FAQs

Dredging is a prescribed activity of environmental significance listed in Schedule 1 the Environment Protection Act 1993 and is defined as:

… removing solid matter from the bed of any marine waters or inland waters by any digging or suction apparatus, but excluding works carried out for the establishment of a visual aid to navigation and any lawful fishing or recreational activity. 

For the purposes of this definition:

• Solid matter includes but is not limited to seagrass wrack, algae wrack, sand, sediment, organic matter, rocks.
• Marine waters include the coastal waters of the state or any part of the sea that is within the limits of the state, and includes any estuary or tidal waters. This includes the intertidal zone whether wet or dry.
• Inland waters include any water occurring naturally above or under the ground; or water introduced to an aquifer or other area under the ground; or an artificially created body of water or stream that is for public use or enjoyment.
• The bed of marine waters or inland waters is the portion of substrate within waters. For marine waters this includes the intertidal zone below the mean high water mark. For inland waters this includes the substrate of a water body which confines the flow of waters but does not include the bank of a water body which confines water as they rise out of the bed.

Activities of prescribed environmental significance such as dredging can only be legally carried out with an environmental authorisation from the EPA predominantly in the form of a licence. See Dredging scenarios below.

It is important to note that irrespective of whether an EPA licence is required or not, any works as described below will still need to meet legislative requirements and the general environmental duty where reasonable and practicable measures must be undertaken to prevent environmental harm. This can be achieved by following the requirements specified in this guideline.

Dredge scenarios

Capital versus maintenance dredging

Dredging works are typically carried out under water, but can also occur in the intertidal zone (marine waters) and behind constructed bunds or coffer dams designed to maintain a dry dredge site. Equipment selected for the campaign must be fit for purpose, consider best available technology that is economical achievable (BAT) and is appropriate for the conditions where dredging is to occur. The type of dredge equipment used to remove spoil will depend on the nature of the solid matter to be removed, and the location of the dredge and dewatering site.

Types of dredge equipment may include but not limited to:

• Cutter suction dredger – predominantly used for removing harder material and generally does not generate fine sediment plumes at the cutter head. They generate a slurry of approximately 80% water and 20% solids (sediment/organic matter) which means that large volumes of water needs to be managed at the discharge and dewatering location. Material can be pumped up to 1,000 m via a pipeline or further with pump booster stations.
• Trailing suction hopper dredger – used to remove sandy and silty material and to carry materials long distances within the hopper, but may also generate fine sediment plumes at the dredging and disposal sites, particularly with overflow.
• Back hoe dredger – used to mechanically lift spoil or beach wrack from the dredge site. Depending on the type of material and the handling of the material by the operator, sediment plumes can be released during the lift phase of each cycle as the material dewaters in situ before being placed into a truck or barge (or similar). These dredges generate a spoil with a lower water content than suction dredges making it easier to manage for disposal, but depending on the size of the bucket, may have lower production rates and requires further handling and transport of the material either by barge or truck. Barge hoppers and truck storage should be impermeable. Back hoe dredges may require a hard stand area for access to the dredge material, and fill material should not be used for this.
• Grab dredger – used to mechanically lift spoil or beach wrack from the dredge site. Sediment plumes or a decline in dissolved oxygen can occur during the lift phase of each cycle as the material dewaters in situ before being placed into a truck or barge (or similar).
• Plough dredger and bed levellers – a plough is towed behind a tug along the seabed levelling high spots and ridges, moving the material to nearby low spots.
• Water injection dredger – consists of either a hydraulic or electric powered pump that jets water through nozzles spaced along a bar at pressure into the material to be dredged, forming a density cloud. The density cloud then disperses the material by gravity and or natural currents into the surrounding location. The jetting bar is controlled from either a vessel/barge or amphibious vehicle.
• Suction dredger – consists of either a hydraulic or electric power pump mounted on a frame or scraper and dragged over the bed of waters. The pump sucks the slurry of dislodged material and water and discharges it through a pipeline. It is controlled from either a vessel/barge or an amphibious vehicle. The slurry of material is pumped via the pipeline to the disposal location.
• Sand bypassing – the suction of sand via a pump and pipeline past a river entrance or groyne after it has accumulated using permanent structures built to capture littoral drift sand.
• Rakes/scarifier – used to remove debris, beach wrack by dragging the rake with a vessel and either placing the wrack in another location or removing the material.

Once material is removed from the dredge location it is known as spoil, and it varies in quality, consistency and type. These factors determine how the spoil should be managed and what methods should be used for each stage of the dredge campaign.

The composition and quality of spoil and the nature of the location where it is to be stockpiled, dewatered, placed or disposed must be determined prior to it being removed from the dredge site. This will inform the most appropriate option for the management of spoil which is consistent with the waste management hierarchy. Guidance for analysis of spoil is presented in the spoil analysis section.

If sampling and analysis of the sediment within the dredge site are required, the procedure (sampling number and method, parameters measured) will need to be consistent with the following guidelines or standards.

Sampling of sediments must cover the full dredge area and dredge depth

It is encouraged that an applicant consult with the EPA prior to undertaking any collection or sampling analysis to ensure the appropriate methodology is used. This will reduce the risk of the EPA requiring additional sampling if there are any inadequacies once the application has been submitted or sampling has been undertaken.

Spoil can be handled in a number of ways which may include but not be limited to:

• Reusing spoil for another purpose.
• Loading into a hopper, truck or bin and transported off site for placement elsewhere or for disposal.
• Pumping via a pipeline to an alternative location for dewatering, placement or disposal.
• Placing or discharging onto the beach above the high water mark to allow for it to be distributed slowly back into the marine environment.
• Pumping into sedimentation ponds or a swale (constructed above the high water mark) where fines gradually settle and water is discharged at a slow rate to minimise turbidity.
• Pumping into geofabric dewatering bags to contain spoil, remove fine material, and reduce impacts from odour, dust and turbidity.
• Side-casting spoil adjacent the dredge location when dredging works is undertaken for levelling out the bed of navigable waters or laying pipework. The spoil is also reused to cover and stabilise the pipe after it has been laid.

It is the EPA’s position that dredge spoil be disposed of to land unless it is not practicable to do so or if disposal to land would have a greater environmental, social or economic impact than disposal to waters. Any disposal of spoil to the marine environment will need to comply with the principles of the National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging (NAGD) – refer to figure below. This is to ensure that all other options for spoil management have been considered and minimise impacts to aquatic flora and fauna that may result from marine disposal, particularly within nearshore environments.

A broad overview of the assessment framework for NAGD 

In accordance with the EPA Waste Management Hierarchy, dredge spoil where possible should be treated as a resource. Potential reuse options for spoil should be considered when planning a proposed dredge campaign. Whatever method is chosen, the spoil needs to be fit for purpose and meet the EPA Standards for the production and use of waste derived fill or soil enhancer (WDF Standards). If spoil cannot be reused, it will need to be taken to an appropriate location for disposal (eg licensed landfill).

