To preserve the waterways...
Protect the drains
- Ensure that all stormwater drains and sewer entry points are correctly and clearly marked, and protected where appropriate.
- Ensure that all staff know the difference between stormwater and sewer.
- Fit litter traps onto stormwater inlets to stop rubbish going to the local creek.
- Identify stormwater drains to reduce accidental discharges to the local creek.
- Prevent sediment from construction sites entering stormwater drains by using straw bales or fabric filters.
- Ensure that all waste streams including wash pads, triple interceptor traps, and filter separators are not connected to stormwater drains but are connected to the sewer, where appropriate, in accordance with the trade waste agreement with your sewer authority.
- Make sure all rainwater downpipes connect to stormwater and not to the sewer.
- Prevent contamination of rainwater by roofing over areas where spills can occur.
Control washing and spills
- Avoid washing equipment, transferring chemicals, opening liquid containers and filling tanks where spillage could flow to a creek or stormwater drain.
- Use a broom and dust pan (that is, dry methods) instead of hosing down paved areas.
- Keep large exterior work areas clean to significantly improve water quality.
- Never tip oils, paints, solvents or any pollutant onto the ground or down a drain.
- Prevent spilt materials or wastewater from flowing into stormwater drains.
- Store wastes, oils and chemicals where spills cannot contaminate stormwater.
- Ensure your staff can quickly and effectively block your stormwater drains in an emergency.
- Be prepared for spills and respond to them immediately (do not hose them away).
- Use a tray or bucket to catch spills under work areas.
- Keep machinery clean to identify and rectify faults or leaks.
- Keep a spill kit on site for cleaning up any spills.
Unless you ensure that only clean stormwater flows from your site you could be causing pollution in nearby creeks and rivers.
Useful links