One of the biggest sources of pollution in our waterways is building and construction waste. As a result, KESAB has introduced the Clean Site education program, which looks to prevent pollution from building and construction sites entering our waterways and polluting our environment.
The aims of the Clean Site program are to provide educational information, industry training and to promote positive examples of clean site practices.
Even around the home there are many activities that have the potential to pollute local waterways. If you are building a new home or doing renovations it is important to be aware of 'clean site' practices.
You can do your bit for the environment by making sure you or your contractor ensures that sediment, concrete, sand and rubbish does not end up going down the stormwater drain.
Keeping our rivers, creeks and beaches free from pollution is up to all of us. We all live in a catchment area, and this means that anything we allow to enter the stormwater system can end up in our waterways.
How does building have an effect on the environment?
Stormwater acts as a carrier for pollution picked up from various sources including private properties, public places and building sites and transported through drains to our waterways and coasts.
Litter is one of the most visible forms of stormwater pollution. However, contaminants such as sediments, detergents, fertilisers and oil all add up to cause an impact on the environment.
Sediment is a particular problem in our waterways because it smothers aquatic plants and animals and silts up creeks, rivers, reservoirs and dams.
We, as community members, all have a role in looking after our water resources.
In the driest state in the driest developed continent in the world, we must make the most of our resources.