392
17 Environmental Flow Definition and Management: A Case Study …
1000m
3
/day
S2
S3
S1
Fig. 17.8 Benefits of providing environmental flows. Source WET (2007). Permission granted by
WET project subject to proper citation
From Reach 3 (Yong’an Creek) downstream to the river mouth, the greatest threat
from alteration to the flow regime is likely to come from the cumulative impacts of
development.
17.3.5.2 Effects of the Environmental Flow Rules
S3, S5, and S10 test the impact of the introduction of environmental flow rules in
accordance with the recommendations made from the environmental assessment.
The environmental flow rules specified were only to achieve the recommended flows
in Reaches 1 and 2. It was not possible to set rules to achieve all of the flows
required in the lower reaches because the pilot study and the IQQM were focused on
management arrangements in Zhu Creek, which has a limited influence on flows in
the trunk stream. However, the release of additional water into Zhu Creek will still
produce some improvement in flows in the trunk stream.
The benefits of providing these flows are apparent from Fig. 17.8. The environmental flows rules would ensure that stream flows at this location closely mimic
natural baseflows. The environmental flow rules mean that the recommended flows
will be achieved in Reaches 1 and 2. Consequently, there should be a high level of
confidence that incorporating these environmental flow rules within a water resources
allocation plan would protect the ecological health of Zhu Creek.
There are, however, benefits for the trunk stream as well. These benefits are
less far downstream from Zhu Creek due to the overriding impact of other factors.
17 Environmental Flow Definition and Management: A Case Study …
1000m
3
/day
S2
S3
S1
Fig. 17.8 Benefits of providing environmental flows. Source WET (2007). Permission granted by
WET project subject to proper citation
From Reach 3 (Yong’an Creek) downstream to the river mouth, the greatest threat
from alteration to the flow regime is likely to come from the cumulative impacts of
development.
17.3.5.2 Effects of the Environmental Flow Rules
S3, S5, and S10 test the impact of the introduction of environmental flow rules in
accordance with the recommendations made from the environmental assessment.
The environmental flow rules specified were only to achieve the recommended flows
in Reaches 1 and 2. It was not possible to set rules to achieve all of the flows
required in the lower reaches because the pilot study and the IQQM were focused on
management arrangements in Zhu Creek, which has a limited influence on flows in
the trunk stream. However, the release of additional water into Zhu Creek will still
produce some improvement in flows in the trunk stream.
The benefits of providing these flows are apparent from Fig. 17.8. The environmental flows rules would ensure that stream flows at this location closely mimic
natural baseflows. The environmental flow rules mean that the recommended flows
will be achieved in Reaches 1 and 2. Consequently, there should be a high level of
confidence that incorporating these environmental flow rules within a water resources
allocation plan would protect the ecological health of Zhu Creek.
There are, however, benefits for the trunk stream as well. These benefits are
less far downstream from Zhu Creek due to the overriding impact of other factors.