2 Renmark to border LAP area assessment - EPA - Sa.gov.au

River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options
9. Risk management options
The River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality project partners—the
EPA, SA Water and the SAMDB NRMB—plan to use the results to develop and implement management
strategies in coordination with other relevant agencies and organisations (eg DWLBC, community, LAP
groups, councils, Department of Health).
Risk management involves identifying and assessing potential mitigation options, and preparing and
implementing mitigation strategies. The individual LAP area chapters in this report provide suggestions
on potential risk management options (Tables 2.7, 3.7, 4.7, 5.7, 6.7, 7.5) and this section describes risk
management options and recommendations to be considered for adoption during Stage III of the project.
Proposed management options and stakeholder responsibilities are being examined in more detail
following further consultation and in-depth examination of priority risks. Uncertainties in the risk
assessment rankings may also need to be addressed before some management decisions can be made.
Some management strategies would need funding and the sources of these funds are yet to be
determined.
The National Water Quality Management Strategy implementation guidelines (ARMCANZ and ANZECC
1998) provide guidance on methods of risk management, such as:
• examining in more detail the different options for mitigating priority risks, and the potential costs
and benefits (eg environmental, economic) of these options
• identifying any priority areas for focusing of management efforts
• consulting with the community to set environmental values and water quality targets
• formulating and implementing management strategies and plans to mitigate risks.
Management option 1 The general framework of the National Water Quality
Management Strategy implementation guidelines (ARMCANZ and
ANZECC 1998) be adopted and used by the project and other
stakeholders to guide Stage III of the risk assessment project.
Areas of uncertainty for priority risks identified in Stage II of the
project should be examined to confirm that risk management
should be undertaken.
Status of implementation: In planning, funding secured for
project officer position
9.1 Specific management options by hazard type
Potential management options for each hazard type in a ‘whole-of-river’ strategic context are set out
below in general order of risk level (high->low) and discussed. Many risk management strategies are
already being implemented.
Flood-irrigated areas (Lower Murray)
Typical risk level: high–very high
Possible options: capital works, monitoring, capacity building, enforcement, planning
Suggested lead stakeholders: EPA, DWLBC, irrigators representative bodies and SA Water
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