To process five million more tonnes per annum CVO has estimated that it will need to use an extra 18.5 per cent more water. (Cadia Valley proposal,  April, 2015).

Cadia Valley Operations has access to current site water storage of 15,000 megalitres, representing 72 per cent of  maximum storage capacity of 18,700ML.  It also has access to water sources external to onsite storage. Information from Cadia assures us that “no additional water licences are required to meet this demand.”(Cadia Valley proposal, April, 2015). 

The Cadia Valley Operations processing rate increase states: “The existing CVO water management system would continue to be implemented for the project. Water supply is predicted to continue to meet demand for the CVO. Incorporating the modification.” (conclusion, Cadia Valley Operations environmental assessment). 

This is reassuring, but there is concern that we may be in for future unforseen weather events that could compromise Cadia's water supply.

Dry times ahead

 Our weather scientists inform us that we are about to head into another El Nino event, which will herald a period of dry weather.  In addition, our climate scientists have also predicted that in the coming decades the rainfall in our region will be diminished and occur more often in the warmer months when storage will be affected due to evaporation. Accompanying the change in rainfall patterns are rising temperatures due to global warming. All of this adds up to less water in the future, and the possibility of conflict among the various sectors of our community concerning its supply.

Water as a shared resource

There are many demands on our water. Orange and Cabonne residents have demands for industry, private and public use. Landholders require an allocation. There must be water set aside for environmental use. Mining, as an important contributor to our community both commercially and socially has been recognised as having a right to share this valuable resource. These demands have to be carefully balanced so that each sector is allowed its fair share. 

A challenge for Cadia

Cadia mines management now faces the challenge of convincing the community that the statements made in their proposal and environmental assessment are correct. It needs to convince us that it can expand operations without placing undue pressure on our water supply that is predicted to diminish in the future through climate change, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and future El Nino events. It also needs to reassure our community that they will not be taking more than its fair share.

 How CVO intends to manage this challenge will be the topic for discussion at a public meeting hosted by ECCO on Wednesday night, May 27 at the Orange Environmental Learning Facility, Orange Showground. Guest speaker for the night will be CVO approvals manager Andrew Wannan         

Enquiries: Nick King 0490 087 424. Sources: Cadia Valley project modification proposal, Cadia Valley processing rate modification environmental assessment.