Shoalhaven developers and builders are being encouraged to ensure they have the correct sediment and erosion control measures in place to protect the local stormwater system.
Council's Environmental Health Officers are appealing to the construction industry during Stormwater Awareness Week, from 23 September, and will be conducting site inspections targeting building sites and new subdivisions next month.
Stormwater is water that runs off land into drains, particularly during rain events. Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated before it enters creeks, rivers and oceans, and can therefore have an enormous impact on the natural environment.
"Unfortunately, too often we observe construction sites where sediment has been allowed to flow into our drains, polluting our waterways and blocking our stormwater infrastructure," said Manager Environmental Services, Dr Michael Roberts.
"With the right measures in place, our local builders can take pride in the work they do to keep contaminants out of the Shoalhaven's beautiful waterways," Dr Roberts said.
Failing to put these protections in place can attract on-the-spot fines under the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 for individuals up to $22,500 and for organisations up to $45,000, if water pollution occurs,
During Council's last inspection blitz in May 2024, 68 per cent of sites were compliant on the first visit from an officer and increased to 80 percent on reinspection.
"The state average for compliance on second inspection during the October 2023 Get the Site Right campaign was at 67 per cent, so we're delighted local builders have been working hard to reduce their environmental footprint," Dr Roberts said.
"I would still like to see that figure improve and we will continue to take a proactive approach to educate construction workers and protect our waterways."
