You’ve invested months planning your dream construction project. Blueprints are finalised, teams are on-site, and progress is underway. Then, the unexpected happens. Heavy rains carve gullies through the soil, sediment washes into nearby waterways, and angry calls from environmental authorities flood in.

For construction projects, erosion and sedimentation aren’t just environmental concerns; they’re risks that can spiral into costly delays, penalties, and reputational damage. If you've faced these challenges before, you know the frustration. If you haven’t yet, you want to avoid them entirely.

This is where erosion and sediment control becomes non-negotiable. Effective measures ensure that disturbed soil stays put, water stays clean, and your project stays on track.

But what are the best practices? How do these measures protect the environment? And what regulations govern construction projects in Australia?

This article answers these pressing questions, offering actionable insights into erosion control solutions and the latest advancements helping construction teams prevent soil sedimentation. If you’re ready to protect your project, the environment, and your peace of mind, read on.

What are the most effective erosion and sediment control practices for construction sites?

Erosion and sediment control practices are essential for minimising soil movement and preventing sediment-laden runoff. The best strategies depend on your site’s unique conditions but generally fall into two categories: erosion prevention and sediment containment.

1. Erosion Prevention Measures

• Temporary Vegetative Cover: Planting grass or cover crops on exposed soil stabilises the surface and minimises erosion.
• Mulching: Applying straw or wood chips reduces soil displacement by cushioning the impact of rain.
• Erosion Control Blankets: Geotextile fabrics provide immediate protection for newly graded slopes.
• Contour Trenches: These trenches interrupt water flow, reducing its erosive force on slopes.

2. Sediment Containment Solutions

• Silt Fences: Positioned along the perimeter of construction zones, silt fences trap sediment in runoff water.
• Sediment Basins: These ponds collect runoff, allowing sediment to settle before the water exits the site.
• Check Dams: Small barriers in drainage channels slow water flow, reducing erosion and capturing sediment.
• Gravel Construction Entrances: These prevent vehicles from tracking mud onto nearby roads, reducing sediment spread.

Combining these measures based on site-specific needs creates a comprehensive erosion sediment control strategy that minimises risks throughout the construction process.

How can erosion and sediment control prevent environmental damage during construction?

Without erosion and sediment control, construction sites can wreak havoc on surrounding ecosystems. Runoff laden with soil sedimentation clouds waterways, suffocating aquatic life and disrupting natural habitats. Beyond the environmental cost, sediment pollution leads to regulatory penalties and strained relationships with local communities.

Key Benefits of Erosion and Sediment Control

• Protecting Water Quality: Erosion control solutions prevent soil particles and contaminants from entering streams and rivers.
• Preserving Habitats: Containing sediment ensures nearby plants and wildlife aren’t adversely impacted.
• Reducing Flood Risks: Proper drainage prevents excessive water flow that could lead to downstream flooding.

By proactively managing erosion and sediment, construction projects can operate responsibly, leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

What regulations must be followed for erosion and sediment control on construction projects?

In Australia, erosion and sediment control is regulated to protect natural resources and maintain compliance with environmental standards. Failing to adhere to these rules can result in hefty fines, legal action, and project shutdowns.

Key Regulations and Guidelines

1. Environmental Protection Legislation: Both federal and state governments enforce strict guidelines on runoff management and waterway protection.
2. Sediment and Erosion Control Plans (SECPs): Many councils require SECPs before approving construction projects. These plans outline site-specific measures to manage soil sedimentation effectively.
3. Water Quality Standards: Construction runoff must meet acceptable water quality levels to avoid contamination of nearby water bodies.

It’s essential to consult with local authorities and environmental agencies to ensure compliance. Collaborating with experts who specialise in erosion sediment control can simplify the process, ensuring your project meets regulatory requirements.

How do modern technologies enhance the efficiency of erosion and sediment control measures?

The construction industry is embracing technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of erosion control solutions. From advanced materials to cutting-edge monitoring tools, innovations are helping teams tackle challenges with precision and ease.

