Water sensitive urban

design guideline
Applying water sensitive urban design
principles to NSW transport projects

May 2017
Image Quakers Hill Station Commuter Car Park Cover image Five Islands Road, Lake Macquarie

Acknowledgements

This document has been prepared by the Roads and Maritime Services Centre for Urban Design and Environmental Land Management Section,
and the Infrastructure and Services Division of Transport for NSW. Significant input has been received from across the transport cluster.
Contents
Introduction 1
1.1 What is water sensitive urban design? 1
1.2 Purpose of this guideline 2
1.3 Application of the guidelines 3

Integrating water sensitive urban design into projects 5

2.1 Relationship between WSUD and wider organisational objectives 5

2.2 Relationship between WSUD and wider organisational processes 5
2.2.1 WSUD and the Project Delivery Life Cycle 5
2.2.2 Early consideration is important 5
2.2.3 Stakeholder inclusion 5
2.3 Relationship between WSUD and broader urban design and
environmental policy 6

Designing of WSUD systems 9

3.1 Design principles for WSUD 9

3.1.1 Physical context 9
3.2 Incremental treatment approach 10
3.3 The whole 11
3.3.1 ‘Soft’ vs ‘hard’ engineering or hybrid solution 13
3.3.2 Identifying site-wide opportunities and constraints 13
3.4 The parts 16
3.4.1 Vegetated swales (table drains) 18
3.4.2 Bioretention swales 20
3.4.3 Sediment basins 21
3.4.4 Bioretention basins 23
3.4.5 Constructed wetlands 24
3.4.6 Ponds 26
3.4.7 Porous and permeable pavements 27
3.4.8 Water storage, irrigation or other reuse opportunities 28
3.4.9 Exfiltration/aquifer recharge 29
3.5 Detailed design considerations 30
3.5.1 Maintenance and access 30
3.5.2 Plant selection 31
3.5.3 Soil media 32
3.5.4 Fencing and edging 32
3.5.5 Mosquito control 34

Appendix 35

Appendix A: Relevant associated Legislation, Environmental

Planning Instruments and other 35
Appendix B: Setting water quality objectives 37
Appendix C: Glossary 38
Foreword
Producing positive urban design outcomes, and Several techniques available for adoption, selected
minimising impacts from infrastructure on the natural for their suitability for use in projects undertaken
environment, in a way which reduces the burden on asset by Transport for NSW and delivery agencies where
maintenance and whole-of-life costs, are measurable considerations of safety, maintenance, space, aesthetics,
result areas for the NSW transport agencies. sustainability, value for money and amenity together
influence the type of environment we create that
‘Water sensitive urban design’ is a term which recognises
surrounds our projects.
that when used correctly, drainage and stormwater
systems which replicate those found in nature, have This guideline was developed through a research and
advantages in meeting the following two objectives when development process to investigate techniques available
adopted on transport infrastructure projects. in the industry (local, national and international) and
identify those applicable to transport projects given the
• They can improve environmental performance by
constraints that may apply in different situations. It was
capturing pollutants and slowing flow rates before
developed collaboratively by relevant staff from Roads
stormwater is discharged beyond corridor boundaries.
and Maritime Services (RMS); State Transit Authority
• Their situation in the landscape means that stormwater (STA); Sydney Trains, and the Infrastructure and Services
infrastructure contributes to the quality of the Division of Transport for NSW.
built environment.
This document explores the lessons from the application
of these principles, including where the principles have Tim Reardon
been successfully incorporated over many years, gives Secretary, Transport for NSW
practical advice to project managers, design engineers
and landscape and urban designers about how to design Ken Kanofski
projects which adopt water sensitive urban design Chief Executive, Roads and Maritime Services
principles, and describes the considerations which will
lead to a successful design.

iv | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

1. Introduction

The approach essentially promotes the use of soft

1.1. What is water sensitive landscape areas (i.e. areas of turf and planting) for the
urban design? conveyance, retention and treatment of stormwater.
Because this approach replicates natural processes, it
results in drainage systems being considered as part of
Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is the industry term
the built environment rather than being hidden from view.
describing the integration of water cycle management
The negative impacts of activities on the water cycle,
into planning, design and construction of the built
namely an increase in pollutants, velocity and volume
environment. It is the term given to the replication of
of water, caused by a traditional piped system can be
natural processes into treatment of water in a constructed
avoided by this approach.
environment and is relevant to all built environments from
highly urbanised to rural settings. The effectiveness of WSUD as an approach for managing
surface runoff has been common practice for many
The main interaction with the water cycle in the
decades. For example table drains have been frequently
development and operation of transport projects is
used in verges on roads in rural NSW to allow stormwater
through the management of stormwater, where the
falling on the pavement surface to be more conveniently
amount of hard surface area created during construction
distributed into the adjacent verge areas and allowed
increases the volume and decreases the quality of water
to infiltrate there instead of being piped directly into
entering downstream waterways.
receiving waterways.
This guideline describes the application of water sensitive
This approach differs from end-of-pipe water quality
urban design principles and techniques which are
treatment systems and comes from a recognition that
appropriate to the construction and operation of the
there can be benefits to treating stormwater closer to
NSW transport network. Adoption of this approach where
the source. This evolution is described in figure 1 on the
feasible and cost-effective will assist in development of a
following page.
network which:

• More closely matches the pre-development

stormwater regime, in both quality and quantity.
• Fits sensitively into its context.
• Reduces the amount of water transported between
catchments intersected by projects, in particular linear
The main interaction with the
projects such as road or rail corridors. water cycle in the development
• Provides a higher level of consideration to projects and operation of TfNSW projects
passing through more sensitive waterways and
catchments, and projects which cause the greatest is through the management
amount of change to effective imperviousness.
of stormwater.
• Best uses water resources (e.g. rainwater, stormwater
etc.) that enters a project area.
• Is durable, functional and sustainable.

 Introduction | 1
Figure 1. Evolution of drainage design
1.2. Purpose of this guideline
NO TREATMENT OF STORMWATER The purpose of this document is to provide guidance
to project managers, civil designers, urban designers,
Drain everything to
waterway landscape architects, stormwater engineers and planners
Solution: more under- on how to best apply WSUD to TfNSW projects. This
Further urban development
will increase impervious ground piping and guideline does not mandate the use of WSUD techniques,
surfaces = more frequent detention basins
but provides a range of industry-standard elements which
flooding downstream
can be practically incorporated into our projects and
describes what situations are appropriate for each. It also
considers broader design issues including construction
cost, safety and maintenance requirements.
END-OF-PIPE APPROACH TO TREATMENT
This guideline also provides a process to ensure that
broader infrastructure design aspects are considered in
Water Quality – new issue Solution: create large end
= cleaner waterways of line treatments the adoption of WSUD including:

• opportunities based on site conditions, e.g. slope and

available land
• cost, both capital as well as operational
WATER SENSITIVE URBAN DESIGN APPROACH
• maintenance requirements
WSUD – current approach • user and community safety
= cleaner waterways,
increasing absorption thus
• water quality and quantity design objectives that have
reduction of stormwater Solution: multi objective been committed to in the environmental assessment
runoff volumes; improved design, treatment trains
visual and amenity
• urban design objectives and opportunities.
outcomes for the It is not intended to be a technical manual providing
community
detailed design advice, formulae and standard details,
which are held elsewhere or would be developed
throughout the design of a particular project to suit a
specific need.

