Controlling site sediment protects drinking water

WaterNSW is working in partnership with five local councils in Sydney’s drinking water catchment to target erosion and sediment control on building and construction sites throughout May.

It’s all part of the 'Get the Site Right' campaign when councils and state authorities go out in force throughout the month of May to inspect developments of all sizes and take regulatory action as required.

“We all have a role to play in making our waterways clean and safe for everyone to enjoy," Julia Barnes, WaterNSW Catchment Programs Coordinator, said. "If sediment such as soil, sand, dirt and mud are not properly managed on building sites, they are washed into gutters, stormwater drains and waterways directly polluting our waterways and causing environmental problems.

"Our Catchment Protection and Operations staff, as well as officers from our five partner councils and the EPA will be visiting work sites throughout these local government areas together during May as part of the education and compliance campaign.”

Participating councils include Blue Mountains City Council, Lithgow City Council, Wollondilly Shire Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council and Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

“We’re pleased to support our Urban Program partner councils in this month-long education and compliance campaign," Julia said. "It's a great example of local and state government agencies working together to manage the environmental impacts of construction on waterway health.”