New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

GREATER METROPOLITAN REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN NO 2--GEORGES RIVER CATCHMENT - REG 11

11 Planning control table

(1) The planning control table at the end of this clause deals with development defined in that table.

(2) Under Planning control:

(a) "Development consent" means that the development may be carried out only with development consent, and

(b) "Prohibited" means the development must not be carried out (either generally or only in the circumstances specified), and

(c) "Advertised" means the development is identified as advertised development for the purposes of the definition of "advertised development" in section 4 (1) of the Act, and

(d) "Designated development" means that the development is declared to be designated development for the purposes of the Act.

(4) Under Specific matters for consideration, matters are listed for consideration by the consent authority when determining a development application or (if consent is not required) by the public authority or person concerned before carrying out the development.

(5) The council of the area in which development is proposed to be carried out is the consent authority for a development application required by this plan, except as provided otherwise by the Act.

PLANNING CONTROL TABLE

1 ARTIFICIAL LAKE

Definition Construction of a water body such as an artificial wetland or dam, but not a dam of less than 1 hectare in surface area used for agricultural purposes or land flood-irrigated for agriculture.

Planning control Development consent required unless carried out by or for the Chipping Norton Lakes Authority in which case development consent is not required.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration The likely impact of the proposal on the water table.
The likely impact of the proposal on natural flows in the Georges River and its tributaries.
The likely impact of the proposal on other downstream water users in the Catchment.
Whether the proposal will contribute to enhancing both the recreational and environmental amenity within the Catchment.
If the proposal is part of rehabilitation works, whether the proposal is in keeping with an approved rehabilitation plan.
Whether the proposal is likely to result in a propagation zone for noxious aquatic weeds.
The likelihood of the development of algal blooms and measures proposed to control that.

2 AQUACULTURE

Definition Farming of aquatic organisms (including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants) for commercial purposes, requiring intervention in the rearing process to enhance production, whether or not undertaken in a natural or artificially created water body.

Planning control Development consent required.
Advertised.

Note: Owner’s consent for proposed development or an activity on Crown land is required from the Department of Lands.

Specific matters for consideration The potential impact of the proposal on seagrass beds.
The impact of related activities, including the coating of fishing accessories with protective finishes, the transport of cages, racks and other accessories onshore and the cleaning of cages, racks and other accessories. In this regard, consideration is also to be given to the provisions made for the disposal of waste.
The impact of aquaculture additives on water quality within the Georges River and its tributaries.
Whether acceptable health criteria for shellfish are met.
The potential for impacts arising from possible damage from floods, stormwater and erosion.

3 CARAVAN PARKS

Definition Use of land for caravans or other moveable dwellings requiring an approval under Part 1 of Chapter 7 of the Local Government Act 1993 .

Planning controls Development consent required unless on flood liable land in which case it is prohibited.
Permanent facilities and sites identified for long term use as caravan parks are prohibited on land within 40 metres of the Georges River or its tributaries (in this item referred to as “the buffer zone”).
Advertised.

Note: A licence from the Environment Protection Authority may be required for sewage disposal.

Specific matters for consideration The impact of the proposal on remnant vegetation.
If the caravan park is located on land adjoining the buffer zone, public access to the park is to be restricted to clearly identified pathways. The buffer zone is to be planted or, where vegetated, the vegetation is to be retained, between the Georges River or its tributaries and the caravan park or camping ground.
Sewage treatment and disposal from such sites.
Whether approvals have been sought for access points, such as boat ramps and jetties, to the river.

4 CHEMICAL OR FUEL STORAGE ON LAND

Definition Use of land for chemical, fuel or fertiliser storage.

Planning controls Prohibited on flood liable land.
Development consent required for all other land.

Specific matters for consideration That adequate provisions have been made to contain water that may be contaminated by its use for fire control purposes.
Whether the proposal meets the requirements of the local council’s stormwater management plan or, if no such plan is prepared, the local council’s stormwater management objectives or policy determined by the council.
Whether the proposal is in accordance with the local council’s soil erosion and sediment management plan or policy.
Any impacts on groundwater.
Provision for on-site bush fire hazard reduction where relevant.

