On-Site Erosion and Sediment Control: Top Ten Tips to Keep Soil and Water in Check
Protecting Australia’s land and water through practical on-site management
Managing erosion and sediment is essential to protecting Australia’s creeks, rivers and coastal waters from long-term degradation. Whether your project operates under approval conditions or client requirements, small actions taken on site can prevent major environmental harm downstream.
At Applied Environment & Safety (AES), we help clients implement erosion and sediment control plans, provide specialist on-site advice, and conduct inspections and training to keep sites compliant and efficient.
To support your team, we’ve developed a free, practical field resource, On-Site Erosion and Sediment Control: Top Ten Tips to Keep Soil and Water in Check, a simple guide to help crews spot issues early, reduce runoff, and maintain effective controls in the field.
Get your free copy of “On-Site Erosion and Sediment Control: Top Ten Tips to Keep Soil and Water in Check”, a concise, illustrated checklist designed for construction sites, building works, and infrastructure projects.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
- Identify erosion risks before they escalate
- Improve drainage and flow direction
- Apply simple, field-tested erosion and sediment control measures
- Protect vegetation and stabilised areas
- Reduce sediment discharge and protect water quality
Prevent erosion. Protect the environment. Keep the site safe.
What’s Inside the Guide
The guide includes 10 field-ready tips to help site teams maintain control over erosion and sediment, whether during starting work, excavation, or rehabilitation.
1. Watch Water Flow
Water always follows the path of least resistance. Walk your site after rainfall and check for new channels or gullies. Redirect clean water early using bunds or perimeter drains. The goal is to prevent concentrated flow from gaining speed.
2. Protect Vegetation
Vegetated areas act as natural erosion buffers – slowing runoff, trapping sediment, and stabilising soil. Avoid driving or storing materials on these zones. Use fencing or signage to protect grassed areas from damage.
3. Keep Clean Water Out
Clean water should never mix with exposed soil. Use bunds, diversion drains or perimeter controls to redirect runoff around the work area, reducing sediment load and protecting downstream land and water.
4. Direct Drainage Correctly
Guide water away from slopes and stockpiles. Stabilise drains with rock, turf or matting to prevent scouring and reduce velocity.
5. Slow Water Down
Install check dams, coir logs or mulch bunds to reduce water speed. Slowing runoff allows sediment to settle before reaching waterways.
6. Act Fast on Erosion
If you see erosion starting, fix it immediately. Even small rills can deepen quickly during rain. Cover bare soil or install temporary controls to prevent sediment from entering stormwater systems.
7. Break Up Large Areas
Divide large catchments into smaller ones using bunds or barriers. This reduces water velocity and improves inspection efficiency on construction sites.
8. Stick to the Plan
Your Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) should guide every decision. If conditions change or you find a better solution, document it and update your plan with supervisor approval.
9. Install Controls Properly
Controls only work if installed correctly. Check for gaps in sediment fences or bunds that allow water to bypass; small mistakes can lead to major compliance issues.
10. Maintain Regularly
Inspect controls before and after rain. Remove sediment buildup and repair damage quickly to maintain effective sediment control measures and prevent erosion over time.
Why These Tips Matter
Poor site management can cause environmental harm, reduce water quality, and lead to costly enforcement action. Implementing simple measures, such as controlling sedimentation and maintaining stormwater systems, helps projects stay compliant, safe and sustainable.
These tips are part of AES’s broader commitment to implementing erosion and sediment control best practices on every project, from urban stormwater upgrades to large-scale construction projects.
Get Started Today
Ready to strengthen your site’s environmental performance?
For additional support, AES offers:
- Training on preventing erosion and managing sediment effectively
Contact AES today to discuss how we can help protect your site and the environment.