Release of IECA BPESC 2025 update

If you are not aware IECA Australasia has recently released the updated Best Practice Erosion & Sediment Control (BPESC) document. The BPESC is widely referenced within many approvals, consents, permits, specifications, etc as to outlining the minimum standards and requirements for best practice ESC planning and management within Australia. The 2025 version captures a range of updates, user feedback, and amendments made since the original publication in 2008.

Key changes to the 2025 version include:

  • Consolidation into a single document (no longer 3 books)

  • Updated rainfall terminology consistent with the Bureau of Meteorology and Australian Rainfall and Runoff

  • Updated and additional rainfall design values

  • Updated rainfall erosivity (R-factors) values

  • Consistent sediment control standard

  • Reduced soil loss limit for catchments greater than 10,000m2

  • Additional guidance regarding soil binders, Type B basin dewatering and stockpile management

  • Inclusion of Appendix P within the main document

The 2025 BPESC can be downloaded for free from the IECA website. If you are responsible for preparing, reviewing or implementing ESC plans you are encouraged to download and review the current version. Similarly, any conditions related to ESC planning or management should be updated to reference BPESC (2025, or later version).

Kyle Robson