5 EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY

Definition The winning of extractive material, or an undertaking which depends for its operations on the winning of extractive material, from land within the Catchment, including any washing, cutting, crushing, grinding, milling or separating into different sizes of extractive material on the site on which it has been won.

Planning control Development consent is required unless the proposed development:

(a) is in-stream, in which case it is prohibited, or

(b) is part of an operation to carry out maintenance dredging by a public authority and the consent authority is satisfied that the proposal is in accordance with the principles and objectives contained in the NSW Sand and Gravel Extraction Policy for Non Tidal Rivers , in which case consent is not required.

Specific matters for consideration The likely effect of the proposal on flood behaviour, geomorphology, vegetation, surface and groundwater quality, water quality, water quantity and hydrodynamics of any watercourse within the Catchment.
Whether a Rehabilitation Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Guidelines established by the Department of Land and Water Conservation in its Urban Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook (1992).
Whether the noise and vibration levels are generally in accordance with the guidelines in the Environmental Noise Control Manual (1994) prepared by the Environment Protection Authority.
Satisfaction that any proposed rehabilitation measures will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines in the Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction Handbook (1998) prepared by and available from Landcom and the Department of Housing.

6 FLOOD CONTROL WORKS

Definition The carrying out of any works in an attempt to mitigate against flooding if the works will change the natural or existing condition of the Georges River or its tributaries, including river flows.

Planning controls Development consent required.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration Whether the proposal satisfies the stormwater management plan prepared by the local council or, until such a plan is made, the local council’s stormwater management objectives.
Whether the proposal is in accordance with the Council’s soil erosion and sediment management plan or policy.
Whether the proposal is consistent with State Government policies including the New South Wales Government’s Floodplain Development Manual: the management of flood liable land (April 2005, ISBN 0 7347 5476 0).

7 HAZARDOUS OR OFFENSIVE, OR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS OR OFFENSIVE INDUSTRIES

Definition Hazardous or offensive industry (as defined in State Environmental Planning Policy No 33-Hazardous and Offensive Development ) of a type that has the potential to pollute and to lower water quality in the Georges River or its tributaries.

Planning controls Development consent required unless located on either flood liable land or land within 40 metres of any watercourse within the Catchment, in which case it is prohibited.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration Whether adequate provisions have been made to contain water that may be contaminated by its use for fire control purposes.
Whether the proposal meets the requirements of the local council’s stormwater management plan or, if no such plan has been prepared, the local council’s stormwater management objectives or policy determined by the council.
Whether the proposal is in accordance with the Council’s soil erosion and sediment management plan or policy.
Whether any potential impacts will arise in regard to groundwater.
Whether adequate provisions for on-site bushfire hazard reduction are made.

8 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Definition Development of land for housing, including the following:

(a) development of new areas for housing in accordance with the Urban Development Program and the Metropolitan Strategy, and

(b) rural-residential development within the Catchment.

Planning control For land included in the Urban Development Program:

Development consent required for land identified in the Urban Development Program unless the land is not connected to a reticulated sewerage system or is flood liable, in which case it is prohibited.

For rural residential land, being land within a rural zone on which residential development is allowed by a local environmental plan:

Development consent required.

Specific matters for consideration For land within the Urban Development Program:

Whether the proposal for development accords with the Metropolitan Strategy and satisfies the strategy’s goals and key principles.

Whether the land is adequately serviced.

Whether adequate provision has been made to meet the requirements of any council stormwater management plans and erosion and sediment control plans or policies.

Whether provision has been made for sediment and/or erosion control during construction in accordance with best practice.

Whether adequate provision has been made to prevent untreated urban runoff including nutrients, oils and greases, animal wastes, detergents and other pollutants from car washing and general litter entering into the Georges River or its tributaries.

The suitability of urban runoff treatment measures may include one or more of the following:

(a) directing runoff onto artificial wetlands,

(b) directing runoff into grassed drainage lines and table drains,

(c) use of on-site detention basins,

(d) gross pollutant traps,

(e) adequate sediment and erosion controls.