Options for spoil reuse include:

Further investigation will need to be undertaken to identify if spoil is contaminated. Contaminated spoil may include the presence of acid sulfate soils, plastics, petroleum products, metals, PFAS, etc. If spoil is assessed as having contaminants, it must be appropriately handled, stored (fully contained) and transported (by a licensed waste transporter to a facility licenced to receive that waste) so that it does not cause harm to land or waters.

Any contaminated material that is proposed to be dredged or encountered during dredging must be subject to management arrangements that have been approved by the EPA. Verification of the end fate of this material will also be required to be submitted to the EPA.

There are a number of environmental impacts associated with dredging activities. The nature and extent of these impacts depends on a number of factors including the environment and location in which the dredging is undertaken and vicinity to sensitive habitats or receivers, the type and operation of equipment used for dredging, and the nature and management of the spoil that is removed during dredging.

It is up to the licensee to manage impacts that may result from their dredging campaign and minimise the potential for environmental harm. The EPA will expect environmental impacts to be appropriately managed by selecting the best available equipment and adopting management techniques that are economically appropriate for the nature of the location and the spoil that is to be removed. 

According to section 25 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act), all persons when undertaking an activity that may pollute has a general environmental duty to take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting environmental harm^[1]. Therefore, any activities associated with dredging must be carried out in a manner that do not cause environmental harm or that aim to minimise the extent of harm.

^[1]      Under EPA legislation, environmental harm is caused by depositing or discharging a pollutant which includes any solid, liquid, gas or heat. 

Water quality

Noise

Air quality (dust, fumes and odour)

Waste

Hazardous substances

All dredge licensees have a legal obligation to comply with the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act), environment protection policies (EPPs)^[1], licence conditions, dredge management plans (DMP) and development approval conditions (where applicable).

The EP Act poses a general environmental duty (GED) on all persons where reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to prevent or minimise environmental harm. It is the responsibility of the dredge proponent and/or licensee to demonstrate that dredging activities can be undertaken to manage environmental risk and meet environmental outcomes. Failure to comply with GED in itself is not an offence however breaching environment protection policies and causing environmental harm is, and may result in the EPA issuing an expiation, environment protection or clean up order, or prosecution unless the contravention was not unlawful and GED was met.

Under EPA legislation, environmental harm is caused by depositing, discharging, emitting or disturbing a pollutant which includes any solid, liquid, gas, noise or heat. Pollutants emitted from activities associated with dredging may include sediments, contaminants such as metals and toxic substances, organic matter, plastics and noise. The potential for environmental harm that may result from dredging, dewatering and disposal of spoil will vary depending on the scale and location, and whether the dredging is capital or maintenance.

The key issues of particular legislative interest to the EPA include:

• Protection of water quality.
• Protection of habitats such as seagrass, mangroves and aquatic vegetation.
• Management of noise and air quality (principally dust and odour).
• Solid waste management and disposal.
• Storage, handling and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Ecological impacts to aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.

^[1]        Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 (Air Quality Policy), Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 (Noise Policy), Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015 (Water Quality Policy), and Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010 (Waste to Resources Policy).

Scope of the dredge campaign

A dredge campaign involves a number of activities which are identified below. During the planning of a dredge campaign, the EPA will expect that the proponent will need identify impacts associated with each of these activities and address how these impacts will be managed and how EPA legislative requirements will be met.

 

The EPA has regulatory responsibilities under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act) for licensing dredging and may have a role under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 for dredging proposals referred to the EPA by the relevant planning authority.

The EPA assesses dredging campaigns to identify the risk for environmental impacts and how the proponent/licensee intends on managing those impacts. It is recommended that dredging proponents contact the EPA in the early stages of planning to obtain a better understanding of expectations of how the environmental impacts of their dredging and disposal/dewatering proposal should be assessed and managed.

Development approval

Licensing

Dredge management plans (DMP)

Other agencies

Applying for an EPA licence

Checklist - Approvals Process

The EPA assesses dredging campaigns to identify the risk for environmental impacts and how the proponent/licensee intends on managing those impacts. It is recommended that dredging proponents contact the EPA in the early stages of planning to obtain a better understanding of expectations of how the environmental impacts of their dredging and disposal/dewatering proposal should be assessed and managed.

An assessment of a dredge proposal will generally be required for a development application referral, licence application and dredge management plan. The time needed by the EPA to assess a dredge proposal will depend on a number of factors which include:

• Scale of the campaign ie volume of spoil to be removed and duration.
• Proximity to aquatic plants and animals and other sensitive habitats or receivers.
• EPA requests for further information.
• Environmental risk associated with the dredge campaign.
• Whether the Development Assessment (DA) was referred to the EPA for assessment.
• Compliance history and monitoring results.
• Maintenance or capital dredging.
• Likelihood of complaints.

Dredging activities may require development approval through the relevant planning authority. For inland waters and coastal development, this is usually the local council. For Crown development and dredging undertaken within marine waters, it is the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP). 

The proponent is required to contact their relevant planning authority to determine whether development approval and a referral to other government agencies including the EPA is required for their dredge campaign. The planning authority will then determine if a referral is required to other government agencies, including the EPA. Approvals from other agencies also may be required and it is the responsibility of the applicant to identify and seek these approvals. Times required by other agencies to assess dredge proposals may also add to these timeframes.

In general, the EPA assessment timeframes for the DA, licence application and DMP are as follows.

Assessment stage	Purpose	Timeframe for EPA assessment
Development application[1]	Assesses the overall scope of the project with respect to location and construction Assessed by other government departments as referred by the planning authority Sets conditions of approval relating to the construction of the proposed dredge activity	30 business days (PDI Act) EPA must request further information (FIR) within 10 days of receiving the application from the planning authority. Applicant has 5 days to submit response to FIR (can be extended by the applicant). EPA grants an automatic one month extension if response to FIR is not received within 5 days. EPA can submit FIR multiple times
Licence application	Assesses and regulates the operation of the dredge campaign Provides authorisation and conditions to ensure compliance with the EP Act and relevant EPPs Determines suitability of applicant as a fit and proper person to hold an environmental authorisation Ensure the application aligns with the proposal submitted for the DA (if applicable) Verifies compliance with other approvals	2 months. Can be extended up to but not exceeding 4 months (EP Act) Licence assessment period includes public notification of 2 weeks Up to 2 weeks for low risk, 3–4 weeks for medium risk and 6–8 weeks for a high risk dredge campaign. This does not take into account any FIRs from the EPA.
Dredge management plan	Assesses how the dredge campaign will be managed to prevent or reduce risks to the environment Confirms the scope, methodology, environmental management, contingency and incident response arrangements for the campaign. Can be submitted with the licence application but will not be endorsed until the licence has been issued.	Up to 20 days required for EPA to assess a DMP Will depend on whether a DA has been referred to the EPA for assessment and whether a DMP was submitted and assessed as part of the licence application Long-term routine maintenance dredging, refer to section 6.2.

