Soil and Erosion Control
SOIL AND EROSION CONTROL
Construction disturbs soil and creates dust and debris. Run-off from a building site travels down the gutters and drains to creeks and canals and eventually ends up in a river, lake or sea. Although a single block of land may seem insignificant, if you consider all the building sites within the Blacktown Local Government Area, erosion has a significant effect on water quality. Studies by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (www.epa.nsw.gov.au) show that one building can lose up to four truckloads of soil in a single storm.
Blacktown Council has addressed this environmental issue with a systematic approach to the control of construction sites within the local government area. Council formally adopted a “Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Policy” in March 1998 with the aim of minimising soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from site disturbing activities within the City of Blacktown; promoting the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and maintain compatibility with the built environment; and to promote consistency and fairness in the application and regulation of erosion and sedimentation control measures.
The policy applies to any development activity requiring the approval of Council; any activity on public land, including Council activities (by or on behalf of Council); and any activity that involves disturbance of the soil surface or placement of fill on any allotment that will change the shape of the land.
Inspections are carried out by Council’s Environmental Health Officers to ensure that stormwater pollution is not occurring as a result of a lack of adequate controls as outlined within the Policy. Should any site be determined as non-complying, Council employs a range of solutions to improve the site including issuing warning letters or either Clean-Up or Prevention Notices in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act 1997. Where circumstances warrant more direct intervention a penalty infringement notice may be issued for amounts up to $1500 or legal resolution may be sought for water pollution offences in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act 1997.