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Erosion and Sediment Control Plans

What is an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan?

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) is a detailed document that explains how soil erosion and sediment runoff will be managed on a construction site to help protect local waterways from pollution.

Before any approved work begins, an ESCP must be prepared by the applicant and approved, ensuring all involved parties - including subcontractors, private certifiers, homeowners, and regulators - understand how stormwater pollution will be managed and who is responsible for its control.

ESCPs are required for sites disturbing less than 2,500m² of land, which includes residential construction, land subdivisions, and larger developments like residential flat buildings.

ESCPs must comply with the Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils & Construction, 4th Edition ("The Blue Book") and should include:

  • Detailed site plans or drawings with a site survey
  • The location and type of erosion and sediment control measures
  • Instructions for the installation and maintenance of controls.
  • A statement of who is responsible for establishing and maintaining all erosion and sediment measures

For more details about preparing an ESCP, refer to the official guidelines for erosion and sediment control on building sites.

These guidelines outline erosion and sediment control requirements for anyone working on small to medium construction sites, including builders, owner-builders, contractors (including principal contractors), labourers, and landscapers.

Additional resources

Protecting our local waterways – a shared responsibility!

Preventing erosion, dirty water and sediment from leaving construction sites is a shared responsibility. Developers, builders, site managers, and homeowners must ensure that stormwater run-off is clean and does not pollute surrounding areas.

If your project involves disturbing the ground surface or moving soil - such as during construction, demolition, or excavation—use the guidelines and resources provided here to manage your site effectively.

Why does erosion and sediment control matter?

The most critical aspect of any erosion and sediment control is preventing erosion - stopping water or wind from transporting sand and soil. While some ground disturbance is unavoidable during building works, it’s important to provide or reinstate groundcover as soon as practicable during works.

By preventing erosion and managing sediment, you will:

  • Comply with legal requirements
  • Protect the environment
  • Ensure the safety of the community. Proper planning and implementation are vital to minimise harm, reduce flood risks, and safeguard the water quality of our local creeks and estuaries.
Remember: the stormwater drain is just for rain!

Frequently Asked Questions

Erosion and sediment control is essential to:

  • Protect the environment – Preventing sediment runoff keeps waterways clean, preserving fish, plants, and water quality
  • Reduce flooding risks – Sediment can clog drains and stormwater systems, increasing flood hazards
  • Avoid fines and delays – Poor control can lead to legal penalties, project delays, and costly clean-up efforts
  • Maintain site stability – Preventing soil loss protects property foundations and long-term land value.

Implementing best practices for erosion and sediment control helps:

  • Improve drainage and create safer working conditions
  • Enhance site appearance and public perception
  • Keep waterways cleaner and ecosystems healthier
  • Protect recreational activities like fishing and boating
  • Reduce environmental damage and sediment buildup
  • Lower clean-up costs, fines, and complaints.

To prevent pollution and protect local waterways, follow these key steps:

  • Plan erosion and sediment control measures before construction begins
  • Develop a tailored Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) for your site
  • Communicate the ESCP to all site workers
  • Minimise disturbance by retaining existing vegetation and ground cover
  • Install sediment fencing and other controls before starting work
  • Prevent erosion at the source rather than just managing sediment runoff
  • Keep sediment on-site with well-maintained barriers
  • Monitor weather forecasts and maintain controls until the site is fully stabilised.

Failing to control sediment runoff can lead to:

  • Environmental harm – Sediment pollution damages aquatic life, increases flood risks, and degrades water quality.
  • Council enforcement – Council can issues notices and orders requiring action to prevent pollution by installing and maintaining erosion and sediment controls
  • Fines – Council can issue penalties under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act).
  • Litter and Waste: Unsecured rubbish blowing off-site
  • Sediment Runoff: Rain washing soil or sand into stormwater drains
  • Mud on Roads: Vehicles tracking mud off-site
  • Improper Storage: Uncovered materials like soil, sand, or gravel
  • Chemical Contamination: Paint, concrete washings, or other chemicals entering stormwater systems.

To reduce sediment runoff and protect waterways, follow these practices:

Planning and site management
  • Minimise Disturbance: Retain as much existing vegetation as possible
  • Stabilise Entry/Exit Points: Use designated access points with gravel pads to prevent mud tracking
  • Divert Stormwater: Direct stormwater away from exposed soil.
Erosion and sediment control measures
  • Install Sediment Fencing: Place barriers along low areas to trap runoff
  • Prioritise Erosion Prevention: Maintain vegetation and ground cover
  • Connect Downpipes Early: Attach them to the drainage system as soon as the roof is installed
  • Cover Stockpiles: Use tarps to protect soil, sand, and gravel from wind and rain.
Maintenance and daily practices
  • Inspect Daily: Check fences, drains, and sediment controls regularly
  • Keep the Site Clean: Sweep roads and footpaths—never hose sediment into drains
  • Remove Sediment Promptly: Clear sediment after heavy rain to prevent pollution.

A Soil and Water Management Plan (SWMP) is required for sites larger than 2,500m², including:

  • Large residential developments
  • Multi-dwelling housing projects
  • Subdivisions.

These plans, prepared by a qualified civil engineer, may include advanced controls such as sediment retention basins.

Erosion and sediment control isn’t just the builder’s responsibility—homeowners have a role too!

Here’s why it matters:

  • Protect your local environment – Poor controls send sediment into waterways, harming wildlife and water quality
  • Avoid fines and legal issues – If pollution occurs, you may be held responsible
  • Prevent damage to your home – Erosion can weaken foundations and create drainage issues
  • Enhance property resilience – Good erosion control helps safeguard against extreme weather.

Resources

Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control on Building Sites (October 2024)
Comprehensive guidance on erosion and sediment control for small construction sites.

The “Blue Book” - Soils and Construction (Vol. 1, 4th Edition, March 2004)
A foundational resource for erosion and sediment control measures on construction sites.

Blue Book Hip Pocket Handbook
A concise field guide summarising key drawings and construction notes from the Blue Book, ideal for on-site reference.

Our Living River – Get the Site Right
Learn about the "Get the Site Right" campaign and its focus on protecting waterways from construction impacts.

Sediment & Erosion Control: A Homeowner's Guide
This guide provides practical advice for homeowners managing erosion and sediment control during construction.

Catchments and Creeks Resource Library
A resource hub for professionals addressing waterway, stormwater, and soil erosion challenges.

Stormwater Pollution
Learn about how stormwater pollution affects local waterways and what you can do to help.