It is proposed to remove the…

It is proposed to remove the current volumetric water taking limit of 400,000 litres of ground water per day to dewater a construction site and allow someone to self-register on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) for the taking of any quantity of ground water. It is also proposed to remove the current requirements to notify the local conservation authority.

400,000 litres per day is excessive, but allowing someone to self-register and take an unlimited amount is outrageous.

This ERO proposal says "Removing the volumetric limit is not expected to change the effect of this type of water taking on the environment". But the ERO has three levels of environmental risk it applies to water taking permit requests. The highest risk level says, "Category 3 water takings are anticipated to have the highest potential of causing unacceptable environmental impact or interference". What company will voluntarily admit that it's self-registered water taking activity is Category 3.

Please don't allow this to proceed. Mere self-registration is not sufficient despite whatever industry insider "experts" may conjure up to explain away the environmental risk.