Erosion and sediment control

Soil erosion from building sites is a major source of stormwater pollution. When allowed to enter our waterways, sediment (soil, sand, silt, mud) and litter washed from urban areas can cause both short and long term problems.

Builders and home-owners have a legal responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, and the subordinate Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997, to minimise or prevent environmental harm. If you don't take appropriate erosion and sediment control measures, you can receive on-the-spot fines of $300-$600 (GST exempt).

Council has developed erosion and sediment guidelines and fact sheets for builders and home-owners.

These guidelines provide a practical guide to best practice techniques to minimise stormwater pollution from building sites.  They are designed to help people involved in the building industry to comply with their statutory environmental duties.  By following these best practice guidelines, you will be doing your part to ensure the Mackay Region grows as a clean and green city.

To support the Guidelines, the following fact sheets provide practical examples of recommended control measures:

By following the guidelines for best practice stormwater pollution control, some of the benefits to home owners, builders and the building industry include:

  • all-weather site access
  • improved wet weather working conditions
  • sites do not get boggy
  • less mud and dust problems
  • reduced stockpile losses
  • reduced clean-up costs
  • a better public image
  • more marketable sites
  • fewer public complaints
  • reduced risk of fines
  • better fishing for everyone

National and international experience shows that the cost of effective pollution management on building sites is greatly reduced within the first few years as builders become experienced with the various techniques.