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Establishment of
Constructed Wetlands:
Design Manual
Executive Summary
In 2013, a number of key strategies were released. These strategies have influenced
urban development and the approach to managing stormwater within Melbourne. In
July, the State Government released Melbournes Water Future for consultation; a new
approach to managing the urban water cycle in Melbourne. One of this strategys key
objectives is to make better use of all available water sources, including recycled
water, rainwater and stormwater. The volume of stormwater runoff from Melbournes
rainfall is greater than the amount we use from our dams. This quantity of water is
more than enough to provide both an alternative supply for non-drinking purposes
and a healthy flow to our waterways and bays. The Melbournes Water Future strategy
outlines an alternative approach to stormwater management and seeks to manage the
various stormwater objectives of flood reduction and waterway protection through
strategies that reduce the volume of stormwater (e.g. through harvesting) and
improve management of flows.
The government also released Plan Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy, a key
document that provides a clear vision for the city to 2050 and responds to the
challenges of population growth, urbanisation, driving economic prosperity and
liveability while protecting our environment and heritage. Customers and communities
are increasingly demanding clever, affordable and local solutions that enhance
liveability in their suburbs.
Within this changing world, Melbourne Water is a key player; we now need to rethink
our approach in delivery of valued services. There is a need for change in the way that
Melbourne Water delivers services and we are responding by changing our business
model to exhibit three focus areas:
The primary focus for realising this business model is outlined in our new Service
Delivery Strategy and our new Asset Management Strategy, which have the business
shifting from a world where we build and manage assets, to one which also focusses
on the delivery of valued services for all customers and stakeholders.
Constructed wetlands have always been considered as one possible option to improve
stormwater quality within a suite of other treatment measures. This method can help
urban development achieve some of the objectives outlined in the Stormwater and
Healthy Waterways strategies.
Constructed wetlands are built to remove pollutants carried via fine sediments and
water soluble nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorous. These wetlands are
shallow, vegetated systems that fill and drain in a controlled manner following rain
events. The design hydrological regime and vegetation configuration throughout the
wetland is critical to the treatment function of the system. Vegetation in the wetland
has a direct relationship to the treatment performance. If the vegetation does not
meet the design configuration it is unlikely that the wetland is performing the
treatment required.
This manual has been prepared to assist the land development industry when
designing, constructing and establishing constructed wetlands on behalf of Melbourne
Water. This document has been developed with a strong focus on:
Introduction
Introduction to the manual
Process of the manual
How to use the manual
Supporting resources
Support resources
Templates
Standard drawings
Conservation
This manual should be read in conjunction with the following documents (or current
versions of these documents):
The manual facilitates the consistent delivery of high quality constructed wetlands
across the Port Phillip and Westernport region and will improve the customer
The manual:
The manual has evolved from previous guidelines and documents, the latest being the
Constructed Wetlands Guidelines (2010). Wetland guidelines have been refined over
many years, since the industry publication Managing Urban Stormwater Using
Constructed Wetlands in 1998. Since this publication, the stormwater industry has
matured through advancements in engineering practice, practical knowledge and
further understanding of natural ecosystems. This manual reflects current thinking
and best practice design.
The manual responds to a range of needs within the land development industry,
including:
The need from the land development industry for clear guidance from
Melbourne Water regarding:
There are six main Parts within this manual, each with a distinct purpose:
o Part B1: Vision, core outcomes and aspirational outcomes sets out
Melbourne Waters required outcomes for constructed wetlands.
o Part B2: Deemed to comply design criteria presents the design criteria
that must be met to achieve deemed to comply acceptance, and
demonstrates how this criteria aligns with the design objectives.
Part E: Design tools, resources and glossary outlines the various analytical
design tools, information sources and Melbourne Water resources that can be
used to develop a best practice constructed wetland design.
Familiarity with the manual will allow the land development industry to gain a full
understanding of Melbourne Waters requirements for best practice constructed
wetland design. However, the manual has been written in a way that the Parts can be
used independently as required.
Supporting resources
The design approach set out in the manual draws on a large body of existing
information and design tools, many of which will be familiar to the land development
industry. However, there are several new concepts and tools. A range of supporting
resources has also been developed to assist designers to completely understand
Melbourne Waters requirements for constructed wetlands and apply them to their
work.
