I wish I could use a non de plume for what I am about to type

In the very early 90's I got a contract with a large earthmoving contractor doing "irrigation canals" in Dirranbandi (south western queensland).
Within hours of looking at the site plans I realised that these canals were going to harvest water from the flood plain and even divert water from the river at one point (during a minor storm event). As I was wet behind the ears, I went looking for the DA/CC/ environmental approvals docs, (and even more embarassing) when I didnt find them I rang the project manager.
You can guess the response. It began with son, had the words city and go back there in his diatribe.
Sadly I completed the job and left without fulfilling the rest of my contract - but during the 12 weeks I was there I found this to be a common practice at large farms where they had access to the condamine - balon.
When I look back now it is with shame
Choco - yes there are plenty of upstream corporations (not farmers) harvesting water by building speed canals