Ocean Monitoring and Environmental Impact Assessment

The Scope of Works is as follows: The purpose of this contract is to engage a consultant to deliver a staged ocean monitoring and environmental impact assessment program for the Warrnambool STP effluent receiving environment. The work will support Wannon Water's General Environmental Duty obligations, implement an approved action under the Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant Effluent Management Strategy (EMS), and provide independent evidence to inform future upgrade options, potential treatment requirements, management objectives, and communication with regulators and the community. PRE DOCUMENTATION AND PLANNING Prior to commencing the Monitoring Program, the following is required: • Contractor's Management plan including Methodology in delivering the monitoring program MONITORING PROGRAM The monitoring program is deliberately staged: 1. Baseline monitoring (Years 1–3) • Establish the condition of the receiving environment using multiple, independent lines of evidence (habitat, fish, sediments, water quality, tissue analysis, plume behaviour) • Implement the monitoring action defined in the EMS using recognised scientific methods • Apply professional judgement where site conditions or results warrant refinement 2. Ongoing monitoring (Years 4 and 5 – Provisional) These stages will only proceed when advised in writing by Wannon water and will be based on if the earlier findings indicate that continued monitoring adds value. The EMS allows for this adaptive approach. The results may confirm that impacts are limited, unchanged, or spatially constrained. These outcomes are consistent with the intent of the EMS. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT An environmental impact assessment report is to be developed that includes: • Interpretation and translation of results of base line and ongoing monitoring • Interpret results objectively, including uncertainty and limitations • Translate technical findings into clear, plain English explanations • Provide evidence that can be relied upon for assurance and future review Tender enquiries should be directed to: Stuart Blignaut Senior Project Manager – Asset Planning 1300 926 666 tenders@wannonwater.com.au Tenders can be downloaded for free. Tenders must be lodged by the due date by electronic upload into the designated online tender box.