-70 Jun-75 Dec-80 Jun-86 Nov-91 May-97 Nov-02 May-08 Date
Figure 8-1 LITTLE RIVER @ LITTLE RIVER (232200) spot salinity.
232202
25,000
One outlier 20,000 removed
15,000 Salinity (EC) 10,000
5,000
0 1-Jan-70 24-Jun-75 14-Dec-80 6-Jun-86 27-Nov-91 19-May-97 9-Nov-02 1-May-08 Date
Figure 8-2 MOORABOOL RIVER @ BATESFORD (232202) spot salinity.
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235216
1,800 One outlier removed 1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800 Salinity (EC)
600
400
200
0 1-Jan-70 24-Jun-75 14-Dec-80 6-Jun-86 27-Nov-91 19-May-97 9-Nov-02 1-May-08 Date
Figure 8-3 CUMBERLAND RIVER @ LORNE (235216) spot salinity.
235219
1,000
900 One outlier removed 800
700
600
500 Salinity (EC) 400
300
200
100
0 16-Apr-75 28-Aug-76 10-Jan-78 25-May-79 6-Oct-80 18-Feb-82 3-Jul-83 14-Nov-84 29-Mar-86 11-Aug-87 23-Dec-88 7-May-90 Date
Figure 8-4 AIRE RIVER @ WYELANGTA (235219) spot salinity.
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