Is your building site washing down the street after heavy rain? On a building site, your builder must keep soil on your lot and out of the gutter and stormwater drains. As the owner, it pays to know what good erosion and sediment control looks like so you can spot when it's missing.
Erosion is soil being worn away by wind and water. Sediment is that soil ending up somewhere it shouldn't, like the street, your neighbour's yard or the creek. Here's how it's controlled, on a building site and on an established property.
C3 - Sediment + Erosion Control Checklist
$59.00 AUD
Last updated 5 Oct 2026 · Revision 1 · Free updates for life
Checklist Type: Minor
Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 9 pages)
When to use: Site works and construction (start of build to handover)
A 52-point checklist to inspect sediment and erosion controls on your build site, from fences and entry pads to stockpiles, drains and washout, so the site stays compliant.
Understanding Sediment Control and Erosion
Erosion happens when soil is loosened and carried away by water or wind. The most common types are sheet erosion (thin layers of soil stripped evenly) and rill erosion (small channels). Gullies are larger channels that usually need professional help to fix.
Controlling water erosion
The key is managing rainwater runoff:
- Direct downpipes away from foundations and onto grass or gravel or use temporary downpipes connected to the stormwater system. This prevents soil saturation and minimises runoff.
- Install silt fences, sediment traps or diversion drains to redirect runoff and capture sediment. Trench the bottom of silt fences into the ground (about 150–200 mm) and backfill so water can't get underneath.
- Stabilise exposed soil with vegetation, mulch, gravel, or geotextiles as soon as possible.
- For rills and small gullies, use check dams, rock (riprap) or geotextiles to slow the water and trap sediment.
- Grade and re-vegetate yards to minimise steep slopes. The gentler the slope, the less erosion will occur.
- Avoid clearing land or compacting soil whenever possible. Both destroy vegetation and soil structure, increasing runoff and erosion.
- In Queensland, letting sediment leave your site can breach the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and council local laws, and councils can issue on-the-spot fines. Your builder's approved plans should include an erosion and sediment control plan. Ask to see it.
Developing an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Every building site should have an erosion and sediment control plan. If you're managing your own property, here's how to put one together.
First, walk the site and note problem areas: bare soil, gullies, and places where water flows heavily or concentrates (driveways, paths, roof drainage).
Next, choose control measures. Silt fences, gravel bags and temporary bunds filter and divert sediment. Re-vegetate bare areas, and re-grade slopes to a more stable angle if needed.
Fix the big issues first, especially anything affecting waterways, neighbours or structures.
Do major earthworks in dry weather, and have temporary controls in place before the wet season, left there until vegetation is established.
Finally, maintain it. Inspect controls regularly, especially after heavy rain, and repair any damage quickly.
Implementing Effective Sediment Control Measures
Once you know where the problems are, put the right controls in place to keep soil on site and slow down runoff.
Install silt fencing
A silt fence catches sediment as water flows through it. Install it along the contour of slopes, at the low side of disturbed areas and around soil stockpiles. Bury the bottom 150–200 mm into the ground so water can't flow underneath.
Re-vegetate bare ground
Grass, trees and shrubs stabilise soil, slow runoff and trap sediment. Hydroseeding (spraying a slurry of seed, fertiliser and mulch) works well on large areas; hand seeding with topsoil or compost works for small patches.
Create diversion channels
To keep runoff away from exposed soil, dig shallow channels across the slope and divert the water to a grassed area or sediment trap. Line them with rock, vegetation or erosion control matting, and keep them clear.
Minimise soil disturbance
Limit excavation, grading and compaction, especially on steep slopes. Stage the work so less soil is exposed at once, and stockpile topsoil to re-spread when you're done.
Inspecting and Maintaining Your Sediment Controls
Controls only work if they're maintained. Check them regularly, especially after heavy rain, and fix problems straight away.
Inspect Barriers
Walk along the silt fences and gravel bags. Look for tears, holes, collapsed sections or stakes that have come loose, and repair them straight away. Replace gravel bags that are splitting or slumping. Sediment escapes through even small gaps.
Clear Sediment Buildup
Check for sediment built up along silt fences, gravel bags and stormwater inlet protection. Shovel it out and dispose of it properly, not just spread around the site. Built-up sediment lets runoff bypass the controls.
Stabilise Exposed Soil
Look for rills, gullies or sediment deposits on bare soil. Rough up the surface and re-seed or re-plant as needed. Mulch, erosion control blankets or turf mats protect the soil until plants establish.
Tips for Minimising Erosion and Sedimentation on Your Property
Once you're living there, a few simple habits keep erosion under control.
Stabilise exposed soil
Bare soil erodes. Cover it with mulch, gravel or plants as soon as possible.
Direct water runoff away from soil
Make sure gutters and downpipes discharge to the stormwater system or a rainwater tank, not onto bare soil or against the foundations.
Reinforce creek banks and shorelines
Creek banks and shorelines are especially prone to erosion. Plant shrubs, trees and grasses along the water's edge, and consider rock, retaining walls or gabion baskets for extra protection (check with council first).
Limit disturbance
Avoid clearing vegetation, regrading or driving vehicles over soil where you can. Plan earthworks for the drier months.
Check local regulations
Councils have local laws covering sediment, filling, regrading, clearing and working near watercourses. Check with your council before you start, because breaches can mean fines.
The Bottom Line
On a building site, sediment control is your builder's responsibility, so check it at every site visit using the C3 checklist. At home, a few simple controls will keep your soil where it belongs.
Test yourself
Five quick questions on this topic. Click a question to see the answer.
Why are wash bays preferred when working near fragile environments?
Because turbidity control is critical in such areas.
Why is it important to include construction personnel in the design team for ESCPs?
To achieve practical outcomes based on construction experience.
What can be a consequence of excessive use of sediment fences in an ESCP?
It can be ineffective and financially wasteful.
What is the significance of soil classification groups in an Erosion Hazard Assessment Form?
They help determine the soil's susceptibility to erosion.
What is an important consideration when developing an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP)?
Familiarity with local rules and regulations.
Further Reading
I highly encourage anyone interested in ESC planning and measures to take a look at Catchments & Creeks website. It has so much information on the topic you'll wonder why you haven't come across it before.
