EstuaryWatch Data Portal

Artificial estuary opening.  Water level was 1.61m AHD. 

In terms of rationale for the opening, DELWP has indicated that as part of the lease arrangements involved in the short-term management option for the Anglesea River, DELWP made a commitment to Alcoa to finish pumping operations by 31 March 2017. This will allow Alcoa sufficient time complete their commitments to rehabilitation works during April. As such the remaining water in the storage pond (approximately 40ML) must be pumped into the river over the next 9 days.

With the recent rainfall, the estuary level has increased significantly and will continue to do so while we discharge the remaining water in the Alcoa storage pond. By opening the estuary entrance, the chance of flooding surrounding assets will be greatly reduced.