Protecting the T2D tunnels

We are introducing a new review process for Well Construction Permit applications. This means that new applications for drilling activities near the tunnels, exceeding 2.5m in depth below the surface, will be reviewed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to determine any potential tunnel impacts. The Department for Environment and Water will then consider the review when assessing applications.

The construction and maintenance of boreholes and wells is a high-risk activity due to the potential to intrude into the corridor required for the tunnels and/or cause a change in the loading (also known as stress or pressure) on the tunnel corridor through the extraction or recharge of ground water.

Introduction of additional review process to consider impacts on tunnels when assessing drilling permit applications

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is responsible for assessing applications for permits required under Landscape South Australia Act 2019 for the drilling, plugging, backfilling, sealing of a well or repairing, replacing or altering the casing, lining or screen of a well.

These permits are known as Well Construction Permits and are required for well construction and/or maintenance for any purpose, including:

  • taking of water, such as for irrigation, domestic, stock, industrial, firefighting
  • scientific purposes or test wells, such as investigation, monitoring, remediation of contamination, geotechnical and other non-consumptive uses
  • drainage.

To address the risk of drilling activities impacting on the T2D tunnels, all applications for Well Construction Permits within the designated T2D Tunnel Protection Areas (TPAs), that exceed a depth of 2.5m, will now be subject to review by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

The review will determine potential impacts on the tunnels. The review findings will be considered by DEW in assessing the application. The application will continue to be assessed under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 and the provisions of the Adelaide Plains Water Allocation Plan.

What locations are affected and where are the Designated Tunnel Protection Areas (TPAs)?

Generally, they include the area near South Road between Clovelly Park and Glandore (Southern TPA) and between Hilton and Torrensville (Northern TPA).

Detailed maps of the TPAs are available on the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas – see Tunnel Protection Overlay of the Planning and Design Code.

Read more information in the fact sheet.