Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00760:reg:1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00760
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1
Character Range: 624088–626724

1     Elevated levels of salinity                                                                   (1) The process of mobilisation of salt stores in the landscape and geological predisposition to salinity development, including by:
                                                                                                       (a) the following processes and activities relating to water flow or water management:
                                                                                                            (i) saline groundwater and surface water discharges into surface water systems;
                                                                                                            (ii) increased deep drainage below irrigated agricultural land displacing saline groundwater to surface water systems;
                                                                                                            (iii) saline surface and shallow groundwater drainage from irrigated agricultural land into surface water systems;
                                                                                                            (iv) irrigation at high salinity risk locations without adequate drainage management;
                                                                                                             Example: Locations where there is a high risk of recharge to groundwater resulting in saline discharges to surface waters.
                                                                                                            (v) de‑watering of saline groundwater which mobilises salt into surface water systems;
                                                                                                            (vi) reduction in stream flows, limiting the dilution of salinity;
                                                                                                       (b) land management practices involving the replacement of deep‑rooted vegetation with shallow‑rooted crops and pastures, resulting in increased rainfall recharge displacing saline groundwater to surface water systems.
                                                                                                    (2) The use of groundwater for irrigation purposes at locations where highly saline upper aquifer water drains to the lower aquifer.
                                                                                                    (3) With respect to soil degradation, the use of water with a high ratio of sodium to calcium and magnesium for irrigation.