Free stormwater management checklist

• The MapTrack stormwater management checklist contains 25 checks across 5 sections. Sections covered: Erosion Controls, Sediment Traps, Drainage, Chemical Storage, Monitoring.
• Site details: site name, address, project stage (construction, operational), inspection date, weather forecast.
• Erosion controls: silt fences intact and properly keyed in, sediment basins at capacity or cleared, stabilised access points.
• Sediment controls: sediment traps functioning, check dams in swale drains, filter socks around drain inlets.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• Environmental protection: verifies that stormwater controls prevent sediment, chemicals and waste from entering waterways.
• EPA compliance: documents that stormwater management conditions in EPA licences and development approvals are being met.
• Erosion control: inspections catch degraded silt fences, destabilised batters and exposed soil before rain events cause erosion.
• Pollution prevention: identifies chemical storage issues, fuel leaks and waste near drains that could contaminate stormwater.
• Cost avoidance: preventing stormwater pollution avoids EPA fines, clean-up orders and remediation costs.
• Development approval compliance: construction sites must demonstrate ongoing stormwater management for council and certifier inspections.

• Site details: site name, address, project stage (construction, operational), inspection date, weather forecast.
• Erosion controls: silt fences intact and properly keyed in, sediment basins at capacity or cleared, stabilised access points.
• Sediment controls: sediment traps functioning, check dams in swale drains, filter socks around drain inlets.
• Drain protection: drain guards or filter socks in place at all stormwater inlets, no visible sediment or debris in drains.
• Chemical and fuel storage: bunded areas intact, no spills or staining around storage areas, drip trays under generators.
• Vehicle wash and concrete washout: designated wash areas used, washout contained, no washwater entering stormwater system.
• Dewatering: dewatering activities approved, discharge water tested or treated before release, discharge point monitored.
• Stockpiles: soil and material stockpiles covered or stabilised, located away from drainage lines.
• Monitoring: stormwater quality monitoring results (if required by licence), turbidity or pH readings at discharge points.
• Corrective actions: non-conformance description, corrective action, responsible person, target date.
• Sign-off: inspector name, role, date, next inspection due.

1. Review the stormwater management plan and check the weather forecast

   Before the site walk, review the approved stormwater management plan and the erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP). Check the weather forecast for the coming 48 hours to assess rain risk. Prioritise inspections before forecasted rain events to ensure controls are in place.

2. Inspect all erosion and sediment controls

   Walk the site perimeter checking silt fences for tears, undermining and sediment build-up. Inspect sediment basins for capacity (desilting is typically required when 60% full). Check stabilised entry and exit points for tracked sediment. Verify that exposed soil on disturbed areas is stabilised with cover crops, mulch or geotextile.

3. Check drain protection and discharge points

   Inspect every stormwater drain inlet on site for filter socks, grate guards or sediment traps. Confirm no sediment, chemicals or waste materials are visible in drains. Check discharge points for water quality (turbidity, oil sheen, colour). If monitoring is required, collect samples and record results.

4. Inspect chemical storage, vehicle wash and stockpile areas

   Verify chemical and fuel storage areas are bunded, sealed and free of staining. Confirm vehicle wash and concrete washout areas are contained and not discharging to the stormwater system. Check that material stockpiles are covered or stabilised and located away from drainage paths.

5. Record non-conformances and schedule corrective actions

   Log all non-conformances with a description, corrective action, responsible person and target date. Damaged silt fences and blocked drain protection should be repaired before the next rain event. Sign the checklist and file it with the site environmental management records. Schedule the next inspection.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) - Water pollution offences
• Landcom Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction (Blue Book)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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