In short:
Construction site managers are being reminded to prevent sediment from washing into drains and waterways as heavy rain increases the risk of pollution. The EPA says erosion controls should be in place before wet weather arrives and warns enforcement action may be taken where reasonable steps have not been taken.
Builders Urged to Control Run-off
Construction site managers are being reminded to take steps to prevent sediment from washing into drains and waterways as wetter conditions increase the risk of pollution.
The warning comes as rainfall following extended dry periods can wash exposed soil from construction sites, while sediment can also be carried onto roads by vehicles leaving worksites.
The EPA says sediment run-off is a known risk during this time of year and site managers should have erosion and sediment controls in place before heavy rain arrives.
According to the regulator, sediment entering waterways can reduce water quality by making water cloudy, limiting sunlight and affecting aquatic plants and animals. Fine particles can also clog fish gills and cover fish eggs and insect larvae.
EPA Executive Director Operations Rachel Gualano said site operators have a responsibility to prevent pollution.
“We all have a duty to prevent harm to the environment, and sediment run off creates a pollution risk,” she said.
“Erosion and sediment can pollute our waterways, impact water quality and harm the animals and plants that live there.
“When sediment gets into our waterways, the fine particles make them cloudy. That can cut the amount of sunlight that gets through, as well as clogging fish gills and smothering plants, fish eggs and insect larvae.”
The EPA says heavy rainfall is a foreseeable risk and expects construction sites to have appropriate controls in place to minimise erosion and sediment escaping off site.
The regulator has warned it may issue notices or fines where it believes reasonable steps have not been taken to manage pollution risks.
Information on erosion and sediment management is available on the EPA website. Residents can also report suspected pollution through the EPA’s pollution hotline or online reporting portal.
