Discover how Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) features, when integrated with the STORM assessment tool, revolutionise stormwater management and ensure regulatory compliance in Victoria.
Understanding the STORM Tool and Its Importance in Victoria
The STORM tool, an acronym for Stormwater Treatment Objective-Relative Measure, is a vital resource for ensuring effective stormwater management in Victoria. This tool helps developers and planners evaluate how well a proposed development will manage stormwater runoff, thereby reducing pollution and protecting local waterways. The overarching goal of STORM is to foster sustainable urban development by encouraging the inclusion of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) features.
In Victoria, the STORM tool is required to demonstrate compliance with Clause 22.23 of local council planning schemes. This clause mandates that new developments must implement strategies to manage stormwater runoff effectively. By providing a standardised method for assessing stormwater management performance, the STORM tool ensures that developments meet the required environmental standards, contributing to healthier and more resilient urban ecosystems.
The Crucial Role of WSUD Features in Stormwater Management
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) features play a pivotal role in enhancing stormwater management. These features include rainwater tanks, permeable paving, and garden beds designed to capture, filter, and reuse stormwater. By integrating WSUD elements into a development, the amount of stormwater runoff is significantly reduced, and the quality of water entering local waterways is improved.
The STORM tool calculates performance scores based on the inclusion and effectiveness of these WSUD features. For example, rainwater tanks can capture and store rainwater for non-potable uses, reducing the volume of runoff. Permeable paving allows water to infiltrate the ground, mitigating surface runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. Garden beds and vegetated swales filter pollutants and provide natural habitats, enhancing urban biodiversity. Together, these WSUD features contribute to a sustainable and environmentally sound approach to urban development.
Who Needs a STORM Assessment?
A STORM assessment is typically required for small-to-medium scale residential and commercial developments in Victoria. This includes new builds, extensions, and significant renovations that could impact stormwater runoff. Developers, architects, and planners must incorporate a STORM assessment into their broader Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) documentation to ensure compliance with local council requirements.
In many cases, the STORM assessment is part of a larger suite of ESD reports, such as Sustainability Design Assessments (SDA) or Sustainable Management Plans (SMP). These documents collectively demonstrate how a development will achieve sustainable outcomes, covering aspects such as energy efficiency, water management, and waste reduction. By integrating STORM assessments into these broader strategies, developers can ensure a holistic approach to sustainability.
Benefits of Engaging Certified Energy for STORM Reporting
Engaging Certified Energy for your STORM reporting offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, Certified Energy provides expert support, ensuring that your STORM assessment is accurate and comprehensive. Our team of professionals is well-versed in the intricacies of stormwater management and local council requirements, providing you with peace of mind that your assessment will meet all necessary standards.
Certified Energy also guarantees a fast turnaround, helping you keep your project on schedule. Our council-ready documentation is meticulously prepared, reducing the likelihood of delays during the approval process. Furthermore, we seamlessly integrate STORM results into broader ESD strategies, ensuring that your development is sustainable from every angle. By choosing Certified Energy, you are investing in a smoother approval process and a more environmentally responsible outcome.
Common Concerns and FAQs About STORM Compliance
One common concern is what constitutes a 'passing' STORM score. Generally, a score of 100% is required to demonstrate compliance with Clause 22.23. This score indicates that the development includes sufficient WSUD features to effectively manage stormwater runoff.
Another frequent question is how much rainwater tank capacity is required. The answer depends on the specifics of the development, such as roof area and intended water uses. Typically, larger roof areas and higher non-potable water demands call for greater tank capacities. Certified Energy can provide tailored advice on the appropriate size and configuration of WSUD features to ensure compliance.
For those new to the process, understanding the detailed requirements of a STORM assessment can be daunting. Certified Energy simplifies this by offering clear guidance and support throughout the assessment process, ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements efficiently.
