ENV/Water Pollution/TBT-ENV-010

Silt and Sediment Control

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Silt and Sediment Control

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-ENV-010  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Silt and sediment runoff from construction sites is a major cause of water pollution.
  • Suspended sediment smothers fish spawning beds, blocks waterways, and harms ecosystems.
  • The Environment Agency can prosecute under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016.
  • Earthworks, stockpiles, dewatering, and wheel washing all generate silt-laden water.
  • Silt fences and settlement ponds must be installed before ground-breaking activities.
  • Dewatering discharge must be treated through settlement before release to watercourses.
  • Heavy rainfall dramatically increases the volume of silt-laden runoff.
  • Site drainage must separate clean water from construction runoff.
  • Regular inspection and maintenance of silt controls is essential.
  • Environmental management plans should detail silt and sediment control measures.

Why?

Environmental damageSilt destroys aquatic habitats — one event can kill an entire fish population.
Legal liabilityThe Environment Agency prosecutes silt pollution with unlimited fines.
Regulatory complianceEnvironmental permits require specific silt controls before construction.
ReputationPollution incidents damage the contractor's reputation and future work.
Do Don't
  • Install silt fences and settlement controls before starting any earthworks.
  • Inspect silt controls daily and after every period of heavy rain.
  • Direct all site runoff through settlement ponds before discharge.
  • Treat dewatering discharge through settlement tanks or filter systems.
  • Seed or cover exposed soil surfaces to reduce erosion from rainfall.
  • Maintain a buffer zone of undisturbed vegetation near watercourses.
  • Clean out settlement ponds and silt traps regularly.
  • Follow the environmental management plan for silt control.
  • Report any silt-laden water entering drains or watercourses immediately.
  • Brief all operatives on silt control requirements during induction.
  • DON'T discharge silt-laden water directly into drains or watercourses.
  • DON'T start earthworks before silt controls are installed and working.
  • DON'T stockpile materials next to watercourses without silt fencing.
  • DON'T allow wheel wash water to drain untreated into surface water.
  • DON'T leave exposed soil without erosion protection during wet weather.
  • DON'T ignore blocked or damaged silt fences — repair them promptly.
  • DON'T pump excavation water directly into watercourses without treatment.
  • DON'T remove silt controls until exposed ground is permanently stabilised.
  • DON'T wash out concrete equipment near drains or watercourses.
  • DON'T assume small amounts of silt are acceptable — any pollution is an offence.

See also: Fuel and Oil Spill Prevention | Concrete Washout Procedures
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