This guideline also provides a process to ensure that

broader infrastructure design aspects are considered
in the adoption of WSUD.

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1.3. Application of the guidelines • Environmental constraints – whether there are other
environmental issues, such as the presence of national
parks or threatened species or ecological communities,
This guideline primarily focuses on the incorporation of which may be regarded as being of a higher level of
water sensitive urban design into the transport project importance for a project to resolve or determine the
development process (planning, development and amount of available space.
implementation) and the assessment of benefits and
• Landform – overall topography of the land through
impacts for maintaining the asset.
which the project passes.
It includes all projects across all modes but in particular • Geology – the type of geology and soil types of the
road, rail, light rail, and transitway projects which are site will help to ascertain which WSUD elements may
linear in nature and cross a number of catchment be best suited for implementation.
boundaries, as well as commuter car parks, depots and
• The nature and scale of the project – a project’s
other area-based projects which are developed by TfNSW
inherent scope may determine the amount that could
and its delivery agencies.
be achieved by incorporating WSUD.
An initial feasibility assessment early in the design • Safety – an understanding of the safety issues that
process will help direct the decision to adopt a WSUD may be present when incorporating WSUD should
approach on a project or not. Even if it has been already be made. This would include for both asset user and
committed to through an environmental assessment, one maintenance personnel.
should also be carried out building on and refining the
• Maintainability – the ability and capacity of the asset
information already included in the initial environmental
owner to maintain the WSUD element.
assessment. The types of factors which would need
consideration include:
• Cost – whether the whole-of-life cost (capital as well
as operational cost) of incorporating WSUD into
• Sensitivity of the adjacent environment – for a pristine the project is regarded as being sufficiently worthy
environment or drinking water catchment, there would of inclusion.
be higher need to ensure that water leaving the project
• Legislative or policy obligation – any Local, State or
is of a high quality compared to a degraded area
Federal planning or legislative instruments, or any
where any improvement from the project would be of
internal or external requirements such as the TfNSW
marginal value to the greater environment.
Sustainable Design Guidelines or the Infrastructure
• Effective imperviousness –an understanding of the Sustainability Council of Australia Rating Tool.
amount of change to the imperviousness of a project
area compared to what is currently present.
• Space – the amount of physical space available may be
a limiting factor.

 Introduction | 3
2. Integrating water sensitive urban design
into projects

2.1. Relationship between 2.2.2. Early consideration is important

WSUD and wider The inclusion of WSUD into any project will require early
planning to ensure it can be successfully integrated with
organisational objectives corridor- or project-specific objectives and organisation-
wide obligations such as safety, and value for money. When
The design of transport projects is driven by organisation the project’s physical design commences, WSUD should
wide principles across a number of disciplines. Most be considered in parallel with, and help guide, other design
importantly, it is implicit that a project should be elements, such as drainage and landscape works. The
inherently safe for both users and those maintaining critical factor in the planning process is to determine the
or operating it. Similarly, the whole-of-life cost and WSUD objectives for the project, and what opportunities
performance of the network should not be compromised. will be available to meet those objectives in the project
design. Early planning will also ensure that sufficient space
Several of these principles are common with those is made available to accommodate WSUD infrastructure,
of WSUD, so multiple outcomes can be achieved by either allocating existing land or purchasing additional
through integrating WSUD within projects. However, land. It is recommended that the development of these
without proper consideration WSUD may also conflict WSUD opportunities be undertaken at or before the
with broader organisational objectives – a cross- environmental assessment stage.
disciplinary approach to its consideration will ensure its
proper integration.
2.2.3. Stakeholder inclusion
Project-specific WSUD objectives may be determined
2.2. Relationship between by consultation and negotiation with stakeholders, both
internal and external. Further, most WSUD infrastructure
WSUD and wider will require some ongoing maintenance to remain effective,
organisational processes so inclusion and concurrence with the post-construction
asset owner is fundamental to the success of the project.
Relevant stakeholders might include:
2.2.1. WSUD and the Project Delivery • other internal sections within an organisation or
Life Cycle agencies within the transport cluster (e.g. asset

A common approach to project delivery is taken across managers, Sydney Trains) who will take ownership of the
the transport cluster, where a project will be considered in asset post-construction
an increasing amount of detail from scope definition and • external organisations (e.g. local councils and
options selection through concept and detailed design to stewardship maintenance contractors) who will take
construction and handover. responsibility of the asset post-construction
WSUD is best considered as early in this process as • NSW Department of Planning and Environment
possible to allow its feasibility to be adopted by a project
• NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
or corridor to be properly assessed. Once a decision has
been made to adopt a WSUD approach, its design should • Industry and Investment NSW (including
be considered throughout the development, construction Fisheries, Office of Water and Catchment
and operational phases as shown in the flowchart which Management Authorities)
follows (Figure 2). • local water authorities.

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2.3. Relationship between WSUD and broader urban design and
environmental policy

This guideline is intended to describe the benefits and desirable physical design outcomes of adopting a WSUD approach.
It is supported by other technical guidance, policy and legislation available from subject matter experts within agencies
which would be used by project teams to best incorporate WSUD to achieve the outcomes on projects described here.

Figure 2. WSUD Activities in the project development life cycle

Feasibility/scope definition

New construction, upgrade, widening, or duplication project/program

Assess feasibility of incorporating WSUD into the overall corridor or project scope, based on physical
and operational opportunities and constraints, safety and maintenance stakeholder requirements, cost
& legislative and policy obligations

Program/project can incorporate WSUD Program/project cannot incorporate WSUD

Determine appropriate WSUD elements and Record reasons why incorporation of WSUD
locations. Consider physical and built context as is not feasible in post-completion review
Concept design/detailed design

well as connectivity and quality of built environment

Consult with relevant internal assurance, safety and

maintenance stakeholders or external asset owners

Refine concept design

Prepare detailed design for tender and construction,

ensuring WSUD requirements are incorporated

Construct WSUD elements to ensure they meet all

Construction

stormwater management objectives

Prepare all necessary handover documentation (e.g. maintenance plan, landscape management plan,
engineers manual), and clean any temporary elements being used subsequently in operation
Maintenance
/operation

Project team to hand over all necessary documentation to asset owner

Maintain the WSUD elements in the agreed standard in accordance with the relevant documentation

