Technical Specification

Transport and Main Roads Specifications

MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control
November 2021
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Transport and Main Roads Specifications, November 2021

Contents

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Relationship to other documentation .............................................................................................. 1
1.2 Departure from standards ............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Project risk ...................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Erosion and sediment control principles ......................................................................................... 3
2 Definition of terms .........................................................................................................................4
3 Referenced documents .................................................................................................................5
4 Standard test methods ..................................................................................................................6
5 Quality system requirements .......................................................................................................6
5.1 Hold Points, Witness Points and Milestones .................................................................................. 6
6 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan ............................................................................................7
6.1 General ........................................................................................................................................... 7
6.2 Plan requirements ........................................................................................................................... 8
6.3 Personnel – Plan development ....................................................................................................... 9
6.4 Implementation and revision of plan ............................................................................................. 10
7 Erosion and Sediment Control Management – General requirements ................................. 10
7.1 Installation ..................................................................................................................................... 10
7.2 Operation and maintenance ......................................................................................................... 11
7.3 Decommissioning and removal..................................................................................................... 11
8 Erosion and Sediment Control Management – Performance requirements ......................... 11
8.1 Performance requirements ........................................................................................................... 11
9 Administrative requirements ..................................................................................................... 12
9.1 Independent audits ....................................................................................................................... 12
9.2 Cost Recovery .............................................................................................................................. 12
10 Design and technical standards................................................................................................ 13
10.1 Technical standards ...................................................................................................................... 13
10.2 Design requirements ..................................................................................................................... 13
10.2.1 Sediment Basin embankments.................................................................................... 13
10.2.2 Catch drains ................................................................................................................ 13
11 Supplementary requirements .................................................................................................... 14

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

1 Introduction
This Technical Specification applies to the control of erosion and sediment during investigation for and
construction of transport infrastructure projects

This Technical Specification shall be read in conjunction with MRTS01 Introduction to Technical
Specifications, MRTS50 Specific Quality System Requirements, MRTS51 Environmental
Management, MRTS16 Landscape and Revegetation Works and other Technical Specifications as
appropriate. This Technical Specification has not been designed to be used for marine or boating
infrastructure projects.

This Technical Specification forms part of the Transport and Main Roads Specifications Manual.

The Department Transport and Main Roads encourages the early installation of permanent
drainage controls for use as construction erosion and sediment controls where appropriate. Where
permanent controls are to be used, the relevant project drawings and Technical Specification shall
take precedence over the design requirements within this Technical Specification, however the
performance requirements and intent of this Technical Specification must be adhered to.

1.1 Relationship to other documentation

Where other contractual or statutory requirements applicable to the project demand higher standards
of environmental management, the higher standards shall be adopted, where applicable.

This includes but is not limited to:

• conditions of any environmental approvals or licences obtained by Principal or Contractor for

this Contract.

• Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) Procedural Guide - Standard

work method for the assessment of the lawfulness of releases to waters from construction
sites in South East Queensland, and

• State Planning Policy and State Development Assessment Provisions July 2013.

Clause 1 of Annexure MRTS51 provides information on environmental approvals and/or licences

obtained by the Principal that may have erosion and sediment control conditions. The Contractor shall
be responsible for identifying and obtaining any other licences and permits that are required.

1.2 Departure from standards

This Technical Specification utilises the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Best Practice
Erosion and Sediment Control Manual (2008) as the prescribed standard for erosion and sediment
control. The requirements and recommendations set out in this Technical Specification should not be
inferred to preclude innovative or alternative solutions that provide improved value for money or
environmental outcomes that meet the intent and principles of this Technical Specification.

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

Where departures are proposed from either this Technical Specification, the standards established in
the IECA Manual, or a higher standard prescribed under other contractual or statutory requirements
(due to an approved innovation proposal or due to other restrictions) the Contractor must clearly state
the departures from standards within the tender submission. This departure must have prior
agreement from the Principal.

