Another step towards increasing the capacity of Wyangala Dam has been completed.
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All field work for studies that need to be carried out to prepare an environmental impact study related to the possible increase in the dam's capacity has wrapped up.
Environmental Assessment and Planning manager with Stantec GHD, Sofie Mason-Jones, in a webinar updating interested parties on where the project sat last week, told participants field teams have been collecting date and engaging with landholders.
Stantec GHD have been engaged to provide the concept design and environmental impact statement for the Wyangala project.
"We've had field teams out (to look into the area's) terrestrial biodiversity, aquatic ecology, Aboriginal heritage, non Aboriginal heritage, geomythology, hydrology, visual and landscape," Ms Mason-Jones said.
More than 20 specialists have been used, collecting data and engaging with landholders.
As a result, Ms Mason-Jones said they're close to finalising draft specialist studies in all of the mentioned areas and will aim to submit the draft EIS to the Department of Industry and Planning before the end of 2021.
"Following an adequacy review the department will then run a display of the EIS and this will require support from Water NSW and SGHD to hold further community information sessions where we will continue to provide key information on the EIS and how people can make comments on the document," she said.
For the project to proceed, Ms Mason-Jones said, two approvals were required.
The State Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will prepare an assessment report and make a recommendation on the project before that same assessment report and recommendation will be provided to the Federal Government.
It's expected there the government will use that assessment report to make a decision on the project, Ms Mason-Jones said.
Water NSW has been holding information sessions and webinars during the past month providing community members with an update on the project.
These have included localised input sessions in person relating to the Preliminary Environmental Impact Statement at Wyangala, Woodstock, Darbys Falls, Reids Flat and Bigga on May 17,18,19 and 20.
Community Information Sessions were also held in person and online at Crookwell. Local Business Webinar's are planned for May 31 and June 2.
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