 Integrating water sensitive urban design into projects | 5

3. Designing of WSUD systems

3.1. Design principles for WSUD 3.1.1. Physical context

There is no ‘one element fits all’ approach to good
As stated previously, the physical design outcome of WSUD. Good WSUD should be project specific – it
using WSUD systems is for drainage infrastructure to be should consider the project objectives, individual site,
considered as an integral part of the project landscape. its landform, natural patterns/environments, heritage
Principles to meet the desired physical outcome of WSUD and cultural contexts and other site constraints and
systems are: be innovative – there are no standard details and there
should be no standard design approach. However in
• Stormwater management elements should be saying this, there are some basic design approaches that
considered as part of a unified design of the project
are relevant to all WSUD elements. Existing drainage
and contribute to a positive urban design outcome
systems may be disconnected from waterways in rural
and should visually and physically integrate with the
areas and have a very low effective imperviousness, with
adjacent built and natural context.
pollutants absorbed in open swales and vegetated buffer
• Stormwater management should consist of a treatment strips adjacent to roads. When infrastructure is upgraded,
train approach rather than an ‘end of pipe’ solution it is important to understand the existing hydrological and
using multiple elements in combination rather than pollutant flows, and where possible, avoid making new
a single one in isolation to achieve water quality and drainage connections to waterways, where none exist.
quantity objectives. Elements should be located as Assessing proposed changes in effective imperviousness
close as possible to the point where adjacent hard will provide the existing versus new drainage context,
surfaces discharge. informing drainage and WSUD objectives. Drinking
• The approach should aim to improve the quality of water catchments for example, may have significant
water discharged to waterways, with an amount size catchments, careful placement of water quality
of treatment being provided relative to the treatments at source to prevent drainage into waterways
amount of change to the effective imperviousness should be a priority to enable the effective protection of
of the catchment and the sensitivity of the the water supply.
receiving environment.
• The approach should minimise the intensity of
stormwater events by managing the quantity of water
as it passes through a project site.

6 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

Figure 3. Pond near Windsor Road at Baulkham Hills

A treatment train may be designed to address both water

3.2. Incremental quantity (where the system is used to detain high volume
treatment approach flows and slow down their velocity) and water quality
(where a range of sediments, pollutants and nutrients are
removed from stormwater before it is discharged into
The concept of a water sensitive urban design approach
receiving catchments). Treatment elements are arranged
is that it treats water incrementally and manages flow
where they can have the most effect, and are classified as
along the conveyance system (a ‘treatment train’). This
primary, secondary or tertiary depending on the size of
means that the requirement for an end-of-pipe device
contaminant they filter as shown in the following table.
is minimised or eliminated. This fits well with transport
projects which usually have space limitations.

Table 1. Treatment levels

Typical retained
Level of treatment Description Example
pollutants

Primary Screening of gross pollutants Litter

GPT
Sedimentation of coarse particles Coarse sediment

Secondary Sedimentation of finer particles Fine particles

Grass swale
Filtration Attached pollutants

Enhanced sedimentation and filtration Nutrients

Tertiary Bioretention Basin
Biological uptake Heavy metals
Wetland
Adsorption on to sediments Free oils and greases

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Figure 4. Five Islands Road, Lake Macquarie

In order for WSUD to be fully effective, designers should

3.3. The whole be looking to integrate stormwater with recreational and
ecological landscape functions in a way that conventional
This section deals with the selection of WSUD elements piped stormwater infrastructure cannot. This multi-
at the planning and project-wide scale of design, while disciplinary approach sets WSUD apart from the singular
‘The Parts’ section describes the WSUD elements function of conventional stormwater systems.
themselves. The ‘Detailed Design Considerations’ section
Water sensitive urban design systems can range
describes some considerations when selecting elements.
from localised treatments to larger precinct based
These sections are interrelated, and should not be read
systems, and do not need to comprise only typical and
in isolation.
well-defined elements. Intermediate designs which
Water sensitive urban design is implemented broadly to combine the benefits of more than one element and are
achieve a range of objectives. In order for these objectives appropriate for a specific site should be considered. This
to be met, it must be incorporated at the scoping and allows for an evolution of WSUD design limited only by
design stages of a project, when opportunities and the creativity of the designer.
constraints are considered. The approach to water
management should consider stormwater as an asset with
diverse purposes, not a liability.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 9

Figure 5. Bioretention swale at Lawson

Figure 6. Rock lined swale which leads to a basin at Bullaburra West

10 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

3.3.1. ‘Soft’ vs ‘hard’ engineering or • allow drainage to discharge directly to planted areas
hybrid solution • use the areas created by remnant acquired land,
site compound areas, and parking areas for locating
Whilst WSUD elements will be most effective when WSUD elements
vegetation is used in its design to reduce runoff, improve
• incorporate swales to carry minor flows, with major
aesthetics and capture nutrients, factors such as the
storm events bypassed to larger basins.
need for water to be transported across paved areas,
land availability and topography may require piped (i.e.
Safety
hard) components to be incorporated into a broader
WSUD system. Permeable hard surfaces such as rock Safety must be considered in all aspects of WSUD.
rip-rap or paving may also be included in the design
Fencing or balustrading may be required where there are
to reduce runoff intensity whilst providing a level of
dangers from falling or drowning. Ideally deep water or
durability. Further, more rectangular and hard-edged built
high walls should be avoided so fences and balustrades
structures may be more appropriate in some locations,
are not required. Where it is unavoidable, fencing or
particularly in urban environments. There is no standard
balustrading should be integrated into the surrounding
approach that should be applied to all situations.
landscape, with appropriate materials and vegetation
used to disguise its presence.
3.3.2. Identifying site-wide opportunities Visibility and lines of sight may need to be considered in
and constraints some transport environments.

Water sensitive urban design elements should be

considered as part of the overall site landscape and Capital and Maintenance Budget
integrated with the adjacent context. Some sites will A major advantage of adopting a treatment train over a
provide opportunities for various WSUD options to be piped stormwater treatment system is that it combines
considered. However, in some situations a more extensive two separate components of the project into one. With
WSUD construction footprint may have a greater soft landscape works and stormwater infrastructure
environmental impact than a piped solution. constructed as one integrated element, a correctly
Variables such as scale, region, topography, climate designed system should be cheaper to construct
and rainfall will influence the way in which WSUD is in comparison.
implemented at each site. There are also many site- Combining elements should similarly reduce project
specific variables which cannot be captured within this whole-of-life cost. As with any project, the relevant asset
guideline. As an example, a constructed wetland for managers should be consulted during the design process
containment and water quality may not be appropriate on to provide feedback on the maintenance implications of
a highly constricted ridgetop alignment, but could be the a proposal’s compatibility with maintenance activities
ideal solution in a rural floodplain environment. across the rest of the asset.
The key to implementing appropriate WSUD systems is
to firstly identify the site-wide design opportunities and Water Quality and Quantity
constraints. This will require investigation beyond the site
The water quality and quantity of both the catchment
boundaries, and sometimes at a catchment scale.
and the receiving environment need to be understood
As well as responding to performance criteria, the main to help input into the design process. Setting objectives
issues to consider are: in relation to these two parameters will help, among
other design criteria in both sizing and the type of WSUD
Design element that would be best suited to achieve those set
objectives. Further information is provided in Appendix B.
The drainage designer, landscape architect and civil
designer need to consider opportunities and constraints
Land Use
for WSUD in the concept design phase. Methods of
design which can facilitate the implementation of Urban and rural land uses often require different WSUD
WSUD are: responses. In rural areas it is often possible to disperse
stormwater directly to the surrounding landscape. In
• design main alignments to run parallel to contours
urbanised areas, often water can only travel on the
to facilitate placement of treatment elements across
surface for short distances before being connected
the catchment
with surrounding infrastructure. It is important to look
• design cross falls to direct run-off to localised for opportunities with surrounding land managers (e.g.
treatment elements local councils) to see if there may be mutual benefit from
• reduce the area of impervious surfaces through addressing water management issues holistically.
minimising hard surfaces