1. Smart Erosion Control Products

• Hydromulching: This advanced mulch spray combines seeds, water, and binding agents for rapid soil stabilisation.
• Geotextiles with Sensors: Modern erosion control blankets include sensors that detect moisture levels and soil movement, providing real-time data for maintenance decisions.

2. Remote Monitoring Systems

• Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can survey sites, identify erosion hotspots, and monitor sediment control measures remotely.
• IoT sensors placed around the site track rainfall, runoff, and sediment levels, allowing construction teams to respond proactively to risks.

3. Predictive Modelling Software

• Advanced software analyses site conditions, weather patterns, and soil composition to recommend optimal erosion and sediment control strategies.

These technologies not only enhance efficiency but also reduce costs by reducing manual labour and optimising resource allocation.

Where to Begin with Erosion and Sediment Control in Australia

If you’re managing a construction project, erosion and sediment control should be a priority from day one. Partnering with experts who understand Australia’s unique environmental challenges can make all the difference.

From crafting tailored erosion control solutions to ensuring regulatory compliance, Seed Down’s professional team can help safeguard your project while protecting the surrounding environment.

Need erosion and sediment control for your construction project? Contact us for expert solutions today.

Protect your site and the environment. Explore our erosion sediment control services now.

Get tailored erosion control solutions designed for Australia’s landscapes. Reach out to our team.

“My main goal is to get things right the first time, provide what is required accurately with the minimum waste of resources as possible.”

“The Art of doing twice the work in half time” – Jeff Suntherland (Creator of SCRUM)

Project Scoreboard“

Location: New Intercity Fleet Maintenance project, Central Coast NSW
Team Leader: Renata
#plantsintheground: 240 thousand tube plants and 450 trees
Team: 4
Average of tubes planted in a day: 1950 tubes per worker
Best mark: 2100 tubes per worker per day
Requirements: Online and onsite induction and Rail corridor cards

Note from the Team Leader Renata

We applied Scrum management practices to this project. “My main goal is to get things right the first time, provide what is required accurately with the minimum waste of resources as possible.”

The outcome was an efficient, well priced project, completed on time and best of all… our clients were very happy!

Reference to Scrum…
The Scrum guide was based on the three pillars:

• Transparency
• Inspection
• Adaptation

These pillars were ensuring the team to work collaboratively, adapt to the changes and respect each other’s decisions during work. Along with the processes of Scrum, there come the core Scrum Values:

• Commitment,
• Focus,
• Openness,
• Respect, and
• Courage

The method of work applied by Renata is a great example of why Ecoplant is your planting professional. Our Team Leaders learn and develop themselves and apply their extensive work experience to our clients projects. The outcomes matter to us and we do what it takes.

Hiring contractors or subcontractors provides a helpful solution – as long as you can count on the service being provided!

Why sub-contracting staff makes more sense now than ever before?

No surprises that COVID is making us all do things differently. With uncertain market conditions, all businesses are doing what they can to deliver for their clients. Being able to take on larger or short notice projects gives you an edge, but keeping staff when there isn’t enough work isn’t good business.

Hiring contractors or subcontractors provides a helpful solution as long as you can count on the service being provided.

SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE:

• more flexibility with a specific job, task or project.
• one-off jobs and jobs requiring specialist expertise or fast turnaround.
• enables your permanent staff to concentrate on the core business.
• start the work or project at short notice, even when large numbers of workers are required.
• adaptable contract terms
• Cost effective – costing you you less than increasing your own workforce
• Undergo standardise training for all staff
• Have systems to track quality
• Have hours tracking systems that clock labour on and off
• Have 30 day payment terms

You need to use a subcontractor that offers a diverse range of products and services
Engaging Ecoplant on your next mass planting, landscaping, forestry, civil or revegetation project will mean that you are in safe and reliable hands.

Our teams care about the end product as much as you do. Take a look at our list of services and products below or send us an email for a tailored quote

Contact us today and we would be glad to help you with your next project.

Ecoplant and our allied partners have provided support services, staff and product to this industry for more than a decade.

What is the Landscape Industry worth to the Australian economy?

The Landscape Industry in Australia (in 2018-2019) has a reported revenue of $6 billion with a total profit of $671.2million.

What does this mean?