For significant departures, the Contractor is encouraged to use the Guided Tender Alternative
process as per Clause 11.2 of C7821.TIC Conditions of Tendering and obtain in-principal
agreement prior to submission of tender. Clause 17.6 of C7821.TIC Conditions of Tendering
requires that, for all departmental Transport Infrastructure Contracts (TIC), deviations agreed prior
to Contract award, must be recorded within the C7807 Schedule of Deviations.

It must be noted that insufficient space within the road reserve or challenging topographic conditions is
not in itself a reason for departures from the standard. With appropriate staging, areas within the
Works footprint can be used for temporary controls, sediment basin sizes can be reduced through the
use of high efficiency sediment basins, or adjacent land can be obtained through rent or other prior
agreement. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining any necessary areas. In some instances, the
Principal may have pre-negotiated areas for use for sediment and erosion control. Details of these
areas and requirements are given in Clause 1 of Annexure MRTS52. The Contractor must be aware of
and abide by the Notification of Entry requirements contained within General Conditions of Contract.

The Contractor is responsible for temporary erosion and sediment control and for ensuring
that controls are adequately designed, installed, adapted, maintained and decommissioned.

1.3 Project risk

For the purposes of the management requirements required to be employed under this Technical
Specification, the project is deemed to have the Erosion Risk identified in Table 1.3 unless otherwise
nominated in Clause 2 of Annexure MRTS52.

Table 1.3 - Erosion risk level

Erosion Risk Characteristics of risk level

• < 2500 m² disturbed surface area open at any one time OR < 10 t/ha/year
soil loss predicted (using RUSLE), and
Low
• Controls installed and maintained in accordance with prescriptive standard
(for example, Standard Drawings).
Medium • All projects not meeting the characteristics above or below.

Projects with two or more of the following characteristics:

• project duration > 6 months
• project working within or discharging to sensitive environment such as
marine parks, wetlands or waterway
High • soils with high to very high erodibility rating (that is, dispersive soils)
• projects which have > 1 hectare of land exposed during months with
monthly rainfall erosivity (R factor) is greater than 285, and
• topography factor (LS) is greater than 2 or modal slopes on project are
steeper than 15% (6.6 degrees).

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

While Table 1.3 above has been prepared as indicative of likely erosion risk level, there are many
factors that impact on the actual environmental risk. With the breadth of infrastructure projects
delivered by the department including location, duration, season, type and receiving environments,
it is difficult to develop a simple table that will account for every scenario.

Departmental project managers in consultation with design consultants and environmental officers,
are encouraged to state the risk level that is appropriate for their project in Clause 2 of
Annexure MRTS52.

Factors that should be taken into account when determining the project risk level include soil type,
location and timing (rainfall volume, intensity and likelihood), landform (including the ability to install
sediment basins or other erosion and sediment controls).

For projects in locations with highly seasonal rainfall, a project over a long duration may warrant
different erosion risks at different times of year. This may be specified in Clause 2 of
Annexure MRTS52. A date should be set for the change of risk level and a project-specific hold
point be specified in the annexure that the modified ESCP shall be submitted, accepted and
implemented on site, prior to this designated date.

1.4 Erosion and sediment control principles

The primary purpose of installing sediment and erosion controls, is to not cause environmental harm
nor deposit prescribed water contaminants in waterways as per the Environmental Protection
Act 1994 (Qld) (EP Act).

In addition, appropriate erosion control can have the benefit of decreasing soil degradation, hence
improving asset protection and decreasing maintenance costs during and post construction.

Erosion and sediment control for all projects shall be designed, installed, maintained and
decommissioned in accordance with the following principles:

a) erosion and sediment controls are integrated with construction planning

b) effective and flexible erosion and sediment control plans are developed based on soil,
weather, construction conditions and the receiving environment

c) the extent and duration of soil exposure is minimised

d) water movement through the Site is controlled - in particular clean water is diverted around the
Site

e) soil erosion is minimised

f) disturbed areas are promptly stabilised

g) sediment retention on Site is maximised

h) controls are maintained in proper working order at all times, and

i) the Site is monitored and erosion and sediment control practices adjusted to maintain the
required performance standard.

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

2 Definition of terms
The terms in this Technical Specification shall be as defined in Clause 2 of MRTS01 Introduction to
Technical Specifications.

