Sediment and Litter Control and Prevention Project
The Sediment and Litter Control and Prevention (SALCAP) Project aims to improve the health of the Canning River and its tributaries by working with local governments, developers, builders, and the general community to improve management to retain sediment (soil, sand, silt, mud and dust) and construction materials onsite, preventing pollution entering stormwater drains.
Without effective controls, heavy rain and wind can transport soil, sand and building materials from construction and urban development sites into drains, where they travel to our rivers and coastal environments. A large amount of waste is generated during development activities, and when litter is not properly contained it ends up in our waterways too.
What the Project Will Do
The project will:
- Work with local governments to strengthen policies and compliance activities.
- Provide education and training to local government officers, builders, developers, and contractors on sediment and litter controls.
- Support on-ground demonstrations of best-practice management measures.
- Develop practical tools, templates, and resources to assist with consistent implementation across the region.
- Increase awareness in the community and industry about the importance of preventing pollutants from leaving development sites.
Inadequate sediment and litter control on urban development sites causes pollution and sedimentation of waterways.
Expected Outcomes
- Cleaner, healthier foreshores, waterways and wetlands.
- Reduced costs for councils in stormwater and infrastructure maintenance.
- Better compliance with environmental laws and planning requirements.
- Greater industry awareness and uptake of best practice.
- Stronger collaboration between councils, industry, and the community.
Construction-specific Litter Measure Survey
Round 1 Summary Report
The Construction Specific Litter Measure (CSLM) Pilot Trial, funded through the Clean Sites – Clean Waterways Community Litter Grant by KABC WA, was delivered by Perth NRM in partnership with SERCUL, KABC WA and DBCA to support the SALCAP Project.
Developed from the Australian Litter Measure (AusLM) framework, the CSLM was adapted to assess the sources, types and composition of litter generated on construction sites within the South East Corridor of the Canning River Catchment. The first survey round, conducted in November 2025, assessed 72 construction sites managed by 27 building companies.
The pilot findings provide valuable insights into construction-related litter and have informed the development of targeted education and awareness resources for builders and the community. These resources promote best-practice site management and litter prevention measures to reduce litter entering drains, waterways and the wider environment.
Download the final report hereAcknowledgements
This Cleaning up the Canning sub-project is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare, Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group, the Cities of Armadale, Canning, and Gosnells, the Town of Victoria Park, and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.