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Routine Monitoring

The routine monitoring component of the ASCHEM program measures pesticide levels in rivers and streams bimonthly at a number of sites across Tasmania.

The routine monitoring network provides an overview of potential contamination issues and directly informs the SIRU as to regions of possible concern that may be subject to further intensive focus either through:
a) investigative/compliance monitoring (as performed by SIRU), and/or
b) warrants consideration as to inclusion in the Targeted monitoring component of the ASCHEM program.

Historical Monitoring 2005 to July 2011

Since 2005 routine quarterly monitoring occurred at 55 sites across the state (see attachment below). In mid 2010 this was reduced to 24 where pesticides had been detected in the previous five years whilst modifications were being made to the program. Datum from historical monitoring is available in PDF format below or via Water Information System of Tasmania

(WIST).

Historical ASCHEM Pesticide Routine Monitoring Sites - 2005 to July 2011
(PDF: 61 KB / 2 pages)

This is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file and requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Reader is easy to download and is free of charge.

Modifications to Routine Monitoring

To ensure that monitoring remains as efficient and effective as possible, modifications to program methodologies have been made. The routine monitoring network has moved away from the broader baseline monitoring in previous years to one that is more risk based and targeted in nature. This network targets those activities that potentially utilise high priority pesticides as recommended in the Tasmanian River Catchment Water Quality Initiative report. Designed to be flexible as to both its temporal and spatial monitoring the routine monitoring network will undergo periodic review to ensure the validity of monitoring on a site specific scale.

Since September 2011 a total of 47 sites are being monitored on a bi-monthly basis for 18 priority pesticides. Sites chosen are based some of the following;

sites that have recorded detections above Method Detections Limits (MDL) in the last five (5) years;
sites based on catchments and locations within catchments that present a high chemical detection risk, both in terms of crops and pesticides used and values being protected (i.e. public drinking water).

Results from routine monitoring may be obtained either in PDF format (below) or via the Water Information System of Tasmania (WIST) that provides a single point access to Tasmanian freshwater related information. Data available includes stream flow, water quality, freshwater values and water entitlements and dam permits.

Routine Monitoring Program
(PDF: 4.48 MB / 105 pages)

This is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file and requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Reader is easy to download and is free of charge.

Pesticide Monitoring in Water Catchments

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