Support resources
A number of resources have been developed to support the design approach set out in
the manual:
Continuous simulation (water quality, residence time and water level analysis)
Templates
The following templates have been produced to assist the designer package their
design reports and plans to Melbourne Waters satisfaction:
Design report template a blank word template with key headings and a table
of contents to guide the structure and content of the concept and functional
design reports.
Design checklists
Example design plans sample plans illustrating the level of detail typically
shown on wetland design plans from concept, through function to detail.
The key principles of WSUD outlined in the Urban Stormwater: Best Practice
Environmental Management (BPEM) Guidelines (Victorian Stormwater Committee,
1999) are to:
Protect and enhance natural water systems within urban environments;
Integrate stormwater treatment into the landscape, maximising the visual and
recreational amenity of developments;
Improve the quality of water draining from urban developments into receiving
environments;
Reduce runoff and peak flows from urban developments by increasing local
detention times and minimising impervious areas; and
Minimise drainage infrastructure costs of development due to reduced runoff
and peak flows.
Protection of waterways
The physical characteristics and catchment properties within a region, such as land
use, amount of impervious area, and rainfall characteristics, strongly influence the
amount of stormwater that is generated and the subsequent impacts on waterway
health.
The adoption of WSUD principles can provide a range of other benefits such as
alternate water supply, improved landscape amenity, and contribution to enhanced
liveability by highlighting natural features such as waterways and the surrounding
open spaces.
The use of WSUD treatment systems can also help to minimise drainage infrastructure
development costs by reducing pipe sizes and potentially replacing large scale
reticulated water systems with local solutions where appropriate.
Natural wetlands
The term wetland is used to describe places within the landscape that are inundated
with water for all, or at least part, of the year. Wetlands encompass a diverse range of
aquatic ecosystems, ranging from permanently inundated environments (such as
freshwater lakes and estuaries) to variably inundated environments (such as
freshwater marshes/swamps and salt marshes).
Shallow freshwater wetlands (less than two meters deep) are present throughout
Australia and are defined on the basis of wetting and drying cycles (referred to as the
wetland water regime - timing, frequency, duration, extent and depth of inundation).
Many shallow freshwater wetlands are highly ephemeral, often comprising of large
shallow areas that regularly dry out during summer, and pockets of deeper permanent
water. A major feature of shallow freshwater wetlands is the presence of emergent
aquatic plants (plants that grow above the water surface and are commonly referred
to as macrophytes).
The aquatic plants that grow in wetlands have adapted to survive both inundated and
dry conditions. The biochemical, molecular and morphological adaptations of aquatic
plants to inundation include tolerance to anoxia (metabolic regulation), the presence
of aerenchyma (air spaces which extend throughout the plant and allow the plant to
supply oxygen to submerged tissues) and the ability to elongate inundated shoots (to
renew contact with the aerial environment).
Constructed wetlands
This document refers to removing stormwater pollutants and providing other WSUD
benefits to wetlands that are constructed within urban areas.
As complex and highly active biological systems, constructed wetlands rely heavily
upon microbial processes to intercept, transform and remove pollutants from
stormwater. Constructed wetlands are robust and dynamic systems that can cope with
large variations in flow and water quality. The presence of emergent aquatic plants
within constructed wetlands is crucial to the long term performance of the wetland
system, as the plants play a major role in the uptake of nutrients, and the health of
the wetland sediments and microbial communities. Constructed wetlands therefore
need to be carefully designed to provide the best conditions for plant growth to ensure
the long term performance of the wetland.
Physical
Trap sediments vegetation in the wetland facilitates enhanced
sedimentation of particles down to the fine colloidal fractions
Trap adsorbed pollutants traps a high proportion of adsorbed pollutants
through high capture of fine particles
The presence of vegetation minimises the likelihood of widespread re-
entrainment of trapped sediments
Pollutant transformation
The regular wetting and drying cycle within wetlands leads to more stable
sediment fixation of contaminants (such as phosphorus and metals) in the
substratum
Microbial processes such as nitrification and denitrification result in
nitrogenous pollutants such as ammonium and nitrate being converted to
nitrogen gas and being dispersed into the atmosphere
UV treatment in an open water area provides some disinfection
Generally, gross pollutants are removed using gross pollutant traps located in the
catchment upstream of the sediment pond. In cases where no upstream gross
pollutant traps are present, the inlet pipes to the sediment pond may be fitted with
litter traps.