Additional terms used in this Technical Specification shall be as defined in Table 2.

Table 2 – Definition of terms

Term Definition
AEP Annual Exceedance Probability.
The probability that a given rainfall total accumulated over a given
duration, will be exceeded in any one year.
Appropriately qualified Appropriately qualified person(s) is as defined by the administering
person (AQP) authority of the EP Act.
The definition at time of publication of this Technical Specification
relevant to temporary sediment and erosion control is:
A person or persons who has professional qualifications, training,
skills or experience relevant to the nominated subject matter and
can give authoritative assessment, advice and analysis to
performance relative to the subject matter using the relevant
protocols, standards, methods or literature.
The appropriately qualified person(s) should have, or collectively have,
all the following capabilities:
a) A detailed understanding of relevant sections of the following
guidelines and legislation:
i. EP Act and Environmental Protection Regulation
ii. Environmental Protection (Water) Policy
iii. Environment and Heritage Protection Urban Stormwater Planning
Guidelines
iv. Queensland Urban Drainage Manual
v. IECA Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control Manual.
b) An understanding of hydrology and hydraulics, including the ability
to size and determine stabilisation requirements of drainage
structures and treatment devices.
c) An understanding of soil as it relates to revegetation and erosion.
Specifically, the ability to conduct an effective soil sampling
program, interpret results and design management strategies to
address problem soils (pH, sodic, dispersive, and saline).
d) An understanding of appropriate use of the revised universal soil
loss equation (RUSLE) to estimate soil loss.
e) An understanding of the erosion, drainage and sediment controls
considered best practice in Australia and knowledge on the correct
installation, operation and maintenance of these controls.
f) Ability to prepare erosion and sediment control plans of a standard
that is suitable for construction.
g) Has experience in erosion and sediment control and a suitable
environmental or engineering degree from a recognised institution.

Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control:

• A Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)
is a person likely to be appropriately qualified.
DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Queensland).

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Term Definition
EMP(C) Environmental Management Plan (Construction).
Environmental harm As defined by the EP Act, including nuisance, serious and material
environmental harm.
ESC Erosion and Sediment Control.
ESCP Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
Rainfall erosivity The ability of rainfall to cause erosion.

Rainfall erosivity can be determined using the formula Annual Average

erosivity R = 164.74 (1.1177)S x S 0.64444 where S = 2 year ARI, 6 hour
rainfall event (mm/h). The average monthly erosivity is the annual
average erosivity x % rainfall that falls in that month.

Alternatively, rainfall erosivity risk ratings for various towns are

provided in Table 4.4.4 of the IECA Manual.
RUSLE Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) Predictor of erosion
risk based on the estimated annual soil loss.

A = R x K x LS x C x P
A = annual soil loss due to erosion (t/ha/year)
R = rainfall erosivity factor
K = soil erodibility factor
LS = topographic factor based on slope length and gradient
C = cover and management factor
P = erosion control practice factor
Refer to the IECA Manual, Appendix E for further information.
RPEQ Registered Professional Engineer, Queensland.
Type 1, Type 2 and As defined by the IECA Manual ‘Sediment Control Classification
Type 3 controls System’ design guide.

3 Referenced documents
Table 3 lists documents referenced in this Technical Specification.

Unless otherwise specified, a reference to a statute includes its delegated legislation and a reference
to a statute or delegated legislation or a provision of either includes consolidations, amendments,
re-enactments and replacements.

Table 3 - Referenced documents

Reference Title
DEHP Standard Work Procedural Guide - Standard work method for the assessment of the
Method lawfulness of releases to waters from construction sites in South-East
Queensland (Department of Environment and Heritage).
EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) including subordinate
legislation and regulations.
Monitoring and Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018, Environmental Protection
Sampling Manual (Water) Policy 2009, (February 2018).

