Managing earthworks
This page contains information about controlling erosion and sediment from earthworks and other soil disturbing activities, resource consent requirements for earthworking, background on the effects of sedimentation in Wellington waterways and opportunities for workshops and further training. Click here for a fuller definition of earthworks and how they are managed through our regional plans
What is the issue with earthworks?
Earthworks from housing developments, cleanfilling, roading, forestry and farming activities can cause erosion and the release of sediment – sand, silt and clay that is broken down by processes of weathering and erosion – into waterways and the coast
Though sediment occurs through natural weathering and erosion, human activities can make it worse, causing a decline in both the quality and clarity of water in waterways and on the coast, and the habitats of plant and animal communities that depend on and enjoy these environments.
Guidelines and documents
Greater Wellington has produced documents to assist you in managing erosion and sediment during earthworks and soil disturbing activities.
Guidelines
The Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for the Wellington Region (2002) provide an overview of best practices on earthworks sites.
Greater Wellington's Small earthworks – Erosion and sediment controls for small sites is a pocket guide to use on site for small scale projects.
When preparing a plan for managing erosion and sediment on your site you can use our Guidelines for preparing an erosion and sediment control plan
Documents
Before work starts on your site use this Pre-construction meeting checklist to help ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.
TheSediment retention pond as-built checklist should be used to provide details of your sediment retention pond once built.
More documents will be uploaded as they become available.
Resource consents for earthworks
In many cases you need to obtain a resource consent from Greater Wellington to undertake earthworks, roading and tracking or soil disturbing activities. To find out whether you will need a resource consent see our regional plans, or download a resource consent application form.
For further assistance or to set up a pre-application meeting freephone 0800 493 734.
Workshops and training
Every year Greater Wellington runs Muddy Waters, a workshop focusing on erosion and sediment control on earthworks sites, for contractors, consultants and consent holders involved with earthworks in the Wellington Region. The latest Muddy Waters was held on 30 September 2011:
Click here for Greater Wellington's presentation
Click here for Sothern Skies Environmental Ltd Gregor McLean's presentation on best practice erosion and sediment control
There are a number workshops and further training in erosion and sediment controls around the country – check out the Auckland Council’s website or Environment Waikato for further information.