Any treatment measures will need to be in accordance with the NSW State Rivers and Estuaries Policy and have the necessary approval of the Department of Land and Water Conservation.

The provision of planted areas and the minimisation of hard surface areas mitigates against increased urban runoff from built up areas and must be encouraged. Reuse of treated waste water and the utilisation of appropriate water conservation practices must also be encouraged.

Whether adequate provision has been made to incorporate vegetated buffer areas to watercourses, foreshores or other environmentally sensitive areas.

The potential cumulative environmental impact of urban runoff on the Georges River or its tributaries.

For land that is not reticulated, including rural residential land:

Whether the proposal meets the requirements of a strategy prepared by the local council for sewage management or adequate provision has been made for on-site sewage management.

9 INDUSTRY

Definition The manufacturing, assembling, altering, repairing, renovating, ornamenting, finishing, cleaning, washing, dismantling, processing or adapting of any goods or articles for commercial purposes (other than development defined elsewhere in this table).

Planning controls Development consent required.
Advertised unless involving minor works such as refurbishment, refitting and the like or involving an occupation that is a light industrial activity, in which case not advertised development.

Specific matters for consideration The potential cumulative environmental impact of any industrial uses on water quality within the Catchment.
The adequacy of proposed stormwater controls and whether the proposal meets the Council’s requirements for stormwater management.
Whether proposed erosion control measures meet the criteria set out in Managing Urban Stormwater: Soil and Construction Handbook (1998) prepared by and available from Landcom and the Department of Housing.
Likely impact on groundwater and remnant vegetation.
The possibility of reusing treated waste water on land and the adequacy of proposed waste water disposal options.
Whether adequate provision has been made to incorporate vegetated buffer areas to protect watercourses, foreshores or other environmentally sensitive areas where new development is proposed.
The adequacy of planned waste water disposal options.

10 INTENSIVE HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Definition Use of a place to grow a commercial crop of plants or fungi, whether under cover or in the open, using intensive agricultural systems such as hydroponics or a sprinkler system (but not use of a place to grow produce for personal household consumption or enjoyment) which has the potential to impact significantly on the total water cycle.

Planning controls Development consent required.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration Whether adequate provision has been made for flood mitigation in the event of a 1 in 10 year flood event.
Whether adequate provision has been made for a vegetated buffer area adjacent to watercourses.
Whether adequate provision has been made in relation to soil erosion control.
Whether adequate provision has been made to protect groundwater and the Georges River or its tributaries where chemical application is to be undertaken on land adjacent to watercourses.
Opportunities for retention and reuse of site surface runoff.

11 INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK KEEPING

Definition Use of land for holding cattle, sheep, goats, poultry or other livestock for the purpose of nurturing by a feeding method other than natural grazing, including use of:

(a) feed lots, and

(b) piggeries, and

(c) poultry farms,

but not an animal boarding or training establishment or land used for the keeping of livestock or poultry intended solely for personal consumption or enjoyment by the owner or occupier of the land, or intensive hand feeding of livestock as a result of drought, flood, bushfire or other natural disaster.

Planning controls Development consent required unless:

(a) on land within 40 metres of the Georges River or its tributaries, or

(b) carried out within a floodway,

in which case it is prohibited.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration Whether farm management including the use of appropriate best management practices is proposed so as to mitigate the impact of the development on the water quality of the Georges River or its tributaries.
Whether adequate provision has been made in relation to soil erosion control.
The likely additional impact of the development on the Georges River during a flood event where development is proposed on flood prone land.
Whether adequate provision has been made for a vegetated buffer area adjacent to watercourses.
Whether adequate provision has been made to protect groundwater and the Georges River and its tributaries from nutrient enrichment.

12 LAND FILL

Definition Use of land for the purpose of disposing of waste, including use of a site for the collection and disposal of industrial, trade or human waste (other than development defined elsewhere in this table).

Planning control Development consent required unless on flood liable land, in which case it is prohibited.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration Whether groundwater contamination is likely to occur.
The adequacy of any proposed leachate management system and surface water controls.
The long-term stability of the final landform and the adequacy of a site management plan prepared for the development.