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Reference Title
IECA Manual International Erosion Control Association Australasia 'Best Practice
Erosion and Sediment Control'.
South-East As defined by Sustainable Planning Regulation or subsequent
Queensland legislation. Includes areas of:
• Brisbane City Council
• Gold Coast City Council
• Ipswich City Council
• Lockyer Valley Regional Council
• Logan City Council
• Moreton Bay Regional Council
• Toowoomba Regional Council (part of)
• Redland City Council
• Scenic Rim Regional Council
• Somerset Regional Council
• Sunshine Coast Regional Council, and
• Noosa Shire Council.
Geotechnical Design Transport and Main Roads Geotechnical Design Standard.
Standard
MRTS03 Drainage, Retaining Structures and Protective Treatments.
MRTS04 General Earthworks.
MRTS16 Landscape and Revegetation Works.
MRTS27 Geotextiles (Separation and Filtration).
MRTS50 Specific Quality System Requirements.
MRTS51 Environmental Management.
Water and Wastewater EPA Guidelines, Regulatory Monitoring and Testing, Water and
Sampling Guidelines Wastewater Sampling (South Australian Environment Protection
Agency, 2007).

4 Standard test methods

Unless stated elsewhere herein, testing shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant Australian
Standard. All laboratory analyses required under this Technical Specification must be carried out by a
laboratory that has National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) certification, or an equivalent
certification, for such analyses.

Soil testing for erosion and sediment control should occur with consideration of and where practicable
in coordination with, the requirements of MRTS16 and MRTS04. This includes the requirements for a
Soil Management Plan – Construction (SMP-C), and for topsoil, subsoil, and acid sulfate soil (pH)
testing.

5 Quality system requirements

5.1 Hold Points, Witness Points and Milestones

General requirements for Hold Points, Witness Points and Milestones are specified in Clause 5.2 of
MRTS01 Introduction to Technical Specifications.

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

The Hold Points applicable to this Technical Specification are summarised in Table 5.1. There are no
Witness Points or Milestones defined in this Technical Specification.

Table 5.1 – Hold Points

Clause Hold Point Witness Point Milestone

6.1 1. Assessment of suitability of Erosion
and Sediment Control Plan for each
stage and/or section of the Works
where required.
7.1 2. Installation of appropriate erosion
and sediment controls in each
section of the Works.

The number of hold points relating to Erosion and Sediment Control will be dependent on the risk
associated with the project.

• For low risk projects, there are likely to be two Hold Points on the project – the first being no
Works to occur prior to the assessment of suitability of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
(ESCP), the second being no earthworks (other than Works necessary to install devices) until
erosion and sediment control devices have been installed.

• For high risk projects, there is likely to be many Hold Points throughout the project, as the
assessment of suitability of the plan and assessment of installation of controls shall be
required for each section or stage of the Works.

6 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan

6.1 General

Before the natural surface is disturbed on a section of the Works, the Contractor shall submit an ESCP
for that section.

An ESCP is required to be prepared for all areas prior to use or disturbance, including auxiliary areas
under the control of the Contractor such as stockpile and storage areas, access and haulage tracks,
temporary waterway crossing, borrow areas, compound areas and material processing areas.

Clearing and grubbing (or the use of the area for stockpiles) for that section, shall not start until
the ESCP for that section is assessed as suitable by the Administrator. Hold Point 1

For high risk projects, multiple ESCPs will be required for sections that have significant cut and fill (for
example, a plan for clearing, a plan for commencement of bulk earthworks and a plan for completion
of earthworks). Prior to significant changes to drainage flow or sediment treatment locations, an
updated ESCP shall be developed and submitted by the Contractor and assessed as suitable by the
Administrator. Each ESCP shall clearly detail the area and work that it is valid for. It is acceptable to
have a primary ‘overarching’ ESCP supplemented by numerous progressive ESCPs on a project.

Timelines for assessment of suitability of ESCP shall be as per Conditions of Contract for the
assessment of EMP(C).

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

6.2 Plan requirements

The ESCP shall be developed in accordance with the principles in Clause 1.4 of this Technical
Specification and taking into account:

• seasonal conditions

• soil types, particularly dispersive, sodic, saline soils and acid sulfate soils

• topography, particularly areas with natural, during construction or final slope > 10%

• local hydrology and drainage affecting the worksite including temporary and overland flow
paths

• specific project issues including no go zones, protected flora and fauna, private property
boundaries, contaminated land; and

• specific project issues and requirements listed in Clause 3 of Annexure MRTS52.

