EPA uses a risk-based approach to identify where there may be adverse impacts on water bodies. If a risk to the water environment is identified, action should be taken to address that risk.
This approach is increasingly being adopted by environmental agencies and research bodies. It includes ecosystem variability and complexity in the evaluation of adverse ecological effects. For example, this approach has been adopted in the Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality. The Victorian Government endorsed the Australian water quality guidelines.
EPA used this risk-based approach as the basis for the environmental quality objectives in the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters). These objectives set the level of environmental quality required to protect aquatic ecosystems. If the objectives are not met, it signals a potential risk to the ecosystem, which is then investigated using the risk-based approach.
For more information:
- Guideline for environmental management: Risk-based assessment of ecosystem protection in ambient waters (publication 961)
- Risk assessment of wastewater discharges to waterways (publication 1287)
- An ecological risk assessment of the lower Wimmera River (publication 1257)
Read next
How EPA protects Victoria's waters
Point and non-point sources of water pollution
EPA's regulatory controls to protect Victoria's waters
How EPA monitors Victoria's water quality
Alternative water supplies and their use
Preventing water pollution: guidance for businesses
This page was copied from EPA's old website. It was last updated on 29 October 2014.
Reviewed 20 August 2021