 Designing of WSUD systems | 11

Space Restrictions Climate and season also significantly affect the vegetative
component of WSUD, both during establishment and long
A major constraint for the implementation of WSUD in
term operation.
many projects is space restrictions. Detailed engineering
calculations (using such modelling tools as Model for
Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation Spill Containment
(MUSIC) or DRAINS) are required to adequately size the Spill containment may be a design requirement where
hydraulic components of a system and help determine sensitive receiving environments may be damaged
whether it is feasible to incorporate WSUD elements. by pollutant spills from transport operations. In many
However, there may be opportunities to use WSUD where situations, existing WSUD elements such as basins, ponds
space is limited by incorporating individual elements into and wetlands can be configured to contain spills to avoid
designs such as incorporating bioretention tree pits or the need for a dedicated spill containment structure.
permeable pavers.
Existing Landscape/Retention of Habitat
Effective Imperviousness of Catchment It may be possible to integrate existing vegetation into a
There is little benefit in providing additional treatment new WSUD project, as long as the changed hydrologic
where a high level already exists with grass buffers and regime will not adversely affect the vegetation.
table drains disconnected from waterways. Designers Landscape terracing and contouring can be incorporated
should assess the existing impervious surface area and around existing and planted vegetation to provide a
connections to waterways, versus proposed impervious buffer strip and water treatment between the site and the
surface area that will have a drainage connection to receiving environment.
waterways and sensitive receiving environments.
Topography/Slope
At source treatment disconnected from waterways, within
or adjacent to the project alignment with vegetated Topography and slope dictate the movement of water
buffers, table drains and biofiltration swales can form part on land. The steeper the terrain, the faster draining it will
of the design response to treat new impervious surface be, and the more difficult it will be for water to infiltrate
run-off, and where possible, eliminate the need for new into the ground. Drainage can be provided on the top
drainage connections to waterways if none are existing. and bottom of slopes, and can be supplemented with
Assessing the effective imperviousness may reduce costs terraces and batter chutes, to slow the path of water. In
by eliminating the need for hard drainage infrastructure some cases, highly engineered water quality and quantity
such as kerb, gutter, pipes and pits, and may prevent control structures may be required.
over-specification of treatment by being more targeted
Flatter areas can be designed so that WSUD elements
to waterway disconnection and protecting sensitive
drain to localised low points, containing depressed
receiving environments.
landscape garden beds. Depending on the local geology,
some WSUD elements can also be designed with
Sensitivity of Catchment/Receiving Environment permeable bases such that treated stormwater infiltrates
The level of stormwater treatment to be provided should into the ground to recharge the local groundwater aquifer.
be identified as early as possible during design, and
should be appropriate for the sensitivity of the receiving Geology and Soils
environment so that the design is well resolved when
Underlying geology and soils play a critical role in the
scrutinised during environmental assessment. Higher
selection of treatment elements. They determine rates
levels of treatment will be required for environmentally
of exfiltration and infiltration and also whether any built
sensitive areas such as national parks, marine parks,
structure is required to support the weight of water when
drinking water catchments, key fish habitat, SEPP14
the geology is unstable.
wetlands, aquaculture, recreational fishing and primary
water contact, and recreational water activities. The type of soil and underlying geology determines the
rate of percolation as well as the amount of water that can
be absorbed and stored. Fine particles (e.g. clay and silts)
Region and Climate
do not allow rapid percolation while course particles (e.g.
Climate and rainfall vary significantly between regions, sands and gravels) do. The underlying rock formations
and WSUD elements should be designed accordingly. can be fractured or impervious, increasing or limiting
In low rainfall areas the focus is usually the direct irrigation percolation respectively.
of ephemeral vegetated depressions and treating the If Acid Sulfate Soil is present this will need special
potential erosion caused by peak rainfall events. In high consideration and possible treatment or removal.
rainfall areas the focus is usually the detention and
treatment of peak flows, using permanent water bodies.

12 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

Cross programming Figure 7. Pond near Bonville on the Pacific Highway

Certain projects may require vegetation offsets due to the

initial removal of exiting native vegetation for construction
purposes. If area permits, a combined WSUD/vegetation
offset site may be developed where appropriate
vegetation is planted within the WSUD element that will
both provide water quality and quantity services and
achieves the objective as an offset for the project.

Other dual examples of benefits with WSUD are in

providing general planting to the project or creating visual
barriers where required.

Community Benefit

There are numerous benefits that WSUD implementation

into a project provides the community which are
dependent on the type of WSUD elements included but
could provide – landscaping both in itself and also as
a landscape feature, fauna habitat, fit for use water for
irrigation purposes, heat island reduction, water quality
and quantity reduction, bush regeneration site, and
interactive and educational elements.

3.4. The parts

The following pages include a range of potential water

quality treatment elements that may be incorporated
by project managers/designers into a ‘treatment train’
for the treatment of project runoff. The matrix below
provides a summary of the following elements in terms
of application, water quality and quantity treatment
and cost.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 13

Table 2. Attributes of various treatment elements

Runoff Quality and Quantity Effectiveness Cost

Reduction in Runoff Volume

Location in Treatment Train
Stormwater Treatment

Litter/Organic Matter

Nitrogen Removed
Total Phosphorus/
Coarse Sediment

Fine Sediment

Heavy Metals

Construction

Maintenance
Oli & Grease
Application
Element

Vegetated Linear land area, grades

Primary/Secondary H H H L L L L L L
Swales maximum 5%

Primary/Secondary/
Bioretention Tertiary (may need Linear land area, grades
H H H M L M L M M
Swales sediment and litter maximum 5%
pre-filtering)

Primary, often
Sediment Upstream of a secondary
combined with M H M L L L L L M
Basins treatment device
detention

Primary/Secondary/ Sensitive receiving

Bioretention Tertiary (may need waters. Can include
H H H M L M L M M
Basins sediment and litter detention and/or
pre-filtering) exfiltration.

Sensitive receiving
Constructed waters. Polishes water by
Secondary/Tertiary – – H H L M L H M
Wetlands removing nutrients and
fine sediment

Drainage to
watercourses. Non-linear
Ponds/Wet Primary/Secondary/
land area. Also act H H M L L L L L M
Basins Tertiary
as detention and spill
containment.

