Reference Document - RAL23/0013.02 - Part 2 (As Published)

5. ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONAL
   PHASE MANAGEMENT
5.1.      Establishment
Experience shows that the critical periods in the life of WSUD vegetated stormwater systems are the
construction and establishment phases. The timing and approach to these systems must be carefully
considered to ensure successful establishment and long-term performance. Bioretention systems are now
common stormwater treatment devices for new urban developments in Queensland. Successful
construction and allowing adequate time for the systems to establish is critical to their long-term
performance and function. Construction of the system is also linked to having suitable bioretention designs
in place to ensure, civil contractors have appropriate plans to construct to. Applying due care in the design
and construction phase will ensure the function of the system whilst also keeping on-going maintenance to
a minimum. It is highly recommended that the constructed activities be completed in accordance with the
Construction and Establishment Guidelines: Swales, Bioretention Systems and Wetlands (Apr 2010). This will
require a sacrificial turf layer to be installed to protect the filter media from the building phase.

5.2.      Operational
It is not proposed for water quality monitoring of the bioretention system to be undertaken during the
operational phase of its life. The “Maintaining Vegetated Asset” guideline highlights that water quality
monitoring is not recommended to determine the performance of every vegetated stormwater asset, as it
is a specialized field that is complex and costly. In line with this guideline the on-going monitoring of water
quality from this device is not considered necessary considering the small size of the development.

The bioretention system will be maintained by the NSC, who as the asset custodian, will be responsible for
the on-going maintenance of the water quality device. Maintenance for the bioretention basin may involve
the following:

    1.   Scheduled inspections;

    2.   Removal of noxious plants or weeds;

    3.   Maintaining the desired vegetation;

    4.   Repairing erosion;

    5.   Unblocking inlets and outlets;

    6.   Removing litter and debris;

    7.   Managing algal or moss growth; and

    8.   Maintaining the permeability of the filtration.

Operations and maintenance should be conducted in accordance with the Maintaining Vegetated Stormwater
Assets (Feb 2012) guideline.




23-0167SMP01-V3 | Stormwater Management Plan | 33 Pavilion Street, Pomona                              Page 36