wide-spread and long term impacts, not having strong existing regulatory controls and likely to pose a high risk to multiple segments of the environment if they are not implemented. Table 3.1: High priority risks to beneficial values provided by Victorian waters. Risk (threatening activities and associated stressors) Relevant SEPP (Waters) segments Catchment inflows from diffuse sources (nutrients, sediments and toxicants) All Stormwater discharges (nutrients, sediments, toxicants) All Wastewater discharges (nutrients, toxicants, pathogens) Port Phillip Bay, localised inland waters, some open coast locations, groundwater Water resource use (altered water regimes, salinity, algal blooms) Inland waters, estuaries, groundwater Climate change exacerbating the above risks All Table 3.2: Widespread – criteria to prioritise an activity based on whether it has widespread or local impacts Local impacts Mostly Localised Impacts, Very Common Activity Moderately Widespread Impacts Very Widespread Impacts Action influences an activity that only has mostly localised impacts and is only moderately widespread/common Action influences an activity that has localised impacts on one to two water types but does not have a strong influence on remote segments. Activities are common so have a cumulative impact Action influences common and widespread activity that impacts only one water type but all segments of that water type are likely to be impacted, and with significant impacts on remote segments Action influences common and widespread activity that affects multiple water types (e.g., a combination of two or more of inland waters, estuarine waters marine waters, groundwater, and segments) AND activity has significant effects on remote segments (e.g. activity occurs in waterways but impacts marine segments) Table 3.3: Time-bound – criteria to prioritise an activity based on whether managing it’s impacts is required during discrete time periods and requires long term management. Discrete/Infrequent Discrete/Frequent Mostly discrete with occasional long term management required Long term ongoing
Appendix A ALL IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS Table A1: Additional actions for implementing SEPP (Waters) clauses Implementation Plan action Details of implementation action Implementation Responsibilities Related SEPP (Waters) Clause Develop new SEPP guidelines New guidelines needed to be developed to clarify and explain how to comply with the SEPP. A list of guidance than needs to be developed is shown in Table A2 EPA / DELWP General - see Table A2 Revise existing SEPP guidelines Existing guidelines need to be revised to clarify and explain changes, or new provisions, to clauses in SEPP (Waters). A list of guidance than needs to be revised is shown in Table A2 EPA / DELWP General - see Table A2 Administrative changes to SEPP guidelines Existing guidelines require administrative updates to ensure they appropriately reference the SEPP and reflect changes in clause numbers/names. A list of guidance that requires administrative updates is shown in Table A2 EPA / DELWP General - see Table A2 Undertake a detailed assessment to determine if Regulations are required for: wastewater management managing urban stormwater managing on-site domestic wastewater to prevent the discharge of sewage from vessels to address vessels and hull biofouling Understand the of environmental issues related to activities listed to determine if regulations are required/better suited to address impacts DELWP / EPA 51. Wastes and wastewaters from ports, marinas and vessels 20 - 27. Managing wastewater discharges 34. Urban Stormwater 28-31 Onsite domestic wastewater clause 52. Aquatic Pests Develop a simple notification system for failing septic tanks, from local government to water corporation/EPA/DHHS. Develop a one- page notification process and distribute to local government, water corporations, DHHS and EPA outlining how the notification process will work DELWP 31. Connection to sewerage Work with water corporations and local government to clarify what is meant by where sewerage is ‘provided ‘, whether this means is a connection is available or there is a pipe in ground. Use existing water corporation forums to develop a shared understanding of what water corporations mean by ‘sewer is available’ DELWP 31. Connection to sewerage Investigate feasibility of hardship grants for connections. Hardship grants were once offered by government. Consider whether they are a feasible option to use to assist DELWP 31. Connection to sewerage
Develop education materials for Agvet chemical users Develop education and communication materials to assist chemical users in understanding the risks to the environment and implementing appropriate controls in accordance with label requirements EPA DEDJTR 41. Storage and handling of fuels and potentially polluting chemicals Provide training materials on appropriate Agvet chemical use Provide training materials to appropriate Agvet chemical use training providers and publicise changes to the Agvet sector DEDJTR 41. Storage and handling of fuels and potentially polluting chemicals Provide training on the revised bunding guidelines Training should be provided to EPOs and other parties that refer to the Bunding Guidelines – e.g. local council planners. EPA 41. Storage and handling of fuels and potentially polluting chemicals Pursue the regulation of works by CMAs and Melbourne Water through Section 67 licences, rather than the existing by-laws, to ensure that ongoing conditions can be provided. Regulation of works through Section 67 licenses can be implemented when the opportunity is presented. This was proposed for the last Water Bill amendment and work to justify change has been completed DELWP 40. Works affecting water dependant ecosystems and species. Assess the level of risk from the discharge of sewage from vessels and, if required, develop and implement a compliance strategy to address the issue of sewage and waste discharge from vessels. Assess complaints and information from EPA records that assist with understanding the scale of the issue related to vessels discharging sewage waste to waters EPA Parks Victoria 51. Wastes and wastewaters from ports, marinas and vessels Consider the adoption of the International Clean Marina program and, if supported, EPA to work with the Marina Industries Association to promote the Clean Marina Program and encourage marina operators to seek accreditation Understand the scale of the environmental problem that marina management contributes too, and consider adoption of Cleaner Marina association to mitigate impacts if appropriate EPA 51. Wastes and wastewaters from ports, marinas and vessels Ensure Ministerial Guidelines for preparation of a SEMP, reference updated SEPP The Ministerial Guidelines: Port Safety and Environment Management Plan assist individual port managers in developing detailed environmental management plans for ports. They currently reference sections of SEPP and this will need to be updated. DELWP DEDJTR 51. Wastes and wastewaters from ports, marinas and vessels