Erosion & sediment control

Waverley has one the world’s most iconic and beautiful sections of coastline, water isn’t just a part of the environment - its part of our identity. We surf, swim and play at our beaches and ocean pools. Waverley Council is committed to minimise the sediments, suspended solids and bacteria in the stormwater that’s discharged into our waterways and bushland.

As a construction business or owner working in Waverley, we ask you to join us in ensuring you make smart erosion control and sediment Second Nature.

How can controlling erosion and sediment run-off benefit you?

Did you know a single building block can lose up to 4 truckloads in one storm? Inadequate erosion and sediment control practices can result in:

  • Increased clean-up costs for you
  • Dust blowing potentially affecting people with asthma and other respiratory problems
  • Sediments, acids, oil and grease entering our waterways and beaches which can result in beach pollution and damage to aquatic ecosystems and habitat
  • Blocked stormwater recycling systems and stormwater pipes and culvers which can result in an increase in the use of potable water, flooding, safety risks on roadways and mosquito issues

Benefits to your company, the community and the environment:

  • Reduced clean-up costs
  • Positive reputation for you and your company
  • Reduced risk of site damage, re-work and lost time
  • Safer, drier site
  • Reduced risk of fines
  • Reduced chance of floods
  • Healthier waterways and beaches = better fishing and leisure time for everyone.

Check out our brochure with tips on erosion & sediment control.

Tips to get your site right

Before removing any excess water from your site, please make sure you:

  • Attain Council permission before dewatering into the stormwater system
  • Locate a suitable release point for the end of the hose or pipe.
  • Have a qualified staff member test your water, determine if treatment is needed and ensure the water leaving the site complies with the criteria specified in your development consent and/or the ANZECC Water Quality Guidelines (2000).
  • Properly treat and filter water to get rid of contaminants (50mg/L of TSS)
  • Consider using additives to adjust pH and flocculants to drop out sediments and reduce TSS.
  • Re-test your water and re-treat it if needed
  • Do not take the water from the bottom of the excavation or sediment trap as it will bring unsettled sediments.
  • Do not leave the hose or pipe without supervision to ensure pollution and flooding does not occur.

Remember it’s the law

It is a standard condition of consent that a Soil and Water Management Plan be prepared for any building site (unless otherwise advised by Council), with the Plan to be implemented prior to commencement of any works or activities on the site.  A copy of the Plan MUST be kept on the site at all times and be available to Council Officers on request.

Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO), it is illegal to allow cement, slurry, soil and/or other building materials to enter any waterway or part of the stormwater system. This includes street gutters, creek lines and swales. Breaches to this legislation can result in heavy fines or prosecutions in court.

Fines: Fines can range from $4,000 to $7,500 for individuals and $7,500 to $15,000 for corporations (Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997) depending on the fine being issue by a Council Officer or an EAP Officer.

Prosecutions in court: $1 million for individuals, $250,000 for individuals (Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997)