REPORT
How is the WSUD method assessed?
Purpose & Scope of Report
The design of any new development has the potential to either exacerbate or improve the impact on the environment. There are many design features that may be included (many with little or no additional monetary cost) to reduce the environmental impact of the end product, thus creating a more sustainable outcome for the life-cycle of the development.
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Waterways are an important environmental asset and measures that protect, or improve, water quality will be of significant benefit environmentally, socially and economically. When the design of a development incorporates best practice Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) measures, this can significantly reduce both the pollution entering waterways and bays, and the flow levels entering the stormwater system.
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Incorporating stormwater treatment measures into the design of development, including wetlands, bio-retention systems and porous pavements to filter pollutants, will help to protect and improve the condition of the natural waterways.
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Certified Energy has been engaged to assess the proposed development and provide a WSUD design response to address the requirements of Clause 22.12 of the Councils Planning Scheme. The assessment is based on the town planning drawings, dated 28 May 2020.
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The report below provides a concise, plain English summary of how the design responds to Clause 22.12 and the WSUD measures which are required to achieve the required rating. If built in accordance with the measures described in this report, and the drawings provided to EcoResults, the proposed development will comply with the WSUD objectives and policy of Clause 22.12.
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This report should be attached to and read in conjunction with the town planning drawings and STORM Assessment reports and calculations.
Clause 22.12 Stormwater management
This policy applies to applications for:
- New buildings
- Extensions to existing buildings which are 50 square metres in floor area or greater
- A subdivision in a business zone
Clause 22.12 Objectives
To achieve the best practice water quality performance objectives as set out in the Urban Stormwater Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines, Victoria Stormwater Committee 1999 (as amended). Currently, these water quality performance objectives are:
- Suspended soilids - 80% retention of typical urban annual load
- Total Nitrogen - 45% retention of typical urban annual load
- Total Phosphorus - 45% retention of typical urban annual load
- Litter - 70% reduction of typical urban annual load
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To promote the use of water sensitive urban design, including stormwater re-use.
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To mitigate the detrimental effect of development on downstream waterways, by the application of best practice stormwater management through water sensitive urban design for new development
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To minimise peak stormwater flows and stormwater pollutants to improve the health of water bodies, including creeks, rivers and bays
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To reintegrate urban water into the landscape to facilitate a range of benefits including microclimate cooling, local habitat and provision of attractive spaces for community use and well being
It is policy to:
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Require that development applications provide for the achievement of the best practice performance objectives for suspended solids, total phosphorus and total nitrogen, as set out in the Urban Stormwater Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines, CSIRO 1999 (or as amended).
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Require the use of stormwater treatment measures that improve the quality and reduce the flow of water discharged to waterways, including, but not limited to:
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Encourage the use of measures to prevent litter being carried off-site in stormwater flows,
including: appropriately designed waste enclosures and storage bins, and the use of litter traps for developments with the potential to generate significant amounts of litter.
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Encourage the use of green roofs, walls and facades on buildings where practicable (to be irrigated with rainwater/stormwater) to enhance the role of vegetation on buildings in managing the quality and quantity of stormwater.
