IECA are proud to release the updated Best Practice Erosion & Sediment Control for building and construction sites (BPESC).
Originally published in 2008, the BPESC has been periodically updated to ensure that the document remains current and continues to serve as an essential reference for best practice ESC planning and management within Australia.
The 2025 version captures a range of updates, user feedback, and amendments made since the original publication in 2008.
This version provides an up to date, user friendly resource that reflects current terminology and climate changes.
Features of the BPESC include:
- Clearly defined principles of erosion and sediment control.
- Guidelines on soil sampling, sample density, and testing requirements.
- Site planning checklist.
- Recommended drainage control standard, erosion control standard, and sediment control standard.
- Rainfall and monthly erosivity values for prominent towns and cities across Australia.
- Guidelines on the selection of temporary drainage, erosion and sediment control measures.
- 24-step procedure for the development of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans.
- 108 example technical notes for use within Erosion and Sediment Control Plans.
- Detailed checklist for assessing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans.
- Example “weekly” and “detailed” site inspection checklists.
- Two methods for assessing the potential erosion hazard of a work site
- Four model codes of practice: general construction, building sites, instream works, and installation of services.
- 250 example Development Approval Conditions, for use in the management of land-disturbing activities.
- Best practice procedures for the performance of instream construction and maintenance activities.
Key changes to the 2025 version include:
- Consolidation into a single document (no longer 3 books)
- Inclusion of Appendix P within the main document
- Updated rainfall terminology consistent with the Bureau of Meteorology and Australian Rainfall and Runoff
- Updated and additional rainfall design values
- Updated rainfall erosivity (R-factors) values
- Consistent sediment control standard
- Additional guidance regarding soil binders, Type B basin dewatering and stockpile management
- Revised soil loss limit for catchments greater than 10,000m2