Summary
Reducing the environmental impacts and cost-implications of erosion and sediment.
The Erosion and Sediment Control program is improving soil erosion practices on construction and building sites through targeted capacity building across Queensland.
Soil erosion on construction and building sites and the subsequent release of sediment run-off is a major threat to the health of our waterways including the Ramsar listed Moreton Bay.
Sediment contains pollutants and reduces water quality, which has significant social, economic and environmental impacts.
About the project
- Improving erosion and sediment control practices to reduce environmental impacts.
- Working with communities, industry and local and state government.
- A practical, equitable and cost-effective strategy to protect waterways.
Why this project is important
The release of sediment from construction and building sites is one of the primary sources of sediment in our coastal waterways. It is estimated that over 20,000 dump trucks worth of sediment enters the region’s waterways each year.
Waterways provide many social and economic benefits such as recreation, tourism and the security of drinking water supply which are threatened by the waterway pollution caused by sediment.
Sediment smothers aquatic plants such as seagrass, which results in a reduction in the food available to marine animals and an impact on fisheries.
Action
Healthy Land and Water’s Erosion and Sediment Control program involves developing and distributing tools, information, and guidance via resources, workshops, training, field days and demonstrations.
The Water by Design team works with communities, industry and local and state government to implement best practice erosion and sediment control.
Another key part of the program is raising awareness of improved catchment land care practices.
HANDY HINT: WHAT YOU CAN DO IN YOUR BACKYARD
Home-builders and owners can get proactive and implement the latest practices. This is not only to comply with legal requirements, but also protects against the cost-implications of rectifying issues post-build.
Outcomes
The program is reducing the impacts and costs of sediment upon waterways and communities within urban areas by improving erosion and sediment control practices and compliance.
This is a practical, equitable and cost-effective strategy to improve and protect our waterways, including the Ramsar listed Moreton Bay.
Resources:
- ESC Checklist for House Sites
- Erosion and Sediment Control Toolkit for House Builders
- Why stop erosion?
- Erosion and Sediment Control resources
- Zumbi bowls
- Newport Waterway Rehabilitation