Local Governments tackle sediment management
28th August, 2019
Seven case studies highlighting WA Local Government’s key success factors for achieving best practice management in erosion and sediment control are now available.
Preventing soil erosion, sediment runoff, sand drift and dust from building, subdivision and construction sites from entering the stormwater drainage system is a significant issue for Local Governments.
In order to raise awareness, educate and inspire LGs to trial and/or embrace new tools and mechanisms to more effectively manage this significant issue which greatly impacts on water quality and biodiversity, the Sediment Task Force has partnered with Local Governments to compile the best practice management case study series Examples of Local Government’s response to erosion resulting from urban development in WA.
The case studies also describe the local and regional environmental, social and economic impacts of erosion and sediment loss resulting from urban development and commonly experienced barriers to achieving compliance.
In the inaugural case study, the City of Cockburn shared their multi-pronged approach to preventing dust and sand drift, including their successful initiative to combat sand drift/dust from building sites via a voluntary hydro-mulching program for cleared residential lots.
The City of Bayswater’s case study illustrates the benefits of effectively engaging with developers and builders at the planning phase of subdivision, commercial and residential building applications and of the regular monitoring of sites to ensure compliance with State Government legislation and the City’s local law. It also describes how the City of Bayswater is supporting builders and is working collaboratively with the community and the State Government to trial new technologies to improve water quality and biodiversity.
The City of Swan’s case study outlines how they are ensuring compliance with their Development Design Specifications for subdivision, including a description of the support being offered by City staff to land developers at the initial planning stage, including providing guidance and direction on remediation methods.
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River (SAMR) is implementing a new management regime for sediment and erosion control on construction sites to amplify water quality outcomes. This regime comprises the gazettal of their Erosion and Sediment Local Law 2019 which includes provision for infringements and the development of a sediment and erosion control ‘toolbox’ to guide owners and occupiers of land on best practice sediment and pollutant management. The SAMR has also made a commitment to ongoing engagement and education for the construction industry to improve management practices, with an emphasis on behavioural change, and with the overall aim of putting sediment management at the “forefront”, as a key part of the everyday activity at building and development sites.
The Town of Cambridge can demonstrate leadership in this area. Read about their comprehensive suite of tools used to prevent and manage sediment loss and how the Town is being proactive by assisting builders and developers to understand and fulfil their obligations, responding to community concerns (including the Report It community feedback initiative) and investing in infrastructure to capture the sediment “that got away”.
The City of Subiaco’s case study outlines how they are embracing practical solutions to prevent sedimentation and to remediate the environmental and financial impacts resulting from urban development, and about their commitment to undertake street sweeping and soak well audits to inform and improve best practice management regimes.
Acquaint yourself with the City of Kalamunda’s comprehensive regulatory framework which is intended to decrease sedimentation caused by urban development, including conditions on the timing and staging of bulk earthworks and the collection of an Asset Protection Bond for subdivision, demolition or land clearing.