Erosion happens when wind or water wears away surface soil. Erosion can lead to a build-up of soil, rock and gravel in waterways and drains. This build-up is called sediment.
Sediment is a type of stormwater pollution. It can come from:
- atmospheric deposition
- building and construction sites
- car washing
- illegal spills and discharges
- land surface erosion
- organic matter such as leaf litter, grass clippings or animal poo
- pavement and vehicle wear
- weathering of buildings and structures.
Erosion and sediment can pollute our waterways, impact water quality and harm the animals and plants that live there.
Erosion, sediment and the law
The general environmental duty applies to activities that may cause erosion and sediment.
In some cases, you need a permission to conduct a business or industry activity. Our permissions focus on activities that may have a significant impact on human health and the environment. Permissions have conditions that must be followed.
There may be requirements under other laws, such as planning or local laws. Check with your local council(opens in a new window).
Our role in erosion and sediment
We provide information to business and industry to help them comply with the law.
We monitor water quality at locations across Victoria to identify and understand risks from pollution, such as sediment. The data we collect supports our daily water quality forecasts.
Learn more about how we monitor the quality of the environment.
Impact of erosion and sediment on the environment
Erosion and sediment can lead to high levels of cloudiness or murkiness (turbidity) in water. Particles in the water absorb sunlight, reducing the amount of sunlight and oxygen in water for plants and animals. This can also increase the water temperature.
Sediment can:
- form thick deposits that suffocate organisms
- clog and damage sensitive tissues such as fish gills
- damage native plants.
If sediment bars form, this can change the flow capacity of a waterway. In severe cases, this can cause:
- braided streams
- floods
- further erosion
- scouring of plants and animals.
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