Bioretention basin focus to improve run-off

Council is taking aim at polluted run-off with a review of the shire’s stormwater filtration devices. The action was approved at last night's Ordinary Meeting.

Councillors approved a bioretention basin maintenance review to ensure more than 70 of these stormwater treatment devices shire-wide are working correctly.

Staff will examine not only Council-owned bioretention basins, but also privately owned basins to ensure owners are aware of their maintenance requirements.

Cr Tony Wellington said bioretention basins were the most common stormwater quality treatment system deployed in recent years, using specially engineered sand and vegetation to filter sediment and nutrients from stormwater run-off.

“Across the shire these bioretention basins occupy more than 5000sqm of land, and treat run-off from approximately 20 hectares of urban development. So they play a very important role in keeping pollutants out of our waterways,” Cr Wellington said.

Council will write to bioretention basin owners to remind them of their obligations, clarify the important role the devices play, and arrange inspections.

8 May 2015