The ESCP shall consist of the following:

a) the Works and area that the plan is valid for

b) the location of major features of the Site, such as waterways, limitations of disturbance areas,
property boundaries and other special features (including sensitive environments,
contaminated land, dispersive soils)

c) contour lines or flow direction arrows sufficient to show direction of waterflow

d) the type and location of all erosion and sediment control measures, including but not limited
to:

i. proposed erosion control measures, including soil treatment and batter stabilisation
methods such as soil binders, geofabric, hydromulching and/or early revegetation

ii. clean and dirty water drainage paths

iii. sediment controls such as sediment basins for all areas greater than one hectare on
medium and high risk sites, and Type 2 and Type 3 controls for other areas

iv. location of nominated discharge points, and

v. Site exit points and controls.

e) the installation sequence and timing of controls including timing of installation of any
permanent Works being relied upon as drainage control during construction

f) list of any deviations from the IECA Manual with regard to the installation, construction and
maintenance of all erosion and sediment control measures (in particular, any deviation from
Book 4 – Design Fact Sheets and Book 6 - Standard Drawings) and justification for such
deviations

g) the response strategy for managing significant rain events, and

h) the person(s) responsible for development of the ESCP, including their experience and
qualifications for determination by the Administrator as to whether Appropriately Qualified.

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

For medium risk sites, the ESCP shall include the above (a to h) and:

i) design calculations for all drainage and sediment control measures, including sediment
basins, earth banks high flow / spillways, outlet structures and drainage lines.

The Administrator may also request to view the calculations for low risk sites.

For high risk sites, the ESCP shall include the above (a to i) and:

j) the qualifications and experience of the independent verifier (refer to Clause 6.3 below) and a
statement from the independent verifier that the ESCP if implemented correctly will meet the
requirements of this Technical Specification

k) the proposed frequency and timing of independent audits (refer to Clause 9.1.2), and

l) the monitoring and maintenance requirements for the project Site, erosion and sediment
controls and receiving environment.

The ESCP for all projects undertaken in South-East Queensland shall comply with Procedural Guide -
Standard work method for the assessment of the lawfulness of releases to waters from construction
sites in South East Queensland (Department of Environment and Heritage).

The number and complexity of the ESPC will vary depending on the size and complexity of the
project.

For low risk projects, the above Technical Specification could be met by one Standard Drawing or
diagram that includes notes on timing of installation of controls.

For high risk and large scale medium projects, the ESCP is likely to consist of multiple sets of
drawings for various areas and various stages of each area. One option for major projects, is for an
overarching ESCP to be developed containing key methods, procedures and features which is then
supplemented by numerous progressive ESCPs. A report detailing assumptions and calculations
for drainage, erosion and sediment controls will also be required.

Note that the response strategy for managing significant rain events may be contained within the
Severe Weather Management Plan or other document.

6.3 Personnel – Plan development

The ESCP shall be prepared and updated by personnel who have the requisite level of training and
experience outlined in Table 6.3, or as modified by Clause 5 of Annexure MRTS52.

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

Table 6.3 - Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – Personnel minimum requirements

Erosion Risk Level

Minimum requirements for plan development and verification
(as per clause 1.3)
ESCP to be prepared by a person who has undertaken environmental
Low representative training and has at least 5 years’ experience in relevant
construction type (for example, roadwork construction).
• ESCP to be prepared by Appropriately Qualified Person(s) (see
definitions) with experience in relevant construction type (for example
Medium general road projects).
• Drawings and design for any items that are a Prescribed Engineering
Service (PES) shall be certified by an RPEQ.
• ESCP to be prepared by Appropriately Qualified Person(s) (see
definitions) with experience in relevant construction type (for example
major road projects).
High • Drawings and design for any items that are a PES shall be certified by
an RPEQ.
ESCP to be reviewed and deemed suitable by an independent verifier
who is an Appropriately Qualified Person.

