Spotlight on stormwater

Council will inspect privately-owned stormwater treatment systems next month to check they’re working correctly.

“Bio-basins, rain gardens and other stormwater filters remove nitrogen and other pollutants from run-off before it reaches our waterways,” says Council’s Planning and Environment Manager Kerri Coyle.

“The sand and plants used in these devices do a good job of filtering run-off from roofs, car-parks and other paved areas, but they need to be maintained to be effective."

Council is contacting property owners to arrange inspections. Inspectors will provide advice and check for problems.

Ms Coyle said property owners had to maintain their systems as a condition of Council approval.

Newer commercial and industrial developments of more than 2500sqm typically have stormwater systems in place.

“Staff have finished reviewing Council-owned stormwater devices so we can now look at privately-owned ones,” Ms Coyle said.

Council has written to owners to remind them of maintenance requirements.

The inspector may ask to see copies of maintenance records. Ms Coyle said owners should have these ready.

Property owners can email these to Council ahead of the inspection, via mail@noosa.qld.gov.au.

28 July 2016