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

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River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options 24 Note: shaded maps included on attached DVD; not all maps have hazards associated with them Figure 2.4 Key map for aquatic ecosystem zones, RB LAP area Each hazard was assessed for relevant water quality stressors (eg stormwater for nutrients, turbidity, organic matter, heavy metals and hydrocarbons). The summary of identified risks to aquatic ecosystem health for water quality stressors (Table 2.1) shows that nutrients have the highest frequency, followed by organic matter, turbidity, hydrocarbons, pesticides, salinity and heavy metals. Most risks were rated as low (173) or moderate (198) but a significant number of high-level (13) risks were recorded.
River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment risk assessment for water quality: Results and management options Table 2.1 Frequency of risks to aquatic ecosystem health, RB LAP area Stressor Risk NU TU OR HM PE HY SA Total Low 16 34 19 6 39 44 15 173 Moderate 65 24 61 16 2 16 14 198 High 3 1 3 0 0 0 6 13 Very high 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 84 59 83 22 41 60 35 384 NU—nutrients; TU—turbidity; OR—organic matter; HM—heavy metals; PE—pesticides; HY—hydrocarbons; SA—salinity The aquatic ecosystem risks identified in the RB LAP area are summarised in Table 3 and discussed in more detail below for each stressor. Salinity Discharges from the Pike River were assigned a very high risk ranking as significant salinity increases were observed where it enters the main stem of the river (and continue for several kilometres downstream). The Pike-Mundic river system receives significant inputs of irrigation drainage from Simarloo and Pike irrigation areas. Chowilla and Ral Ral creeks were assessed as high salinity risks. Chowilla Creek drains a major backwater system to the north and currently discharges about 30 tonnes of salt per day to the river. Ral Ral Creek receives irrigation drainage from Chaffey irrigation area and also drains a backwater system. Event discharges from these other creeks were also rated as a moderate-high risk as salt (currently trapped in floodplains and wetlands) could be mobilised and flushed into the river proper. The ecological impact of salinity from discharges to the river is somewhat uncertain as salinity levels have historically been variable (MDBC 1988). Groundwater leakage from large horticultural/irrigation areas (Murtho, Chaffey, Simarloo, Renmark, Paringa, Pike) adjacent to the river made up most of the other moderate-high salinity risk ratings, and a pumped drainage discharge to Ral Ral Creek from Chaffey irrigation district also received a high-risk rating. Large areas of irrigated horticultural land adjacent to the river in the Renmark to Border LAP area are predominantly used to grow citrus fruit and grapes. Bookmark and Nelwart creeks were noted as moderate risks during event discharges (large rainfall events and/or artificial flooding). They may receive irrigation drainage input from Renmark irrigation area and other catchment sources. Flows in and out of Bookmark Creek are regulated, with maximum salinity targets set for the discharge. Event discharges from wetlands (Whirlpool Corner, Mundic Creek, Templeton) also presented a lowmoderate salinity risk. Basic monitoring has recently been conducted at Templeton wetlands as part of the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey 4 . Several management strategies are already in place or planned to reduce the effects of salinity on the river, and floodplain and wetland vegetation. Several district schemes operate to collect and pump irrigation drainage water to regional disposal basins. 4 See the website 25
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2 Renmark to border LAP area assessment - EPA - Sa.gov.au

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