Managing Sand and Dust During Construction

Property owners, builders and developers must take effective measures to stabilise dust and sand and prevent it from escaping land under their control.

These requirements are set out in the Shire’s Dust and Building Waste Local Law 2017.

Your responsibilities

Keep sand, dust and building waste contained on your site. If effective controls are not in place or sand escapes, the Shire may take action under its Compliance and Enforcement Policy. Penalties, including infringement notices, may apply.

Why sand and dust control matters

Dust, sand drift and building waste can create health nuisances and damage neighbouring properties, landscaping, pools, vehicles and air conditioning systems. Cleaning up and repairing this damage can be costly.

Materials entering drains and waterways can also:

Block drains and reduce the capacity of stormwater collection basins, contributing to localised flooding.
Damage aquatic habitats and harm fish and other aquatic life.
Carry nutrients into rivers and wetlands, contributing to excessive algae growth and reduced oxygen levels.

Windblown sand covering the edges of a footpath and adjoining road — Sand drift can affect footpaths and public access.

Sand drift extending from vacant land onto a residential street — Uncontrolled sand can spread onto surrounding streets.

Sand collecting around a roadside stormwater drain

Keep sand out of drains

Sand and sediment can obstruct drainage, reduce stormwater capacity and contribute to localised flooding. Prevent materials from leaving the site and entering nearby drains.

Install effective site fencing

A properly installed geotextile fence helps retain sand and building materials on site. Use high-quality woven geotextile material with UV inhibitors for durability.

Dust fencing is relatively inexpensive and can be moved as construction progresses. On small-frontage sites with limited access, steel posts and wire-tied fencing can allow sections to be unhooked for access.

A barrier is generally required on two sides of the site to prevent sand escaping. Controls must be positioned and maintained to suit the site.

Fencing examples

Loose shade cloth fencing, labelled as unsuitable because it is unsecured — **Unsuitable fencing**
Unsecured, loose shade cloth.

Geotextile barrier diagram showing capped posts no more than 3 metres apart, fabric up to 600mm high and a base buried 150mm underground — **Suitable installation**
Secured fabric with a buried base.

Secured geotextile barrier installed around a building site — **Suitable site fencing**
A continuous barrier around the work area.

Installing a geotextile fence

Position the fence to follow the contours of the site as closely as possible.
Drive 1.5-metre-long posts into the ground, no more than 3 metres apart.
Staple the fabric to 40mm square hardwood posts or secure it to steel posts with wire ties.
Dig a 150mm-deep trench along the upslope side of the fence and bury the bottom of the fabric.
Backfill the trench over the base of the fabric and compact on both sides.

Store stockpiles securely

Place stockpiles wholly within the construction site wherever possible, away from sediment controls.
Clean up any spillage on the road or verge at the end of each day.
Securely cover stockpiles of sand, soil or cement at the end of each day if strong winds or heavy rain are likely.

Examples of sand spilling onto a road and building materials collecting around a drain — **Keep roads and drains clear**
Contain stockpiles and clean up spilled materials.

A sand stockpile with a loose cover that leaves sand exposed — **Secure stockpile covers**
Avoid loose covers that leave materials exposed.

Minimise site disturbance

A carefully planned construction sequence can reduce site disturbance, save money and limit environmental impacts.

Avoid activities that disturb the site during periods of expected strong winds or heavy rainfall.
Limit the amount of material on site to what is required at the time.
Remove leftover construction materials and waste promptly when work is complete.
Instruct workers and contractors to prevent materials from washing or blowing into the stormwater system.
Restrict vehicle access to one entry and exit point where possible.
Stabilise the access point with coarse gravel to reduce sand being carried onto public roads and help maintain access in wet conditions.
Ensure loads of sand carried by trucks, utilities and trailers are covered and adequately secured to prevent sand drift during transport.

Need help?

For advice about managing sand and dust during construction, call (08) 9526 1111 or email info@sjshire.wa.gov.au.