SFIAQUA507C
Plan and design water supply and disposal systems

This unit of competency involves designing water supply and disposal systems for aquacultural enterprises and facilities, mostly for on-land (tanks, ponds and raceways) operations. Planning and designing water supply and disposal systems requires skills in aquatic engineering and the application of underpinning knowledge with depth in areas, such as hydrology, pumps and power supply, and waste management.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

Application

This unit has application to aquacultural water supply and disposal systems. They may be manually operated systems and monitoring, or fully automated systems with computer control and monitoring. Standards of uniformity and efficiency may vary from system to system.

All enterprise or workplace procedures and activities are carried out according to relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements, including occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines and ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles.

Equipment operation, maintenance, repairs and calibrations are undertaken in a safe manner that conforms to manufacturer instructions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, checked, used and maintained.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine design requirements

1.1. Watertypes and water sources are determined so that water budget is developed to ensure water is available in sufficient quantities at all times.

1.2. Water and soil quality are determined to ensure appropriate environment is provided for cultured or held stock and past records are analysed to determine water flow variability.

1.3. Water transfer, recharge, reuse and treatment systems are designed to conserve natural resources and match requirements for cultured or held stock.

1.4. Culture or holding structures and systems are positioned to make the best use of water resources.

1.5. Water requirements are matched with enterprise production forecasts, expansion plans and seasonal variation.

1.6. Process of collecting or storing water does not degrade the water quality for the enterprise or the environment.

1.7. Design calculations and decisions are documented to enterprise requirements and construction specifications define the work required to make suitable water available to the enterprise.

1.8. Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected according to local, state, territory and national legislation and land degradation issues are identified.

1.9. Allowable effluent standards are determined.

2. Define pumping and power systems

2.1. Pumps are selected, on the basis of expert advice, to deliver water efficiently from the water source or storage, when needed, and at the flow and pressure required to operate the distribution system to the design specifications.

2.2. Pump motor combinations are efficient, reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application.

2.3. Relationship between capital and operational costs is optimised, including a comparison of energy sources.

2.4. Structures, valves, accessories and performance indicators are selected and integrated into a functional system that can be monitored and maintained according to enterprise procedures.

2.5. Design calculations and decisions are documented.

2.6. Construction specifications define work required to make suitable pumping and power system available to enterprise.

2.7. Power supply design specification is checked with power authorities.

2.8. Risks associated with power configurations, personal safety, water pressures and loads are identified and minimised through system design and appropriate operating procedures.

3. Design a distribution system

3.1. Detailed topographic survey is commissioned or an accurate map is obtained showing extent, pond/tank layout, physical constraints and contours with suitable interval.

3.2. Excavation and earth moving plan is developed and internal or outside personnel, labour and machinery identified.

3.3. Water budgets are determined according to evaporation and seepage characteristics and water usage practices.

3.4. Distribution systems are evaluated and designed according to a range of key variables, including the ability to isolate areas/systems for disease control or maintenance.

3.5. Pipes, valves and fittings are sized according to design system specifications so that capital cost is balanced against operation costs over the anticipated system life.

3.6. Flows, water levels and pressures are achievable for the pumps.

3.7. Mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure are included and isolation valves direct water to areas with different water flow schedules.

3.8. Channel systems and attendant structures are designed according to system requirements and channel flow velocities are calculated.

3.9. Soil types are compared for erodibility, and suitable fill selected for construction.

3.10. Construction plans and specifications define work required to achieve the desired standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application.

4. Design a drainage, storage and treatment system

4.1. Regional geology and geography is investigated to predict sustainability of pond construction and water storage.

4.2. Site investigations determine depth of clay, depth of ground water, soil and water salinity and structural or chemical impediments and calculations, and costings determine the most cost-effective storage system.

4.3. Designs are developed in conjunction with contractors and authorities.

4.4. Drains and structures are capable of carrying the design water volumes and flow intensities.

4.5. Waste water treatment structures are incorporated.

5. Determine capital expense budget

5.1. Design calculations and decisions are documented and relevant information communicated clearly through plans, specifications and manuals.

5.2. Design output is checked by a competent designer against enterprise objectives.

5.3. Material requirements are determined and documented from plans and specifications.

5.4. Labour requirements are estimated based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules.

5.5. Costing attributed to each component is based upon quoted information from suppliers or sound analysis of individual elements.

6. Establish management procedures

6.1. Operating expense budget confirms all expenses applicable are applied to the completed water supply and disposal system.

6.2. Contingency plans are developed in the event of reduced water quality or quantity.

6.3. Procedure is developed for handling notifications from authorities pertaining to water supply and disposal.

6.4. Involvement is undertaken in an integrated regional approach to water monitoring, quality and quantity supply issues and future planning.

6.5. Mechanisation or automation of process or activity, including the use of specialised contract services, is researched and introduced.

6.6. Record keeping procedures are established for managing water supply and disposal system that meet administrative, enterprise and regulatory requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

analysing soil and water

communicating with contractors and authorities

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

costing design and operation of water supply and disposal system

defining pumping and power systems

designing a distribution system

designing a drainage, storage and treatment system

designing temperature controls

determining capital expense budget

determining design requirements

hydrology and aquatic engineering

planning for contingencies and monitoring

undertaking risk analysis and mitigation.

Literacy skills used for:

documenting design, specifications and procedures

maintaining records

reading equipment operator manuals

reading literature and extracting information

writing reports.

Numeracy skills used for:

applying formulae for determining water flow and temperature controls

budgeting for the system design and operation

determining material requirements and estimating labour requirements

reading flow, pump charts and equipment specifications

recording flow, water quality data.

