If you're building or renovating, you are legally required to stop soil and dirt from washing off your site and into drains. This helps protect our waterways from pollution and keeps the environment clean. Good erosion and sediment control involves careful management of the site before, during and after construction.
Here are a few ways you can help prevent sediment runoff from leaving your site and polluting our waterways:
- Keep plants where you can - Try to leave as much grass, trees, and other plants on your site and the nearby verge. Plants help hold the soil in place and reduce erosion during construction.
- Site entry and exit - Set up one dedicated entry and exit point for vehicles. This helps stop mud and dirt from being carried off your site and onto the road.
- Proper fencing and drainage - Install sediment fences on the lower side of your site using geotextile fabric and divert stormwater so that it flows around your work area—not through it—so it doesn't carry soil away.
- Connect roof drainage early - As soon as the roof is installed, connect the downpipes to the stormwater drain. This helps control water flow and prevents erosion around the building.
- Cover soil and sand stockpiles - Covering soil and sand stockpiles protects them from wind and rain, which means less material gets washed and/or blown away. This reduces waste and may end up saving you money by avoiding the need to replace lost supplies.
- Keep the area clean - Sweep the footpath and road every day to remove loose dirt. Never hose sediment into the gutter or stormwater drain.
About the Campaign
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Get the Site Right! Established by the Parramatta River Catchment Group in 2016, the initiative has grown into a statewide program with the City of Ryde one of 26 participating councils, catchment groups and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), all working together to improve construction sediment management and protect healthy waterways!
This campaign aims to educate builders, developers, and the community about the importance of erosion and sediment control on construction sites across New South Wales.
It promotes responsible building practices that help prevent sediment runoff, protect water quality, and improve the health of our creeks, rivers, harbours, and beaches. By raising awareness, the campaign highlights the vital role everyone plays in improving water quality and protecting our natural environment and wildlife.
To report pollution incidents, including poor erosion and sediment control, contact your local council or call the EPA's 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555.
