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Evidence Guide: MSS024009 - Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSS024009 - Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

  1. Clarify the scope and objectives of the assessment, constraints, stormwater components involved and stormwater management techniques already in use.
  2. Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.
  3. Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.
Clarify the scope and objectives of the assessment, constraints, stormwater components involved and stormwater management techniques already in use.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source and assess available stormwater system data

  1. Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy.
  2. Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.
  3. Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.
  4. Use available data to identify (sub)catchment boundaries and modifications, ‘hydrologic range’, major land use categories, areas of potential pollution and environmental issues relevant to the study.
  5. Identify any significant information gaps.
Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use available data to identify (sub)catchment boundaries and modifications, ‘hydrologic range’, major land use categories, areas of potential pollution and environmental issues relevant to the study.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify any significant information gaps.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan and organise assigned field activities

  1. Confirm data collection points and data quality requirements.
  2. Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.
  3. Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.
  4. Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.
  5. Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.
  6. Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.
  7. Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.
Confirm data collection points and data quality requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safely collect global positioning system (GPS) and environmental data

  1. Set up/optimise GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings.
  2. Set up measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use/calibration checks.
  3. Operate GPS equipment/measuring instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.
  4. Collect point positional data and attribute environmental data for each location in accordance with data collection plan.
  5. Verify GPS/environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures/troubleshoot equipment, as necessary.
Set up/optimise GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set up measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use/calibration checks.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operate GPS equipment/measuring instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect point positional data and attribute environmental data for each location in accordance with data collection plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verify GPS/environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures/troubleshoot equipment, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform field work

  1. Visually inspect stormwater systems to determine the degree of erosion/sediment transport along drainage channels.
  2. Assess the apparent effectiveness of current stormwater control devices.
  3. Assess the state of riparian vegetation associated with earth formed channels, ponds and basins.
  4. Assess the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna in stormwater channels and receiving bodies.
  5. Collect representative water, soil and/or sediment samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.
  6. Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.
  7. Identify litter generation areas and visually inspect the effectiveness of gross pollutant traps.
  8. Identify and promptly report any illegal discharge to the stormwater system.
  9. Inspect the condition of flood mitigating structures along drainages.
Visually inspect stormwater systems to determine the degree of erosion/sediment transport along drainage channels.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess the apparent effectiveness of current stormwater control devices.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess the state of riparian vegetation associated with earth formed channels, ponds and basins.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna in stormwater channels and receiving bodies.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect representative water, soil and/or sediment samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify litter generation areas and visually inspect the effectiveness of gross pollutant traps.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify and promptly report any illegal discharge to the stormwater system.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect the condition of flood mitigating structures along drainages.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise field work

  1. Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.
  2. Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.
  3. Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis.
  4. Clean and test equipment before storage.
Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean and test equipment before storage.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report current stormwater system conditions

  1. Review field measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.
  2. Analyse data relating to catchment characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.
  3. Identify environmental issues that may impact on current stormwater management objectives/practices.
  4. Report findings using a format and style that suits the intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.
  5. Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.
Review field measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse data relating to catchment characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current stormwater management objectives/practices.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report findings using a format and style that suits the intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  2. Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.
  3. Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.
Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

1.1

Clarify the scope and objectives of the assessment, constraints, stormwater components involved and stormwater management techniques already in use.

1.2

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.

1.3

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.

2

Source and assess available stormwater system data

2.1

Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy.

2.2

Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.

2.3

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.4

Use available data to identify (sub)catchment boundaries and modifications, ‘hydrologic range’, major land use categories, areas of potential pollution and environmental issues relevant to the study.

2.5

Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy.

Identify any significant information gaps.

3

Plan and organise assigned field activities

3.1

Confirm data collection points and data quality requirements.

3.2

Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.

3.3

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.

3.4

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.

3.5

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.

3.6

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.

3.7

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.

4

Safely collect global positioning system (GPS) and environmental data

4.1

Set up/optimise GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings.

4.2

Set up measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use/calibration checks.

4.3

Operate GPS equipment/measuring instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

4.4

Collect point positional data and attribute environmental data for each location in accordance with data collection plan.

4.5

Verify GPS/environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures/troubleshoot equipment, as necessary.

5

Perform field work

5.1

Visually inspect stormwater systems to determine the degree of erosion/sediment transport along drainage channels.

5.2

Assess the apparent effectiveness of current stormwater control devices.

5.3

Assess the state of riparian vegetation associated with earth formed channels, ponds and basins.

5.4

Assess the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna in stormwater channels and receiving bodies.

5.5

Collect representative water, soil and/or sediment samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.

5.6

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.

5.7

Identify litter generation areas and visually inspect the effectiveness of gross pollutant traps.

5.8

Identify and promptly report any illegal discharge to the stormwater system.

5.9

Inspect the condition of flood mitigating structures along drainages.

6

Finalise field work

6.1

Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

6.2

Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.