The sediment pond is connected to the macrophyte zone by a connection sized to pass
the three month ARI flow. This protects the vegetation and deposited fine particulates
in the macrophyte zone from scour. Isolation of the sediment pond from the
When flows entering the sediment pond exceed the three month ARI flow, or the
extended detention depth of the macrophyte is full, stormwater is discharged from the
sediment pond via an overflow weir into a bypass channel. The bypass channel
conveys high flows around the macrophyte zone. The key features of a sediment pond
are shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5.
A maintenance access track to the base of the sediment pond is required for vehicular
access to the sediment pond during sediment cleanout events. A sediment dry out
area must be provided in an area adjacent to the sediment pond. The accumulated
sediment removed from the sediment pond is stockpiled on the sediment dry out area
to allow sediment dewatering to occur prior to the sediment being removed
elsewhere.
Sediment ponds are maintained as open water systems, however emergent aquatic
plants (macrophytes) are normally planted around the shallow margins of the
sediment pond to assist with bank stability, improve visual amenity and to discourage
public access.
Macrophyte zone
The macrophyte zone consists of one or more densely planted linear cells (refer Figure
6).
The function of the macrophyte zone is to provide a low velocity environment where
the smaller suspended particles are able to settle out of suspension or adhere to the
vegetation. Soluble pollutants, such as nutrients, are adsorbed onto the surfaces of
suspended solids and entrained within the wetland sediments, or biologically absorbed
by the biofilms (algae, bacteria) present on the macrophytes-or by the macrophytes
themselves. Microbial activity within the biofilms or within the sediment helps to
decompose organic matter and is crucial to the transformation and export of carbon,
nitrogen and sulphur (in gaseous forms) from the wetland.
It is important that the macrophyte zone is protected from high flows so that the
biofilms present upon the macrophytes are not removed. Fine sediments accumulated
within the wetland and the macrophytes themselves can also be scoured from the
wetland by high flows.
The marsh zones are arranged in a banded manner, perpendicular to the flow
direction, so that stormwater can flow evenly through the macrophyte zone
vegetation, and interact with the biofilms present upon the surfaces of the
macrophyte stems. The treatment performance of the wetland is highly dependent
upon flows passing through dense vegetation distributed across the entire macrophyte
zone (Figure 9). Clumped vegetation and open water flow paths result in the short
circuiting of flows within the wetland and reduced treatment performance.
Open water areas (comprising of submerged marsh) should not exceed more than
20% of the wetland area. Open water areas should be provided as inlet and outlet
pools, and as intermediate pools in larger wetlands.
Figure 9 Treatment performance of the wetland is highly dependent upon the presence
of dense vegetation: a) Good performance - dense vegetation and even flow path
through the wetland, b) Poor performance - clumped vegetation and multiple open
water flow paths.
The vegetation planted within the macrophyte zone should be selected based on
predicted water levels relative to the height of the plant species. Emergent
macrophytes are sensitive to excessive inundation depths and durations. Macrophyte
species planted within the shallow and deep marsh zones should be sufficiently robust
to cope with the expected hydrologic regime within the macrophyte zone.
The macrophyte zone (and planted margins of the sediment pond) must be lined with
topsoil to enable plants to grow and protect the wetland liner (generally compacted
clay) from being eroded.
Outflows from the macrophyte zone are regulated by a controlled outlet located
within, or adjacent to, the outlet pool. The controlled outlet sets the normal water
level within the macrophyte zone and is configured so that stormwater will take
approximately three days to pass through the system (residence time). The controlled
outlet is also configured to enable the water level in the macrophyte zone to be
lowered during the establishment phase to assist with the development of the
macrophytes.
