RISK – Impact to surrounding communities, pollution of the environment and receiving water bodies
The approach to erosion and sediment control measures should be documented in the Water Quality Erosion and Sediment ECP and identified on the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP).
- Clean water diversions are used to channel water not linked to the project away from the worksite.
- Examples of controls include soil berms, swales, drains and pipe diversions.
- Diverting water away from works reduces the amount of turbid water that must be captured, filtered, treated and disposed of from site.
- Clean water diversions should be implemented prior to commencing works.
- Implement a program to regularly inspect and maintain the controls.
- Continue to assess the need to upgrade/change controls to ensure they remain suitable as works progress or new work areas are established.
- The installation of an upslope water diversion, such as this swale drain, reduces the amount of water entering the work area by directing it away from site.
- Designs of temporary creek crossings should allow for water to flow through the site without entering the work area.
- Selection of ancillary facilities, plant lay-down , maintenance and refuelling areas, stockpiles or chemical storage must consider the risk of pollution from spills and avoid areas that drain toward water bodies and stormwater drains.
- Areas of exposed earth must have erosion and sediment controls designed, installed and maintained as per the relevant requirements.
- Controls must be regularly inspected and maintained for effectiveness, including revision where major changes to works occur.
The following flowchart should be used as a guide to assist in selecting the most appropriate erosion and sediment controls for your workplace.
Whilst the above gives you an indication of which controls are suited to specific conditions, please note that each control or a combination of these controls can be used for multiple situations and should not be looked at in isolation.
Example of polymer application.
Example of a lined check dam.
Example of a sediment fence. Controls shall be installed by a suitably trained or competent individual.
Example of a sediment basin. Physical controls must be in place to ensure bottom sediment is not discharged during dewatering.
Spill kits must be located where chemicals and fuelled plant or equipment is being stored, operated or maintained.
Inspect spill kits regularly to make sure they are in date, fully stocked and ready for use.
Used items from spill kits must be disposed of as contaminated waste along with any contaminated soil or materials.
Controls must also be in place to prevent tracking dirt and mud onto roads.
Where stabilised vehicle exits are required, appropriate controls such as crushed rock, rumble grids and/or wheel wash facilities are required to avoid mud tracking onto roadways.
Strategies for progressive rehabilitation of the site should be employed once works are completed in an area.
Progressive rehabilitation helps manage run-off and sediment from exposed areas.
Related GMRs
9.1 Identify environment risks in the planning phase and allocate appropriate controls and resources
9.B Minimise dust, noise and vibration at all times and work within approved site working hours
9.D Maintain and review drainage, erosion and sediment controls as works progress
Related Procedures / Forms
Environment Planning Procedure