New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

WATER SHARING PLAN FOR THE TOMAGO TOMAREE STOCKTON GROUNDWATER SOURCES 2003 - REG 35

35 Extraction interference between neighbouring bores

(1) To minimise interference between extraction under different access licences in each groundwater source, extraction authorised by an access licence will not be permitted from a water supply work (bore) within:

(a) 400 metres of an approved water supply work (bore) nominated by another access licence, or

(b) 200 metres of an approved water supply work (bore) from which basic landholder rights water is being extracted.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subclause (1), the Minister may, upon application by an access licence holder, vary the distance restrictions specified in subclause (1) if:

(a) an hydrogeological study undertaken by the licence holder, and assessed as adequate by the Minister, demonstrates minimal potential for adverse impacts on existing licensed extraction,

(b) all potentially affected access licence holders have been notified by the proponent, and

Note: Potentially affected access licence holders are typically neighbouring access licence holders and those in the near vicinity.

(c) there is a process for remediation in the event that any adverse impact occurs in the future, specified as conditions on the licence.

(3) Subclause (1) does not apply to:

(a) extraction under existing access licences until such time as the relevant water supply work (bore) is replaced, or

(b) a major utility water supply work.

Note: The intention of this clause is to minimise the impact of extraction under new access licences on extraction under existing access licences. It is intended to develop models to support hydrogeological assessment of the adverse impacts of new groundwater extractions on existing licensed extraction.