What is soil and water management plan?

A Soil and Water Management Plan is the formal plan designed to control erosion and sedimentation on a building site. It details the specific methods and sediment control to meet the specific site conditions.

This SWMP details the environmental practices to be implemented to ensure that water pollution and erosion and sedimentation are avoided on the Project. The objective is to control sediment and erosion of soil materials and ensure no discharge of untreated sediment laden or contaminated water to catchment areas or stormwater drains. This procedure also details the practices used to ensure that contaminated land and other contaminated materials are managed correctly in the event they are known to be present on site or are unexpectedly discovered during works.

Image on the right refer to : https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Development/Condition-endorsement/Soil-and-water-management-plans

What is the difference between Soil and Water Management Plan and Erosion and Sediment Control Plans

Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) or Soil and water Management plan (SWMP) depends on the size and complexity of the project. Typically, areas of disturbance less than 2,500 m2 (such as single residential allotments) require an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Areas of disturbance greater than 2,500 m2 (such a subdivisions or civil works) typically require a Soil and Water Management Plan.

• Detail the specific methods of erosion and sediments control that will be used to meet the specific site conditions at the various stages of construction.
• Detailed calculations about the soil loss and size of any sediment basins which required on site.
• Locations, calculations and engineering details of any sediment basins.
• Ensure appropriate soil conservation practices (management of soil and water) are implemented and that stormwater runoff is effectively controlled.
• Minimize potential for erosion and subsequent sedimentation of water courses / bodies.
• Ensure adequate drainage and pollution control measures are implemented to manage runoff from disturbed areas of the site.
• Protect downstream water quality;
• Ensure materials that have the potential to be contaminants are not released to any waters either in a direct or indirect manner because of construction activities.
• Provide appropriate management measures required to handle contaminated soils and minimize the potential impact on the environment caused by any potential disturbance of contaminated soils.

Loka Consulting engineers specialises in providing tailored Soil and Water Management Plan along with expert advice to clients in various sectors. Whether it involves carefully reviewing architectural plans.

This plans is required by Councils at the Development Application (DA) stage as well as Construction Certificate stage(CC).