THE Peel is expected to run dry in a couple of days after the NSW government installed a weir near Dungowan, however a small amount of water has been set aside to keep fish populations alive.
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Water NSW CEO David Harris said critical human need was the priority, but contingency measures had been put in place for the environment.
"We'll have ongoing pulse releases on a weekly basis for however long the structure is in place," Mr Harris said.
Water NSW will allow for up to 30 megalitres a week for environmental purposes. The agency has also identified three major fish holes, where aerators will be placed in an attempt to mitigate fish kill events.
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NSW Fisheries have already removed some fish from the river and will monitor the situation, removing more if the need arises.
Further studies are also underway to identify if any platypus habit will be impacted downstream of the weir.
Although the block bank is only a temporary measure, the $38-million pipeline currently being constructed will be in place permanently.
However it will only be used to supply Tamworth when Chaffey Dam drops below 40 per cent.