Erosion and sediment control
Soil erosion from building sites is a major source of stormwater pollution. When allowed to enter our waterways, sediment (soil, sand, silt, mud) and litter washed from urban areas can cause both short and long term problems.
Builders and home-owners have a legal responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, and the subordinate Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997, to minimise or prevent environmental harm. If you don't take appropriate erosion and sediment control measures, you can receive on-the-spot fines.
By following guidelines for best practice stormwater pollution control, some of the benefits to home owners, builders and the building industry include:
- All-weather site access
- Improved wet weather working conditions
- Sites do not get boggy
- Less mud and dust problems
- Reduced stockpile losses
- Reduced clean-up costs
- A better public image
- More marketable sites
- Fewer public complaints
- Reduced risk of fines
- Better fishing for everyone
National and international experience shows that the cost of effective pollution management on building sites is greatly reduced within the first few years as builders become experienced with the various techniques.