Construction Sites
Construction areas have substantial exposed surfaces that erode in the right conditions (e.g. rain or strong winds). Runoff from these sites carries sediments into drainage networks and then to ecosystems downstream (rivers, lakes etc). There are many examples of poor sediment and erosion control practices leading to increased sedimentation, reduced clarity and algae blooms in downstream waters. There are many ways in which construction sites can be managed to reduce these impacts.
Construction Site Water Management: Wide-ranging Guidelines
Australia
Managing Stormwater Quality from Construction Sites
(DEC)
General approach to stormwater management, including some broad design guidelines for a range of soil conditions.
Guidelines for Erosion & Sediment Control on Building Sites
(DIPNR)
This is an excellent publication from the former DLWC. It provides information and concept diagrams for minimising erosion and treating runoff from construction sites
Stormwater pollution prevention: code of practice for the building and construction industry (SA EPA)
Stormwater management for road construction and maintenance (NSW EPA)
Stormwater management guidelines for the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, footpaths, stormwater channels, etc by local government.
United States
Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) Handbooks (California Stormwater Quality Association)
An excellent, very comprehensive account of best management practices.
Construction site best management practice Fact Sheets (California, USA)
Extensive collection of fact sheets. Related device drawings.
Selecting and Applying Construction Phase Best Management Practices (BMP's)
From this page, select Chapter 2 to see the detail on construction controls. Discusses the importance of site stabilisation during and after construction.The universal soil loss equation is presented so that users can estimate site stability changes with various techniques (Texas Stormwater Quality Task Force)
Construction stormwater control technical requirements manual (Seattle, USA)
Includes detailed descriptions of many construction controls.
Stormwater Manager's Resource Center (USA)
Includes thirteen fact sheets on sediment and erosion control devices and practices for construction sites. [Select "Fact Sheets" from the contents list on the left hand side.]
Construction site erosion and sediment control best practices (Iowa)
Construction site best management practices (California Dept. Transportation)
Soil Retention (US EPA)
"Soil retention measures are structures or practices that are used to hold soil in place or to keep it contained within a site boundary. They may include grading or reshaping the ground to lessen steep slopes or shoring excavated areas with wood, concrete, or steel structures. Some soil-retaining measures are used for erosion control, while others are used for protection of workers during construction projects such as excavations."
Devices and practices (Construction Sites)
Site management |
Surface stabilisation |
Flow management |
Water quality treatment |
Regulation and education |
Built Environment |
