Get the Site Right campaign 2024
Get the Site Right campaign 2024
‘Get the Site Right’ 2024 is an annual joint taskforce of local councils, catchment groups and State government departments, which targets erosion and sediment control on commercial and residential building sites across NSW. Its a program that has been running since 2016.
The campaign works with developers, builders and the community to raise awareness about the harmful effects of sediment runoff on our creeks, rivers, harbors and beaches, and highlight the important role they play in helping to improve water quality and protect our natural environment and wildlife.
What inspection or compliance activities occur
The campaign is a month-long education and compliance activity held in May with a one-day inspection blitz on May 16th when councils and relevant state government agencies go out in force to inspect developments of all sizes and take regulatory action as required. A follow-up inspection week is held in October.
What is erosion and sediment control on sites?
Erosion and sediment control is used on building and construction sites to prevent soil, sand and other sediment from being washed off the site and into gutters, stormwater drains and waterways.
Good erosion and sediment control involves careful management of the site before, during and after construction, using a combination of control measures. These controls help to minimize site disturbance and trap sediment before it can wash away. They can also prevent the loss of stockpiles and improve building site conditions generally.
sediment-tank-in-use-to-safely-clear-construction-site-waste-water
Why do I need an erosion and sediment control plan?
Builders and contractors are reminded of their legal obligations to implement erosion and sediment control measures on their sites. Failure to do so may result in substantial fines during inspection, even more so in the event of a pollution incident. These financial and regulatory implications highlight the significance of potential environmental impact from mis-managed building sites. Adhering to environmental requirements and obtaining necessary permits are essential for effective control and avoiding financial penalty.
How to prevent building site sediment runoff
If you’re building or renovating, overall consider here are a few ways you can help prevent sediment runoff from leaving your site and polluting our waterways:
Obtain the appropriate work permits before starting a project
Plan how site waste water is going to be managed to best meet the conditions of the permit
Consider which specific control strategies are applicable to your site:
Leave as much vegetation on the site and street verge as possible during construction.
If your site has large downpours of rain or you are working close to the groundwater table, consider hiring a sediment tank and a sump pump
Establish a single, stabilized entry and exit point to prevent tracking sediment off the site.
Install sediment fencing correctly along the low side of the site, using geotextile material.
Hire skips with lids for waste and dont over fill them
Control stormwater on a site - divert stormwater around the work site and connect downpipes from the guttering to the stormwater drain asap.
Cover stockpiles of resources from rain and wind.
Keep the footpath and road clear of debris every day and never hose sediment into the gutter or stormwater drain.
What is a sediment tank
Sediment tanks are portable, open top, steel box tanks with inlet and outlet connections. The connections are positioned to allow contaminations to separate from liquids before they are removed. Their design provides a simple and economical solution to issues with dewatering a construction site, especially water containing heavy suspended solids or hydrocarbons.
Before water can be legally discharged off a construction site to stormwater or other receptors, it must be tested for factors such as turbidity and odor. If contaminated water is not treated before discharge, you risk increased fines.
The sediment tanks are easy to install and are a perfect way to desludge your water. due to being small and portable, They are great for sites which have a building footprint which covers a major portion of the site . Settlement tanks are the ideal method to get your flooded construction site up and running again, while avoiding fines and environmental contamination.
Sediment tanks represent an environmentally friendly sedimentation control for your construction site as they can help ensure that no oils, fuels, silts, and or dirty water are discharged from a building site or find their way to a nearby watercourses
There are a variety of dewatering pumps and hoses available for hire to compliment sediment tanks. These include puddle pumps, sump pumps, submersible pumps, pressure booster pumps, single phase and 3 phase water pumps, 2 inch and 3 inch lay flat hoses. Our range of water pumps can be found by clicking this link.
More information on the “Get The Site Right”
Play your part
Protect local waterways with adequate erosion and sediment control on your construction sitel. We all have a role to play in making our waterways clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. See The Plant Yard for more information on Sediment Tank hire and their role in helping you.. “Get your site right” .