Erosion and sediment control

The department incorporates erosion prevention and sediment control in our construction and maintenance work. Water and wind impact on road infrastructure and the road reserve, creating the need to minimise erosion and avoid sedimentation.

All of our construction and maintenance projects employ sound environmental management practices. Our standard specifications apply where works are likely to disturb land. Erosion and sediment control plans are developed and implemented.

The loss of soil from a construction site can be costly in terms of remediation and replacement. Sediment deposition and suspension in water bodies impacts on water quality and aquatic life. There are two different types of erosion and sediment controls:

• permanent controls (for example, diversion drains, batter chutes and sediment basins) that are designed into the road project
• temporary controls (for example, check dams and sediment fences) that are regularly updated as the construction work progresses.

The Road drainage design manual has further information.

Erosion management and sediment control gallery

 
Gatton Bypass: hydro mulched batter, sand bag check dams in the table drain of seeded grass in jute matting for reinforcement.

 
South East Transit: coir logs act as an obstruction across the flow path which slows the flow and reduces erosion.

 
Beaudesert Nerang Road: high-risk soil that is highly erodible when exposed.

 
Rock mattress: high-risk soils on the Gatton Bypass. Even though precautions have been taken to reduce erosion, the highly dispersive soils have eroded due to concentration of flow.