^[1]      The assessment timeframe for the DA only reflects EPA’s role in this process. It does not reflect the time required for the planning authority and other government agencies to assess and approve the application. Current timeframes are specified in the Planning Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI Act) which comes into full operation in 2021. For DAs still assessed under the Development Act 1993 (predominantly inland), the timeframe is 6 weeks for assessment of DA referrals and 5 days for the EPA to submit a FIR after receiving the referral.  

It is up to the proponent to demonstrate, with evidence, that the dredging campaign can be undertaken in a manner that meets EPA legislative requirements and that all reasonable and practicable measures will be taken to avoid the potential of environmental harm.

When assessing dredge campaigns for either development applications, licensing or DMPs, the EPA needs to consider the objects of the EP Act and relevant environment protection policies.

Evidence may include, but is not limited to scientific research, modelling and previous monitoring results (monitoring needs to be scientifically robust). Information provided by the proponent must identify potential environmental impacts posed by the dredging activities and how they can be minimised or mitigated. The EPA expect that all dredge contractors consider best available technology economically achievable (BAT) when planning their dredge campaign and do everything reasonable and practicable to ensure that environmental harm is minimised. This may include but not limited to:

• Designing the capital dredge campaign to minimise the need to undertake maintenance dredging in the future.
• Selecting equipment that is fit for purpose and best suited for the project (considering location and spoil type) to minimise potential environmental impacts.
• Selecting dewatering methods and locations for disposal that minimise impacts to other users of the area, sensitive habitats, water quality and air quality.
• Undertaking dredging at appropriate times of the year to minimise impacts to the environment.
• Using modelling or already acquired data to identify the fate and extent of turbidity plumes generated during dredging, and spoil dewatering and placement.
• Using sediment retention techniques and water quality monitoring to manage and control sediment dispersion and turbidity.
• Using equipment to record real-time data to support the environmental management of the dredge campaign.
• Adaptive management options identified/recorded to ensure appropriate response to issues identified through real-time data collection and ongoing monitoring including contingency options, incident response arrangements, etc.

It is recommended that proponents of dredging contact the EPA in the early stages of planning so that requirements can be discussed. The EPA also advises how the environmental impacts of a dredging proposal will be assessed, particularly for high risk projects which may require baseline data or community consultation. This will reduce the likelihood of unexpected delays and allow for effective planning and staging of the project.

Information checklist

The following checklist provides guidance on the level of information required by the EPA to undertake an assessment of the dredge proposal. For higher-risk proposals, more detailed information may be required. The majority of this information will be required by the EPA during the assessment of the DA for the proposed dredge campaign, or if a DA is not required, in the DMP. Although a DMP is not officially required for a DA, to avoid duplication, the applicant is encouraged to lodge the information for a DA in the format of draft DMP. This DMP will then be finalised during the assessment and issuing of an EPA licence.

Variations between information provided for the DA and DMP are acceptable provided the demonstrated environmental outcomes are the same or better and are consistent with the conditions of approval for other agencies including development approval. If this occurs, the EPA may require further information and an extended time to assess these changes and approve the DMP. It should be also noted that changes to dredge footprint, dewatering or disposal locations may require a variation to the DA.

• Checklist – Inland dredging
• Checklist – Marine dredging and spoil disposal
• Checklist – Marine dredging and land-based spoil disposal

For further information on timeframes for approvals and the approval process, please refer to the Approvals section above.

According to section 25 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act), all persons when undertaking an activity that may pollute has a general environmental duty to take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting environmental harm^[1]. Any activities associated with dredging must be carried out in a manner that do not cause environmental harm or that aim to minimise the extent of harm.

This section broadly categorises risks in high, medium and low which may be associated with water quality, noise, air quality (dust and odour), waste and hazardous substances. It also identifies what factors may alter risk, provides potential operational controls that may reduce the risk of these impacts occurring and what management practices may considered according to risk category.

It is a guide only and will not be used as a final decision-making tool as it does not appropriately consider the interaction between these factors, eg the risk associated with dredging 2,000 m³ of spoil will depend on other factors such as the composition of the spoil, contamination, sediment type, location of sensitive receivers etc. The information provided by proponents will be used to undertake a more detailed risk assessment that will be used by the EPA to inform the development of more site-specific conditions (development and licensing) and monitoring requirements if applicable.

Information is also provided on what the EPA expectations will be for proponents to manage the risks of impact. The term ‘MUST’ used in this section is where failure to meet with a specified action will, in the EPA’s view, expose the environment to a risk of harm or may lead to a breach of the EP Act or relevant environment protection policies.

An environmental audit checklist has also been developed to help licensees determine if they are meeting EPA requirements while dredging. 

^[1]      Under EPA legislation, environmental harm is caused by depositing or discharging a pollutant which includes any solid, liquid, gas or heat. 

Overall the EPA will expect that dredge applicants or licensees MUST:

1. Consider whether there are other options available that avoid the need to dredge.
2. Undertake the dredging in a manner that avoids the need for maintenance dredging or requires less frequent maintenance dredging.
3. Be aware of the potential impacts that may occur during dredging and identify and implement measures that mitigate these impacts.
4. Provide evidence to demonstrate that all reasonable and practicable measures have been undertaken to avoid or minimise the potential for environmental harm or nuisance. This may include use or selection of best available technology, implementation of environmental monitoring which informs management actions, community consultation, or timing of the works etc.
5. Ensure that an EPA approved DMP is developed and complied with during the dredge campaign and that any changes to the campaign are reflected in the DMP and approved by the EPA.
6. Demonstrate compliance with licence conditions and requirements specified in the DMP.

Risk categories and EPA expectations

Overall	Water quality	Noise
Air quality	Waste	Hazardous substances

If there is the potential for noise or odour impacts to nearby residents or other community members, community engagement will be required. The local community may also be concerned with the potential for environmental harm in their locality including impacts on adjacent ecosystems. Maintaining open and constructive communications with potentially affected parties can help to reduce conflicts and complaints and provide a number of benefits including:

• an improved information base by accessing information held by other stakeholders, not just those promoting the project
• development of consensus by identifying and acknowledging shared views and objectives
• establishing ownership of the decision-making process and its outcomes;
• resolution of different views through early and open discussion and through clear, transparent processes and procedures
• extending understanding of technical issues, such as physical processes and the changing nature of risk, and the nature of the proposal
• establishing links and networks useful in implementation of recommendations
• identifying key issues of importance to stakeholders.

