Erosion & Sediment Controls
Did you know that it’s illegal to allow soil, cement slurry or other building materials to enter stormwater drains? In New South Wales, you could receive a $1,500 on the spot fine if pollution has the potential to, or has entered gutters, drains and waterways. It’s important to stress that no one is immune to the law – builders, owners, occupiers and landscapers could be liable. In this article we’re covering some proactive measures which could help you to avoid non-compliance notices on your construction site and minimise environmental impacts.
What’s the difference between sediment and erosion?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Erosion is a geological process in which surfaces are worn away by natural forces such as wind or water. Sediment transport refers to the movement of materials through wind or water. Sediment may consist of materials such as soil, sand, concrete, metal dust or gravel. In many cases, sediment is the result of the erosion process.
The control of erosion and sediment on construction sites is a key part of reducing environmental impacts associated with stormwater pollution. There are a range of acronyms and terms used within Australia to describe sediment and erosion control. These include:
- ERSED – Erosion and Sediment
- ESC – Erosion and Sediment Controls
- SWMP – Soil and Water Management Plans
- BPESC – Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control
Sediment and erosion risk areas
When it comes to sediment and erosion control, most construction sites have three key risk areas:
- Site entry and exit points where vehicles and machinery pass through can be a source of sediment movement outside a work site. The effects of this can be limited by reducing the number of entrances, and also by implementing physical barriers such as a diversion hump at entry and exit points.
This method is known as a diversion hump and was used on Victoria’s Level Cross Removal project. It was effective in containing runoff whilst preventing sediment, soil and debris from being tracked outside the work site, particularly in wet weather.
- Stormwater drains can present a big risk for worksites without effective drain protection in place. Sediment and hydrocarbons can contaminate runoff, risking flooding and harming wildlife. One of the best ways to protect stormwater systems is some form of drain protection. This can include solutions such as a GuardDog drain filter, silt sock or drain pollution guard.
Unlike sewerage systems, stormwater is not treated to remove pollution or litter. If these contaminants enter creeks, rivers or lakes they can harm the environment and make rivers and beaches unsafe for swimming.
- Sloped banks in and around your worksite can be a major contributor to sediment movement. It is important to stabilise banks as much as possible. Stablisation methods can include silt fencing, as well as coir logs and coir mesh matting. These should be kept in place until the majority of the site has been revegetated. Silt fences act similar to dams, trapping the sediment while allowing water to leave the site.
Maintaining your work site is another key part of minimising your environmental impact. Sweep the road and footpath every day and put soil within the worksite’s sediment control protected area.
Environmental Protection Insights
Pollution incident articles published by the EPA have a common theme, which is that the majority of incidents are entirely preventable. Non-compliance notices are usually the result of inadequate bunding, hydrocarbons near stormwater drains or sediment and runoff leaving site. The best course of action is not to wait until you have an incident. Instead identify what could go wrong and implement controls to minimise those risks. If you have an IBC storage container near a drain or waterway, place it on a bund. If you store large quantities of hazardous liquids, ensure there are spill kits nearby. If you’d like to learn more about preventative measures for your place of work, contact us for an obligation free site assessment today.
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Glencore Insulated Flask 84oz (2484ml)
- Double wall vacuum insulated flask
- Heavy duty stainless steel construction
- Ice cold for 24 hours
- Fiery hot for 12 hours
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA free
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EnviroPad Spill Mat – M10 (Medium) 90 x 69cmThe EnviroPad is a revolutionary spill pad that captures and solidifies hydrocarbon spills including oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids. By using smart polymer technology, the EnviroPad turns these liquids into solid rubber, preventing any contaminants from leaking or leaching into the environment – even under pressure.
The EnviroPad is not affected by heavy rain or water, reducing contaminated waste disposal costs. It is safe to use outdoors in all weather conditions, and can be carried or stored upright after use. Its non-leaching characteristics mean that the EnviroPad can be safely disposed of landfill (subject to local and state regulations).
