MidCoast Council is reminding builders, contractors and property owners that effective erosion and sediment controls are essential on every building site, with Council set to conduct random inspections of construction sites across the MidCoast.
Manager of Natural Systems, Gerard Tuckerman said that sediment leaving building sites can wash into gutters and stormwater drains before making its way into local creeks, rivers and waterways.
"While the amount leaving one site might seem small, the combined impact of poorly managed construction sites can be significant, affecting water quality and the health of our waterways," said Mr Tuckerman.
With random inspections planned across the region, now's the time to get your site right.
Council is asking builders and site managers to check their erosion and sediment controls and make sure they remain effective throughout construction - not just when work begins.
Simple measures can make a big difference, including:
· installing and maintaining appropriate sediment fencing
· providing a stabilised site access point to reduce soil being tracked onto roads
· keeping stockpiles and building materials contained, covered and away from drainage areas
· preventing sediment, soil and other building materials from entering gutters and stormwater drains
· regularly checking controls, particularly before and after rain
· promptly removing soil or sediment that has been tracked onto roads and other public areas.
Builders and contractors should also remember that sediment controls need to be maintained as the site changes. A sediment fence that was effective early in construction may need to be repaired, relocated or supplemented as works progress.
Where problems are identified, Council staff will work with builders to ensure sites are brought up to standard.
The message for everyone involved in construction projects is simple: check your controls, maintain them and keep sediment on your site.
Taking a few minutes to inspect your site today can help protect our waterways and your back pocket.