The level of consultation or engagement required will predominantly depend on the proximity of community members to the sources of noise and or odour, operating hours and the duration of the dredge campaign. Medium risk campaigns will require communities to be consulted that odour and noise impacts are likely. Additional engagement will be required if there is a high risk of impacts from noise or odour, or if there is a medium to high risk of impacts to the nearby ecosystem.

Further guidance on developing consultation plans can be found in the EPA Guideline for community engagement.

Documenting community complaints

The monitoring of impacts from noise, odour and dust is primarily undertaken using a complaints register. This will be required when there is a risk of air quality and noise impacts to nearby sensitive receivers including (but not limited to) residents, community and sports clubs, and recreational users of the area.

The DMP should include how community affected by dredging activities will be engaged and how complaints will be managed. Those measures should include:

• identification of the person with responsibility for managing communications and complaints;
• a communications plan that outlines how and when consultation with potentially affected parties will be undertaken, and how potentially affected parties will be informed in advance of works that may have an off-site impact;
• maintenance of a complaint register (required by licence conditions) to record the following information
  • the name and address of any complainant
  • the time and date that the complaint was received
  • a description of the complaint
  • the activity or activities and any associated equipment that gave rise to the complaint
  • the action that was taken to resolve the issues that led to the complaint
  • the date the complaint was resolved and documentation of complainant’s level of satisfaction with the actions to resolve the issue.

Following the completion of the dredge campaign, the EPA can be notified of complaints regarding environmental nuisance (particularly noise, dust, odour) that were received, and the actions undertaken to resolve the complaint.

Additional odour or monitoring may be required if the risk of impacts to sensitive receivers is considered high. This may occur if spoil contains anoxic sediment, organic matter or acid sulfate soils, and dredging is undertaken over several weeks. The EPA will advise on the requirement and scope of monitoring if there is a risk.

Template for documenting community complaints

A DMP for each dredge campaign (including those conducted under a 'various locations' licence) must be developed by a suitably qualified person and submitted and approved by the EPA prior to the commencement of any works associated with the campaign.

The plan needs to contain sufficient information for the EPA to be confident that potential impacts on the environment, and public health and amenity have been identified, and suitable measures to mitigate those impacts will be applied during the dredge campaign. Much of the information needed for DMPs is specified in the Information Requirements section.

A DMP is not necessary for a development application however the proponent is encouraged to include their plan with the application if possible as this is likely reduce the time needed for the EPA to assess the application at the licensing stage.

A DMP is developed and implemented to ensure dredging is managed in a way that prevents or reduces risks to the environment. It must be prepared by a suitably qualified person and implemented by the licensee and must confirm the scope, methodology, potential impacts, environmental management, contingency and incident response arrangements for the project. It is up to the licensee to decide how they wish to present their DMP however it must include all the necessary information.

Once a DMP has been developed to the satisfaction of the EPA, submissions of subsequent DMPs for maintenance dredge campaigns may be simplified depending on the scope and risk associated with these campaigns.

Note: This section only references information relevant to EPA legislation which is based on environmental harm as a result of depositing or discharging a pollutant. The licensee/contractor may wish to include other aspects within their DMP such as biosecurity impacts, native vegetation clearing, physical disturbance to marine megafauna, however these will not be assessed by the EPA. It will be up to the licensee/contractor discuss their risk analysis and management strategies documented within their DMP with the relevant agencies to determine if they meet their legislative requirements (refer to 'How does EPA regulate dredging?').

A more detailed DMP may be required for higher-risk campaigns. It is highly recommended the proponents contact the EPA for advice when drafting a DMP, particularly in relation to the development of monitoring programs.

DMP template for low-to-medium risk campaigns

Maintenance dredging refers to the removal of solid matter from the bed of waters that have already been dredged. It is usually required due to the build-up of organic matter or sediment. Considering this, it is expected that a dredge management plan (DMPs) has previously been developed and submitted to the EPA for the original capital dredging works or for subsequent maintenance campaigns.

The purpose of the long-term DMP is to identify the key impacts associated with dredging at a particular site, propose environmental management arrangements to manage these risks, and assess these arrangements after the completion of the dredge campaign to inform whether improvements can be made for future campaigns. Figure 3 demonstrates how this will facilitate the adaptive management of the dredge campaign and promote continual improvement.

This approach may be applicable to councils and businesses that undertake maintenance dredging on a regular basis, for example for maintenance of boat ramps or marina entrance channels. In these cases, the proponent may develop and submit a long-term DMP for the dredging of these sites where there is expected to be no changes to the dredge footprint and depth, dredge and spoil management methods, and disposal locations.

The EPA proposes to simplify the submission of DMPs for routine maintenance dredging providing the original plan has been approved after the release of the guideline. The information provided in the original DMP must meet the information requirements specified in the dredge guideline. The simplified process outlined below can then be adopted by the licensee. A specific DMP will be required for each dredge site. Once the DMP has been finalised and approved by the EPA, approvals for subsequent works can follow the simplified process.

No changes to equipment or methodology used for the dredging campaign. Same licensee. No complaints, compliance issues or adverse monitoring results.	---->	Notification (including DMP) and schedule of works[1] provided to the EPA at least 5 business days prior to commencement of works.
Complaints received or monitoring triggers exceeded.	---->	Provide the EPA with mitigation strategies or amendments to management practices that will minimise future issues. Update DMP and resubmit for EPA approval 20 business days prior to dredging.
Changes to methodology used, duration or time for the dredging campaign. Licensee undertaking the dredge campaign is different	---->	Re-assessment of risk based on changes. Amendments to DMP and resubmission to EPA for approval 20 business days prior to dredging.
Increase in dredge footprint, significant increase in risk (high risk factors triggered), change of dredge licensee.	---->	Reassessment of risk as for capital dredging. Seek approval from planning authority. Development of new DMP and submission to EPA for approval.
5-year review	---->	Review sediment composition, methodology and environmental data for best practice, environmental risks, mitigation measures, monitoring and reporting.

^[1]      Definition of schedule of works: means a timeline of the dredging and dewatering campaign inclusive of dates for mobilisation to site, construction of dewatering infrastructure, dredging, demobilisation, decommissioning, disposal and removal of all equipment and spoil from the approved locations.

Once the DMP has been approved by the EPA, it will need to be reviewed after the completion of the dredge campaign. This will highlight any impacts or issues that may have occurred during the campaign and identify areas for improvement.

Example of template for this review

A monitoring program should be developed by a suitably qualified person. It is recommended that the EPA be consulted during the development of monitoring programs especially for medium and high-risk dredge campaigns.

Environmental monitoring may be required as part of the DMP to ensure compliance with EPA legislation and that any impacts that may result in environmental nuisance or harm detected and appropriately managed. Preparation of an effective monitoring program ensures that controls are protective of the environment and the monitoring is conducted effectively and consistently and will deliver reliable, good quality data. It will also help demonstrate that the dredge campaign will be undertaken in a responsible manner and environmental impacts will be identified and managed. Monitoring requirements may also be captured as licence conditions.