The Contractor must submit details of the person preparing the ESCP and the verifier to the
Administrator with the ESCP for determination of suitability by Administrator. The Contractor may
submit details prior to engagement of said person(s).

6.4 Implementation and revision of plan

The Contractor shall:

a) implement the ESCP

b) monitor the continued effectiveness of the ESC during the contract, and

c) update the ESCP where necessary.

The ESCPs shall be updated in accordance with Clause 5.1 of this Technical Specification and
updated such that all major drainage paths and Type 1 sediment treatment devices are shown
correctly. The updates shall be undertaken by personnel approved as suitable by the Administrator
(that is, who has the requisite level of training and experience outlined in Table 6.3, or as modified by
Clause 4 of Annexure MRTS52.

7 Erosion and Sediment Control Management – General requirements

7.1 Installation

As soon as practicable and prior to initial earthworks operations (clearing and grubbing) for any stage
or section of the Works, the Contractor must install erosion and sediment controls (including sediment
traps, catch banks and diversion drains) associated with drainage paths flowing through the Works
area. The completion of these activities will be a Hold Point 2 for any further earthworks.

Where clearing is required in order to construct or install the erosion and sediment controls, this shall
be discussed and approved by the Administrator.

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7.2 Operation and maintenance

The Contractor shall maintain all erosion and sediment controls in effective working order, including
reconfiguring drainage lines as required during the construction process, to ensure dirty water is
directed into sediment controls at all times.

Reuse of the water collected in sediment ponds or basins for dust suppression and roadworks, is
preferred over release into the environment. Where water is being stored for dust suppression, the
required design capacity of the basins shall be available.

Sediment basins and other sediment controls shall be operated and maintained in a manner that
minimises the risk of environmental harm. The design capacity of the upper settling volume shall be
made available within 120 hours of the most recent rainfall event which causes runoff.

The sediment storage zone shall be maintained at all times, with the accumulated sediment removed
in a manner that does not allow the sediment to be conveyed into a watercourse or offsite.

Where coagulants or flocculants are used to treat stormwater, they must not cause harm to the
receiving waters or environment. A jar test or streaming current detector (SCD) must be used to
estimate volumes of the coagulant or flocculant required and to reduce the risk of overdosing.
Coagulants or flocculants containing aluminium (including alum and polyaluminium chloride (PAC)
shall not be used when water is being discharged to an acidic environment where natural pH is less
than 6.0 (such as wallum stream or wetland).

The greatest environmental risk from coagulants / flocculants exists when overdosing has occurred.
This risk can be mitigated by discharging water from sediment basin that has been flocced into a
drainage channel, rather than directly into a waterway. For projects using coagulants other than
gypsum, this practice is recommended.

7.3 Decommissioning and removal

The Contractor shall remove temporary controls when permanent measures are in place and/or Site
stabilisation has occurred. This should occur prior to the end of the Defects Liability Period or the end
of the Landscape and Revegetation Works Monitoring Period whichever is the later. The Contractor
will not receive a Final Certificate until these temporary controls have been removed from the Site.

Any areas used for erosion and sediment control shall be rehabilitated to the satisfaction of
Administrator.

8 Erosion and Sediment Control Management – Performance requirements

8.1 Performance requirements

There shall be no erosion resulting from construction practices unless there are provisions within the
worksite to manage resultant sediment.

Releases from Site must not cause scour at the area of discharge. Water must only be released at the
discharge point nominated within the ESCP and as deemed acceptable by the Administrator. Any
modification to discharge point must be agreed by the Administrator.

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

The Contractor’s erosion and sediment controls shall be sufficient to achieve the water quality
investigation criteria for Discharge, land and Waterways in accordance with Clause 8.2.2 of MRTS51
Technical Specification.

9 Administrative requirements
The ESCP is an annexure to the EMP(C) defined in MRTS51 Environmental Management. Unless
specified otherwise in this Technical Specification, all requirements defined in Clause 6 and 7 of
MRTS51 Environmental Management will apply to MRTS52.

