Earthworks – Erosion and Sediment Control in Canterbury

Soil erosion is a natural process, but rates can be accelerated by human land uses. The impact of erosion and sedimentation on our waterways is an increasing problem as growth continues throughout Canterbury.

Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines

Erosion and Gravel in Stream

Environment Canterbury has worked together with major developers and local contractors to prepare a comprehensive set of guidelines and training opportunity for minimising erosion and sediment generation.

A range of detailed measures for earthworks, including; residential and commercial subdivisions, roading, some forestry works, quarries, cleanfills and landfills, stream works, installation of utility services and housing construction on individual small sites are covered within the guidelines.

The guidelines are available for download in PDF format, or you can purchase a printed or a CD copy through our customer services team. Read more about how you can download and/or purchase a guideline.

Who should use the guidelines?

The Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines are for:

Developers, consultants and contractors who are involved with earthworks.
City, district and regional council staff who are assessing consent applications and doing compliance monitoring of consented works and permitted activities under the Resource Management Act.
People who are constructing houses on individual small sites should first refer to the Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Small Sites, available in PDF downloads.

Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines ~ Training Workshops

Environment Canterbury is pleased to offer workshops for contractors, consultants, and local authority staff on the erosion and sediment control guidelines and how to effectively control erosion and sedimentation.

Gravel & Sediment in Stream Read more about the Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines Training Workshops.

Erosion and Sediment Control Guideline for Small Sites

This guide aims to provide simple, effective and realistic advice on how to adopt control methods to ensure the best site protection. By making a few simple changes to your site and daily practices, you will be contributing to a pollution free environment for us all, to enjoy both now and in the future.

You can download the Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Small Sites and a pocket guide in PDF format.