The controlled outlet generally comprises of a weir, riser or plate with orifices, and is
housed within an outlet pit. Only water that has been treated in the wetland for
approximately three days is released through the controlled outlet and conveyed via
an outlet pipe to the downstream waterway.
When the top extended detention (TED) of the macrophyte zone is exceeded, all
further inflows are discharged from the macrophyte zone via an overflow pit or
overflow weir. In most cases, the outlet pit is configured to house the controlled outlet
and also act as an overflow pit. However, large wetlands may also have a dedicated
overflow pit.
The bypass generally consists of a vegetated channel, but could also involve pipes,
culverts, etc. For wetlands within retarding basins, the bypass operates until it is
inundated by water filling up the retarding basin.
Constructed wetlands are a valued asset to urban communities, providing open space
areas with formal and informal recreational benefits. Well-designed constructed
wetlands incorporated into new urban environments are often highly valued natural
assets.
Landscape values are also delivered through the interface between Melbourne Waters
interests and any Council requirements for adjacent public open spaces where
physical infrastructure may be provided (e.g. open mown grassed areas, seating,
playgrounds and barbeques). With all these elements being closely related, amenity
values can be created through the landscape design process.
The design of constructed wetlands and the surrounding urban environment requires
an integrated approach where the requirements of Melbourne Water and Council
influence each other to support a common vision.
Flow distribution The wetland shape, bathymetry and placement of the inlet and
outlets must facilitate uniform flow across the wetland. This will
help avoid short circuiting of flows and poorly mixed zones.
Constructed wetlands are often located in the base of a retarding basin to reduce the
total amount of land required for stormwater treatment and flood mitigation. Wetlands
located within a retarding basin are prone to greater inundation depths when
retarding basins are engaged during intense rainfall events. Whilst the drawdown of
water levels in a retarding basin is normally short (less than 12 hours), it will take at
least another three days for water levels in the wetland to return to NWL, meaning
that the wetland vegetation may be inundated for extended periods of time.
It is important that the hydraulic and hydrologic conditions within retarding basins are
checked during the design process to ensure that the wetland vegetation is protected
from high inflow velocities and that the expected inundation depth, frequency and
duration will not be detrimental to the long term health of the wetland vegetation.
Mosquitos are a natural component of wetland fauna. The construction of any water
body will create a habitat suitable for mosquito breeding and growth. Healthy, well
vegetated wetlands function as balanced ecosystems and have predators that control
mosquito populations. The risk of mosquito breeding can be addressed through:
Ensuring all parts of the wetland are well connected to provide access for
mosquito predators to all inundated areas of the wetland;
Providing areas of permanent open water that provide refuges for mosquito
predators (even during long dry periods);
Ensuring wetland water quality is adequate for the support of mosquito
predators (this is normally the case for wetlands where stormwater is the
dominant inflow);
Providing a bathymetry that ensures that regular wetting and drying is achieved
and water draws down evenly so isolated pools are avoided;
Ensuring wetland configuration does not provide dead spots or open areas away
from normal direction of flow;
Maintaining water level fluctuations that disturb the breeding cycle of some
mosquito species;
Providing gross pollutant control upstream of the wetland so that gross
pollutants do not accumulate and provide mosquito breeding habitat within the
wetland; and
Ensuring that maintenance procedures do not result in wheel ruts or other
localised depressions that create isolated pools when wetland water levels fall.
Sediment pond Access track between external site access and sediment pond,
capable of supporting large vehicles.
Ramp to base of sediment pond to enable heavy machinery to
enter sediment pond for clean out operations (except for small
ponds that may be edge cleaned).
Track between sediment pond and dewatering area capable of
supporting large vehicles.
Access to hydraulic structures, e.g. inlet and outlet pipes,
bypass weir, pits, etc.
Gentle batter slopes to enable maintenance access to the
perimeter of the sediment pond.
Macrophyte zone Access track around the perimeter of the wetland for weeding,
replanting and litter collection. Perimeter access tracks are
often integrated with the landscape design, e.g. pedestrian
pathway networks can also be used for maintenance vehicle
access.
Access to wetland outlet structures (pits) and water level
gauge.
Gentle batter slopes to enable the macrophyte zone to be
readily accessed from all locations.
