Stormwater

Formed in 2011, the Northern Tasmanian Stormwater Working Group (NTSWG) brings together the eight councils in the northern region, along with TasWater and the EPA to improve stormwater management. This program aims to manage threats to water quality and the ecological health of the Kanamaluka / Tamar estuary that are linked to stormwater pollution, through continued improvement to management and industry education.

Focus

 

A key role of the NTSWG is to facilitate increased implementation of Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC) practices and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) throughout the northern region. To minimise pollutants entering the waterways from runoff into the stormwater system, the NTSWG aims to raise community awareness about how everyone can improve stormwater management.

There are plenty of things we can do at home to prevent pollutants from mixing in with stormwater including improving garden designs to minimise erosion, eliminating toxic substances and nutrients from flowing into drains, installing rainwater tanks, absorbent yards or raingardens, and placing rubbish into waste bins.

Value

 

Stormwater is a term used to describe rainwater runoff in urban areas from roofs, driveways, roads, car parks, paved areas, gardens, and other open spaces. Some stormwater soaks into the ground, evaporates or is captured by rainwater tanks, but most enters stormwater drains and flows directly into our natural waterways which are home to sensitive aquatic animals and plants and are used for recreational and economic activities.

Historically, dense vegetation helped to slow rainwater runoff and minimised erosion, however vegetation clearing and installation of sealed surfaces (roads, car parks, roofs, etc.) through urban development increases the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants entering waterways.

Delivery

Through the NTSWG, the TEER Program works with program partners to:

  • improve Erosion and Sediment Control practices throughout the region

  • facilitate increased adoption of Water Sensitive Urban Design

  • improve statewide consistency in managing stormwater quantity and quality

  • raise community awareness about how everyone can improve to stormwater quality.

The TEER Program has worked with the Derwent Estuary Program, the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), and several local government representatives to develop the Tasmanian Stormwater Policy Guidance and Standards for Development (TSPG). The TSPG is designed to be used by councils to develop policy on stormwater management and support consistency across the state.

Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC)

Exposed soils such as sediment are easily washed away during rainfall events. Studies have shown that sediment loss from urban areas can contribute substantial sediment loads to local waterways. Large amounts of sediment in waterways can be harmful to aquatic organisms including fish and plants, and can silt up steams and block stormwater pipes, leading to increased flooding. Sediment also often transports other pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons from building and construction sites into local waterways. Subsequently, it is important to adopt best practice soil and water management measures on site during building and construction activities.

The TEER Program facilitates E&SC training for industry and council partners to maintain currency in understanding best practice to reduce sediment and pollutant run-off from construction sites. The TEER Program also partners with Master Builders Tasmania and the Derwent Estuary Program to reward commercial and residential builders for good examples of E&SC on site. For more information including access to fact sheets and guidelines, visit our Erosion and Sediment Control page.

 

Quick Q&A