- Unique smart polymer spill pad
- Solidifies oil and fuel so it can’t leak out
- No pools of oily rainwater
- No risk of overflowing
- Doesn’t need sidewalls or a liner
- Can be safely used outdoors and jet washed
- Just as effective with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)
- Instructions printed on the top
- Absorbs up to 10.5L of oil
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Single IBC Bunded Spill Pallet, 1100L Sump (1600W x 1600L x 700H mm)The Stratex Single IBC Bunded Spill Pallet provides a safe and efficient storage solution for hazardous liquids. A low 700mm working height helps to reduce risks during loading and unloading. It also features handy fork pockets for manoeuvrability. Stratex bunded spill pallets are constructed from high quality, durable and lightweight polyethylene. This bund offers superior chemical resistance and has a safe working load rating of 1350kg.
- This bund features a low height for ease of use (700mm)
- Stackable, space saving, innovative, protected design guarantees ultra-low delivery costs for multiple bunding units
- Generous working area (2.5m2) for one IBC or multiple small containers
- Fork pockets for easy movement (Remove IBC and empty spill pallet before moving)
- Optional clip-on dispensing units direct any spills while decanting into the sump, meaning liquids can be retrieved and reused saving time and money.
- All-weather covers for outdoor storage and sump plugs for drainage and spilled liquid recovery available.
- Dimensions: 700H x 1600W x 1600L mm. 1100L Sump.
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Megabund Floor Bunding, Per Metre (w/ Dynabolts) 25mmH x 150mmWMegaBund Floor Bunding is a premium polyurethane extruded floor bunding for the containment of hazardous liquids. With excellent chemical resistance, MegaBund is a versatile chemical storage solution which can be used in a range of different applications. Flexible and low profile, the highly visibly yellow floor bunding is designed to reduce trip hazards and improve workplace safety, while being easily traversible by vehicles and forklifts. Stay compliant with Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 3833:2007 and avoid EPA fines. The floor bunding is easy to cut into lengths to create a custom sized storage area, reducing cost and wastage. MegaBund is easy and stress free to install; it is manufactured with pre-moulded points for dynabolts and minimum tools are required. Each length of Megabund includes 10 Dynabolts. When purchasing tubes of Fulaprene Adhesive, we recommend approximately 1 tube of adhesive to 3 lengths of Megabund. Watch the video for a step-by-step guide.
Size: 25mmH x 150mmW x 1mL
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Rubber Floor Bunding, Per Metre (w/ Dynabolts) 40H x 115W mmHeavy-duty Rubber Floor Bunding is ideal for a bunding and spill containment solution for areas subject to human and vehicle traffic. Perfect for bunding around pallet racking, wash bays, fuel dispensing areas and oil storage facilities.
The bunding contains or redirects hazardous spills without the need for major construction or assembly. Made from non-porous, rubber with excellent chemical resistance and includes DynaBolts for installation.
Size: 40mm high x 115mm wide
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GuardDog Side-entry Drain Filter 810mmW x 1500mmLThe GuardDog drain filter offers a revolutionary approach to sediment control. It fits over most stormwater drains to effectively prevent silt, sediment, hydrocarbons and debris from entering our waterways and ocean.
- Traps sediment and hydrocarbons
- Improves water receiving quality
- 100% recycled absorbent media
- 53 micron filtration (0.053mm)
- Absorbs up to 12 litres of hydrocarbons
- Lightweight, low profile and durable
- Side-entry GuardDog features aluminium side strips for a perfect fit around kerbs
Filtration Innovation
The GuardDog works by using an innovative absorbent media called Spilltration® Husky, which is made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste. The material’s fibres absorb hydrocarbons and trap sediment particles as small as 53 microns (0.053mm), finer than a human hair. Spilltration® Husky also delivers exceptional water flow characteristics due to its unique construction, which allows water to wick through, even when saturated with oil.
Performance by Design
The GuardDog features a heavy-duty polyethylene mesh top for drive over durability. The Spilltration® Husky absorbent media removes and traps oils, fuels, sheens and sediment. A raised centre helps to create a damming effect and improve performance in high flow situations. Overflow port prevents water from backing up in heavy rain events. Eyelets provide a means to secure the GuardDog to metal grates with metal ties or concrete bolts.