13 MAINTENANCE DREDGING

Definition The winning or removal of extractive material from the bed of the Georges River or its tributaries by or for a public authority for the purpose of obtaining sufficient width and depth in the waterway to enable the waterway to continue to function:

(a) as a channel for the escape or passage of water, or

(b) as a safe navigation route for travel or transport by water,

but not including bank or bed works.

Planning control Development consent required.

Note: State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 makes provision with respect to maintenance dredging carried out by or on behalf of a public authority.

Specific matters for consideration The likely effects of maintenance dredging on river flows, water quality, geomorphology, flood behaviour and bank stability.
The need to maintain river shallows to protect and support the aquatic habitat.
The potential effect of maintenance dredging on recreational opportunities available in the Catchment.
The need to protect fish breeding grounds, commercial and recreational fishing areas and oyster farming.
The need to protect seagrass beds and mangroves.
The likelihood of disturbing pollutants, sediments and acid sulfate soils and any proposed mitigation measures.
The advantages of using cutter-suction methods as against dragline methods when carrying out maintenance dredging.

14 MANUFACTURED HOME ESTATES

Definition Development for the purpose of placing of manufactured homes requiring an approval under Part 1 of Chapter 7 of the Local Government Act 1993 , except where they will be located on land which is zoned for residential purposes.

Planning control Development consent required unless the proposed development is on flood liable land or sites which are or will not be adequately provided with reticulated water, a reticulated sewerage system, drainage or electricity, in which case it is prohibited.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration The likely impact on any significant remnant vegetation.
Whether adequate provision is made for vegetated buffer areas on land adjacent to watercourses or environmentally sensitive areas.
That the development will not have an adverse impact on any waterway or land having special landscape, scenic or ecological qualities.

Note: The provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy No 36-Manufactured Home Estates would also need to be satisfied.

15 MARINAS AND SLIPWAYS

Definition Development for the purpose of a pontoon, jetty, pier or other structure or apparatus providing berths for boats, and use of adjoining land for any support facilities.

Planning control Development consent required unless carried out by or on behalf of the Chipping Norton Lakes Authority, in which case development consent is not required.
Advertised.

Note: Owner’s consent for proposed development or an activity on Crown land is required from the Department of Land and Water Conservation. Some marinas are scheduled under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 if the size is above a certain threshold.

Specific matters for consideration The need for a condition of consent requiring centralised pumping stations.
Whether adverse impacts will occur on any natural wetlands, seagrass beds, mangroves and any other flora and fauna habitats.
Whether arrangements for the collection, storage, treatment and subsequent disposal of sewage and other wastes are satisfactory and meet the requirements of the Environment Protection Authority.
Whether measures to prevent the escape of fuels, oils, grease and other chemicals into the waterway are adequate.
Whether the proposal satisfies the document entitled Environmental Guidelines: Best Management Practice for Marinas and Slipways (1997) prepared by and available from the Environment Protection Authority.
Whether adequate depth of water exists for the marina and other related land and water shoreline facilities and, if not, whether the means proposed for maintaining adequate water depth are appropriate and will not lead to adverse impacts on the Georges River or its tributaries.
The stability of banks and foreshores and whether acid sulfate soils are likely to be disturbed.

16 PUBLIC UTILITY UNDERTAKING

Definition Any of the following undertakings carried on by or for a public authority that is likely to significantly affect the water quality and river flows of the Georges River or its tributaries and the environment within the Catchment:

(a) rail, road, air or water transport,

(b) provision or maintenance of wharfs and navigation markers,

(c) telecommunications,

(d) supply of water, electricity or gas or provision of sewerage or drainage services.

Planning control The controls set out in the local environmental plan or deemed environmental planning instrument for the land.

17 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Definition Use of a building, work or place for sporting activities, recreation or leisure activities (whether or not operated for commercial gain) being a building that is situated within the Georges River, on land that is situated within the Georges River or on land:

(a) that adjoins the river or a tributary of the river, or

(b) that is flood prone land.

