Various disciplines come under the civil engineering umbrella, and each requires a delicate balance of engineering expertise and circumstantial knowledge and experience.
Here we unpack stormwater, wastewater and ESC (erosion and sediment control) expertise in civil engineering and the scenarios relevant to each application and specialist expertise.
Defining stormwater, wastewater and ESC
Although related, the differences between stormwater, wastewater and erosion and sediment control are rather significant in a civil engineering environment.
It requires specific skills to understand the characteristics that define engineering solutions.
Stormwater
Stormwater is natural water that originates from precipitation. This can come from rain or storms or ice, meltwater, hail or snow.
The nature of stormwater means that knowing how to manage the effects of heavy wet weather conditions is crucial in any urban infrastructure network as it diverts and controls excess water.
Finding engineering solutions requires detailed analysis with a multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted approach. Stormwater solutions come from a deep understanding of weather precipitation levels plus collaborative expertise from areas like geotechnical engineering, economics, urban design, town planning, environmental engineering, climate, civil design, drainage and more.
Scenarios requiring civil engineering expertise in stormwater management are flooding, meltwater and heavy rainfall. The most common cause of floods in Australia, especially over the last two years, has been excess rainfall that the land has been unable to absorb.
According to a paper published by the Australian Parliament House, stormwater is rainwater that runs off impervious or saturated surfaces in the urban environment, such as roofs, roads and pavements and green spaces. In a rural area, the natural environment and vegetation often absorbs this stormwater. In urban areas, these surfaces are replaced by buildings, streets and pavements. It is vital to deal with stormwater to mitigate flood risk within a community.
Wastewater
Wastewater, as the name suggests, is used water. Our toilets, sinks, washing machines, showers and drains generate wastewater, which is then diverted into our council sewerage network systems.
The majority of wastewater management issues arise around the supply and storage of water, which are both critical factors when delivering safe drinking water and collecting any waste for removal or reuse.
Developing engineering solutions in wastewater management requires an in-depth knowledge of hydraulic modelling, pressure sewers, asset management services, rising mains water supply and gravity sewers.
A detailed risk assessment is required to carefully and comprehensively review each project’s feasibility and project management requirements for an end-to-end civil and environmental engineering solution.
ESC (erosion and sediment control)
Erosion and sediment control (ESC) is a vital part of any earthwork. Local councils and development applications (DA) must install and maintain the appropriate ESC measures on-site.
ESC is vital on construction sites and requires attentive design and a view of the holistic construction process to minimise environmental disturbances, protect or reduce the environment and the construction’s impact, and save money by avoiding heavy fines.
ESC plans aim to prevent soils and other sediment or building waste from blocking or polluting gutters, drains and waterways. ESC is regulated by local authorities and across all levels of government.
At CWD Group we offer site support, design and implementation of ESC plans of any complexity, assist with RPEQ (Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland) certification, offer expert inspections and reporting, and perform auditing and compliance assessments as part of our ESC service.
“Given the complexities of stormwater, wastewater and ESC management, we employ robust civil and environmental management practices,” says our Group Director, Jeremy Cox.
“Our full-scale capability means we design our plans to meet all council approval conditions, SPP compliance and CPESC/RPEQ design certification requirements.”
Get in touch with the experts
Dealing with and managing water in civil engineering is complex and requires experienced professionals. Get in touch with CWD Group today to discuss your stormwater, wastewater or ESC requirements today.