Gross Pollutant Limited space, high litter/

Primary H M L L L L L L/M H
Trap organic matter loads

Porous &
Road verges, footpaths,
Permeable Primary L L M L L L M/H M M
car parks
Pavements

Maintain natural water

balance. Sensitive
Secondary (needs
Exfiltration receiving waters. Can
sediment and litter – – H M L M H M M
Systems be contained within
pre-filtering)
wet basins or detention
basins

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3.4.1. Vegetated swales (table drains) Vegetated Swales have limited effectiveness removing
fine sediment, nutrient and heavy metal removal due
Vegetated swales are linear features that convey to their generally short detention times during large
stormwater along the surface within a wide, shallow storm events.
channel, typically at gentle grades (<5%). The linear
form of swales makes them ideally suited to a linear Whilst vegetated swales can have a low construction
environment in both rural and urban areas, as well as cost in comparison to piped drainage systems, high
locations without defined drainage systems. Vegetated initial maintenance will be required during establishment
swales are generally used as a primary treatment device of the vegetation, with ongoing periodic monitoring
at the upper end of the treatment train, however can for vegetation cover, and infrequent mowing and litter
be used as the sole treatment element. Vegetation is removal. Vegetation should be selected based on local
used to promote uniform flow and also the slowing of climate and rainfall regime, sufficient density, and be
water velocity to encourage the settlement of course maintained at a height above the treatment flow level
sediments and also capture significant amount of litter to maximise filtration. Vegetated swales work most
and organic matter. efficiently with distribution of flow along the swale from
the catchment edge. Concentrated flows at a single
Vegetated Swales are generally compatible with entry point can lead to overwhelming of the vegetation
adjacent project corridors, however vehicle traversability, and erosion.
maintenance safety and water conveyance objectives
must be considered during design. Some protection
may be required from vehicle damage if deemed to be a
risk. Whilst swales require additional land in comparison
to piped drainage systems, they may also be used
as a boundary defining feature, and be part of the
landscape design.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 15

Figure 8. Bioretention swale in commuter car park at Quakers Hill

Figure 9. Vegetated table drain on the Princes Highway near Merimbula

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3.4.2. Bioretention swales Bioretention swales have a comparable construction
cost to piped systems, usually requiring very little
Bioretention swales (or Bioretention trenches) are linear maintenance. It is important in that they are properly
systems that include a vegetated swale and subsurface sized and vegetated. In the event that the filter material
filter. These swales provide a surface conveyance function becomes compacted or blocked, replacement of both the
as well as efficient treatment of stormwater through fine vegetation and filter material will be required. Removal
filtration, extended detention and some biological uptake. of litter and organic matter may be required if they are
Bioretention swales provide primary and secondary placed in high litter load areas.
treatment of stormwater. The filter media and vegetation Design of bioretention swales must consider the potential
that grows in it absorbs pollutants, improving the for infiltrated stormwater to impact on surrounding
element’s effectiveness. Vegetation that grows in the filter infrastructure which can be avoided by using such
media improves the function of the system in a number of techniques as installing an impervious membrane across
ways. Erosion and clogging of the surface and filter media the shared boundary with the element and/or having
is limited by continuous plant growth. Plant roots and them installed with a slotted pipe at the base to convey
filter media also allow biofilms to form which pollutants any excess water.
will adsorb to.

The safety considerations for bioretention swales are

quite similar to those of vegetated swales with particular
attention to the trafficable nature of the swale when
constructed in such areas where this may be a risk. They
are suited to highly urbanised areas within metropolitan
and rural centres incorporated as a boundary defining
feature, landscape element or if relevant located within
medians of roads, depots or car parks.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 17

3.4.3. Sediment basins Due to sediment basins limited water quality function,
they are frequently located upstream of secondary
Sediment basins are primary treatment elements used treatment elements such as wetlands or bioretention
mainly to trap course sediment however, they may also basins to protect them from being overloaded with
be designed to function as a detention and/or retention sediments, or can be used as an end of line treatment
component of the stormwater system. The basins element for sediment sensitive receiving environments.
function by providing reduced flow velocities therefore Typically the basin will be designed with a permanent
encouraging the settlement of coarse sediments. pool to maximise settling, however they can be designed
Sediment basins, like other non-linear elements are to fully drain during dry periods.
limited to areas where sufficient land is available for
construction. Sediment basins require consideration for Construction of sediment basins is relatively low cost
protection against accidental pedestrian and vehicle providing land is available and are typically installed
access if relevant and attraction of wildlife to the water during the construction phase of projects. Generally
source if that wildlife will be endangered by activities they are difficult to successfully incorporate into narrow
surrounding it (i.e. traffic). Sediment basins may need project reserves. Maintenance of sediment basins is
to be protected by appropriate barriers and fencing relatively simple if the basins has been designed with
depending on their location. suitable access, and requires the dewatering and
dredging of accumulated sediments generally using
an excavator or similar. The maintenance period varies
depending on the upstream catchment, and consideration
to analysis of removed sediments for contamination and
appropriate disposal may be required.

18 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

Figure 10. Basin on the Great Western Highway near Bullaburra

Figure 11. Bioretention basin in commuter car park at Edmondson Park

 Designing of WSUD systems | 19

3.4.4. Bioretention basins primary treatment (i.e. gross pollutant trap) should be
considered. A wide range of vegetation can be used
Bioretention basins operate with the same treatment allowing them to be integrated into the surrounding
process as bioretention swales with the exception that landscape and within features such as medians, traffic
they are non-linear and do not convey stormwater but calming elements, parking bays, and planting beds.
they may be designed to provide a detention function.
The basins can be a range of scales and shapes and Bioretention basins should be designed with the adjacent
therefore flexible in their design and location. The location infrastructure in mind, considering the impacts on
and size of the basins should consider such safety aspects the water table level, water ingress into surrounding
as errant vehicles and pedestrian interactions. pavement and possible inclusion of impermeable
membranes to ensure flows pass to an outlet pipe.
Bioretention basins are highly effective at treating Bioretention basins should require minimal maintenance
pollutants associated with impervious surface runoff if sized and designed appropriately. Removal of litter and
such as roads, car parks and roof areas prior to entering organic matter may be required if upstream protection is
sensitive receiving waters. They have the advantage of not provided. After initial establishment of the vegetation,
being able to be distributed along a project at regular minimal weeding should be required. If clogging or
intervals and treat runoff close to source, or can be contamination occurs there may be a need to replace
located at outfalls of a drainage system to provide both the vegetation and filter media layer.
treatment for larger areas. Bioretention basins are
susceptible to any materials that may clog the filter media,
therefore appropriate upstream protection by a sediment
basin or other

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3.4.5. Constructed wetlands Larger wetlands provide recreational opportunities such
as walking paths and resting areas and may provide
Constructed wetlands are extensively vegetated water habitat for wildlife and fish. The primary safety risk
bodies that provide enhanced sedimentation, fine associated with wetlands is their attraction of wildlife,
filtration and biological processes to remove stormwater which is generally undesirable near transport projects
pollutants. They range from large end-of-pipe treatment such as roads and rail. If access is provided, consideration
elements of many hectares down to ‘micro’ wetlands must also be given to pedestrian and traffic safety and
filling a small available pocket of land. They can take the inclusion of suitable barriers and fencing.
various sizes and shapes to suit the topography and can
be designed with a natural look or be more engineered Wetlands are usually planted with aquatic and semi-
and manicured. Positioning of wetlands should consider aquatic vegetation that require continuous water input.
their potential interaction with the water table and Depending on the size and location of a wetland, they
surrounding infrastructure. will require sufficient runoff to sustain the required
water levels for the plant species and initial maintenance
Wetlands are typically designed to release storm flows and weeding. They are also compatible with edge tree
over a period of about 3 days, allowing the treatment planting providing an appropriate distance is maintained
processes, particularly the uptake of soluble pollutants to prevent shading of macrophytes and edge zone plants.
to be optimised. They provide efficient treatment and Following an initial establishment period, provision of
removal of nutrients and other soluble or fine particulate upstream protection and appropriate vegetation species,
pollutants including heavy metals. They will have variation limited ongoing maintenance of wetlands is required.
in depth throughout the wetland to allow for a variety of
vegetation and pollutant removal processes and quite
frequently are protected upstream by a sediment basin
and/or GPT.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 21