The Industry consists of around 15,300 business and contributes $1.7 Billion in wages annually. By all accounts, this is a valuable segment of the Australian economy. In the current economic and environmental climate it might just be a shining star! Chart from IBISWorld Industry Report E3291

The below Images are from this years Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards. AIAL champions quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities and greater environmental stewardship.

‘The Landscape Architecture Awards program provides a key vehicle for the promotion of the achievements and work of landscape architects in Australia. It demonstrates to industry, business, government and the wider community the positive impact the profession has on Australian lives through the planning and design of the built and natural environments’

More entries to this years competition can be found here.

Ecoplant and our allied partners, New Era Total and Bluedale Whole sale Nurseries, have provided support services, staff and product to this industry for more than a decade. We are proud to be a part of this Industry, working with and for so many small businesses and employing, training and keeping great staff working. We are also proud to be members of The Landscape Association & Landscape Queensland.

Below are some images from our Landscaping Projects that we have recently completed. We are proud to be contributing to such a great and successful industry.

At Ecoplant in collaboration with Bluedale Wholesale Nursery, we work together to make space to grow more street trees to help our environment!

Why Street trees?

You mean… Apart from the “feel good” factor of having green spaces in our cities?
If your not the tree loving sort, then let’s talk about the impact/value of street

Planting large tree in urban spaces

• Ameliorates the heat island effect
• Reducing wind speed
• Provides shade
• Reduces energy usage

If it’s a question of cost…?

Expense of buying and installing and caring for street trees is not wasted as trees and urban landscapes provide more economically and ecologically than they use. In any comprehensive and fair calculation urban trees and landscapes are worth more than they cost.

A recent Australian National University study found that suburban street trees were more effective than native forests at capturing carbon because of their relative youth. The study was commissioned by the Australian Capital Territory Government as part of refining its climate change strategy and was the first time carbon stocks and carbon storage rates have been measured for an entire state or territory (ABC News 2009).

And here’s a complicated maths sum to demonstrate the point!

At Ecoplant we work alongside our sister company Bluedale Wholesale Nursery to work to make more space to plant and grow more trees in urban landscapes. We use out skills in helping landscape and associated professionals complete projects, on time and within budget, Australia Wide! One of our greatest achievements helping Australia offset carbon emissions by planting over 10 million trees – and counting!

Ref: https://202020vision.com.au/media/1021/moore-urbantreesworthmorethantheycost.pdf

Bark Blowing is a fast, easy way to spread material in a small area. Ecoplant have the skills and equipment to use this technique to get your project done

Bark Blowing is ideal for commercial, residential, sporting grounds, and a variety of other landscaping and garden applications. This cost-effective solution allows you to skip the hassle of time-consuming cleanup and mess.

The machines we use for this technique of bark blowing are the Finn BB302 Bark blower CAN
This technology is capable of pumping both large and small volumes of material
up to 150 metres away from the truck. Our trained operators regularly achieve installation rates of 100 cubic metres per day and in some cases, have installed over 200 cubic metres over short distances in a single day. The distribution hose is small and flexible enough to fit just about anywhere, and has been known to run over fences and walls, through buildings and doorways, down stairs and up embankments. Delivering as much, as consistently, as accurately as truck driven machines that’s what we call efficiency!

If you have any questions or want to know more about this or any of our other services. Contact us today!

In Port Maquarie recently, our Ecoplant planters worked alongside the team at Bluedale Wholesale Nursery to kickstart Spring production.
Team work makes the dream work!

In Port Maquarie recently, our Ecoplant planters worked alongside Dion and the team at our sister company Bluedale Wholesale Nursery, to kickstart Spring production.

We are very lucky to have such great teams, to be able to continue to work safely through COVID, and get production started off on the right foot.

We had 4 propagators and 2 runners – completing approx 10,000 plants in 5 days.

The final planting took 5 days to complete with 6-7 team members from Ecoplant Australia.

Appropriate, well planned and properly executed re-vegetation will ensure a number of benefits for the future sustainability of the habitat and aligning environments and ecosystems.

Why does re-vegetation matter?

