Emu

Environmental water used to help manage blackwater

Monday 2 January, 2017
Additional water is being released from Goulburn Weir to help dilute debris-rich run-off from local creeks that has discoloured the Goulburn River downstream of Shepparton during the past couple of days.
Debris-rich water from Seven Creeks is flowing into the Goulburn.

Goulburn Broken CMA Environmental Water Manager Simon Casanelia said that after up to 100mm of rain fell across parts of the catchment on December 29, run-off from Castle, Pranjip and Seven creeks had entered the Goulburn River near Shepparton.

 “Water from the creeks, which includes leaf litter and other debris, is making its way down the Goulburn River, causing the water to look darker in stretches,” he said.

“We have been monitoring dissolved oxygen levels – a measure of water quality. The levels dropped overnight Saturday but while they appear to have stabilised, we worked with Goulburn Murray Water yesterday to use environmental water to increase flows along the Goulburn to help replenish dissolved oxygen levels and disperse the slug of dark water.

“Unfortunately a small number of dead fish have been reported as a result of the runoff. However,  native fish and other aquatic animals are generally pretty resilient and seek out more favourable water quality.”

Inflows into the Goulburn River from the creeks have already reduced.

River levels below Shepparton will rise slightly (about 0.5m) over the next few days as a result of the increased flow. Water takes about four days to reach the Murray River from Shepparton.

For more information on dissolved oxygen levels visit: http://www.mdba.gov.au/managing-water/water-quality/blackwater

The community is encouraged to report fish deaths to the EPA on 1300 372 842.


The Goulburn Broken CMA acknowledges and respects First Nations people and the deep connection they have with their land and waters.


We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and their ancestors/forbears as Traditional Owners of the land and waters in the Goulburn Broken Catchment (and beyond). We value our ongoing partnerships with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council for the health of Country and its people.


We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.

Shepparton
168 Welsford Street, PO Box 1752, Shepparton VIC 3630
T (03) 5822 7700
F (03) 5831 6254

Benalla
89 Sydney Road, PO Box 124, Benalla VIC 3672
T (03) 5822 7700

Yea
Shop 5/10 High Street, Yea VIC 3717
T (03) 5822 7700