Figure 12. Constructed wetland on the Pacific Highway, Banora Point

Figure 13. Pond on the Great Western Highway, Bullaburra

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3.4.6. Ponds Ideally the majority of sediment loads would be trapped
near to the inlet point, which can be designed to allow
Ponds target the removal of coarse and fine sediments easy access for removal of deposited sediment.
through sedimentation, as well as some adsorption
of nutrients from fringe plants (although less than Special care is required in the detailed design of ponds,
wetlands). The use of ponds for stormwater treatment is taking into account their management and operation.
an accepted practice, however they are unlikely to be the Issues such as algae blooms, accumulation of oil and
best solution for many projects due to safety risk limiting scum, and mosquito infestation can be minimised through
their application close to transport corridors. The primary good engineering design. Plant species selection and
safety risk associated with ponds is their attraction of placement should create a barrier to restrict public access
wildlife, which is generally undesirable near transport to open water bodies.
projects. Consideration must also be given to pedestrian
and potentially traffic safety due to the risk of drowning.
Appropriate barriers may be required depending on the
location and features.

Ponds can be constructed in various locations including

steep terrain, but are limited to areas where sufficient
land is available or can be acquired. Ponds can be
used for detention basins where storage above the
permanent pond level is provided. Depending on
upstream protection, ponds will generally require similar
maintenance to sediment basins.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 23

3.4.7. Porous and permeable pavements Porous and permeable pavements are a primary
treatment method typically designed to provide
Porous and permeable pavements are generally only infiltration and detention of smaller catchments of surface
applicable under light traffic loads due to them usually water to an underlying sand or aggregate and collection
being laid on a sand or fine gravel base. They can be system. They provide filtration as well as some nutrient
utilised for a variety of projects where traffic volumes uptake through biofilms on particle surfaces. In some
are suitably low (and light) and can be included in many instances the collected water can be stored and reused
locations such as roadside rest areas, car parks, depots, or infiltrated to the surrounding subsoil, however the risk
pedestrian thoroughfares, train stations etc. of groundwater contamination is possible. As mentioned,
Porous and permeable pavements promote infiltration these pavements are only effective on limited catchment
through the pavement surface itself to a subsurface areas and can have some ability to attenuate flood peaks
collection system or to the subsoil. Porous pavements for small, frequent flood events. They are only suitable for
allow for infiltration through the internal structure mild slopes (<5%). The pavements can be aesthetically
of the material itself. Examples would include such more pleasant than conventional drainage channels and
materials as porous asphalt, porous concrete, porous create edge treatment delineation through a change in
pavers, and plastic grid systems. In comparison, hard surface material, colour and texture.
permeable pavements are generally made of individually Porous and permeable pavements are susceptible to
impermeable pavers, but designed in such a way that clogging during and immediately following construction,
there are vertical gaps between the pavers, often filled or through long term use. Given these pavements are
with coarse sand or other highly permeable material susceptible to clogging, regular maintenance is required
which allows for high infiltration rates. but will depend on the type and frequency of usage.
Maintenance can be in the form of deep pore suction
cleaning and vacuum sweeping.

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Figure 14. Permeable pavement in car park constructed as part of the Lane Cove Tunnel project

3.4.8. Water storage, irrigation or other Stormwater storage devices could include underground
tanks as well as surface pond and wetlands. Opportunities
reuse opportunities may be investigated with neighbouring councils and land
Particular land uses within or adjacent to the project such management agencies to provide water to their land
as rest areas, compounds, recreational open space and when it is mutually beneficial.
other areas needing irrigation may mean it is beneficial to
consider using land for stormwater harvesting and reuse.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 25

3.4.9. Exfiltration/aquifer recharge Typically, exfiltration only provides secondary treatment
and commonly require the use of a combination of
Exfiltration systems encourage the infiltration of swales, sediment basins and/or GPTs upstream of the
stormwater into the surrounding soils or aquifers system to limit sediment loads, and be effective in
(layers of rock or sand which can hold and store water removing fine sediments and medium quantities of heavy
underground). Using exfiltration to recharge aquifers metals and nutrients. They are susceptible to clogging
would need to be part of a broader regional program by pollutants and sediments on the surface as well as
in which project management elects to participate with the subsoil media. Most commonly they will be applied
other stakeholders such as councils and catchment as bioretention systems where infiltration is allowed at
management authorities. the base of the filter media, rather than implementing a
This technique is dependant on the ability of the local subsurface collection system. Exfiltration systems can
soils to accept stormwater and are best suited to areas also be vegetated and landscaped to provide character
where the surrounding soils are sandy and have high and amenity. This also provides improved nutrient
infiltration rates. They should only be considered when removal through plant uptake and also helps to reduce
groundwater recharge is beneficial and the total runoff clogging as the plant root systems assist in maintaining
volume needs to be limited. In coarse soils, exfiltration the permeability of the surface and subsurface.
may lead to groundwater contamination where dissolved The systems are flexible in their shape, size and structure
pollutant removal is not achieved. Similar to bioretention and can be installed underground allowing for their use
basins consideration should be given to their compatibility in areas of limited space, however they are not suited to
and impact on adjacent infrastructure. steep slopes or areas with stability issues. If appropriately
protected upstream from sediment and pollutants, limited
maintenance will be required.

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3.5. Detailed design Figure 15. Bioretention basin with sediment entrapment
zone on the Central Coast Highway, Wamberal
considerations

At the detail design stage of transport projects the design

and selection of the various components of the WSUD
elements need to be carefully considered. The main issues
to consider are described in the following sections.

3.5.1. Maintenance and access

In order to keep WSUD systems in proper working order,
maintenance is crucial. Whilst maintenance is usually
carried out during establishment and operation, planning
for maintenance should be considered during design.

The design of elements works best for maintenance

when the maintenance activity is considered, and
integrated with the wider landscape. Such considerations
may include:

• Reduce maintenance scope: This may include the

provision of forebays, trash racks and sediment basins
prior to ponds, wetland and bioretention basins to
minimise the maintenance frequency and area.
• Ensuring a ‘clean’ system is provided at handover:
Elements which may have been used to trap sediments
during construction will clog up if not cleaned and
flushed prior to handover at a point when construction
sediment loads have diminished.
• Provide safe access to machinery and personnel:
This may also include the placement of appropriate
distances and isolated from any transport thoroughfare
so maintenance may be carried out without the
restriction and need for traffic management.
• Access: Is required for all maintenance activities.
Provision of suitable access would include adequate
load bearing surfaces and reasonable offset distances.
• Edge conditions: Maintenance can be made easier by
reducing the width of boggy ground, impediments to
personnel and machinery, and delineation between
terrestrial and aquatic conditions

In order to keep WSUD systems

in proper working order,
maintenance is crucial.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 27