Native habitats have degraded to varying degrees in Australia, and indeed worldwide. This makes natural re-vegetation extremely unlikely, leaving damaged habitats without resources to overcome soil erosion, invasion of weeds and feral animals and poor water quality. Re vegetation is necessary to reinstate native vegetation and habitat.

What does re-vegetation do for degraded, damaged habitats?

Appropriate, well planned and properly executed re-vegetation will ensure a number of benefits for the future sustainability of the habitat and aligning environments and ecosystems. Such as:

• Protects, conserves, buffers and enriches native plant communities and wildlife habitat
• Reduces soil and water loss and degradation
• Provides shelter, shade and fodder; a cooler regional climate; carbon sequestration;
• increased soil fertility and productivity;
• more sustainable agriculture;
• timber and other tree products;
• pollination services;
• production of second generation biofuels;
• and improved food, water and energy security.

Factors which influence re-vegetation activity are:

• size and nature of the site
• time and money available
• purpose of the re-vegetation

Appropriate and widely utilised methods for re-vegetation are:

• planting and direct seeding
• broadcasting seed by hand,
• brush matting,
• transferring leaf litter or plugs of topsoil
• transplanting

Re-vegetation projects may not deliver the required or desired benefits if it is not executed with all relevant considerations and without careful planning and implementation it can also be costly in both time and money.
Ecoplant Australia has experience to provide advice, products and installation to make sure your re-vegetation project achieves desired outcomes.

Ecoplant revegetation product list:

• Plastic Sleeve Tree Guards
• Green Guards
• Jute Squares
• Bamboo Stakes
• Cardboard milk cartons
• Plant pills

For more info or to speak to one of our team – Contact

If you want to volunteer to help regenerate Australia – aabr.org.au

Product of the Month: ECOJUTE – 100% Biodegradable Jute Mat 750gsm with 4 slits per m2 $78 excl per roll – Bulk Discounts Apply

Why use Jute Mat?

Breathable and water saving, Jute Matting is the simplest, safest and most cost effective form of erosion control – and better yet, it even promotes new growth on even high inclines.

Jute Mat is needle-punched jute matting with hessian scrim in the centre designed to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture whilst promoting selective plant growth and stability. It is made of natural jute fibres that are extracted from the stem of jute plant. It adds to the mineral content of the soil and is free of synthetic fibres. It is flexible and strong when being laid which allows for foot traffic.

ECOJUTE 750gsm is 1.83m wide x 25m in length and 6mm thickness with 4 slits per m2 for easy plant install.

SANOVIT – “The Natural Plant Starter”

There are a number of differences between “water crystals” and “silicate”. The main purpose of these soil amendments is water retention.

“Water crystals” are essentially cross linked polymers or polyacrylamides. They have the capacity to absorb a large volume of water (some claim up to 300 times the volume of the crystal), but it is generally not known how much of this absorbed water is plant available, due to the tension the water is held at. The swollen crystal consumes much of the air-pore space which plants require in the root zone, thereby restricting drainage though the soil profile. Moreover, the performance of some crystals can be affected by the salinity in the soil.

Silicate, and in this case “Sanoplant”, only holds about 15 times its volume of water, whereafter the excess becomes free draining, so there is no danger of waterlogging or anaerobic conditions in the root zone. Silicate does not absorb or swell up!

“The tiny silicate particles in fact adsorb water – water is attracted to and held on the surface area of the particles.”

Although Sanoplant only holds this relatively small volume, most of it is proven to be plant available, and the air water ratio in the sand remains largely unaffected. Sanoplant is not affected by salinity or other chemicals in the soil, and will store nutrients in the held water which would otherwise be lost to drainage.

Sanoplant is essentially used for improving moisture retention in sandy soils and sand based substrates. It does not contain any nutrient. For a product that performs like Sanoplant and has nutrient, you can turn to SANOVIT. It contains Sanoplant , a biologic slow release fertiliser (for nutrient), and lava granules to ensure aeration in heavier soils. A one stop product ideal for plant establishment! With low phosphorus it suits natives too.

SANOVIT is available in 20 KG Bags $295/excl per bag. Bulk discounts apply