6.3

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis.

6.4

Clean and test equipment before storage.

7

Report current stormwater system conditions

7.1

Review field measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.

7.2

Analyse data relating to catchment characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.

7.3

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current stormwater management objectives/practices.

7.4

Report findings using a format and style that suits the intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.

7.5

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

8

Maintain a safe work environment

8.1

Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.

8.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.

8.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

1.1

Clarify the scope and objectives of the assessment, constraints, stormwater components involved and stormwater management techniques already in use.

1.2

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.

1.3

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.

2

Source and assess available stormwater system data

2.1

Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy.

2.2

Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.

2.3

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.4

Use available data to identify (sub)catchment boundaries and modifications, ‘hydrologic range’, major land use categories, areas of potential pollution and environmental issues relevant to the study.

2.5

Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy.

Identify any significant information gaps.

3

Plan and organise assigned field activities

3.1

Confirm data collection points and data quality requirements.

3.2

Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.

3.3

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.

3.4

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.

3.5

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.

3.6

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.

3.7

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.

4

Safely collect global positioning system (GPS) and environmental data

4.1

Set up/optimise GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings.

4.2

Set up measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use/calibration checks.

4.3

Operate GPS equipment/measuring instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures.

4.4

Collect point positional data and attribute environmental data for each location in accordance with data collection plan.

4.5

Verify GPS/environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures/troubleshoot equipment, as necessary.

5

Perform field work

5.1

Visually inspect stormwater systems to determine the degree of erosion/sediment transport along drainage channels.

5.2

Assess the apparent effectiveness of current stormwater control devices.

5.3

Assess the state of riparian vegetation associated with earth formed channels, ponds and basins.

5.4

Assess the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna in stormwater channels and receiving bodies.

5.5

Collect representative water, soil and/or sediment samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.

5.6

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.

5.7

Identify litter generation areas and visually inspect the effectiveness of gross pollutant traps.

5.8

Identify and promptly report any illegal discharge to the stormwater system.

5.9

Inspect the condition of flood mitigating structures along drainages.

6

Finalise field work

6.1

Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

6.2

Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.

6.3

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis.

6.4

Clean and test equipment before storage.

7

Report current stormwater system conditions

7.1

Review field measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.

7.2

Analyse data relating to catchment characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.

7.3

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current stormwater management objectives/practices.

7.4

Report findings using a format and style that suits the intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.

7.5

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

8

Maintain a safe work environment

8.1

Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.

8.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.

8.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

planning and safely conducting surveys/inspections/audits of at least two (2) stormwater systems and reporting current system conditions

accurately interpreting relevant regulations, standards, guidelines, work instructions, workplace procedures, guidelines and manuals

locating and evaluating stormwater system information and available environmental data sets

planning and organising resources for efficient stormwater inspection, sampling and/or in-situ measurements

communicating effectively with others, such as staff, members of the public, clients, council members and consultants

making objective observations of stormwater systems based on clear criteria

setting up, checking and operating sampling/measuring equipment in accordance with manuals and/or workplace procedures

following specified sampling methods/procedures to ensure that samples are representative, viable and traceable

following specified test methods to obtain reliable in-situ measurements

accurately recording and/or storing field data

assessing quality of field data, recognising anomalies, identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

providing detailed descriptions of catchment characteristics, existing conditions, management values, environmental issues and possible causes

completing all required documentation for surveys/inspections in the required format and timeframe

transporting, cleaning, maintaining and storing field equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

following procedures for working safely and minimising environmental impacts and waste.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

terminology and principles of stormwater management

basic design of stormwater transport systems, constructed wetlands and flood mitigation structures

sources of stormwater system information

specific legislation, policies and guidelines relevant to stormwater survey, inspection and audit activities

fundamental principles of ecology and assessment of site environmental indicators

environmental factors that impact on soils, water quality, population and diversity of flora and fauna

specified procedures/methods and equipment for collecting soil, water and (micro) biological samples

procedures and equipment for maintaining, storing and transporting samples/specimens to ensure their wellbeing, viability and integrity

procedures and equipment for basic water flow and quality measurements

calculation of simple flow rates, scientific quantities, estimated uncertainties and unit conversion factors

workplace procedures for recording field data and reporting requirements

protocols for the confidentiality and security of information and communicating with the community and media

relevant hazards, health, safety and environment requirements.

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

federal legislation. such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and National Environmental Protection Measures

state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition and planning; environmental protection; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites

legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS), handling of dangerous goods

Australian and international standards covering environmental management such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set; AS/NZS 5667 Set Water quality

industry guidelines and manuals, such as:

state/territory Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and manuals

Managing urban stormwater: Council handbook (NSW EPA)

Water quality sampling manual (QLD EPA)

Regulatory monitoring and testing: Water and wastewater sampling (EPA SA)

registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements

workplace or regulator’s procedures for sampling and in-field testing

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), work schedules, recording and reporting procedures, equipment manuals and warranties; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Stormwater survey, inspection and audit activities include one or more of:

broad scale, ‘whole of catchment’ assessment of catchment health

assessment of environmental conditions or risk in a smaller, localised study area or individual premises.