Monitoring is mainly undertaken during the dredge campaign. Longer-term monitoring that captures pre- and post- dredging may be required depending on the nature and scale of the potential impacts of the project. Monitoring requirements should be discussed with the EPA at the DA stage to ensure adequate resourcing of this component is allocated and the expectations of the EPA with regard to methodology can be met. Alternatively, if a DA is not required, monitoring needs to be discussed with the EPA during the development of the DMP.

Water quality monitoring will be required for every dredge campaign. The level of monitoring will be determined by risk which is broadly outlined in the monitoring cycle flowchart.

The monitoring plan for the dredge site and dewatering or disposal location should include the following:

• Monitoring objectives that describe why monitoring is being undertaken.
• A description of the receiving environment that may be impacted.
• Identification of potential impacts that need to be monitored and the required outcomes that need to be achieved.
• Selection of indicators/parameters that will measure environmental impacts.
• Sampling procedures including sampling methods and equipment, calibration procedures, filtering, decontamination and preservation techniques, and analytical methods.
• Sampling times and/or frequency.
• Triggers for ALARM (eg slow works, move dredge location, wait for better weather conditions) and HOLD (stop all dredging works until thresholds are within appropriate levels).
• Contingencies and management actions should a trigger be exceeded or an impact be detected.
• Monitoring of background conditions unaffected by dredging to define natural turbidity events and magnitude.
• A map showing the sampling locations (including control sites), major infrastructure, dredge and dewatering sites, disposal site, sensitive environmental receptors.
• The method and frequency of reporting for both management and compliance purposes including who, when, how and what will be reported.
• Feedback loop that supports adaptive management of the dredging activity.

It is important that the appropriate monitoring equipment is selected and calibrated, and is used by a qualified operator. This is to ensure that results are accurate and reliable, and to avoid activating any triggers unnecessarily, or not activating a trigger when levels have been exceeded therefore increasing the risk of impacts and environmental harm.

A water quality monitoring program (WQMP) needs to be approved by the EPA and can be provided as part of the DMP. Results to be provided to the EPA upon request and at completion of the campaign with raw data documented using an EPA approved Excel spreadsheet. Testing of water samples must be undertaken by a NATA accredited laboratory.

Checklist for completing a water quality monitoring plan

Water quality parameters that may be required include the following:

Turbidity
Requirement – some form of turbidity monitoring will be required for all dredge campaigns. Level of monitoring will depend on whether the risk of the campaign. Equipment – can include visual recordings such as drones and videos for low-risk campaigns, however monitoring will need to include a point of reference such as a buoy. Higher-risk campaigns will require the use of turbidity meters, loggers and may require real-time monitoring. Location and frequency – will depend on sediment composition, location of sensitive habitats, dredge equipment used, location of spoil disposal/dewatering site, dewatering methods and direction of currents. Generally campaigns with a higher risk of turbidity will require more frequent and detailed monitoring. Triggers – will need to be site specific as they may need to consider natural background levels at the dredge site, the location of sampling points and proximity to sensitive habitat. Trigger levels should be discussed with the EPA when developing the WQMP.
Dissolved oxygen (DO)
Requirement – will be required if spoil is anoxic or contains organic matter, or dredging is likely to create anoxic conditions. Equipment – oxygen probes. Location and frequency – will depend on amount of organic matter or anoxic sediment present in the spoil, the proximity of aquatic fauna that may be impacted by low dissolved oxygen levels, and the duration of the dredge campaigns. Generally this data is collected at the same frequency as turbidity. Triggers: – >75% (6 mg/l) saturation is optimal for aquatic fauna health – <75% (6 mg/l) saturation indicates decline in DO and equipment should be checked – <65% (5 mg/l) saturation is an ALARM trigger where dredging rate should be reduced, relocated and sampling frequency increased – <55% saturation (4 mg/l) indicates low DO levels which are a risk to aquatic fauna health. Observations may be made of stressed or dying fish within surface waters. HOLD works must be implemented with a reading of 55% saturation or less. EPA should be notified and works should only recommence once DO levels are above 65% saturation.
pH
Requirement – if acid sulfate soils are present at the dredge or disposal location and will be disturbed during dredging or disposal. Equipment – pH meters, probes or chemical analysis. Location and frequency – will depend on location of acid sulfate soils and current flows. Triggers – Generally pH readings +/-1 require an ALARM response. Readings below a pH of 6 or below indicate the presence of acid sulfate soils and will trigger a HOLD response and appropriate management response.
Ecosystem health (vegetation including aquatic and terrestrial)
Requirement – if there is a risk to ecosystem health which depends on sediment composition (eg presence of silts/clays or contaminants), proximity of dredge, dewatering or spoil disposal site to sensitive habitats and length of dredge campaigns. Most predominant form of monitoring is undertaken to assess impacts from dredging on seagrass or reef ecosystems. Equipment – usually include visual recordings using cameras (video or stills) that may analyse presence/condition of vegetation. Location and frequency – will depend on location of sensitive habitats and direction of currents or flow. Generally higher-risk campaigns will require more frequent monitoring and a BACI (Before After Control Impact) design. Triggers – will depend on the composition of the benthic environment and level of protection required for the location (eg marine park, conservation area).

The selection of sampling points, indicators, testing frequency and triggers will need to consider the extent of impacts that is predicted to occur as a result of dredging. This needs to take into account background information which identifies the natural conditions that occur at the dredge and/or disposal site. This should be informed by the collation of information required for dredge applications and the assessment of risk that should be undertaken when developing a dredge management plan. The potential for impacts will decrease moving further away from the dredge and/or disposal site.

For the purposes of assessing risk and subsequent monitoring, the categorising of impacts can be defined into three zones (Figures 6 and 7). Monitoring and adaptive management for these zones will have differing objectives. This approach can help inform the selection of sampling points, indicators to be monitored and management triggers. Control or reference sites selected for monitoring ideally need to be located outside of these zones.

Zones of impact – objectives

The location of each zone boundary will be determined by a number of factors including direction of currents, tidal flow, weather conditions at the time of dredging, location of sensitive habitats and the equipment used for dredging. The aim is to minimise the area associated with the ZoHI and ZoMI and to ensure impacts do not occur within the ZoI. The EPA will expect that dredgers demonstrate they will do everything reasonable and practical to meet the objectives of these zones and minimise the potential for environmental harm within the ZoMI and ZoI. This will be assessed by the EPA based on the information that is received during the application stages (development application, licence application or review of the DMP). 

