The building and construction industry can have a significant impact on the environment and in particular our waterways. Sand, soil, cement slurry, paint and other building materials that enter our waterways have an adverse effect on fish and aquatic plants and can block up pipes causing flooding and silt up streams.
Residents, builders and landscapers are all responsible for ensuring that our waterways are kept free of construction materials. There are four steps that you can take to prevent stormwater pollution.
Before you start on a building, renovating or landscaping project decide where you are going to store soils, sand and mulches and how your will prevent their spread. Buy tarpaulins before delivery of materials and cover piles immediately. Ensure materials for the erection of sediment fencing and drain protection are available before commencing your project and if possible don’t commence work when rain is forecast.
Ensure all stormwater drain protection devices are in place before construction begins. This could be as simple as staking bales of straw around the construction area. Please note that dust control measures are exempt from water restrictions and must still be implemented.
As construction proceeds, your stormwater drain protection measures will need to adapt to new circumstances. Over time, your stormwater drain protection measures need maintenance. Check daily to ensure they are in good working order.
When all construction work has finished, ensure that all excess materials are cleaned up and disposed of responsibly. If landscaping is not complete, ensure that the owners are aware that stormwater pollution is their responsibility.
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, it is an offence to pollute water. On the spot fines of $1,500 for corporations and $750 for individuals can be imposed on anyone found responsible for a site where soils and sediment have the potential to, or have entered street drains, gutters or waterways.
For more information on sediment and erosion control in Marrickville contact Council’s Water and Catchments Coordinator or phone 9335 2104.