Here’s the thing. You’re managing a temporary earthworks site.
Heavy machinery exits the site daily, meaning mud, hydrocarbons and sediment track toward public roads.
Under Queensland environmental and biosecurity requirements, vehicle washdown is mandatory before leaving certain sites.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in:
- Fines
- Site shutdown
- Contract termination
You need washdown containment, but it needs to be portable.
What You Should Be Aware Of
On civil or infrastructure sites, inspectors check:
- Is washdown containment present?
- Is runoff captured?
- Is sediment runoff prevented from entering stormwater?
- Is there visible control at site exits?
It may be a temporary site, but that does not mean temporary responsibility.
The 3 Most Common Mistakes
1. Using Plastic Sheeting as “Containment”
Light plastic tears quickly under heavy machinery.
No integrity = no containment.
2. No Defined Perimeter
Washdown area without bunded edges allows runoff to escape.
3. No Pump-Out Strategy
Captured water sits untreated or overflows.
Unsure What Your Site Requires?
Speak with our team before committing to equipment or installation. We’ll help confirm the right containment, washdown, or stormwater solution for your site.
- Leased, temporary or fixed site conditions
- Trade waste or EPA compliance questions
- Need confirmation before purchasing or installing
No obligation • Compliance-focused advice tailored to your site
What’s the Solution?
- Deploy engineered portable bunds.
- Create defined entry and exit points.
- Capture wash water for pump-out.
- Maintain clear signage at site exit.
Containment must be structural – not improvised.
Products That Can Help
- Portable bunding
- Drive-over collapsible wash mats
- Portable pump-out systems
- Temporary drain protection kits
Unlike permanent systems, these can be deployed in hours – not weeks.
Legal & Compliance
Under:
- EP Act 1994 (Qld) – environmental harm includes contamination from site runoff.
- Biosecurity obligations in Queensland require prevention of soil and pathogen spread.
- Local council and state requirements mandate washdown controls in many sectors.
Civil contractors are expected to demonstrate active environmental management.
Need Help?
Managing a temporary or civil site?
We can help you deploy compliant portable bunding fast. Get in touch today.