SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ANALYSIS

A change in land use or land management practices can affect catchment hydrology and impact upon receiving waters both above and the below surface. Receiving water impacts can include an alteration to:

●	inflow and outflow rates
●	sedimentation
●	nutrient levels, salinity and presence of toxic materials
●	debris and other gross
●	pollutants.

Computer based modelling of landscape processes is being increasingly used to assess the potential performance of a catchment or production area under a range of land use scenarios. The accuracy and reliability of any modelling depends upon the quality of the input data, the accuracy of the model assumptions and simulations and the availability of field data to verify the results.

Model predictions and other data collected during an impact assessment phase are used to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Specific elements of the plan address the individual potential impacts that have been identified. Each element of the plan describes performance indicators, monitoring requirements and measures to be taken if monitoring shows that the performance indicators are not being met.

Monitoring enables actual impacts arising from a specific land use scenario to be compared against the model predictions and acceptable community standards. If the actual impacts exceed prescribed standards, contingency management plans need to be initiated to bring performance back to within acceptable levels.

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