Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

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Stormwater
Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy
In the absence of stormwater quantity and quality monitoring, preliminary estimates suggest
that the annual stormwater volume discharge from the urban area is 16 000 kL, with
nitrogen and phosphorus loads of 15 200 kg and 2 000 kg respectively.
A detailed analysis of each sub-catchment is contained in appendix W. Issues relating to
stormwater management and the infrastructure used for its management have been
identified, as follows:
Whilst most of the stormwater pipes have been recorded into the GIS, critical
information such as pipe size, age, slope, etc. is missing.
The GIS and the corresponding database does not include information on water
quality control measures that have been installed.
There is a general lack of urban stormwater quantity and quality information.
There is no formal approach to stormwater management that will result in better
management and efficient use of this resource.
Short Beach Creek sub-catchment floods during local rainfall events and requires
larger drainage pipes and/or source control measures, or greater maintenance to
reduce blockages.
There are no treatment measures in place to capture/remove hydrocarbon
pollutants from heavy traffic areas.
Soil erosion is evident at some discharge points.
Of all the sub-catchments in Batemans Bay, Short Beach, Surf Beach, Denhams
Beach, Joes Creek and Wimbie Creek sub-catchments have been identified as
requiring priority stormwater quantity and quality management measures.
Except for the regular removal of garbage from the public bins, there is no active
litter and sediment removal/collection program. There is however a gross pollutant
trap in the Batemans Bay Industrial Estate which discharges into Mcleods Creek
(SEPP 14).
9.4.3 How Do We Fix These Issues?
Overview
The landscape of the Batemans Bay area could be managed sustainably through the
implementation of appropriate planning controls. The issues of future development and acid
sulfate soil runoff could be managed by amending the local environmental and development
control plans.
There are a number of opportunities available to manage the water cycle of the Batemans
Bay area. The traditional approach to water management is to separate water, wastewater
and stormwater and treat each in isolation. In this strategy, all available opportunities have
been identified and coarse screened (see appendix C). The coarse screening process
recognises that there are immediate and short term measures, and medium to long term
water cycle management opportunities. The immediate and short term measures need to
be implemented as a matter of priority to achieve legislative compliance and best practice
standards. The shortlisted medium to long term water cycle management opportunities
would, in the long run, deliver water cycle sustainability, public health protection and
improved service standards.