Drain Protection Solutions

DRAIN PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

I believe that environmental protection starts with the choices we make as individuals. These actions shape who we are, those around us and the environment in which we live.

Our individual actions may not amount to much, but collectively these actions can have a huge impact. A recent study from HP Australia and Planet Ark found that 90% of Australian consumers and businesses are concerned about environmental sustainability.

This concern is helping to create change. Stringent new environmental protection laws are coming into effect in Victoria. These laws are the first of their kind in Australia, and the EPA will have increased powers to investigate and prosecute environmental offenders.

At Stratex, our core business continues to be environmental and personal protection solutions. We felt it was timely to provide information on the responsible management of stormwater.

We developed the Drain Protection Solutions whitepaper to help our clients identify common types of stormwater drains in Australia, and to detail some of the innovative measures available to protect against pollutants.

As we transition to preventative-based means of environmental protection, there is a growing onus on companies to protect stormwater drains on premises and worksites. Preventing pollutants such as hazardous liquids, sediment runoff and rubbish has never been more important.

We hope you find the following information useful in helping you to make an informed choice for your business and the environment. To learn more about our range of environmental and personal protection solutions, contact our friendly team on 1300 991 180 or email info@stratex.com.au.

Shannon Harris Managing Director Stratex

WHY DO DRAINS NEED PROTECTING?

COMPLIANCE

There is a growing onus on businesses to put controls in place that reduce the risk of harm to people, property and the environment. Where activities result in stormwater runoff, businesses must understand the risks and minimise or eliminate them where possible. Failure to do so could risk civil penalties, heavy fines, environmental restorative work and clean up.

ENVIRONMENT

Compliance measures exist to help with the protection of the environment. Sediment, hydrocarbons and rubbish that enter waterways can block drains, and harm aquatic animals and plant life. Reputational damage is also another factor for consideration.

Read on to find out more about common drain types in Australia and how to protect them against pollution.

BOX & V-GRATE DRAIN

Also commonly referred to as a drainage pit or storm water pit, these drains are used to contain stormwater runoff. Their design must be large enough to contain the water flowing into it, and for long enough so that it can pass through drainage pipes without overflowing. Below are some common box and v-grate drain protection methods.

Geofabric Drain Pollution Guard

Drain pollution guards fit under drain grates and feature a hollowed section to capture and rubbish, debris and coarse sediments in contaminated stormwater. Heavy duty geofabric filter material provides excellent water flow for effective drainage. Each drain pollution guard includes a bilge boom to remove hydrocarbons, oils and fuels. Available in different sizes and can be trimmed to suit most drains.

PROS: Simple and effective, excellent value

CONS: Requires maintenance to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

GuardDog Drain Filter

Drain filters are an innovative solution to control sediment and protect waterways. When placed over drains, these filters trap sediment and hydrocarbons in contaminated stormwater, allowing clean water to flow through into waterways.

PROS: Filters contaminated stormwater, traps silt and sediment, absorbs hydrocarbons, low profile, lightweight, durable, reusable, can be secured in place.

CONS: Drain grates can be difficult to remove for installation. Requires cleaning for ongoing effectiveness (compatible with street sweepers to reduce maintenance requirements)

DrainSAFE

This solution sits inside the drain pit and is made up of a barrel and a diffuser. As stormwater flows through the DrainSAFE, debris collects in the diffuser. Integrated filter absorbs hydrocarbons. The DrainSAFE features a built-in isolation valve that can stop flow into the stormwater system if required.

PROS: Can be emptied and cleaned periodically or as required. Being able to open or close the unit provides flexibility during risky activities or spill emergencies.

CONS: Considerable purchase and installation costs. Requires ongoing maintenance.

SIDE ENTRY

WITH GRATE

This type of gutter drain is commonly found throughout Australia, and allows rain water runoff to enter the stormwater system through both the inlet on the side of the kerbing, as well as a metal grate. Because of the increased inlet size of these gutter drains, they can be the most difficult to protect from sediment and hydrocarbon runoff, however there are still many effective solutions which are outlined below.

Silt Socks

The traditional and widely used method for protecting drains.

PROS: Fast, cheap and easy to install around the kerbside entry drain with grate.

CONS: Can be moved or dislodged by heavy rain and vehicles. May split if compressed. Potential hazard for other road users.

Coir Logs

A sediment control method made from densely packed coconut fibre wrapped with coir netting. Water will seep slowly through these logs while sediment and silt are retained.

PROS: Made from natural materials, biodegradable, reusable.

CONS: Heavy, potential traffic hazard, susceptible to flooding.

GuardDog Side-entry Drain Filter

Drain filters are an innovative solution to control sediment and protect waterways. When placed over drains, these filters trap sediment and hydrocarbons in contaminated stormwater, allowing clean water to flow through into waterways.

PROS: Filters contaminated stormwater, traps silt and sediment, absorbs hydrocarbons, low profile, lightweight, durable, reusable, can be secured in place.

CONS: Drain grates can be difficult to remove for installation. Requires cleaning for ongoing effectiveness (compatible with street sweepers to reduce maintenance requirements)

SIDE ENTRY

WITHOUT GRATE

This type of gutter drain is commonly found throughout Australia, and allows rain water runoff to enter the stormwater system through the inlet on the side of the kerbing. A smaller inlet size makes this type of drain easier to protect when compared with side entry drains with grates. Common solutions for protecting side entry drains are outlined below.

Silt Socks

The traditional and widely used method for protecting drains.

PROS: Fast, cheap and easy to install around the kerbside entry drain.

CONS: Can be moved or dislodged by heavy rain and vehicles. May split if compressed. Potential hazard for other road users.

Coir Logs

A sediment control method made from densely packed coconut fibre wrapped with coir netting. Water will seep slowly through these logs while sediment and silt are retained.WW

PROS: Made from natural materials, biodegradable, reusable.

CONS: Heavy, potential traffic hazard, susceptible to flooding.

GuardDog Side-entry Drain Filter

Drain filters are an innovative solution to control sediment and protect waterways. When placed over drains, these filters trap sediment and hydrocarbons in contaminated stormwater, allowing clean water to flow through into waterways.

PROS: Filters contaminated stormwater, traps silt and sediment, absorbs hydrocarbons, low profile, lightweight, durable, reusable, can be secured in place.

CONS: Requires cleaning for ongoing effectiveness (compatible with street sweepers to reduce maintenance requirements)

BY TYPE