Required knowledge

automatic control and monitoring systems

budgeting, waste management and environmental issues

contractual developments and obligations

design processes

drainage and storage development technology

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and water authority regulations

latest pump technology

latest treatment technology

mechanisation or automation of process or activity

pipe specifications and flow dynamics

use of specialised contract services.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

plan and design aquaculture water supply and disposal systems and establish operational parameters and procedures.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

aquatic organism physiology

design process for water supply and disposal systems

regulations and local water authority regulations

pumps and pipe mechanisms/operation

water quality monitoring

water treatment .

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:

work-based scenario or case study

analytical laboratory equipment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

case studies

demonstration

practical exercises

project (work or scenario based)

questions written or oral.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

business or workplace operations, policies and practices:

commercial law, including fair trading and trade practices

consumer law

corporate law, including registration, licensing and financial reporting

disability policies and practices

equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment

industrial relations and awards, individual employment contracts and share of catch agreements

jurisdictional variations

superannuation

taxation

trade practices

warnings and dismissals

worker's compensation

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions and other compliance requirements, including:

Australian Exclusive Economic Zone

international treaties and agreements

food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody

imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)

Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods

maritime and occupational diving operations:

foreign and Australian legislation applying to quarantine and customs

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978)

Marine Emergency Response Search and Rescue (MERSAR)

National Standards for Commercial Vessels

pollution prevention - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)

Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code

use of vessels, right of way and other marine orders, bunkering and refuelling

land, buildings and vehicles:

buildings and structures design and appearance, constructions and additions

poaching, trespass and theft

road laws for use of motor vehicles, bikes, trucks and other transport equipment

soil and water management

use of chemicals and biological agents

use of firearms and powerheads

use of utilities, including water, natural gas, electricity and sewage

water or land lease, tenure or ownership and use

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control

product quality assurance:

correct naming and labelling (e.g. country of origin, Australian Fish Names Standard and eco-labelling)

correct quantities, sizes and other customer requirements

third-party certification (e.g. Australian Grown and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems).

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures

induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner

OHS training register

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

ESD principles may include:

controlling use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

managing environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

managing imported products quarantine and inspection, facility biosecurity, translocation of livestock and genetic material, and health certification

managing stock health and welfare, especially for handling, holding, transport and slaughter

managing sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection requirements, such as size limits, quotas, season restrictions, population dynamics, fishing impacts, reducing by-catch, fisheries management strategies and maintaining biodiversity

managing, controlling and treating effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

planning environmental and resource efficiency improvements

preventing genetically modified and live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment

protecting native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas, adhering to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, World Heritage and other international treaties for which Australia is a signatory

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing use of non-renewable resources

reducing disturbances to soils, erosion and surface water flows from machinery use and other activities

reducing energy use and introducing alternative energy sources.

PPE may include:

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering

hard hat or protective head covering

hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)

insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

protective eyewear, glasses and face mask

protective hair, beard and boot covers

protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions

respirator or face mask

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)

waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).

Water types may include:

brackish water (3-30 ppt)

freshwater (generally <3 ppt)

hypersaline (>41 ppt)

made up (salt mix is added to water according to requirements)

salt water (31-40 ppt)

soft and hard.

Water sources may include:

bore (e.g. artesian)

catchment (e.g. dam and reservoir)

coastal and ocean

rivers and streams

surface (e.g. spring and soak)

tidal creeks and estuaries

town or scheme.

Water budget may include:

availability of water in different regions of facility

evaporation and seepage losses

options on amount of water disposed daily or weekly

water holding capacity on-farm (storage)

volume of water required for emergency procedures

volume of water required for normal operations

volume of water required to fill cultured or held structures.

Water and soil quality may include:

pH, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and hardness

presence of diseases and other pathogenic organisms

presence of predator or competing organisms

sources of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides, herbicides and sewage)

water holding capacity of soils (e.g. clay content) and degree of overburden.

Water transfer, recharge, reuse and treatment systems may include:

alum

disinfection

filtration (e.g. chemical, mechanical and biological)

gravity

irrigation

nutrient removal

overflow

oxygenation

protein skimmers

pump (e.g. mechanical)

sediment collection

settlement or soak ponds

soak

temperature, salinity, pH and hardness

tidal

ultraviolet (UV) and ozone.

Culture or holding structures and systems may include:

blowers, aerators, paddlewheels and aspirators

cages, pontoons, enclosures and pens, including associated moorings, anchors, floats and markers

dams, ponds and pools

display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes

greenhouses, hothouses and igloos

grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries

harvesting swimways, canals or channels

live holding tanks, bins, cages and pens

longlines, posts, racks and rails, rafts, fences, socks, trays, sticks, baskets, modules, barrels, bags and panels

open, flow-through, closed and semi-closed systems

pest, predator and disease control structures

purging or depurating systems

tanks, raceways and recirculating systems

water supply and disposal or effluent systems including pumps, pipes, canals, channels, settlement ponds and storage dams.

(Design) decisions may be influenced by:

budget

environmental constraints

owner preferences

quoting procedures.

Key variables may include:

ability to undertake emergency procedures

efficiency of water use in various stock/weather situations

specialist water supply consultant

uniformity of distribution to culture of holding system.

Contingency plans may include:

alternative transport facilities

auxiliary oxygen supply

backup power supply

filter supplies

monitoring alarms

plumbing supplies

procedures in place in event of reduced water flow or water quality or other emergency.


Sectors

Unit sector

Aquaculture operations


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor