erosion and sediment control policy · 2018-03-08 · proposed site controls and a narrative...

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EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL POLICY

Adopted: 26 July, 2017

TRIM: 150904.2017

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1. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................... 3

2. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................... 3

3. DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 4

4. POLICY STATEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 4

ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 11

Attachment 1 - Gap analysis tool for Council ........................................................................................ 12

Attachment 2 - ESCP assessment checklist for Council officers .......................................................... 15

Attachment 3 - Standard conditions ...................................................................................................... 17

Attachment 4 - Formal warning notice .................................................................................................. 20

Attachment 5 - Checklist for building and development sites for Council officers ................................. 21

Attachment 6 - Checklist for council operational work sites .................................................................. 24

Attachment 7 – Fact sheet 1 – Planning for erosion prevention & sediment control ............................. 30

Attachment 8 – Fact sheet 2 – Whose responsibility is erosion & sediment control ............................. 38

Attachment 9 – Fact sheet 3 – Erosion & sediment control for new home owners ............................... 40

Attachment 10 – Fact sheet 4 – Dust management .............................................................................. 43

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1. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 Protection of Environment Operations Act 1997 Soil Conservation Act 1938 Native Vegetation Act 2003 Local Government Act 1993 Fisheries Management Act 1994

2. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

2.1 The purpose of this policy is to:

a) develop a consistent and integrated approach to erosion and sediment control to plannersand development assessment personnel, engineers and operations personnel andenforcement personnel across Council;

b) provide additional information on erosion prevention and sediment control to support adevelopment application in accordance with Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP);

c) plan for erosion and sediment control while carrying out engineering design and in advanceof any works;

d) avoid soil erosion through the use of effective erosion and sediment control measures bothduring and following any works;

e) avoid land degradation and disturbance of vegetation on site, hence reducing pollutionimpact to downstream areas and receiving waters and their ecosystem;

f) minimise costs involved in landscaping and presentation, unblocking drains and waterbodies, cleaning of roads and compensating for the loss of topsoil through improvedsedimentation and erosion control; and

g) avoid the effect of sediment on water quality, including reduced light penetration, increasedchemical pollutants, loss of aesthetic appeal and smothering of aquatic plants and animals.

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3. DEFINITIONS

Applicant: Developer, Contractor or Owner

Disturbed Area: Loose and/or bare soil which has lost its surface hardness or vegetative cover as a results of works

Erosion: The dislodgment of soil particles mainly due to water and wind effect

Sediment: The transportation and build-up of any loose soil and/or granular materials downstream

Waterbody: Either natural, including: lakes, lagoons, rivers, estuaries, etc, or, artificial including: constructed waterways, canals, inlets, bays, channels, and so on

Works: All construction, civil and maintenance projects

4. POLICY STATEMENT

4.1 This policy will apply to all works which may involve the following:

a) The disturbance including: clearing, levelling, shaping, and excavation of the existing soilsurface and or vegetation on any site or the placement of any material stockpiles on thatsite.

b) Placement of any fill upon a site.c) Changes in the rate and or volume or course of runoff entering a waterbody, or overland

flow.

The policy requires works involving a, b or c of the above to be accompanied by either a Soil and Water Management Plan (SWMP) or an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP).

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4.2 Erosion and Soil Control Plans (ESCP)

a) Disturbance 250m2 to 1000m2

Where disturbance is between 250m2 and 1000m2, the ESCP should be a graphic plan (at ascale of at least 1:200) that identifies the erosion prevention and sediment control measuresrequired for the site.

Checklist: Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – Minimum Requirements

Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Plans as a minimum should contain: • Locality details (address, lot no, etc),• North point and scale,• Property boundaries and adjoining roads,• Existing land contours,• Location of existing trees and vegetation,• Location of existing significant landscape features,• Existing watercourses and drains flowing through, or adjacent to, the site,• Outline of proposed building/structures and disturbed areas,• Proposed vehicular access,• Extent of vegetation to be cleared,• Extent of earthworks and limits of cut and fill,• Location of proposed stockpiles,• Location of proposed temporary and permanent site drainage,• Location of proposed temporary erosion prevention and sediment control

measures,• Location of temporary and permanent re-vegetation areas,• An explanation of any changes to the erosion prevention and sediment controls as

the works proceed,• Supplementary notes covering inspection and maintenance requirements.

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Figure 1: Example of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan on a sloping site and classed as development of 250m2 to 1000m2 (Landcom 2004)

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4.3 Disturbance Exceeding 1000m2

When disturbance exceeds 1000m2, ESCP or SWMP must be prepared that provide more detailed consideration and are prepared in accordance with the publication, the ‘Blue Book’ (Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction) – by Landcom, Fourth Edition (2004).

This publication states that an ESCP should comprise a set of drawings showing the proposed site controls and a narrative describing how erosion and sediment control will be achieved on site. The narrative should also include proposed measures for ongoing maintenance of the installed controls and are in addition to the minimum requirements checklist.

Checklist: Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – Additional Requirements for disturbance over 1000m2

The following additional details are required for EP&SC Plans where development exceeds 1000m2: • Soil classification and statement regarding erosion hazard,• Site access and site management through the various stages of the work,• The nature and extent of regrading and filling,• Locations where ground cover will be maintained as ‘no access’ areas,• Topsoil storage, protection and re-use methodologies,• Catchment definition and calculations,• Details of the diversion of stormwater from upslope areas around disturbed areas,• Site rehabilitation including schedules, revegetation program,• The frequency and nature of maintenance activities recommended,• Symbols key, and• Standard notes

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4.4 Disturbance Exceeding 2500m2 – Soil and Water Management Plans

When disturbance exceeds 2500m2, ESCP measures are incorporated as a component

of a SWMP in accordance with The ‘Blue Book’ (Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction) – by Landcom, Fourth Edition (2004).

Checklist: Soil and Water Management Plans – Disturbance over 2500m2

Soil and Water Management Plans as a minimum should contain: • Detailed calculations to determine the soil loss and the size of any sediment basins

that may be required on the site,• Information required for an EP&SC Plan,• The location of lots, public open space, stormwater drainage systems,

schools, shopping centres/community centres – (if nearby),• The location of land designated or zoned for special uses,• Location and diagrams of all erosion and sediment site controls used,• Locations, calculations and engineering details of any sediment basins,• Location and details of other stormwater management structures such as;

constructed wetlands, gross pollutant traps, trash racks or separators.• Procedures for the operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment/works

must also be noted including:o quality and characteristic of any wastes before treatment,o estimate quality of wastes after treatment,o details of permitted maximum pollution levels specified by Council or the EPA,o estimate of the average volumes of waste from the site,o details of the treatment methods eg flocculation agents,o methods of disposal of the wastes, including discharge points and/or disposal

areas,o details of major items of equipment used eg pumps, sprays etc.,o identify any special requirements or site conditions that exist (and may

require specialist services/advice),o identify inspection procedures and inspectors, any other relevant matters.

The plans will be assessed as part of the approval or tender process and approved in principle in accordance with this policy. This approval will not alleviate the applicants of their due diligence to ensure that environmental breaches do not occur; otherwise penalties, including fines, may be incurred. Council reserves the right to require modifications to control measures either pre or during construction in order to achieve the policy objectives.

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4.5.1 The applicant will be responsible for carrying out regular inspections and maintenance of the control features so as to ensure that policy objectives are met.

4.5.2 After a storm event the effectiveness of the established controls is to be assessed. The applicant should check the operation of all erosion and sediment controls and initiate repair or maintenance as required.

4.6 Where practical, all runoff from areas upslope is to be diverted away from the disturbed areas. Diverted stormwater should be discharged onto stable areas and should not be diverted into neighbouring properties unless written permission is obtained from the land owner(s). Avoid directing stormwater towards the site’s access and egress.

4.7 All contaminated runoff is to be treated on site in accordance with ESC plan or SWM plan.

4.8 All works on site are to be carried out in accordance with approval, contract or project brief conditions.

4.9 All disturbed areas are to be re-stabilised/re-vegetated prior to the removal of control features.

4.10 The cost of all survey, design and implementation of the control of erosion and sedimentation as required by this policy shall be borne by the applicant.

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AUTHORISED BY Council Resolution

EFFECTIVE FROM 26 July, 2017.

DIRECTORATE RESPONSIBLE City Economy & Growth

REVIEW DATE Two years after the adoption of the policy.

VERSIONS

Version Amended by Changes made Date TRIM Number

1 Council Resolution Original adoption by Council 25 October, 2004 268568.2014

2 Council Resolution Complete Review 26 July, 2017 151297.2017

THIS POLICY HAS BEEN DEVELOPED IN CONSULTATION WITH

City Presentation Corporate Services (Governance and Legal Services) Infrastructure and Environment

REFERENCES 1. The ‘Blue Book’ Landcom (Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction) 4th Edition

(2004)2. Department of Environment and Conservation NSW (2006)3. A resource guide for local councils: erosion and sediment control –Liverpool City Council -

Water Management Policy4. Lake Macquarie Council5. Greater Metropolitan Regional Environmental Plan No.2 - Georges River Catchment

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ATTACHMENTS 1. Gap analysis tool for Council.2. ESCP assessment checklist for Council officers.3. Standard conditions.4. Formal warning notice.5. Checklist for building and development sites.6. Checklist for council operational work sites.7. Fact Sheet 1 – Planning for erosion & sediment control.8. Fact Sheet 2 – Whose responsibility is erosion & sediment control.9. Fact Sheet 3 – Erosion & sediment control for new home owners.10. Fact Sheet 4 – Dust management.

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Attachment 1 - Gap analysis tool for Council Performance indicators

Assessing officers are asked to rate council’s performance in each of the areas where they have a program in place. This will not only show where there is room for improvement, but will also create performance indicators for measuring progress in future. The following rating scale is suggested:

1. Assessing Exists in theory but not in practice2. System in place but not effective3. Average4. Good5. Excellent

Council name Assessing officer

Assessment date

Program planning

PROGRAM ELEMENT

PROGRAM IN PLACE?

(Y=yes, N=no)

PERFORMANCE

(Rate from 1–5)

'BLUE BOOK' LANDCOM (MANAGING URBAN STORMWATER SOILS & CONSTRUCTION) REFERENCE

General understanding of erosion and sediment control

Section 1

General commitment to erosion and sediment control

Section 1

Code of practice on erosion and sediment control in place

Section 2.2

ESCPs/SWMPs required for development

Section 2.3

Appropriate conditions of approval in place

Section 2.7

Information available for builders and developers on council’s erosion and sediment control policies and other requirements

Section 3.2

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Program – building and development

PROGRAM ELEMENT

PROGRAM IN PLACE?

(Y=yes, N=no)

PERFORMANCE

(Rate from 1–5)


Guideline/information for builders/developers

Section 3.2

Training/information/guidelines for enforcement personnel

Section 3.4

Audit/review checklist for building/development sites

Section 3.4

Enforcement protocol and action plan

Section 3.4

Program – engineering, design and operations

PROGRAM ELEMENT

PROGRAM IN PLACE?

(Y=yes, N=no)

PERFORMANCE

(Rate from 1–5)


Basic information available on erosion and sediment control systems

Section 4.2

Standard operating procedures incorporating erosion and sediment control measures

See DEC (2006b)

Training available on erosion and sediment control

Section 4.4

Regular in house environmental audits Section 4.5

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Program – resources and training

PROGRAM ELEMENT

PROGRAM IN PLACE?

(Y=yes, N=no)

PERFORMANCE

(Rate from 1–5)


Opportunities for professional development identified Section 4.2

Budget allocated for professional development program

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Attachment 2 - ESCP assessment checklist for Council officers Lot DP Number

Builder/Developer Licence Number

Owner

‘Trigger points’ for detailed assessment of the plan

TRIGGER POINTS (For plan to be assessed by specialist officer) YES / NO

Is the average slope of the disturbed area greater than 10%?