3.5.2. Plant selection Shrubs and trees are not a functional requirement within
WSUD elements, but can be integrated if required
Plants associated with WSUD elements are often required providing the filter media has a minimum depth of
to tolerate specific conditions such as long dry spells 800mm to avoid root interference with the subsurface
followed by periodic flooding or extended wet periods. drainage. They should be planted so as not to out-
In general plants for swales, bioretention swales and compete the active groundcover layer.
bioretention basins must be plants which are adapted
to ephemeral wet/dry conditions and be able to tolerate 3.5.3. Soil media
the free-draining conditions of the growing media. It is
crucial to establish a continuous uniform groundcover Selection and use of appropriate soils and filter material is
for the operation of swales and bioretention systems. essential for the successful establishment and operation
Designers must account for the inundation time and the of all elements. Soils should be suitable as a growth
depth of water, and (for swales) the roughness of the media to support vegetation (retain sufficient moisture
channel. Low growing groundcovers and grass species and provide nutrients) as well as sufficiently permeable
are suitable for swales that require a low hydraulic to prevent ponding and then becoming waterlogged,
roughness. Bioretention structures need plants with whilst filter materials should be permeable and resistant
root systems extensive enough to prevent the filter to clogging.
media from clogging and tall enough to withstand Lower levels of permeability are required for vegetated
extended inundation. swales, ponds, wetland and wet sediment basins. Higher
Macrophytes should be used in wetlands, sedimentation permeability is needed for elements such as biofiltration
basins and other permanent or semi permanent water swales and basins, exfiltration systems and porous/
bodies. The macrophytes will be selected for their ability permeable pavements.
to tolerate the various water depths encountered at the The effect of long periods of inundation is a consideration,
edges of the water body and ability to assist the removal as acidity levels, erodability and siltation levels may
of nutrients. impact on the success of plant growth.
Plants with spreading roots that rapidly fill the soil media, Further information can be found in the ‘Guidelines
and those that have a symbiotic relationship with soil for Filter Material in Stormwater Biofiltration Systems
fungi, are best for nutrient removal. Plants such as Carex (v4.01)’ July 2015 developed by the CRC for Water
appressa, Melaleuca ericifolia, Goodenia ovata, Ficinia Sensitive Cities.
nodosa, Juncus amabilis and Juncus flavidus have proven
to be species with exceptional nutrient stripping ability.

Whilst plants that are nitrogen fixing (such as Acacia

spp.), shallow rooted and suited to dry conditions are
unsuitable for general use in regularly inundated areas,
they may be appropriate for the embankments of basins
and at the top of berms for purposes including batter Lower levels of permeability
stabilisation, aesthetics and to restrict public access. are required for vegetated
Plant selection should be from indigenous species if swales, ponds, wetland and wet
downstream ecosystems are susceptible to weed invasion.
sediment basins.
Shrubs and trees play an important role adjacent to
WSUD elements in providing screening, shade, and
integrating the work within the surrounding landscape
character. Shrubs and trees can be used to help control
the algal growth in water bodies by shading, and
conversely should be placed at a distance far enough so
as not to shade a WSUD element where macrophytes or
other active groundcover species are planted.

28 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

3.5.4. Fencing and edging Depending on these factors, other methods of mitigation
of identified risks may be more effective, including:
A risk-management approach should be undertaken to
the provision of fencing of WSUD systems. Following • terracing or grading edges so to allow easy egress and
are some items which will influence whether a fence is to allow actual depth of water to be perceived
considered necessary: • provision of dense planting
• depth and time of inundation • temporary or permanent signage
• use of the area of land for other purposes (such • temporary patrols during times where usually dry
as a basin being used as a recreation area during elements are inundated.
dry periods) If fencing is required, its design should be considered as
• levels and gradients at edges part of the design of the project in general. Screening it
with planting may be appropriate in many circumstances,
• proximity to publicly accessible areas, including
and multiple layers of fencing performing different
consideration of whether that includes children
purposes should be combined into a single fence.
of an age where they aren’t yet able to perceive
danger adequately
• access requirements for maintenance
• location within clear zones if relevant.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 29

30 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline
3.5.5. Mosquito control These include:

Mosquitoes can present a problem in poorly constructed • Design open water and steep bank slopes where the
and maintained artificial wetlands, ponds and other water intersects the bank to reduce habitat sites.
WSUD elements that detain water for extended periods, • Vary water levels during the breeding cycle to kill
particularly where there is an imbalance of available food, off populations.
habitat and predators. Mosquitoes require still, ponded • Designing to allow wind wave disturbance.
water and some level of shelter and attachment sites to
• Consider location of planting areas and species
carry out their life cycle. Wetlands and ponds generally
to reduce breeding areas and to encourage
provide some level of these habitats, however, after
predatory species.
an establishment period they also provide significant
habitats for mosquito predators. • Creating water surface disturbance. A jet or cascade
operated by a simple submersible pump will suffice in
There are a number of design and management most instances.
techniques that can be used to manage the risk of
Monitoring may be useful if there is a problem post
mosquito borne disease and mosquitoes as nuisance.
construction, or, if it is considered a major risk, then
monitoring of the existing conditions may also be helpful.

 Designing of WSUD systems | 31

4. Appendix

Appendix A: Relevant associated Legislation, Environmental Planning

Instruments and other

Documents
Legislation and Environmental Planning Instruments Various water management & Urban Design documents
covering WSUD in NSW includes: may be assessed in developing project water quality
commitments. These may include:
• NSW Protection of the Environment Operations
Act (1997) • ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water
• National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974) Quality (NHMRC & ARMCANZ, 2000) but care should
be taken as this does not relate to stormwater rather
• Fisheries Management Act (1994)
catchment wide objectives.
• Water Act (1912)
• Managing Urban Stormwater: Council Handbook
• Water Management Act (2000) (EPA, 1997)
• NSW State Environmental Planning Policy: • Stormwater Quality Guidelines (DECC, 2007)
The BASIX Scheme
• Australian Guidelines for Urban Stormwater
• NSW State Environmental Planning Policy: Management (NHMRC & ARMCANZ, 2000)
Growth Centres Commission (and associated
• Australian Runoff Quality (Engineers Australia)
Development Codes)
• NSW Water Quality and River Flow Objectives for
• Other NSW State Environmental Planning Policies
various catchments
• NSW Regional Environmental Planning Policies.
• Local Council Local Environment Plans
• Local Council Development Control Plans
• Urban Green Cover in NSW: Technical Guidelines
(OEH).

Table 3. Relevant policy documents of transport cluster agencies

Agency Document Content

RMS Environment The Policy guides RMS to undertake its activities in an environmentally
Policy Statement 2016 responsible manner and effectively manage risks that may lead to an impact on
the environment.

Beyond the Pavement Current RMS Urban Design Policy is contained in the publication. This requires
– RMS Urban Design RMS projects to fit sensitively with the built, natural and community environments
RMS

Policy, Procedures and through which they pass. It endorses a collaborative approach to design where
Design Principles (2014) all disciplines engage in dialogue at all stages of the design process. This ensures
safe, sustainable and cost effective solutions and to provide better visual and
amenity outcomes for the community. This implicitly includes stormwater
management as an integral part of the road design and therefore an important
design consideration.

32 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

Agency Document Content

Water Policy The Water Policy guides RMS to use the most appropriate water management
practices in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the
roads and traffic system in order to:

• conserve water;
• protect the quality of water resources; and
• preserve ecosystems
Code of Practice for The Code of Practice provides details of the principles that the RMS is committed
Water Management to in terms of meeting water quantity and quality objectives from planning
through to post-construction, ultimately committing to best management
practises.

