Lake Tutchewop sustainable management

Ross Stottelaar investigated if water from Lake Tutchewop was leaking into groundwater. This project formed part of his final year honours project for his undergraduate degree from RMIT University. Ross worked with Goulburn-Murray Water, complementing current work in the area.

Aims

1. Review existing information of the surrounding area.
2. Develop a conceptual model of surface water / groundwater interactions.
3. Use scout hole drillings to determine of the underlying geology of the area.
4. Assess the impact of the lake operations and the ongoing sustainability of salt disposal.
5. Develop a sustainable salinity management plan.

Background

Lake Tutchewop is a Ramsar listed wetland of International significance. The wetland is currently operated as a terminal disposal basin system for the Barr Creek Drainage Diversion Scheme. The future management options for Lake Tutchewop are under investigation, particularly the technical assessments and modelling of surface water/groundwater interactions. Salt is believed to be stored in the shallow sediments under the lakes. However, it is not clear if groundwater processes in the vicinity of the lake will result in the future mobilisation of the salt storage.

Publications and Resources