Is the duration of the disturbance likely to exceed four months?

Does the proposal involve modifying any existing stormwater flow path (e.g. conversion to open drains or channels?)

Is the proposal likely to impact on protected or highly sensitive local environments?

The map

DOES THE SUBMITTED ESCP MAP INCLUDE: YES / NO NOTES

Locality of site boundaries and adjoining roads

North point

(Approximate) scale

Approximate grades & indication of direction(s) of fall

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Approximate location of trees and other vegetation (showing areas for clearing or retention)

Location of site access, proposed roads and other impervious areas

Existing and proposed drainage patterns, with stormwater discharge points

Supporting information

IS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PROVIDED, EITHER IN THE MAP OR IN SUPPORTING INFORMATION? YES / NO NOTES

Timing/staging of works

Location of areas where a protective ground cover will be maintained

Access protection measures, such as measures to limit access to one point, and ensure that vehicle access does not contribute to erosion

Nature and extent of earthworks, including cut and fill

Where applicable, the diversion of runoff from up-slope lands around disturbed areas

Location of all soil and material stockpiles

Location and type of proposed erosion and sediment control measures

Site rehabilitation proposal, including schedule

Frequency and nature of maintenance program

Other comments

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Attachment 3 - Standard conditions 1. Specifications and standards for erosion and sediment control and site rehabilitation

All erosion and sediment control measures undertaken on the site shall be undertaken to the satisfaction of council and conform to the specifications and standards contained in:

• Managing urban stormwater: soils and construction vol. 1 (Landcom 2004); or

• Managing urban stormwater: soils and construction – the hip-pocket handbook(Landcom 2004) (for small sites or the implementation of ESCPs).

2. Erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP)

• Erosion and sediment control shall accord with the ESCP(s) numbered ………………. and dated ……….. submitted/drawn by ………………………, or as modified in red or adjusted by any other condition in this consent/approval.

• An ESCP shall be prepared by the applicant (or applicant’s agent) and approved before any approved work oractivities begin upon [insert description of land].

• A revised ESCP shall be prepared at the start of the second year of operations and further revised at two-yearlyintervals thereafter, if required.

• All site works shall accord with the ESCP. Implementation of the ESCP shall be supervised by personnel withappropriate training or demonstrated knowledge or experience in erosion and sediment control.

• The ESCP will include information that can be readily understood and applied on-site by supervisory staff. Itemsto be shown on the plan shall include: [select from this list as needed for the proposed development]

• Location of the site boundaries and adjoining roads

• A north point and scale

• Approximate grades and direction(s) of fall

• Approximate location of trees and other vegetation, showing items/areas for removal or retention

• Location of site access, proposed roads and other impervious areas

• The timing of works, including placement of erosion and sediment control measures

• Existing and proposed drainage patterns and stormwater discharge points

• Diversion of runoff from up-slope lands around the disturbed areas

• Measures to limit site access to one point, and control erosion of the site access

• Nature and extent of earthworks, including cut and fill

KinnaneP

Highlight

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• Location of all soil and material stockpiles

• Location and type of proposed erosion and sediment control measures

• Site rehabilitation proposals

• Maintenance schedule.

3. Earthworks and erosion control

The following measures shall be implemented in the sequence given below, to minimise soil erosion:

1. Approved runoff and erosion controls shall be installed before site vegetation is cleared (other than thatassociated with the construction of the controls). These shall be as shown on an ESCP approved by council.

2. Topsoil shall be stripped only from approved areas and stockpiled for re-use during site rehabilitation andlandscaping.

3. Stockpiles of topsoil, sand, aggregate, spoil or other material shall be stored clear of any drainage line oreasement, waters, footpath, kerb or road surface and shall have measures in place to prevent the movement ofsuch materials onto the areas mentioned. All stockpiled materials are to be retained within the propertyboundaries.

