Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans are important aspects during construction. Having an effective plan in place will limit environmental disturbance and pollution to the surrounding areas and on construction sites. We delineate features and approaches on our plans to help our clients and contractors prevent debris and silt from leaving construction sites.

5 Principals for Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans

 

1. Planning

Prepare an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for your site  before  works  start  and  submit  it  with  your  building application. The Plan should show how you will prevent  stormwater  pollution  throughout  the  construction phase and until the site landscaping has been completed,

i.e.  the  erosion  hazard  has  been  reduced  to  an  acceptable  level.  Different  controls  might  be  necessary at  different  stages  over  the  construction  phase  as  the nature  of  the  site  changes,  e.g.  changing  drainage patterns,  moving  stockpiles  to  different  places,  etc.  If

such  changes  are  likely,  these  must  be  shown  on  the Plan. A model Plan is overleaf. Note that it is made up of  both  a  Commentary  and  Drawings  and  relates  to  a specific site.

2. Installation of Controls

Before  works  start,  set  up  the  erosion  and  sediment controls  and  install  a  sign  warning  everyone  of  the penalties of pollution (this may be provided by council). Make sure that all site workers understand their individual responsibilities in preventing pollution. A recommended sequence for setting up controls is:

(i) Establish  a  single  stabilised  entry/exit  point   to the site;

(ii) Install  sediment  fences  along  the  low  side  of the site;

(iii) Divert  upslope  water  around  the  site  and,  if  necessary,  stabilise  the  channels  and  outlet;

(iv) Clear  only  those  lands  that  must  be  disturbed during  the  building  works.  Put  up  a  barrier fence around areas where the vegetation is to not be disturbed;

(v) Ensure  that  any  stockpiles  are  on  your  land  – not  the  footpath  or  the  next-door   neighbours land.  Where  necessary,  seek  approval  from Council  or  your  neighbour(s)  for  any  offsite stockpiles.  Ensure  stockpiles  have  appropriate erosion and sediment controls;

(vi) Install onsite waste receptacles, such as skips or bins,  and  wind-proof  litter  receptacles,  etc.;

(vii)   Start building works;

(viii)   Install and connect roof downpipes before the frame inspection; and

(ix) Stabilise  any  exposed  earth  banks  when  the building works are completed.

3. Maintenance of Controls

All  erosion  and  sediment  control  works  should  be checked  at  least  once  each  week  and  after  each  rainfall  event  to  ensure  they  are  working  properly. Maintenance might include:

(i) Removing  sediment  trapped  in  sediment fences, catch drains or other areas;

(ii) Topping  up  the  gravel  on  the  stabilised access;

(iii) Repairing  any  erosion  of  drainage  channels; and

(iv) Repairing damage to sediment fences. Remember that the erosion and sediment control works

might need to change as the slope and drainage paths change  during  the  development  phase.  Best  practice includes  anticipation  of  the  likely  risks  and  being prepared for unusual circumstances, e.g. having spare sediment fence material on the site.

4. Finalisation of Works

Ensure  that  the  site  is  stabilised  and  no  exposed  soil remains  before  removing  the  erosion  and  sediment controls.  If  landscaping  is  not  completed  before  hand-ing over the site to the owners, ensure they are aware of their responsibilities to prevent pollution.

5. Four Basic Principles

(i) Make  sure  everyone  working  on  the  site  understands  how  important  it  is  to  not  pollute stormwater.

(ii) Do  not  disturb  more  of  the  site  than  you  have to.

(iii)    Install  erosion  and  sediment  controls  before starting work.

(iv) Maintain  your  erosion  and  sediment  control works  throughout  the  construction  phase