Climate change
The modelling indicated that climate change would result in a slight increase in
treatment performance of stormwater wetlands. However, this was offset by the
combined effect of decreased mean annual rainfall and increased evapotranspiration.
Safety in Design
Wetland designs must comply with the Melbourne Water Safety in Design Audit to
ensure that projects are undertaken in accordance with the Melbourne Water Safety in
Design Management Procedure.
Introduction 1
Melbourne Waters statutory role in new development 1
Water Industry Act (1994) ......................................................................1
Water Act (1989) ...................................................................................2
Planning and Environment Act (1987) .......................................................2
Subdivisions Act (1988) ..........................................................................3
Legislation and constructed wetlands 3
State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) ..............................3
Living Victoria policy ...............................................................................6
Melbournes Water Future .......................................................................6
Plan Melbourne ......................................................................................6
Victorian Planning Provisions ...................................................................7
Urban Stormwater Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines for
stormwater treatment........................................................................... 10
Melbourne Water policies and strategies 10
Enhancing Life and Liveability ................................................................ 10
Relationship Strategy ........................................................................... 11
Service Delivery Strategy ...................................................................... 11
Asset Management Strategy .................................................................. 11
Waterways and Drainage Strategy .......................................................... 12
Stormwater Strategy ............................................................................ 13
Healthy Waterways Strategy .................................................................. 13
Flood Management and Drainage Strategy ............................................... 13
Planning and Building (Land Development Manual) website ........................ 13
Planning for constructed wetlands 14
Development Services Schemes ............................................................. 14
Funding constructed wetlands 14
Development Contributions ................................................................... 15
Scheme Reimbursements ...................................................................... 15
Waterways and Drainage Charge ............................................................ 15
Financial principles ............................................................................... 16
Managing constructed wetlands 17
Delineation of Melbourne Water and council ownership .............................. 17
Ownership of wetland systems ............................................................... 17
Ownership of the wetland and surrounding open space area ....................... 17
Introduction
Melbourne Water is the waterway, floodplain and drainage management authority
across the entire Port Phillip and Westernport region.
Melbourne Water plays an important role in coordinating the planning, design and
delivery of a variety of stormwater management infrastructure. This infrastructure
services new urban development, including the many proposed future constructed
wetlands that have been planned in our Development Services Schemes across the
regions growth areas.
The following sections outline in further detail some of the regulatory considerations
for stormwater management.
Under Section 42(1) of the Water Industry Act (1994), the Minister for Water is
responsible for issuing Melbourne Water with a Statement of Obligations. Section 6-3
of the Statement of Obligations sets out Melbourne Waters responsibilities with
respect to Waterways and Drainage and requires that Melbourne Water prepare,
implement and report on a Waterways and Drainage Strategy. Melbourne Water has
addressed this obligation by producing the following strategic documents:
Stormwater Strategy
Melbourne Water has a range of powers under the Water Act (1989) that enable us to
carry out a broad range of functions. Part 10 of the Water Act (1989) relates
specifically to Melbourne Waters waterway, floodplain and drainage management
functions.
Provisions exist under Section 199 of the Water Act (1989) to establish Development
Services Schemes, which are the principal planning tool Melbourne Water uses to
assist in implementing our waterway, floodplain and drainage management functions
within the growth areas across the Port Phillip and Westernport region.
Under Section 55 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987), the Responsible
Authority must refer all Planning Permit applications to Melbourne Water for proposed
buildings and works: on:
properties covered by Land Subject to Inundation Overlays (LSIO), Special
Building Overlays (SBO), Floodway Overlays (FO);
land designated as an Urban Floodway Zone (UFZ);
land within 30 metres of a designated waterway;
floodplains within Melbourne Waters waterway management district.
Under Section 56 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987), Melbourne Water may
place conditions on Planning Permits that require the applicant to meet certain
obligations with respect to drainage, floodplain and waterway management.
Melbourne Water may request functional designs be prepared to our satisfaction, prior
to being able to respond to a Planning Permit application. An example of a situation
where this might occur is where development layouts are required to incorporate
stormwater management assets such as retarding basins, wetlands and waterways,
which all require the appropriate land area to ensure proper functioning of these
assets.
