Newsletter #8 23rd September 2024

Spring outlook
Rainfall is likely to be above average for large parts of eastern Australia during Spring and into early Summer.  

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have predicted rainfall is likely (60 to 80% chance) to be above average for large parts of the eastern half of Australia.  

Although the forecast is for above average rainfall, the region is still within the dry season, making dust more prevalent on construction sites.

It is therefore important this Spring to prepare for both dry and dusty periods as well as potential rainfall events.   
Image: BOM Issued 12th September 2024
Image: BOM Issued 12th September 2024

CMWP Team and RESET site secure funding for a further 2 years
The Construction Management and Waterways Protection Taskforce (CMWPT) and the Regional Erosion and Sediment Education and Trial (RESET) site has secured funding from the Environment Levy for a further two years.  

The CMWPT incorporates a program designed to improve construction management practices and levels of compliance regarding erosion and sediment control. This program aims to improve our waterways, wetlands and ocean health through a comprehensive engagement, education and regulatory approach.

Since the project first began the CMWP Taskforce has:
  • Inspected over 406 development sites
  • Inspected over 1649 building sites
  • Saved over 5,122 dump trucks of sediment from going into our waterways and storm water drains
  • Been recognised through the Stormwater Australia 2022 and 2023 Awards for Excellence – Excellence in Policy and Education
The RESET site is a purpose-built facility for practical, on-ground education in erosion and sediment control. The site has been used by Council, IECCA, Healthy Land and Water and the University of the Sunshine Coast where a variety of erosion, drainage and sediment controls under flow conditions have been used to enhance knowledge of various, readily available, types of controls. Feedback has been exceptionally positive.

The RESET site was a finalist in the 2022 International Erosion Control Association Australasia Environmental Excellence Awards – Excellence for Innovation and/or Education.

Managing dust on site during the dry season
There are many ways to mitigate dust from construction and building sites:
  1. Dust suppression (water cart/water trailer): Trafficked unsealed access and haul roads are a major cause of dust. Effective dust suppression via water cart or water trailer can aid in the suppression of dust caused by vehicle and plant movement.
  2. Stockpile protection: Stockpile protection prevents sediment dispersion. It can also save you money and maintain the quality of the material being stockpiled. Stockpiles should be covered prior to rain, high winds, and when not actively being worked. The best forms of stockpile protection against wind includes covering with tarp or geofabric, or stabilising with soil binder, seed or mulch.
  3. Reduced speed limits: The faster vehicles are driven the more dust is produced. Speeds in excess of 10 km/h are not recommended on sites next to residential premises because of dust impact. On large sites, speed limit signs should be posted.
  4. Vegetation: Wind erosion can be reduced significantly by planting vegetation. This reduces the amount of airborne dust. Where vegetation already exists on and around the site, try to keep as much as possible in place. Where there is no vegetation, consider planting some. Less bare soil means less dust.
  5. Moving soil: Damp down soil before moving can help reduce wind-borne dust. Minimising the lifting height of the loader bucket when transferring soil or rubble from front-end loaders to trucks, and controlling its unloading speed, can also reduce wind-borne dust.
  6. Stable site entry/exit: It is extremely important to maintain a stable site entry and exit to prevent sediment tracking onto public roads, into stormwater drainage and surrounding environment. This can be achieved through sealed access tracks, rock pads and shaker grids.
  7. Stabilisation of disturbed areas: Covering disturbed areas is the most effective way to minimise erosion caused by wind and is effective in preventing dispersion of both coarse and fine sediment. This can include the use of soil binder, jute mesh, geofabric, seeding, hydromulch, mulching, gravel and turfing.
Did you know?  Polymer soil binder is a temporary control and likely needs reapplication after a certain amount of time.

Is your site prepared for high wind? 
High wind presents further difficulties in dust management. It also increases the risk of construction litter and waste entering nearby waterways and environment.  Proper waste management is not only good for the environment, but it also sends a positive message about your business.

Effective waste management includes:
  • Minimising waste generation and sorting waste where possible.
  • Put all construction waste into on site bins (skip bins, mesh cages, etc.). If using a mesh cage, wrap waste to prevent small items escaping.
  • Cover the waste bins when not in use, in high winds and at the end of each working day to prevent litter from blowing off site.
  • Empty waste bins when they are at capacity. Secure polystyrene construction products effectively. Manage them in a way that prevents dispersal to surrounding environment.
Polystyrene and other waste is not what anyone wants to see in our waterways. This plastic breaks down in the environment becoming micro plastic, eventually making its way to our oceans. Please assist Council in keeping our local waterways, beaches and environment healthy and sustainable for all to enjoy.

Check out our website for more information on how to manage dust, waste and sediment on your site.
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