Waterway protection guidelines for builders

Council has comprised a list of actions and measures you can take to achieve erosion and sediment control (ESC) compliance. These measures are suitable for gently sloping house sites that are less than 1000 square metres.

Erosion control

To reduce the risk of erosion, ensure:

  • all materials, fencing, sediment barriers and skip bins are kept within the property boundary
  • compliant ESC measures are installed before starting ground disturbing work
  • ground stabilisation is provided for all inactive sites
  • all vehicles, materials and equipment are kept off the road reserve
  • kerb-to-lot ground cover turf is maintained
  • stockpiles are always covered and secured against wind and rain
  • a two metre wide by 150 millimetres deep stabilised entry/exit rock pad is installed from the back of the kerb to the dwelling slab (using clean fines-free gravel).

Drainage control

To maintain adequate drainage, you should:

  • install and connect permanent or temporary downpipes to the stormwater system as soon as the roof is installed
  • divert upslope stormwater run-off, ensuring catch drains are stabilised to prevent erosion
  • protect the stormwater inlet pit if the lot drains into it
  • maintain stormwater flow paths.

Sediment control 

Proper sediment control measures include:

  • installing a sediment barrier on downslope boundaries, ensuring it is returned up the stabilised entry/rock pad and property boundaries
  • using a stabilised entry/exit rock pad from the rear of the kerb to the slab
  • diverting dirty water behind sediment barriers
  • preventing sediment from entering stormwater pits
  • installing and maintaining sediment barriers downslope of bare areas.

All ESC measures must be contained within the property boundary. This excludes:

  • stabilising measures used within the road reserve
  • stabilised entry/exit rock pads
  • coir-logs, sandbags and filter cloth protecting the stormwater inlet in the road. ESC measures in the road must not cause ponding of water.

Waste and other pollutants 

To minimise waste and protect the environment, ensure:

  • all concrete run-off, paint, and other trade waste is captured
  • all waste building material and general litter is contained
  • waffle pods are secured and contained
  • pollutants are immediately cleaned up, ensuring water is not used to wash prescribed contaminants into the stormwater system.

What are the benefits of adopting best practice ESC

There are many benefits to adopting best practice ESC, some are:

  • compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994
  • fewer clean-up costs
  • a reduction in downtime
  • a better public image for your business
  • less loss to stockpiles and topsoil
  • maintained recreational values of water bodies
  • healthier and safer environments for everyone. 

For more information refer to Water by Design.

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