Launch of manual on managing quality of urban stormwater runoff

21/8/98

Stormwater quality was a major focus of urban water protection, Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said today.

The Minister launched a new manual on managing the quality of urban stormwater runoff at the opening of a new office for the Bennett Brook Catchment Group in Caversham.

Dr Hames said the manual would assist planners, engineers and other scientists in meeting requirements for managing nutrients and other pollutants in stormwater throughout Perth and other Western Australian urban areas.

"This document is in recognition that urban stormwater quality management is an integral part of the total water cycle," Dr Hames said.

"Water-sensitive urban design is still in its infancy in Perth and this document is a major step towards broadening the use of best management practices.

"Water-sensitive urban design prnciples include incorporating water resource management issues early in land use planning, recognising stormwater management to be part of total water cycle management and encouraging the use of vegetation to filter and slow run-off.

"Stormwater drains have the potential to become public assets with environmental and other benefits to the community, and are not merely a system for conveyance and disposal of stormwater.

"Management of stormwater in drains is based on minimising nutrients and other pollutants wherever possible."

The Urban Stormwater Quality Management Manual is particularly relevant in areas such as the Bennett and Ellen Brook catchments where Dr Hames opened the new environment centre today.

The Ellen Brook catchment is one of the highest contributors of nutrients to the Swan-Canning system, contributing 35 per cent of phosphorus entering the Swan-Canning system.

The Government is now focussed on reducing nutrient levels entering the Swan-Canning river system from this area.

The Water and Rivers Commission will conduct training sessions with local governments and consultants on implementing the manual's guidelines in the near future.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 9424 7450 or 041 791 7819

Water and Rivers Commission: Paula Wallace 9278 0300