RMS Procedure for The procedure provides guidelines to assist in the selection of appropriate types
RMS

selecting treatment of stormwater treatment measures for specific road and/or bridge projects.
strategies to control
road runoff

Biodiversity Guidelines The Guidelines aim to provide assistance and guidance to RTA staff and
- Protecting and contractors in the management of biodiversity throughout a project and during
Managing Biodiversity maintenance works. These Guidelines aim to improve biodiversity outcomes by
on RTA Projects minimising potential impacts on flora, fauna and habitats and assisting the RTA
to meet statutory obligations under NSW and Commonwealth environmental
legislation and policies.

Supplement to The Supplement To Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 5: Drainage Design
Austroads Guide to provides details of traditional hydrology and hydraulic calculations for peak flow
Road Design estimation, detention and conveyance to minimise the risk of flooding. It also
considers the potential for sedimentation and erosion.

State 1. State Transit Commits State Transit to proactively identify and manage our Environmental
Transit Environment Policy. Risks, to minimise and mitigate the environmental impacts of our operations and
Authority to incorporate sustainability into our business and planning decisions.
of NSW
2. Environmental Guides State Transit on the monitoring and management of water usage and
Management System supplementation via rain and stormwater harvesting systems to conserve potable
Water Conservation – water use.
PROC 03.24.

I&S Environment Policy Guides Infrastructure & Services Division (I&S) to undertake its activities in an
TfNSW Infrastructure and Services Division

environmentally responsible manner and effectively manage risks that may lead
to an impact on the environment.

TfNSW Sustainable The Sustainable Design Guidelines (the guidelines) seek to deliver sustainable
Design Guidelines development practices by embedding sustainability initiatives into the design and
construction of transport infrastructure projects.

Vegetation Offset The purpose of this Guide is to meet the biodiversity target, help I&S move
Guide towards achieving the environmental policy objective and provide a framework
for a consistent approach to offset impacts to vegetation on applicable projects.

Guide to Water Balance I&S seeks to minimise water usage through undertaking water balance studies
Study that support decision-making and options assessments during the design,
construction and operations phases of transport infrastructure.

 Appendix | 33
Appendix B: Setting water quality objectives

Successful projects will set objectives early in the design Each NSW transport agency may choose to set its own
process, rather than let the design process dictate organisational water quality objectives, or may opt to set
the objectives. It is desirable that WSUD objectives objectives on a project-specific basis. In the absence of
are developed during or prior to the environmental any organisational or project-specific objectives, current
assessment phase of the project. This will then effectively best practice industry targets may be considered for
communicate the objectives to all relevant and interested some aspects of WSUD design, but will depend on the
stakeholders and importantly form part of the approval scale and complexity of the project.
by any regulatory authorities (e.g. Department of Planning
Recommended water quality and quantity objectives
& Environment approval for Part 5.1 environmental
for urban development in NSW are provided in the
impacts statements or internal approval for Part 5 review
publication ‘TfNSW Sustainable Design Guidlines v4’.
of environmental factors).
These objectives are reproduced in the table below.
Objectives should be developed with consideration to the
sensitivity of the receiving environment and the potential
pollution impacts of the proposal.

Table 4. Water quality and quantity objectives

Objective Parameter

Suspended solids 85% retention of the average annual load

Total phosphorus 65% retention of the average annual load

Total nitrogen 45% retention of the average annual load

Flow management Maintain the 1.5year ARI (average recurrence interval) peak discharge to pre-development magnitude.

34 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

Appendix C: Glossary

Term Definition

Soil which becomes acidic when exposed to air or is otherwise disturbed because of its chemical
Acid Sulfate Soils
composition

Bonding of metals and nutrients onto the surface of sediment particles in a WSUD system,
Adsorption
preventing them being transported downstream to receiving environments

Aquifer An underground geologic formation which traps water and is considered a potential water source

A group of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other on the surface of plant roots or on
Biofilm
soil particles, which will trap nutrients and pollutants

The control of stormwater by means of vegetation and soil that slow and filter the run-off,
Bioretention
absorbing the pollutants

The human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, ranging in scale from
Built environment buildings and parks or green space to neighbourhoods and cities and includes their supporting
infrastructure

Catchment An area of land where surface water runoff converges to a single point at a lower elevation

The act of temporarily storing water after a storm, but allowing it to eventually discharge at a
Detention
controlled rate to a downstream water body

Impervious area in catchment that is directly connected to waterways (i.e., precipitation falling on
Effective
that area is effectively transported to the stream), thought to be a better predictor of ecosystem
imperviousness
alteration to urban waterways when compared to total imperviousness

Element An individual WSUD technology which provides storwmater treatment

An approach to the management of stormwater which pipes runoff to a single large treatment
End-of-pipe
device at the lowest point of a catchment just prior to its discharge into a receiving environment

Describes an element which does not store water permanently but only retains it for short period
Ephemeral
of time. Can also describe vegetation which is suited to growing in such an environmental

The act of directing stormwater into the ground using a dedicated below-ground structure at the
Exfiltration
end of a treatment train.

Debris items larger than around five millimetres. Typically includes litter (such as paper and
Gross Pollutant
plastics) and vegetation (such as leaves and twigs), which are transported by stormwater runoff

Part of a system designed to cater for heavy rainfall events which generate a large amount of
High-Flow runoff. The nature of runoff from these events is that they have a lower pollutant load, therefore
their primary aim is to manage a large volume of water quickly

Relating to the conveyance of water through a natural or artificial structure (e.g. wetland, pipe,
Hydraulic
channel)

Hydraulic roughness Surface roughness of any medium that influences the velocity of flow

Infiltration The act of directing stormwater into the ground through permeable soils along a treatment train

Flooding of an area, particularly in the context of controlling water depth in an individual element
Inundation
for detention and pollutant control

An element dissolved in water which has a negative impact on the health of waterways,
Nutrient
commonly nitrogen or phosphorus

Percolation The act of stormwater passing though a porous material such as soil

Permeability The ability of a material or structure for water to easily pass through it

Receiving
The area downstream of a catchment where into which runoff from that catchment discharges
environment

 Appendix | 35
 Term Definition

The act of managing stormwater runoff by retaining it in a permanent pool of water and
Retention
preventing it from discharging downstream

Stormwater that does not soak into the ground and therefore travels across land into
Runoff
downstream water bodies and drains

Stormwater Water that originates during precipitation events (and in alpine areas with snowmelt)

Small solid particles which remain in suspension in water which have a negative impact on the
Suspended solids
health of waterways,, used as one indicator of water quality

A continuous linear depressed area in a broader tract of land, designed to capture and convey
Swale
runoff

The living together of two species of organisms in which the union of the two is advantageous or
Symbiotic
necessary to both

A number of elements and structures arranged in serial throughout a catchment which manage
Treatment train
quantity and quantity of runoff cumulatively

Water Sensitive Urban The integration of water cycle management (including stormwater, groundwater and wastewater
Design management and water supply) into planning, design and construction of the built environment

A land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or temporarily, such that it takes on
Wetland the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem, primarily via characteristic vegetation that is adapted
to its unique soil conditions

36 | Roads and Maritime Services | Water sensitive urban design guideline

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