Non-Engineered Erosion & Sediment Control Documentation: What Small Builders Need to Know (VIC)
Small building projects in Victoria often require non-engineered erosion and sediment control documentation. This article explains the purpose of ESC notes, what they typically include, and how they differ from engineered designs. It provides practical guidance for builders preparing documentation for council review.
Erosion and sediment control (ESC) is an important aspect of construction, particularly on sites with disturbed soil, slopes or areas close to drainage paths. Councils across Victoria often request documentation demonstrating that sediment controls will be implemented during works.
This article outlines the role of non-engineered ESC documentation, which is the type typically required for small to mid-size building projects. It does not cover engineered ESC plans or hydrological modelling.
What “Non-Engineered” ESC Documentation Means
Non-engineered ESC documentation refers to:
Practical site notes
Standard control descriptions
Basic layout references
Housekeeping measures
Access management details
It is not a technical or engineered design.
No modelling or hydrological analysis is included.
This is the level of documentation most Victorian councils expect for residential and small commercial projects.
Why Councils Request ESC Documentation
Councils request ESC documentation to confirm that:
Sediment will be contained on-site
Stockpiles will not enter drainage lines
Construction traffic will not spread sediment
Soil disturbance remains controlled
Basic environmental practices will be followed
The council’s goal is clarity, not engineering detail.
Common Inclusions in Non-Engineered ESC Documents
Typical components include:
Sediment Controls
Common notes include:
Silt fencing
Sediment traps
Ground cover management
Containment measures around stockpiles
Site Access
Documentation often outlines:
Stabilised access points
Vehicle containment measures
Management of mud tracking
Stockpile Management
Basic notes covering:
Placement location
Covering materials
Drainage considerations
Drainage Path Protection
Documentation may include descriptions of:
Keeping sediment away from natural or constructed drains
Basic precautions to avoid runoff
Housekeeping Measures
Usually includes:
Daily clean-up
Litter and waste containment
Temporary storage areas
What This Documentation Does Not Provide
To prevent confusion, it is important to outline the exclusions:
No hydrology
No engineering calculations
No formal ESC design
No WSUD elements
No stormwater compliance design
No certification
This documentation supports compliance but does not replace technical advice where required.
When a Builder Should Seek an Engineer or WSUD Specialist
Escalation may be required if:
The site has complex drainage issues
There are waterways or wetlands nearby
The council specifies engineered controls
There are high stormwater sensitivity areas
Large commercial/industrial construction is planned
Most single dwellings and small developments do not require engineering involvement for ESC, unless explicitly requested.
Benefits of Clear Non-Engineered ESC Documentation
Small builders benefit from:
Fewer council queries
Reduced delays before starting work
Clear expectations for trades on site
Consistency across documents
Ability to standardise processes across multiple projects
Conclusion
Non-engineered ESC documentation is a straightforward but important component of many Victorian planning and construction processes. Clear, site-specific notes help reduce council feedback and support practical environmental management on-site.
For more detail on Attera’s ESC documentation services, visit:
Erosion & Sediment Control