Under Section 8 of the Subdivision Act (1988) the Responsible Authority must refer
Plans of Subdivision to Melbourne Water for consent prior to Certification. As part of
the referral process, Melbourne Water may request more information or require a
stormwater management strategy and/or engineering functional design plans to be
prepared prior to being able to provide a Letter of Consent for the Certification of a
Plan of Subdivision.
The State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) (Waters of Victoria) is a state wide
policy that requires runoff from urban and rural areas not to compromise the
beneficial uses of receiving waterways. This policy specifically refers to stormwater
pollution and requires the implementation of measures to control its environmental
impact. Water Sensitive Urban Design and constructed wetlands are two tools used to
comply with this Policy.
The SEPP sets a statutory framework for the protection of the uses and values of
Victorias fresh and marine water environments. As required by the Environment
Protection Act (1970), the SEPP includes:
uses and values of the water environment that the community and government
want to protect-these are known as beneficial uses;
The SEPP is based on the principles of the Environment Protection Act (1970) and
reflects the community's expectations of how we should continue to provide for
Victorias economic and social development while sustaining our environment. The
To protect its beneficial uses, water needs a certain level of health. Water must not
carry pollutants (e.g. nutrients, sediment, salt and toxicants):
at levels that are harmful to humans, plants and animals
that result in an objectionable colour or odour,
that renders the water unsuitable for the many uses that depend on healthy
water.
The SEPP provides a measure of the health of water environments by nominating core
objectives and indicators that can be used to assess the key risks to beneficial uses.
These objectives and indicators describe the level of health required to ensure
beneficial uses. Indicators relevant to stormwater, including water within constructed
waterways and wetlands, are: nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), turbidity, salinity,
pH, dissolved oxygen, toxicants (in water and sediments) and biological indicators.
The biological indicators and objectives are especially important, as they provide a
direct means of assessing the health of an ecosystem as affected by water quality,
flow and habitat.
The SEPP also contains a series of actions encapsulated as clauses. Those relevant to
constructed wetlands are outlined here:
2. ensure existing and new in-situ structures do not pose a barrier to native fish
movement.
The SEPP makes reference to the Urban Stormwater Best Practice Management
Guidelines (1999), which includes actions to minimise the pollution of stormwater as
well as guidance on the content of stormwater management plans. In addition, the
SEPP identifies the need for EPA to work with municipal councils and DSE to ensure
new developments include practices to minimise stormwater runoff volumes and the
impacts of urban stormwater.
By enabling the reduction of sediment, nutrient, litter and contaminated water runoff
from construction sites, the Clause contributes to the protection of the ecological,
economic, recreational and aesthetic values of Victorias water environments.
Consideration of these issues at the planning phase of a project will help ensure that
Living Victoria is the Governments 2010 election commitment to urban water reform.
It is an effective new way of planning and servicing our urban water cycle drinking
water, stormwater, wastewater, the environment and urban amenity. The Living
Victoria policy involves using more of the water available within our urban areas and
less use of water from outside the urban catchment. Research shows that urban areas
have significant alternative water sources, such as rainwater, stormwater and
wastewater, which can meet our non-potable water needs.
Melbournes Water Future is the beginning of a new era in water cycle planning and
management. This new approach looks at how the different parts of the whole water
cycle work together. All parts of the water cycle-drinking water, rainwater, stormwater
(which runs off our hard surfaces), wastewater, groundwater, natural waterways and
green open spaces-are connected in ways that best deliver liveable, sustainable,
resilient and productive communities. Some of the key vision statements guiding the
document include:
Lower costs for water and infrastructure (large water augmentation projects)
Plan Melbourne
The strategy explains that Melbournes sustainability is defined by the strength, health
and beauty of our natural environment, and the resilience of our built environment.
Key to sustainability is the way in which we manage our water, energy and waste
resources. As the city grows, it will become increasingly important to maintain the
health of urban waterways, enhance our biodiversity values and ensure a balanced
approach to coastal protection. We need to change the way we plan and manage both
urban development and water services to enable a more comprehensive and
innovative approach to using stormwater and recycled water.
The Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) contains a number of clauses that support the
sustainable management of stormwater runoff from development, including the use of
constructed wetlands. Clauses include the State Planning Policy Framework Clauses
10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 19, which pertain to all types of development within Victoria.
Councils are responsible for administering planning policies, and these clauses ensure
the planning schemes sent to Councils and Melbourne Water appropriately apply water
quality requirements to all developments, including residential, industrial and
commercial uses.
Clauses 56.07 and 56.08 of the VPP were introduced on 9 October 2006 and provide
greater standards and requirements around the sustainable management of
stormwater runoff from developments. Clause 56.07 relates to integrated water
management in residential subdivisions, and Clause 56.07-4 and Standard 25
mandate best practice targets for pollutant load reductions and flow discharges to be
met in such developments.
In most cases, these guidelines require the incorporation of water quality treatment
systems and constructed wetlands into subdivision design. Clause 56.08 establishes
requirements for site management during residential subdivision works and includes
many issues relevant to the protection of water quality treatment systems, such as
site sediment control.
Clause 11 Settlement
Clause 11 aims to ensure a sufficient amount of land is available for residential,
commercial, industrial, recreational, institutional and other public uses within urban
areas. Clause 11 aims to contribute towards:
Clause 14.02, Water, outlines objectives, strategies and policy guidelines for
catchment planning and management, water quality and water conservation. This
clause includes protecting and restoring waterways, catchments and other water
bodies, protecting water quality, and encouraging the use of alternative water
sources.
Clause 19 Infrastructure
Clause 19 aims to ensure social and physical infrastructure is provided in an efficient,
equitable, accessible and timely way.
Clause 19.03-2, Water supply, sewerage and drainage, requires that planning and
responsible authorities ensure:
2. Urban stormwater drainage systems take into account the catchment context,
and include measures to reduce peak flows and assist screening, filtering and
treatment of stormwater, to enhance flood protection and minimise impacts on
water quality in receiving waters and prevent intrusion of litter.
Clause 19.03-3, Stormwater, has a key objective to reduce the impact of stormwater
on bays and catchments with strategies to:
2. To ensure that the street operates adequately during major storm events and
provides for public safety.
Standard C25 sets out the normal way of meeting the Clause 56.07-4 objectives. In
addition to other requirements, Standard C25 requires that urban stormwater
management systems must be:
2. Designed to ensure that flows downstream of the subdivision site are restricted
to predevelopment levels unless increased flows are approved by the relevant
drainage authority and there are no detrimental downstream impacts.
Standard C25 requires that urban stormwater management systems are designed and
managed to the requirements of the relevant drainage authority. This is typically
Council, with the exception of catchments of 60ha or more within the Melbourne
The objectives for on-site treatment relating to urban stormwater quality, as outlined
by the Urban Stormwater: Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines
(Victorian Stormwater Committee, 1999), are:
80% retention of the typical urban annual load for Total Suspended Solids
(TSS)
45% retention of the typical urban annual load for Total Phosphorus (TP)
45% retention of the typical urban annual load for Total Nitrogen (TN)
70% retention of the typical urban annual load for gross pollutants (litter).
The guidelines prescribe that discharges for 1.5 year ARI (Average Recurrence
Interval) be maintained at pre-development levels for stormwater treatments.
Delaying regular low flow events reduces in-stream erosion that can often result from
urban development.
This document is currently being reviewed and new objectives and guidelines will soon
be available.
Water is central to living. It sustains the communities we live in, the natural
environment we value and the economy we depend on.
Every day, Melbourne Water will work with others to develop shared solutions to
manage rainwater, seawater, stormwater and treated sewage as one integrated
system. This approach will deliver the best economic, social and environmental
outcomes for all, now and in the future.
Melbourne Waters Strategic Direction (2012)
Relationship Strategy
The Service Delivery Strategy identifies what our customers want, anticipates evolving
requirements, and explores the capabilities we require to deliver these services. The
key outcome of the Service Delivery Strategy is the Customer Service Charter
(Customer Charter), which defines the expected, measureable customer outcomes.