Suitable for Most Drain Types
The standard GuardDog drain filter is designed to fit most box and v-grate drains. The side-entry GuardDog is wider and features aluminium strips to contour around most kerb inlet drains with or without grates. Custom sizing is also available by request.
When to use one?
The GuardDog is ideal for protecting drains during construction activity. It can also be used in carparks, manufacturing facilities, waste management, rail yards, refineries. The GuardDog helps to improve environmental compliance and avoid penalty notices.
Installation Versatility
The GuardDog can be installed in a variety of ways. It can be screwed directly into the concrete, secured to drain grates via metal cable ties or using high-powered magnets. See our installation guide to find out more.
Superior to Alternatives
Alternatives such as silt socks and coir logs do not trap hydrocarbons, and drain pollution guards can become overloaded to block drains and cause flooding. Unlike silt socks the GuardDog will not split if driven over – it’s a low profile solution that’s foot and vehicle traffic friendly.
ISC Verified Innovation
The GuardDog drain filter was verified by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) as Australia-first innnovation for its use on the Monash Freeway upgrade. It is listed on iSupply and may assist in obtaining IS Credits for Receiving Water Quality (ISv1.2 Dis-1 / ISv2.1 Env-1), Diversion from Landfill (ISv1.2 Was-2), Innovation Challenge 8 (ISv1.2 & ISv2.1 Inn-1). To find out more contact your Stratex representative.
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Coir Log – 200mm x 2.4m Length (MOQ 10)Stratex Coir Fibre Logs are made from natural coconut fibre bound by a 100% biodegradable coir fibre netting. Wooden Stake installation is quick and easy with pre-drilled holes. They are ideal for constructing check structures, sediment control, managing changes in stream flow velocity, shaping channels and stabilising banks and shorelines.
An environmentally friendly solution for bush regeneration projects, coir logs help hold moisture for tree and plant growth whilst providing a structure for vegetation to establish and take hold for long term stabilisation.Features
- Pre-drilled holes for quicker and easier stake installation
- Save on installation time and costs
- Uses less wooden stakes on installation
- Higher density fibres for increased performance and life span
- Dimensions: 200mm x 2.4m
Manual Handling Risks with Coir Logs
Some coir logs can be as large as 300mm in diameter and 3m long. On average these weigh over 20kg. They are heavy, cumbersome and usually require two people to unload and install on site. Given their length and weight, there is an increased risk of manual handling injury to operators. Stratex Coir Logs are 200mm diameter, 2.4m in length and weigh under 12kg, allowing safer handling by an individual operator. This unique sizing not only provides the benefit of lower freight cost to site, but more importantly are a safer and easier product to install.
Minimum purchase quantity of 10.
Pallet quantity: 30
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Silt & Sediment Fence – 870mm x 100mStratex Silt Fences are made from heavy duty UV-resistant silt mesh and are designed to reduce soil sediment runoff from building sites. They allow water to filter through the fabric, while suspending soil particles that settle to the ground.
Ideal Usage
The silt fence is supported by hardwood stakes and is used to surround construction sites and soil stockpiles. This prevents sediment flowing offsite and entering rivers, stormwater drains and sensitive environments. Can be used during earthworks and construction activities for either domestic or civil engineering projects.
• High Quality
• Long Lasting
• Dimensions 870mmH x 100mL
• Stakes & Cable Ties Available -
Concrete Washout Bag, 2470kg – 177 x 105 x 39 cmThe Stratex Concrete Washout Bag provides a quick and convenient solution to contain all concrete washout waste. The bag is simply placed under the chute or hopper and the slurry is contained in the plastic/polyethylene inner liner in the bag.
When the concrete is set, the bag is forkliftable with built in loops for safe and easy transportation to an offsite location. All bags are fully tested and compliant with Australian Standard AS3668-1989 and have safe working loads listed below.
Once set, the Concrete Washout Bag and its contents creates a versatile secondary product to use for car park walls, low retaining walls or designated compounds. The bags are perfect for use in applications such as Civil Construction, Road Construction & Commercial Construction.
- Dimensions: 182cm L x 106cm W x 40cm H
- Capacity: 0.70 cubic metres
- Safe Working Load: 2470 Kg
