MSS024021
Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to inspect and/or monitor small-scale urban or semi-urban drainage systems. Personnel will plan and conduct survey, inspection and/or audit activities; collect and interpret information about the characteristics and condition of the catchment; and identify environmental issues and possible causes. This work assists engineers and planners to develop stormwater management plans and/or assess the environmental impacts of existing conditions or activities.

This unit applies to environmental technicians working in a range of industry sectors, such as stormwater management, clean water; environmental services, environmental compliance, auditing and inspection.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

1.1

Clarify the scope and objectives of the assessment, constraints, stormwater components involved and stormwater management techniques already in use

1.2

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities

1.3

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement

2

Source and assess available stormwater system data

2.1

Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy

2.2

Locate external sources of data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations

2.3

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Use available data to identify (sub)catchment boundaries and modifications, hydrologic range, major land use categories, areas of potential pollution and environmental issues relevant to the study

2.5

Identify the underlying geological landforms

2.6

Collect data on the local meteorological conditions

3

Plan and organise assigned field activities

3.1

Confirm data collection points and data quality requirements

3.2

Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences

3.3

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities

3.4

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose

3.5

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits

3.6

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from relevant personnel

3.7

Update work plan and communicate changes to relevant personnel

4

Safely collect global positioning system (GPS) and environmental data

4.1

Set up and optimise GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings

4.2

Set up measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use, calibration checks

4.3

Operate GPS equipment and measuring instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

4.4

Collect point positional data and attribute environmental data for each location in accordance with data collection plan

4.5

Verify GPS and environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures and troubleshoot equipment

5

Perform field work

5.1

Visually inspect stormwater systems to determine the degree of erosion or sediment transport along drainage channels

5.2

Assess the apparent effectiveness of current stormwater control devices

5.3

Assess the state of riparian vegetation associated with earth formed channels, ponds and basins

5.4

Assess the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna in stormwater channels and receiving bodies

5.5

Collect representative water, soil and sediment samples using specified sampling methods and equipment

5.6

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment

5.7

Identify litter generation areas and visually inspect the effectiveness of gross pollutant traps

5.8

Identify and promptly report any illegal discharge to the stormwater system

5.9

Inspect the condition of flood mitigating structures along drainages

6

Finalise field work

6.1

Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base

6.2

Ensure all samples and data are stored safely

6.3

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis

6.4

Clean and test equipment before storage

7

Report current stormwater system conditions

7.1

Review field measurements and results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and problems with data

7.2

Analyse data relating to catchment characteristics, existing conditions and management values

7.3

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current stormwater management objectives and practices

7.4

Report findings using a format and style that suits the intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines

7.5

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines

8

Maintain a safe work environment

8.1

Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others

8.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing and sampling and generation of waste

8.3

Collect and dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Sectors

Environmental


Competency Field

Environmental monitoring