Zones of impact – boundaries

An example map-form presentation of: a) the predicted Zone of Influence and the predicted zones of High Impact and Moderate Impact associated with channel dredging, b) closer view of the predicted Zones of High Impact and Moderate Impact, noting that the area between the broken lines (inner) and solid lines (outer) represents the uncertainty associated with the location of the zone boundary, and c) zoomed in section showing the management targets and expected environmental outcomes for the zones and the area of uncertainty within the zones (referenced with permission from EPA WA in Technical Guidance – Environmental Impact Assessment of Marine Dredging Proposals, December 2016).

Appropriate indicators will need to be selected to signify potential risks of impacts that may occur from dredging. Selection and implementation of these indicators will depend on the level of risk posed by the dredge campaign and/or whether a trigger has been exceeded. Definition of indicators are presented in the chart below.

Once indicators are selected, triggers will need to be determined to inform the dredger when impacts may be likely or have occurred. There are two types of triggers that are required the EPA.

• ALARM triggers are set to forewarn of the approach of the HOLD trigger and avoid non-compliance and the potential for environmental harm. This will initiate a management response to minimise the potential for impacts such as slow works, move the dredger to another location with the dredge site or wait for better weather conditions.
• HOLD triggers represent the limit of acceptable impacts beyond which there is likely to be a significant effect on the environment. It indicates that an environmental outcome is not being met and therefore initiates a stop all dredge works until thresholds fall below the trigger level.

Data sources

• Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality provides guidance for the development of water quality monitoring programs.
• International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC), Facts about Environmental Monitoring provides a very good overview on the aims and requirements of environmental monitoring,
• Reef Life Survey
• Enviro Data SA

The EPA will require an analysis of sediment composition to be included in the development application, or if none is required, as part of the licence application. Knowing the sediment composition of a dredge site will help minimise the potential for risks to the environment and human health. It will inform best practice handling, environmental monitoring requirements and reuse/disposal options for spoil.

Analysis of sediment composition may be required to identify grain size of sediment to be dredged and whether there are any potential contaminants, eg hydrocarbons, metals, tributyltin, PFAS, acid sulfate soils, pesticides and industrial chemicals present in the spoil. This is predominantly required for the dredge site however may also be required for the disposal and dewatering site if there is a risk of contamination of sediments in that area where contaminants may become mobilised during spoil disposal or dewatering.       

The extent of sampling and testing required will depend on environmental risk. This may depend on:

• Location of the dredge, dewatering or disposal site (eg high energy, pristine or industrial, recreational use, etc).
• Potential for contamination based on location of the dredge, dewatering or disposal site and for the resuspension and dispersion of contaminants during dredging or dewatering.
• Whether there is potential for the dredge, dewatering or disposal site to be contaminated.
• Proximity of sensitive habitats to the dredge, dewatering or disposal site;
• Volume of spoil to be removed.
• The time between dredging campaigns for maintenance dredging (~5 years).

If sampling and analysis of the sediment within the dredge site are required, the procedure (sampling number and method, parameters measured) will need to be consistent with the following guidelines or standards.

Sampling of sediments must cover the full dredge area and dredge depth.

It is encouraged that an applicant consult with the EPA prior to undertaking any collection or sampling analysis to ensure the appropriate methodology is used. This will reduce the risk of the EPA requiring additional sampling if there are any inadequacies once the application has been submitted or sampling has been undertaken.

Particle size and organic matter

Particle size will impact the magnitude, duration and dispersal of turbidity plumes that results from dredging and spoil disposal if this is proposed to occur in the aquatic environment. Particle sizes will generally be dictated by geomorphology, wave energy, current flows and water flow.

The Wentworth scale broadly characterises particles sizes.

Organic matter may consist of dead or live aquatic vegetation or decaying flora and/or fauna that is entrained as anoxic sediments. Disturbance and removal of organic matter or anoxic sediments may result in decreases in oxygen levels, and rises in nutrients and algal blooms which may cause mortalities of aquatic fauna. In addition, organic matter may cause odour issues when spoil is dewatered and/or stockpiled.

Data sources

• Visual inspections of the dredge site.
• eAtlas – information on sediment grain size.
• CSIRO Sediment Quality Assessment: A Practical Guide – information on sediment testing.
• National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging – information on requirements for sampling sediment size.
• Location maps – location of marine parks, sediment composition, etc.

Chemical contaminants

The contamination status of the site to be dredged and dewatering site must be established prior to dredging. The history of uses that may contribute to contamination of sediments in the area must be documented and previous analysis of contamination or dredging at the site summarised. Where the site history indicates contamination is unlikely or where clean sand is being dredged, or a very small amount of dredging is involved, measurements of contaminant concentrations may not be required. The choice of contaminants to be measured will be based on the site history and the volume of material to be dredged. This should be determined by a person with qualifications and/or expertise in this area.

Contaminants that may be present in spoil and/or sediments located at the dewatering site include hydrocarbons, acid sulfate soils, tributyltin (TBT), chromated copper arsenate (CCA), per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, industrial chemicals and metals.

Potential sources of contaminants may include:

• industrial and residential discharges or spillages
• industrial uses, eg wharves, marinas
• stormwater
• surface runoff from agricultural areas
• sewage and wastewater treatment effluents
• transport from upstream contaminated sediments
• recreational use and boating, eg fuel/oil spills.

If any of these sources are identified on or near the dredge site or dewatering site, further sampling will be required.
In addition, consideration to be given to the quality of sediment that is to be used to construct supporting infrastructure such as dewatering ponds, coffer dams or bunds. 

Results of sampling will need to be compared against the NAGD if spoil is to be placed back into the marine environment and the EPA standards for WDF or WDSE if spoil is to be recycled or reused on land.

Data sources

• EPA Public Register – provides information on licenced sites that may result in contaminants..
• National Pollution Inventory – lists the nature and volume of pollutant emissions from industry.
• Nature Maps – provides information on actual and potential location of acid sulfate soils and sensitive habitats.
• Location SA Map Viewer – contains maps of industry areas which may be sources of contaminants.
• DPTI Guideline for assessment and management of acid sulfate soils – provides information on sampling and assessment of acid sulfate soils.
• Water Quality Australia acid sulfate soils – provides information on sampling and assessment of acid sulfate soils including for dredging and dewatering.
• CSIRO Sediment quality assessment: a practical guide – information on sediment testing.
• EPA Standard for the production and use of waste derived fill – information on EPA requirements if spoil is going to be reused as fill.
• EPA Standard for the production and use of waste derived soil enhancer if spoil is to be used as a soil enhancer.
• National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging – if spoil is to be placed into the marine environment.

Physical contaminants

Waste plastics and other rubbish are becoming increasingly common in our waters. Mobilisation of waste not only presents a risk to our aquatic animals, it can also cause operational issues for dredging equipment.

The presence of plastics in sediments would predominantly result from stormwater runoff and littering. If the dredge site could be impacted by runoff from any nearby stormwater discharges or located near high public use areas, it is recommended that further analysis is undertaken to identify if any plastics and other rubbish are present in the sediments to be removed during dredging.