4. Uncontaminated runoff shall be intercepted up-site and diverted around all disturbed areas and other areaslikely to be disturbed. Diversion works shall be adequately stabilised.

5. Runoff detention and sediment interception measures shall be applied to the land. These measures will reduceflow velocities and prevent topsoil, sand, aggregate, or other sediment escaping from the site or entering anydownstream drainage easements or waters.

6. The capacity and effectiveness of runoff and erosion control measures shall be maintained at all times toconform to the specifications and standards quoted and to any conditions of approval of those measures.

7. Measures shall be applied, to the satisfaction of council, to prevent site vehicles tracking sediment and otherpollutants onto any sealed roads serving the development.

8. Measures required in permits issued under the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act shall be implemented.This Act requires that people obtain approval for any proposed excavation or fill in or within 40 metres of awatercourse. Permits should be sought from the Department of Natural Resources.

4. Erosion control for small building projects (when an ESCP is not required)

To minimise soil erosion and sediment movement during construction, the following measures shall be implemented.

• Removal and/or disturbance of vegetation shall be confined to the basal area of the approved building, thesite(s) of access ways, land extending a maximum of two metres beyond the outermost projection of theapproved building and within a total of two metres of service trenches (that is the sum of the two sides to be amaximum of two metres).

• Topsoil stripped from the construction site shall be stockpiled and protected from erosion until re-use duringlandscaping. Soil is to be retained within the property.

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• Stockpiles of construction and landscaping materials, and of site debris, shall be located clear of drainage linesand in such a position that they are protected from erosion and do not encroach upon any footpath, nature stripor roadway.

• Final site spoil shall be disposed of to conform to the specifications and standards quoted and to any conditionsof approval of those measures.

• Trenches shall be backfilled, capped with topsoil and compacted to a level at least75 mm above adjoining ground level.

• Stormwater from roof areas shall be linked to a council approved stormwater disposal system immediatelybefore placement of any roofing materials.

• Vehicular access shall be controlled so as to prevent tracking of sediment onto adjoining roadways, particularlyduring wet weather or when the site is muddy. Where any sediment is deposited on adjoining roadways thesame shall be removed by means other than washing. All material is to be removed as soon as possible and thecollected material is to be disposed of in a manner that will prevent its mobilisation.

• Vehicular access paths shall be stabilised.

• All disturbed areas shall be progressively stabilised and/or revegetated so that no areas remain exposed topotential erosion damage for more than 14 days or other such period as may be approved after earthworkscease. All driveways and parking areas shall be stabilised with compacted sub-grade as soon as possible aftertheir formation.

5. Clearing

• All reasonable measures shall be undertaken to protect all remaining vegetation on the site from damage duringconstruction.

6. Responsibilities

• Personnel with appropriate training, or demonstrated knowledge and experience in erosion and sedimentcontrol shall be responsible for supervising the installation and maintenance of approved erosion and sedimentcontrol measures – during and after construction and until the site has been restored to the satisfaction ofcouncil.

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Attachment 4 - Formal warning notice This is a formal warning notice for: Number: (to be printed)

Builder’s name

Builder/Building company

Address:

Lot No: DP No:

Phone: Mobile:

A council officer visited the above site and identified a number of matters requiring urgent attention. They are: Sediment and erosion control management Waste management Excessive sediment on the roads surrounding the site Maintenance of access way to and from the site

Other matters

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

A copy of this warning notice has been referred to council rangers who could visit your site at any time from tomorrow.

If upon visiting your site these matters have not been dealt with appropriately, the rangers have the authority to take a number of actions including the issue of on the spot fines of up to $1500. More serious offences can attract fines of up to $250,000 for corporations and $120,000 for individuals.

Please attend to this matter urgently.

Issuing officer:

Job title:

Signature: Date:

Liverpool Council – Protecting our local waterways

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Attachment 5 - Checklist for building and development sites for Council officers Site address File Ref

Builder/Developer

Status of construction

Estimated area Level? Or cross fall: 2 m 3 m 4 m 5 m

Date of inspection / / Name of inspector

DESCRIPTION CONDITION REMARKS

a. Sediment fence? Yes/No

Fabric buried in 150 mm trench?