Planning control Development consent required.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration Whether the proposal will encourage bank erosion and the adequacy of any proposed mitigation measures.
The need to retain and maintain riparian vegetation and habitat.
Whether acid sulfate soils will be disturbed by the proposed development and the adequacy of any mitigation measures.
Any proposed effluent disposal system for areas not connected to a reticulated sewerage system.
The suitability of the site for on-site sewage disposal and the likely effect of that disposal on the Georges River or its tributaries, any natural wetland areas, groundwater or flood liable land.
The possibility for reuse of treated waste water on land, for irrigation purposes.
Recreation facilities must not obstruct, alienate or pollute the river.
The impact of the proposal on access and use of the Georges River and its tributaries and foreshores.

18 SINGLE MOORINGS

Definition Provision or maintenance of a berth or apparatus located on or in the Georges River or its tributaries which may be used for the purpose of storing only one vessel.

Planning control Development consent required unless seagrass beds identified by NSW Fisheries are located on the site, in which case it is prohibited, or unless carried out for or by the Chipping Norton Lakes Authority, in which case development consent is not required.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration The likely impact on any seagrass beds located at the site or within the vicinity of the proposed development.
The type and size of vessel proposed to be moored.
Any requirements for dredging where water depth is inadequate and whether an environmental impact statement is required.
Possibility of developing shared facilities with an adjoining owner.

19 SEWERAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OR WORKS

Definition Development for the purpose of any sewerage system or work which stores, treats or disposes of sewage (including domestic on-site disposal systems that are ancillary to other development which requires consent) but not including a public utility undertaking.

Planning control Development consent required.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration Whether the proposed development will be capable of connection to a Sydney Water Corporation Limited or council sewerage system either now or in the future.
The suitability of the site for on-site disposal of effluent or sludge and the ability of the sewerage systems or works to operate over the long-term without causing significant adverse effects on adjoining property. Where the proposal is for single dwelling residential development not connected to a reticulated sewerage system, the Environment and Health Protection Guidelines-On-site Sewage Management for Single Households (1998) prepared by and available from the Department of Local Government, the Department of Land and Water Conservation, the Department of Health and the Environment Protection Authority must be followed.
The likely effect of any on-site disposal area required by the proposed development on:

(a) any water bodies in the vicinity, including rivers, streams, creeks, dams, or

(b) any wetland areas identified and mapped by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, or

(c) any groundwater, or

(d) any flood liable land within the Catchment.

The sewage management facility or, in the case of on-site disposal systems, the effluent application area should make provision for the following:

(a) preventing the spread of disease by micro-organisms, emission of foul odours, contamination of water and degradation of soil and vegetation, discouraging insects and vermin and ensuring that persons do not come into contact with untreated sewage or effluent (whether treated or not) in their ordinary activities on the premises,

(b) the reuse of resources (including nutrients, organic matter and water) and the minimisation of any adverse impacts on the amenity of the land on which the facility or area is installed or constructed and other land in the vicinity of that land,

(c) the scope for recycling and reusing effluent or sludge on the site,

(d) the adequacy of wet weather storage and the wet weather treatment capacity (as necessary) of the proposed sewerage system or works,

(e) likely cumulative impacts downstream where direct discharge of effluent to the Georges River or its tributaries is proposed,

(f) the need for ongoing monitoring of the system or work.

Note: Direct discharge into the Georges River or its tributaries is strongly discouraged. Where that is permitted, the standards set by the Environment Protection Authority must be satisfied.

20 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR WORKS

Definition Carrying out of works designed to collect, channel, store, treat or disperse stormwater runoff from areas of urban development or from development adjacent to the Georges River or its tributaries. Untreated stormwater is water which has not been subjected to measures designed to reduce litter, suspended solids, nutrients or other substances which contribute to a decline in the quality of water in the Georges River or its tributaries.