Data sources

• Location SA Map Viewer – maps stormwater drains which can be sources of rubbish

If sampling is required, a sampling analysis plan must be prepared by a person with qualifications and expertise in this area and include (but not limited to):

• Sampling rationale, locations and sampling numbers.
• Parameters that will be sampled based on a desktop risk analysis (eg site history, land use, likely contaminants, previous data).
• Who will carry out the testing (this must done by a NATA accredited laboratory that is endorsed for the testing that is to be undertaken).
• Sampling methodology (location and depth of sample points, collection and analysis). Sampling must be spread randomly across the dredge site and over the full range of the proposed dredge footprint and depth.
• Contingencies for potential requirements for elutriate and bioavailability analysis and toxicity testing (eg additional samples and storage of samples).
• Data analysis and reporting.

Further guidance on developing sampling analysis plans and undertaking sediment testing can be found here:

• CSIRO Sediment quality assessment – a practical guide
• National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging NAGD (Appendices A and B)
• Standard for the production and use of waste derived fill (Appendix 3).

Checklist for developing a sampling analysis plan

This flowchart provides a broad overview of sampling requirements for the analysis of sediment composition. For maintenance dredging, it is expected that a sampling analysis is undertaken using this flow chart if the area has not been dredged for more than five years or if there is a likelihood that contamination has occurred at the site since the last dredge campaign.

Licensees will need to demonstrate they are meeting EPA legislation including their monitoring and license conditions while dredging.

The following checklist is a voluntary tool which aims to inform dredge licensees if they are achieving this by enabling them to undertake a self-audit of their operation. It can also be used by relevant government agencies to check compliance with environment protection legislation during site visits. The licensee can also add site-specific licence conditions to this checklist.

The checklist comprises 3 key components associated to dredging:

• Removal of spoil from the dredge location.
• Management of spoil including treatment, placement and/or disposal.
• Operation of site compound where equipment and substances are stored, used and maintained.

Scoring the checklist

The checklist is scored based on the findings observed while undertaking all activities associated with dredging. This includes the dredge site, the site where spoil will be placed and treated, and the site compound where equipment and materials (eg fuels and chemicals) are used, stored and maintained. The scoring system reflects a traffic-light approach to identify areas that are compliant, require some improvement, or have resulted in a breach of legislation or environmental harm.

The table below provides an explanation of each scoring category and actions that you should be taking in response to the findings. The EPA adopts a risk-based approach to regulation and will support any dredge licensee who aims to take all reasonable and practicable measures to meet requirements and minimise the potential for environmental harm which may be caused by discharging, depositing or emitting a pollutant.

Download the environmental audit

Water quality

Noise

Air quality

Waste

Hazardous substances/site contamination

General information

ACID SULFATE SOILS: soils, sediment or rock in the environment that contain elevated concentrations of metal sulfides (principally pyrite­ FeS2 or monosulfides in the form of iron sulfide ­FeS), which generate acidic conditions when exposed to oxygen. Acid sulfate soil materials include potential acid sulfate soil material (sulfidic material) and/or actual acid sulfate soil material (sulfuric material), both of which can occur in the same soil profile. See EPA Guideline: Site contamination – acid sulfate soil materials.

ALGAL BLOOMS: a large population density of phytoplankton. Such blooms are normal but become of concern when the species in the bloom are toxic.

ANAEROBIC/ANOXIC SEDIMENTS: sediments lacking in oxygen. They usually contain high levels of iron sulfide causing them to be black in colour. Anaerobic sediments release hydrogen sulfide (smells of rotten eggs) gas when exposed to air.

BACI – BEFORE AFTER CONTROL IMPACT: a method of evaluating anthropogenic impacts on receiving environments where predicted impact and control sites are monitored before and after a planned activity to infer whether impacts have occurred as result of the activity.

BAT: Best available technology that is economically achievable.

BEACH WRACK: the accumulation of organic material (eg seagrass or algae) that is washed up onto the beach by the tides, wind and waves that eventually breaks down and is recycled back into the system. See Coastline Factsheet – What is beach wrack.

BENTHIC SURVEY: a description of the seafloor (for the site of the dredge site or ocean disposal site) and includes information about:

• the substrate on the site (eg reef boulders, pebbles, sand, silt)
• types and sizes of sediment
• water depth
• fauna and flora.

BUND: a wall, moat or other device which is graded or contains grated drains, or combines the two, which is designed to prevent the escape of spilt materials and to exclude stormwater runoff.

CLOSURE PLAN: a document to be prepared and implemented by the licensee which includes the actions to be taken to prevent or minimise environmental harm during the closure and post-closure phase of a licensed activity. See EPA Guideline – Preparation and implementation of closure and post-closure plans.

COMMENCE DREDGING: the time at which removal of solid matter from the bed of any waters by any approved digging or suction apparatus occurs, excluding the establishment of site offices or other land-based facilities, other preparatory work to dredging or any works carried out for the establishment of a visual aid to navigation.

COMPLETION OF DREDGING: the time at which the removal of solid matter from the bed of any waters by any approved digging or suction apparatus, and any transportation and disposal of the solid matter, ceases.

CONTAMINANT: a chemical substance that has no beneficial effects for the stated purpose and has the potential to cause harm to the environment, human health, or primary industries.

DA: development approval under the Development Act 1993 or Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016

DEW: Department for Environment and Water

DIT: Department for Infrastructure and Transport

DREDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN (DMP): a document to be prepared and implemented by the licensee, which must confirm the scope, methodology, environmental management, contingency and incident response arrangements for the project.

DREDGE OVERFLOW: the discharge of supernatant water and entrained fine sediments separated from the dredge spoil on board the dredge vessel(s).

DREDGE SPOIL DISPOSAL: the placement of any solid matter (which has been removed from the bed of any waters) into waters or on to land at its final resting place.

DREDGING (CAPITAL): removing solid matter from the bed of any marine waters or inland waters by any digging or suction apparatus, but excluding works carried out for the establishment of a visual aid to navigation and any lawful fishing or recreational activity.

DREDGING (MAINTENANCE): the excavation of material from the bed of any marine or inland waters by any digging, cutting, suction or any other means for the purpose of maintaining a previously dredged (approved) depth, width and area in marine or inland waters’.

EARTHWORKS DRAINAGE (EWD): the conduct of earthworks operations in the course of which more than 100 kilolitres of wastewater containing suspended solids in a concentration exceeding 25 milligrams per litre is discharged directly or indirectly to marine waters or inland waters.

ENVIRONMENT: Means land, air, water organisms and ecosystems and includes:

• human-made or modified structures or area, and
• the amenity values of an area.