Stakes spaced at 3 m intervals?

Constructed along contour?

Turn-backs installed?

Fence at least 2 m from slope?

Subject to concentrated flows?

b. Stockpile entrance? Yes/No

Up-slope drainage controls?

Catch drains or sediment fence at toe?

Less than 2 m high?

Covered?

c. Stabilised entrance? Yes/No

Material used? Average size?

Estimated width of entrance?

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Graded to sediment fence?

Geotextile used?

d. Other items

Downpipe connected?

Do any items need repair or cleaning out?

Evidence of drainage and sedimentation into street?

Fencing of buffer zones?

Other comments (Maintenance of existing items, comments related to above)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Does the site have areas at high risk of erosion? If so, what action should be taken?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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Diagram of site (insert diagram)

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Attachment 6 - Checklist for council operational work sites The following checklist can be used to assess erosion and sediment controls on council developments, from major construction sites to routine maintenance activities. Councils can adapt the checklist as required. An electronic copy can be found at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/stormwater.

Council name

Date Time

Auditors on site

Job address

Street

Suburb

Staff on site

Name

Name

Name of supervisor

Name

Type of activity

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Overall assessment (to be completed at the conclusion of the audit)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

A. Major construction or maintenance activities (planning)

QUESTION YES / NO COMMENT

1a) Is there a formal erosion and sediment control plan for the site? If no go to Q 2 *Please note if not necessary

1b) Are the requirements of the plan in place?

1c) Have there been any significant amendments to the plan since the project began?

2) Has the project manager developed aninformal plan for erosion and sedimentcontrol on the site?

3) Do you think the project should have beenthe subject of a formal erosion and sedimentcontrol plan?

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B. All sites (on-site practices)

Minimising erosion


1) Are any measures in place to divert wateraround the site? *Please note if not necessary

2) Are there any measures in place to minimisethe impact of rainfall on the exposed soil (e.g.mulching?)

*Please note if not necessary

3a) Are there any stockpiles on site containing materials that could add to erosion from the site?

If no go to Q 4

3b) Is there any up-slope or down-slope protection of the stockpiles?

3c) Are stockpiles covered? *Please note if not necessary

4a) Is there a single stabilised entry/access point to the site? If no go to

Section C

*Please note if not necessary

4b) What material is used in the access way?

4c) Does the access point drain to the sediment fence or other sediment control devices?

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Managing sediment loss


1) Is there a possibility that sediment or anyother material can be washed from the site?

2) Are the downstream drains protected and if so inwhat way?

3) What type of protection is in place?

Sediment socks

• Are they an effective barrier?

Hay bales

• Are they dug into the soil?

• Are they stabilised?

Sandbags

• Will they be effective?Sediment fence Fabric buried in 150 mm? Stakes placed at 3 m intervals? Construction along contour? Turn backs installed? Fence at least 2 m from slope?

Other

4) Will these devices be effective at controllingrunoff from the site?

5) How long do the devices need to stay inplace after the project?

6) What arrangements has the manager madeto ensure the devices remain in place?

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C. Maintenance


1a) Are the erosion and sediment control structures being maintained?

1b) Is this part of an overall plan?

D. Site impacts


1) Are there any indications of litter, sedimentor other material from the job site in thedownstream drains?

2) Is there a specified area for waste storageon-site?

3) Is this disposal area well maintained andpositioned away from any drains?

4) Is there any indication of litter, sediment orother materials on the roads around thesite?

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Attachment 7 – Fact sheet 1 – Planning for erosion prevention & sediment control

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Attachment 8 – Fact sheet 2 – Whose responsibility is erosion & sediment control

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Attachment 9 – Fact sheet 3 – Erosion & sediment control for new home owners

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Attachment 10 – Fact sheet 4 – Dust management

erosion and sediment control policy · 2018-03-08 · proposed site controls and a narrative...

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