Dust Management

If you own or occupy land in the City of Cockburn, and are intending to undertake any works that have the potential to create dust, you will need to submit a Dust Management Plan to the City. This Plan must be approved before any works begin.

Dust moratorium period

Please note that under City Policy - Dust Management for Development Sites, bulk earthworks are prohibited on Class 3 and 4 sites between 1 October and 31 March (the moratorium period). Bulk earthworks are defined as clearing, land re-contouring and cut-to-fill operations.  Work such as construction of retaining walls, installation of sewers and construction of roads are considered to be civil earthworks, and will still be permitted if a dust management plan has been approved.

Dust management plan guidelines

Dust management plans must include the following items:

1. The details of contractors associated with construction works on site

2. Suitably scaled site plans showing the extent of proposed works, location of haul roads, proximity of surrounding houses

3. A detailed description of proposed earthworks including the sequence of site disturbance, topsoil handling and storage, and the expected duration and timing

4. Details of green waste disposal 

5. Site classification chart in accordance with Department of Water and Environmental Regulation guidelines must be completed and accompany the dust management plan

6. A detailed description of dust management strategies to be incorporated by the developer during the life of the construction. These are to generally be in accordance with site classification criteria within Department of Water and Environmental Regulation guidelines. Additional measures may be required depending on individual situations. A detailed list of commitments need to be incorporated in this section of the dust management plan by the developer

7. Details of contractual arrangements and specifications in relation to earthworks need to be provided to ensure that suitable dust management strategies are incorporated into construction contracts and that appropriate contingency sums and arrangements are made. Copies of specifications may be required.

8. Details on the proposed staging and timing of development need to be provided. Where possible the City is keen to minimise large-scale earthworks during windy summer months.

9. Details of method and staging of stabilisation of completed areas throughout the life of the earthworks program.

The developer is expected to notify surrounding residents who may be affected by dust from the development site of the full contact details of the developer (including after-hours number), consulting engineer and earthmoving contractors, before any works commence. This will allow nearby residents to contact responsible parties if dust problems occur. Details of this notification are to be included in the Dust Management Plan and shall be in accordance with Department of Water and Environmental Regulation requirements.
 
Dust management plans must comply with:

• City Policy - Dust Management for Development Sites
• Department of Water and Environmental Regulations Guidelines for the prevention of dust and smoke pollution from land development sites (refer to Guides and Guidance Notes). 

More information and contact

Please contact Environmental Health Services for more information on dust management on 08 9411 3444 or at [email protected]