Erosion and Sediment Control—WSUD During the Construction Phase of Land Development

Abstract

Abstract The construction phase is often overlooked when considering the impacts of land development on water quality. This aspect of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is known as “erosion and sediment control” (ESC) and its name reflects the key processes that need to be managed. This chapter examines the impacts and magnitude of sediment loads generated during the construction phase and compares this with the loads generated during the operational phase of development, which has traditionally been the major focus of WSUD in Australia. The methods used to manage these impacts is explored, firstly through an examination of the policy approaches used in different jurisdictions and secondly at a technical level through a review of management measures and technical innovations. The success of these approaches is then considered by benchmarking compliance levels and examining different approaches to regulation. Finally, the chapter discusses overlaps with the operational phase of WSUD infrastructure, which occurs during the conversion or decommissioning of ESC measures at the end of the construction phase.