A new resource developed by the Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) and Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program will help protect Tasmania's valuable waterways by providing a resource to educate industry on the impact of sediment and erosion.
Posted
24 August 2023
A new resource developed by the Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) and Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program will help protect Tasmania’s valuable waterways by providing the information needed to stop sediment being lost from development sites.
The teams have been working collaboratively with local councils, industry experts and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to produce Erosion and Sediment Control – Fundamentals for Development in Tasmania. This resource provides the building and construction industry with information on best-practice erosion and sediment control (E&SC), describing how to managing drainage, prevent erosion, and capture sediment, while complying with the law.
Ursula Taylor from DEP has welcomed the new resource.
"It is well established that building and construction activity is the number one cause of sediment pollution in urban waterways," said Ms Taylor.
"Under Tasmanian law, sediment and other pollutants must be stopped from leaving development sites," she said.
"Understanding how to plan for, install, and maintain effective erosion and sediment controls is critical," said Ms Taylor.
Sediment escaping from development sites has the potential to block the stormwater system, and can carry other pollutants which stick to eroded sediment and can increase the risk of flooding, as well as have a negative impact on the aquatic environment.
Find more information and download the full Erosion and sediment control – the fundamentals for development in Tasmania book on the TEER website.