Planning control Development consent is required except where works are by or on behalf of a public authority.
Works that dispose of untreated stormwater into the Georges River or its tributaries are prohibited.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration That untreated stormwater is not disposed of into the Georges River or its tributaries.
The likely impact of stormwater disposal on the quality of any receiving waters.
That the levels of nutrients and sediments entering the waterway are not increased by the proposed development.
Whether any proposals to manage stormwater are in accordance with the local council’s stormwater management plans and the Managing Urban Stormwater series of documents and meet the local council’s stormwater management objectives.
Whether the principles outlined in the Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction Handbook (1998) prepared by and available from Landcom and the Department of Housing are followed during each stage of a development (including subdivision).
Whether the proposal satisfies the local council’s sediment control plan or, if no such plan has been prepared, any erosion and sediment policies adopted by the local council.

The suitability of stormwater treatment measures will depend on the characteristics of individual sub-catchments. Those measures may, however, include one or more of the following:

(a) artificial wetlands,

(b) detention basins,

(c) grassed drainage lines and table drains,

(d) trash racks,

(e) booms.

Source control is to be preferred to downstream engineering solutions and natural treatments instead of hard engineering treatments for watercourses and drainage lines are to be encouraged.

21 DEVELOPMENT IN VEGETATED BUFFER AREAS

Definition Development on land within the Catchment that adjoins, and is within 100 metres of, a drainage line, creek, wetland or river foreshore area within the Catchment.

Planning control Development consent required.

Specific matters for consideration Bushfire hazard reduction measures are not to be confined to the vegetated buffer area.
Whether the proposed vegetated buffer will act as a buffer between developed land and environmentally sensitive areas, including adjacent waterways.
Whether the following specifications have been satisfied for the proposed vegetated buffer area:

(a) 100 metre minimum buffer width from the edge of the gorge or the top of the banks of the Georges River and its tributaries on currently forested Crown lands and natural bushland classified as community land under the Local Government Act 1993 ,

(b) 40 metre minimum buffer width from the edge of the gorge or the top of the banks of the Georges River and its tributaries on freehold land that has not been previously developed or cleared,

(c) 40 metre minimum buffer widths from wetlands identified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local council State of the Environment Reports required under the Local Government Act 1993 ,

(d) 40 metre minimum buffer width from other environmentally sensitive areas, including remnant vegetation and steep slopes, identified on maps prepared by and available from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The requirements of the document entitled Planning for Bush Fire Protection, ISBN 0 9751033 2 6 , prepared by the NSW Rural Fire Service in co-operation with the Department of Planning, dated December 2006.
The requirements of the NSW State Rivers and Estuaries Policy prepared by and available from the Department of Land and Water Conservation and the NSW Wetlands Management Policy prepared by and available from that Department where the development proposals are likely to impact on the quality of water and river flows of the Georges River or its tributaries.
The need to filter runoff from developed areas to improve water quality within the Georges River and its tributaries.
The need to reduce the loss of riparian vegetation and to remove invasive weed species.
The need to minimise damage to river banks and channels so as to reduce bank erosion.
The need to increase or maintain terrestrial and aquatic biological diversity and to provide fauna habitat and corridors.

22 WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY OR WORKS

Definition Development for the purpose of waste management facilities or works described in Schedule 3 (Designated Development) to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 1994 .

Planning controls Development consent required unless on flood liable land, in which case it is prohibited.
Advertised.

Specific matters for consideration A system is to be required to manage leachate surface controls on the land on which the waste management facility or works is or are proposed.
A site management plan is to be required for the land on which the waste management facility or works is or are proposed.
The likelihood of groundwater contamination.
The adequacy of the proposed leachate management system and surface water controls.
The long-term stability of the final landform and the adequacy of the site management plan.
Where the proposed development involves extraction of material, whether an adverse impact on the Georges River or its tributaries will result.

23 WETLANDS AND FRESHWATER RIVERS-FILLING, DREDGING, DRAINING OR CLEARING

Definition Filling, dredging, draining or clearing of wetland areas and freshwater rivers within the Catchment.

Planning controls Development consent required unless part of maintenance dredging carried out for or on behalf of a public authority, in which case development consent is not required.
Advertised.
Designated development unless the consent authority is satisfied that development is for the purpose of restoring or rehabilitating a wetland.

Specific matters for consideration Whether any native vegetation, including mangroves, will be destroyed as a result of any filling, dredging, draining or clearing.
The need to protect aquatic biological diversity.