9.1 Independent audits

In addition to MRTS51 administrative requirements, for sites determined to have a high erosion
risk (assessed against the criteria of Table 1.3 of this Technical Specification and as nominated in
Clause 2 of Annexure MRTS52) the Contractor shall engage an independent Appropriately Qualified
Person (AQP). The AQP shall assess the compliance of ESC measures against:

• this Technical Specification

• the accepted ESCP

• ESCP principles (as defined in Section 1.4), and

• discharge limits.

The Contractor shall submit the independent review report to the Administrator, with proposed and
completed actions undertaken to address the identified issues, not more than seven days following the
audit.

Unless modified by Clause 5.1 of Annexure MRTS52 the Contractor shall allow for a minimum of three
independent audits for each stage of the project, for example: one audit immediately following clearing
and grubbing and one audit during cut and fill and one audit at the end of major earthworks.

Management and reporting of non-conformances and incidents relating to erosion and sediment
control, shall be as per requirements for environmental non-conformances and incidents (Clause 5.2
of MRTS51). Notification to the Administrator or the Principal does not in any way negate the
requirements on the Contractor to notify DEHP, other regulatory authorities and landowners under the
Environmental Protection or other Acts.

Transport and Main Roads may elect to nominate a greater frequency such as monthly if desired, or
nominate high frequency for areas around sensitive environments.

9.2 Cost Recovery

The Administrator reserves the right to seek costs against the Contractor for incidents that cause
environmental harm. The costs shall correspond to the cost for additional administration of the
contract (which may include investigation of the incident, internal and external reporting of incident,
meetings and correspondence). The costs shall be recovered based on the hourly rate listed in
Clause 5 of MRTS52 Annexure.

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10 Design and technical standards

10.1 Technical standards

The Contractor shall ensure sediment and erosion controls are designed, installed and maintained in
accordance with the IECA Manual (particularly Book 4 – Design Fact Sheets and Book 6 – Standard
Drawings) and manufacturers' specifications, except as modified by design requirements in
Clause 10.2 below.

Where controls will become permanent, the relevant Technical Specification shall have precedence,
for example:

• MRTS03 Drainage, Retaining Structures and Protective Treatments shall apply for drainage
controls that become permanent including sheet or strip filter drains.

• MRTS16 Landscape and Revegetation Works shall apply for permanent

revegetation (including Technical Specifications for cover crop to be included within
permanent seed mixes), and

• MRTS27 Geotextiles (Separation and Filtration) shall apply for geotextiles that are part of the
permanent Works.

10.2 Design requirements

Controls shall be designed to have the capacity and structural strength specified in Table 10.2.

Table 10.2 - Design requirements

Disturbed area open for:

Item
0 – 12 months 12 – 24 months > 24 months
Drainage controls
• Diversion drains 39.3 % AEP 18.13% AEP ~10% AEP
• Channels (2 year ARI) (5 year ARI) (10 year ARI)
• Batter chutes
Sediment basins 80th percentile five day rain event
Projects adjacent to sensitive receiving waters: 85th percentile,
five day rain event
Sediment basin inlet 18.13% AEP ~10% AEP 10% AEP
(5 year ARI) (10 year ARI) (~10 year ARI)
Sediment basin – 5% AEP 5% AEP 2% AEP
Emergency outlet, (~20 year ARI) (~20 year ARI) (~50 year ARI)
embankments

10.2.1 Sediment Basin embankments

Fill materials used for the construction of sediment basin embankment shall be in accordance with
Clause 14.2.6 of MRTS04. The material shall be compacted to not less than 97% in accordance with
requirements stipulated in Table 15.3(b) of MRTS04. The stability requirements shall be as per
Section 2 of Geotechnical Design Standard.

10.2.2 Catch drains

Triangular V drains (Type B catch drains as shown in IECA Standard Drawing CD-01: Catch Drains)
shall not be installed in areas with dispersive soil.

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Technical Specification, MRTS52 Erosion and Sediment Control

11 Supplementary requirements
The requirements of MRTS52 Sediment and Erosion Control are varied by the additional requirements
specified in Clause 6 of Annexure MRTS52.

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