ENVIRONMENTAL HARM: the same as is defined in section 5 of the Environment Protection Act 1993. Any harm or potential harm, to the environment (of whatever degree or duration), and includes environmental nuisance.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM: a program to be prepared and implemented by the licensee, which provides detailed descriptions of the methods to be used to gather data to inform management decisions aimed at minimising impacts to the environment. The monitoring program for dredging is to form part of the DMP. For the majority of dredging activities, a water quality monitoring program (WQMP) will be required.

ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE: as defined in section 3(1) of the Environment Protection Act 1993

environmental nuisance means –

1.  any adverse effect on an amenity value of an area that –

• is caused by pollution; and
• unreasonably interferes with or is likely to interfere unreasonably with the enjoyment of the area by persons occupying a place within, or lawfully resorting to, the area; or

2.  any unsightly or offensive condition caused by pollution.

ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES: For the purposes of the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015, waters may have one or more of the following environmental values:

1. aquatic ecosystems
2. recreation and aesthetics
3. drinking water for human consumption
4. primary industries – irrigation and general water uses
5. primary industries – livestock drinking water
6. primary industries – aquaculture and human consumption of aquatic foods.

GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL DUTY (GED): ‘A person must not undertake an activity that pollutes, or might pollute, the environment unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting environmental harm’ (section 25 of the Environment Protection Act 1993).

HAZARDOUS WASTE: includes any unwanted or discarded material which because of its physical, chemical or infectious characteristics can cause significant hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed.

IMPACT: environmental change that has occurred as a result of dredging.

INLAND WATERS: waterways or bodies of water in the state excluding any waters within the ebb and flow of the tide. Inland waters can include artificial bodies that have been created for public enjoyment but do not include floodplains or watercourses that are dry.

INTERTIDAL ZONE: any interface between the land and sea which is exposed during low tide and submerged at high tide.

LEACHATE: a liquid that has percolated through and/or been generated by decomposition of waste material. It includes water that comes in contact with waste and is potentially contaminated by nutrients, metals, salts and other soluble or suspended components and products of decomposition of the waste.

LICENSED WASTE DEPOT: waste depot licensed under Part 6 of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER (MMO): a person trained in marine mammal observation who informs management responses which minimise risks to marine mammals.

MARINE WATERS: the coastal waters of the state or any part of the sea that is within the limits of the state, and includes any estuary or tidal waters.

MEAN HIGH WATER MARK: the mean of all high tides including the spring and neap high tides taken over a long period of time.

ORGANIC MATTER: any living or dead animal and plant material. It includes living plant roots and animals, plant and animal remains at various stages of decomposition, and microorganisms and their excretions.

PIRSA: Primary Industries and Regions South Australia

POLLUTANT: the same as specified in section 3 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 –

1. any solid, liquid or gas (or combination thereof) including waste, smoke, dust, fumes and odour; or
2. noise; or
3. heat; or
4. anything declared by regulation to be a pollutant for the purposes of this Act (following consultation by the Minister on the regulation with prescribed bodies in accordance with the regulations); or
5. anything declared by an environment protection policy to be a pollutant for the purposes of this Act,

but does not include anything declared by regulation or by an environment protection policy not to be a pollutant for the purposes of this Act.

POLLUTE: means the same as specified in section 3 of the Environment Protection Act 1993:

1. discharge, emit, deposit, dispose of or disturb pollutants; or
2. cause or fail to prevent the discharge, emission, depositing, disposal, disturbance or escape of pollutants.

SCAP:  State Commission Assessment Panel  

SCHEDULE OF WORKS: timeline of the dredging and dewatering campaign inclusive of dates for mobilisation to site, construction of dewatering infrastructure, dredging, demobilisation, decommissioning, disposal and removal of all equipment and spoil from the approved locations.

SENSITIVE RECIEVER: as defined in Evaluation distances for effective air quality and noise management:

• any fixed location (including a house, building, other premises of open area) where:
  • – human health may be affected by air emissions from existing or proposed development, and/or
  • – property damage or loss of amenity may be caused by air emissions from the existing or proposed development and/or
  • – noise-affected premises (whether existing or future, based on land-use zoning) that are in separate occupation from the existing or proposed noise source and used for residential or business purposes or constitutes a quiet ambient environment set aside for public recreation and enjoyment and/or
  • – plants, animals or ecosystems that may be affected by air and/or noise emissions.

SPOIL: material obtained by dredging.

STORMWATER: rain or melted precipitation that runs off land or structures on land.

SUPERNATANT WATERS: the water from which solids that have settled have been removed.

SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSON: a person who holds relevant qualifications or has demonstrated professional experience and expertise which encompasses an appropriate range of competencies.

TIDAL CYCLE: one high tide plus a successive low tide.

TOXICITY: degree of being poisonous or otherwise harmful to plant, animal or human life.

TRIGGERS, ALARM: triggers established to avoid non-compliance and the potential for environmental harm.

TRIGGERS, HOLD: represent the limit of acceptable impacts beyond which there is likely to be a significant effect on the environment.

TURBIDITY: the cloudiness in water caused by suspended material. Turbidity is often measured using nephelometric turbidity units (NTU).

WASTE: as defined in the Environment Protection Act 1993 –

1. any discarded, dumped, rejected, abandoned, unwanted or surplus matter, whether or not intended for sale or for purification or resource recovery by a separate operation from that which produced the matter; or
2. any matter declared by regulation (following consultation by the Minister on the regulation with prescribed bodies in accordance with the regulations) or by an environment protection policy to be waste; whether or not of value.

WATER: as defined in the Environment Protection Act 1993 –

1. water occurring naturally above or under the ground; or
2. water introduced to an aquifer or other area under the ground; or
3. an artificially created body of water or stream that is for public use or enjoyment.

WATERS: as defined for the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015, includes all state waters (inland and marine), public stormwater systems or an irrigation channel and underground water.

WATERCOURSE: any of the following (whether or not temporarily wet or temporarily dry):

1. a river, creek or other natural watercourse (whether modified or not)
2. a lake, wetland, swamp, dam or reservoir or other body of water that collects water or through which water flows
3. the Coorong
4. an artificial channel
5. a public stormwater disposal system; and includes part of a watercourse.

I am dredging for another government agency (eg SA Water, DEW, DIT, council). Do I need to advise the EPA and will I need to use my EPA licence?

Do I need to pay the daily fee for dredging if I am undertaking dredging for another government agency?

How much is the daily fee for dredging?

How much does it cost to get an EPA licence?

What is a dredge management plan?

What water quality monitoring may I have to do as part of my project?

I’m only dredging a small amount of material, do I need a licence?

I’m excavating sand in the intertidal area of the beach at low tide when it is dry, do I need a dredging licence?

I’m desilting a creek, river, or stream, do I need a licence?

I’m excavating an area of a creek, river, or stream to maintain flows or for flood mitigation, do I need a licence?