Clarification is required…

Clarification is required for discharge approvals related to construction site dewatering at sites that do not meet EASR or PTTW thresholds. Since this exemption does not apply to those projects with lower water taking quantities, it is our understanding that an ECA may still be required to discharge ground and storm water back to the environment. For example, if the dewatering activity will be less than 50,000 litres per day, will the water taken be permitted to be discharged into a water body without an ECA for the discharge activity presuming it meets specific criteria. If so, what criteria will be used to confirm acceptance (e.g. PWQO etc)?

If our interpretation is correct, this would mean that a more stringent application and approval process is required for an activity that is most likely lower risk strictly based on quantities. We would like to request that if water taking/discharge activities below EASR/PTTW thresholds do not require formal approval to discharge, that this be stated in the regulation