Erosion & Sediment Plans for Small Sites

If you’re carrying out earthworks on a small residential site, you’ll need an erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP). This page explains what an ESCP is, why it matters, and the simple steps you can take to prevent runoff, protect waterways, and meet council requirements.

Site plan

• Clearly indicate site boundaries, existing and proposed contours, and drainage patterns.
• Show the location of all erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures.
• Include a separate plan showing site topography and water flow paths after re-contouring.
• Identify any water bodies, proposed drainage channels, and crossings.
• Highlight areas of steep slopes and specify proposed stabilization methods.

Erosion controls

• Minimize exposed areas: Limit the extent and duration of soil disturbance.
• Stabilize slopes: Use topsoiling, seeding, hydroseeding, or mulching to rapidly revegetate disturbed areas.
• Divert runoff: Install clean water diversions to keep runoff away from disturbed zones.
• Slope stabilization: For steep slopes, consider advanced stabilization methods beyond basic seeding.

Sediment controls

• Silt fences: Install along the perimeter of disturbed areas to trap sediment.
• Sediment traps and ponds: Design to intercept runoff and allow sediment to settle.
• Stabilized site entrances: Prevent vehicles from tracking sediment off-site.
• Stockpile management: Cover stockpiles and place them well away from watercourses.

Runoff management

• Dewatering: Filter water removed from excavations or trenches before discharge.
• Stormwater connections: Connect downpipes to the permanent stormwater system promptly.
• Prevent runoff to sumps: Ensure site runoff does not enter stormwater systems directly.

Monitoring and maintenance

• Regular inspections: Check ESC devices daily to ensure proper functioning.
• Ongoing maintenance: Clean out sediment traps and repair ESC measures as needed.
• Plan adjustments: Update the ESCP as site conditions or needs change.

Site stabilization

• Permanent stabilization: Secure exposed soils immediately after earthworks are completed.
• Revegetation: Restore vegetation cover to prevent long-term erosion.

Dewatering

• Decant or pump water to a vegetated area well away from sensitive environments.
• Use geotextile filters or filter bags to reduce sediment during discharge.
• Ensure the discharge rate matches the ground’s infiltration capacity—avoid ponding or runoff.
• Use portable containers (e.g., IBCs) or vacuum trucks for water collection.
• If using a container, allow sediment to settle before siphoning water to a vegetated area or controlled stormwater outlet.
• Siphon from the top to avoid disturbing settled sediment at the bottom.

Other considerations

• Construction staging: Sequence work to reduce the extent and duration of exposed soil.
• Vehicle movement: Control site traffic to minimize soil compaction and erosion.
• Waste management: Properly dispose of construction waste, including concrete washings and metal filings.
• Trade activity zones: Designate contained areas for specific activities (e.g., concrete cutting, equipment washing) to manage waste and runoff.

Team responsibilities

• Clearly assign roles for implementing and maintaining the ESCP.
• Ensure all contractors and site workers understand their responsibilities.
• Regularly communicate updates and best practices to the team.

Only rain down the drain

• Keep stormwater clean: Only clean rainwater should enter stormwater sumps and drains.
• Prevent contamination: Do not allow sediment, chemicals, waste, or concrete washout to enter the stormwater system.
• Protect waterways: Implement best practices to ensure runoff from the site is free of pollutants, protecting local rivers, streams, and marine environments.

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