Case Study

Lessons from the Field: How Smart Site Management Prevents Erosion and Dust Risks

Preventing costly delays and environmental issues on construction sites

Project Context:
On two recent construction sites, erosion and sediment controls were installed inconsistently. One site was remote, the other in a built-up area but in both cases, sediment controls weren’t seen as a priority.

Challenges:

• Site A: The site contained dispersive soils that weren’t identified during planning. Heavy rainfall caused significant erosion, threatening compliance and creating rework.
• Site B: Known contaminated soils. Poor management of open areas and stockpiles created risks for erosion, dust, and sediment tracking, which were heightened by wet conditions and the urban setting.

What We Did:

• Controls were initially attempted but not implemented properly. The teams worked hard to improve the situation.
• Introduced practical hard-engineering solutions, including aggregate-lined channels, and other site-specific erosion and sediment control measures.
• Ran toolbox talks and on-site briefings to improve team awareness of client and project environmental requirements.
• Focused on tackling dust, tracking, and reducing open areas to reduce erosion by stabilising them before issues escalated further.

Results:

• Site A: Reduced erosion, improved erosion and sediment controls, and strengthened team understanding of potential environmental risks.
• Site B: Minimised dust and tracking, protecting the surrounding area and avoiding complaints, while improving the management of open areas and stockpiles.

Takeaways for Site Managers:

• Erosion and sediment controls are risk management tools.
• Rain exposes risks that may not seem obvious, remote or “low-risk” sites aren’t immune.
• Practical measures combined with team awareness prevent delays, compliance issues, and costly rework.
• Pre-planning is critical: Identify soil structure, potential erosion, dust, and runoff risks before works start.
• Plan stabilisation and control measures in advance: Clearly assign responsibilities and embed them into site inductions and toolbox talks to ensure everyone knows their role.