Water Bore Drillers News Welcome to the first edition. We heard you’d like to hear from us more often, so we have put together this newsletter to connect with you. If there are particular topics you would like more information please feel free to email us at water.licensing@nt.gov.au. Changes to the Water ActYou may have heard there has been some changes to the Water Act. This is true and they come into effect on 31 December 2018.The changes mean that mining and petroleum activities now require water licensing and permits to undertake bore works, meaning they will be regulated in the same way as other water users. It also means there are new enforcement tools and penalties and offences have also been updated and modernised. So what does this mean for you?New look application and bore work permitHow we refer to “bore construction permits” has changed – they are now called “bore work permits”. This makes for a more inclusive title which captures all types of bore work which are now defined in the Act to include any of the following: (a) drilling, decommissioning, constructing, altering, deepening, plugging, backfilling or sealing off a bore; (b) removing, replacing, altering, slotting or repairing the casing, lining or screen of a bore. To accompany this change the “Application for a bore work permit” has been updated and the “Bore work permit” has a new look with some new conditions. A copy of each is attached to this email. An example bore work permit is also included. Take some time to read through the example permit so you understand the changes. An important one for you is that a single bore work permit may now be granted for multiple types of bore work, this means if a person wants to work-over a bore, construct a new bore and decommission a bore it can all be done under one permit. The conditions relating to the completion of a bore with a cement slab has also been changed, it is now the responsibility of the driller to complete this phase of the work by installing the cement slab and a label with the bore registration number. There has been some changes to the “statement of bore” as well, a copy is attached to this email. It includes a guide on how to fill in the form. The department consulted the Drillers Qualification Advisory Committee when creating these forms. If you have any questions about the forms please call 8999 4455 and ask to speak with your local Water Licensing or Regulatory Officer or email water.licensing@nt.gov.au. Information regarding bore work permits and the application process will be available from: www.nt.gov.au/BWPs. Changes to penalties and offencesIt’s more important than ever that you’re doing the right thing; not only does doing the wrong thing put the environment and our water resources at risk, but Infringement notices have been introduced to allow for offences to be dealt with outside the courts by payment of a fine. Fines range from $310 -$775.
If a matter proceeds to court, maximum penalties that could apply are:
NR MapsDid you know you can use NR Maps to find bores, access bore reports and bores associated with water licences. NR Maps has a new look and supporting web pages have been updated with “What’s New?” and a “Help” page. Drilling samples (strata and water samples)Bore work permits granted in mapped areas shown here will require strata and water samples to be provided to the department to assist in the investigation and management of groundwater resources. You will be able to access this information through NR Maps shortly when a bore sampling layer is added making it easier for you to identify if samples are required in the area you are drilling. The example bore work permit attached to this email explains what is required when taking these samples. Samples should be forwarded to the Water Resources Division at: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Remember, you only need to take strata and water samples when a permit requires them. Water Resources |