Soil erosion is a natural process, but rates can be accelerated by human land uses. The impact of erosion and sedimentation on our waterways is an increasing problem throughout Canterbury.
Erosion and Sediment Control Guide
Environment Canterbury has worked with major developers and local contractors to prepare a guide and training opportunities for minimising erosion and sediment generation.
A range of detailed measures for earthworks, including residential and commercial subdivisions, roading, some forestry works, quarries, cleanfills and landfills, stream works, installation of utility services and housing construction on individual small sites, are covered within the guide.
Download the full erosion and sediment control guide.
You can also purchase a printed or a CD copy through our Customer Services team. A full ring-bound reference copy of the guide costs $40.00 (GST inclusive), and a CD version costs $4.00 (GST inclusive).

E & SCG - CD cover E & SCG - folder cover
To purchase your copy:
- Collect it from Environment Canterbury offices (Christchurch or Timaru);
- Print out, complete and post the
purchasing form (pdf 22 kB) with payment and we’ll post it to you.
- Phone our Customer Services team with your credit card details and we’ll post it to you.
Note: EFT-POS and credit card payment options are only available from the Christchurch office.
Businesses that order items on a regular basis can apply for a billing account. Please contact Customer Services for an account request form and post or fax (03 365-3194) it to Customer Services. Account holders will be invoiced payable by the 20th of the month.

Fundamental principles or erosion and sediment control
Who should use the guide?
The Erosion and Sediment Control Guide is for:
- Developers, consultants and contractors who are involved with earthworks.
- City, district and regional council staff who are assessing consent applications and doing compliance monitoring of consented works and permitted activities under the Resource Management Act.
- People who are constructing houses on individual small sites should first refer to the Erosion and Sediment Control Guide for Small Sites, available in PDF downloads.
Erosion and Sediment Control Guide - training workshops
Environment Canterbury is pleased to offer workshops for contractors, consultants, and local authority staff on the erosion and sediment control guide and how to effectively control erosion and sedimentation.
Read more about the Erosion and Sediment Control Guide training workshops.