Stormwater management plan includes one or more of:

existing and future values of a catchment

stormwater management objectives to protect these values

problems and issues that may compromise these objectives

agreed stormwater management practices (non-structural/structural) to mitigate existing impacts and minimise future impacts.

Stormwater management techniques include one or more of:

retention and restoration of existing watercourses and wetlands and riparian/foreshore vegetation, and aquatic habitats

control of source water quality and quantity through minimising impervious areas, stormwater re-use and infiltration, limiting development of flood plains, community education, small on-site treatment measures

‘end of pipe’ techniques, such as use of retarding basins, gross pollutant traps, channel stabilisation/design, erosion and sediment control, and large off-site treatment.

Stormwater system information includes one or more of:

terrain models

stormwater drainage plans

flood and drainage studies

water and sediment quality studies

contaminated site reports

aquatic ecology and riparian vegetation studies

land use information, such as topographical maps, aerial photos, satellite imagery and land use/zoning maps

reports of consultations with the scientific community, local environmental groups and industry associations, catchment management committees and councils

history of engineering works and modifications.

Field equipment and materials include one or more of:

stormwater drainage maps, topographic maps, aerial photos, compass, survey point markers and drivers, GPS, tape measure, flagging tape and binoculars

data recording sheets, palm pilot, laptop, data logger and digital camera

sampling equipment, such as bottles, bags, biological specimen containers, secateurs, scoop nets, esky, preservatives, water pumps and tubing

automatic water samplers

portable water quality probe that measures dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, pH, conductivity and field test reagents

tipping bucket rain gauge and data logger

flow meters

soil infiltration test rigs

personal protective equipment (PPE)

appropriate clothing and footwear

phone

first aid kit

insect repellent.

Laboratory analyses include one or more of:

suspended solids

total phosphorus

filterable reactive phosphorus

total nitrogen

total Kjeldahl nitrogen

oxidised nitrogen

faecal Coliforms

soil permeability.

Catchment characteristics and existing conditions include one or more of:

physical characteristics, such as:

soils and sediments

topography, including slope characteristics

climate, including rainfall, evaporation

bridge and culvert crossings, major utility services that may impact on management practices

point sources of pollution (e.g. sewage treatment)

major sewer outflows

existing stormwater management structures (e.g. retarding basins and constructed wetlands)

social characteristics, such as:

recreational areas

land use and land use zoning

waterway characteristics, such as:

stormwater transport via piped, lined or natural channels

characteristics of receiving water bodies (e.g. lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and estuaries)

erosion/sediment transport processes for natural/modified stormwater systems

surface hydrology (e.g. flooding and low flow)

water quality in stormwater transport systems and receiving bodies (dry/wet conditions)

ecological characteristics, such as:

aquatic fauna and flora in stormwater transport systems and receiving bodies

riparian zone fauna and flora

areas of urban bushland.

Catchment values include one or more of:

aquatic fauna habitats, such as appropriate substrate, woody debris and aquatic plants

terrestrial fauna habitats, such as riparian zone vegetation

aquatic flora (e.g. macrophytes) habitats, such as appropriate sediment, stream flow and water quality

terrestrial flora habitats, such as morphology of banks/floodplain, prevailing stream flow and groundwater conditions

avifauna (e.g. land-based and water birds) habitats, such as riparian zone, stormwater transport system and receiving water bodies

public health and safety (e.g. risk of bacterial pollution in stormwater run-off)

recreational values

visual amenity of stormwater systems and riparian zone

use of surface or groundwater as a water source

aquaculture and other commercial fishing

reuse of stormwater for (non)potable use

value of properties adjacent to visually attractive constructed wetlands and natural channels.

Environmental issues and possible causes include one or more of:

poor water quality in waterways (wet/dry conditions) due to excess fertiliser application, washing of cars in streets, sewer overflows, domestic animal droppings and atmospheric deposition

inappropriate stream flow regime (flooding, base flows) due to increased run-off from impervious areas and insufficient stormwater reuse

degraded aquatic habitats due to increased sediment deposition, removal of riparian vegetation

barriers to aquatic fauna migration weirs

degraded riparian vegetation due to introduction of exotic species and vegetation removal

channel erosion and sedimentation due to increased flood flows following urbanisation and vegetation removal

litter in watercourses due to insufficient number/emptying of rubbish bins and commercial waste

weed growth in urban bushland due to stormwater nutrients, weeds from residential gardens, and removal of canopy vegetation

degradation of ecologically sensitive water bodies

health risks associated with recreational use of polluted waters

low visual amenity and landscape value due to litter along watercourses and concrete lined channels.

WHS requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.