This strategy will transform the way that Melbourne Water does business and will
drive the achievement of our vision of Enhancing Life and Liveability. Our commitment
to the delivery of current core services is unchanged. This strategy unlocks new value
for our customers by ensuring that our services continuously evolve.
The Asset Management Strategy enables the business to unlock value for our
customers through applying the Asset Management Principles and Service Lifecycle to
This strategy presents a wider view of asset management that incorporates existing
built assets, natural assets, and softer assets such as people, systems, processes
and information. This expanded view, combined with a Service Lifecycle approach,
provides a greater array of alternative solutions for consideration, including non-asset
solutions and multi-agency approaches for shared services.
Much of the value identified within Service Delivery Strategy requires implementation
through the Asset Management Strategy.
The Waterways and Drainage Strategy, formally known as the Waterways Operating
Charter, outlines our responsibilities, goals, services and work programs in managing
waterways, drainage and floodplains.
It also shows how Melbourne Waters waterway, drainage and floodplain management
services:
The strategy outlines a five year program of works and brings together commitments
in strategies developed with input from customers and stakeholders. Costs associated
with undertaking work programs and fulfilling responsibilities in the strategy are
primarily met by the Waterways and Drainage Charge, which is paid by all property
owners in the Port Phillip and Westernport region.
The Stormwater Strategy focuses on managing stormwater to protect and improve the
ecosystem health of waterways and bays. The strategy articulates Melbourne Waters
high-level strategic direction and approaches in managing stormwater in rural and
urban areas. It involves Melbourne Water working with others to achieve multiple
community outcomes for stormwater management, in relation to:
public safety.
The Healthy Waterways Strategy outlines Melbourne Waters role in managing rivers,
estuaries and wetlands in the Port Phillip and Westernport region. It is closely linked
to the Stormwater Strategy, which focuses on managing stormwater to protect and
improve the health of waterways and bays. The strategy outlines that wetlands are
not just purely stormwater treatment systems but also ecological and amenity assets
for the community. Some of the key vision statements guiding the strategy include:
to provide amenity to urban and rural areas and engage communities with their
environment; and
The Flood Management and Drainage Strategy aims to minimise flooding risks to
public health and safety, property and infrastructure, and to increase community
understanding and preparedness for floods.
The strategy defines five flood management objectives, and outlines actions to
achieve these and guide our priorities and expenditure.
The Planning and Building (Land Development Manual) website provides Melbourne
Waters policies, standards, specifications, guidelines, forms and documents to help
the land development industry provide a safe effective system for dealing with run-
off, ensuring appropriate flood protection and providing drainage services in the
For more information on any of the documents, please visit Melbourne Waters
website. www.melbournewater.com.au
DSS provide an integrated plan of the drainage, waterway, water quality and flood
protection works that are required to provide the most hydraulically and cost effective
and environmentally sound stormwater management services to new developments
within an urbanising catchment.
Development Contributions
Melbourne Waters DSS distribute the cost for the entire infrastructure required to
service the catchment across all of the developable land within the catchment on a per
hectare basis. The amount landowners must pay Melbourne Water when they develop
is based on this apportioned cost spread over the life of the DSS, which is typically 25
years, adjusted for the time value of money or Net Present Value (NPV).
Melbourne Water advertises the contribution rates applicable for each DSS via our
website. Please refer to our website and Principles document for further information.
These contributions go towards funding the capital cost of designing and constructing
wetlands.
Scheme Reimbursements
Under the Water Act (1989), Melbourne Water undertakes waterway, floodplain and
drainage management within the Port Phillip and Westernport catchment boundaries.
Melbourne Water imposes a Waterways and Drainage Charge to all serviced properties
located within our waterway management district. This funds the range of programs to
protect and improve the health of our rivers and creeks, and to provide regional
drainage services, flood protection and flood warning systems throughout the Port
Phillip and Westernport region, The monies raised are collected on our behalf via the
retail water companies.
The Waterways Operating Charter sits alongside the Water Plan and establishes a
blueprint for Melbourne Water's management of rivers, drainage and floodplains over
the Water Plan period. It sets out our responsibilities and priorities, and supports the
detailed financial and pricing information outlined in the Water Plan.
Financial principles
Melbourne Water will not be willing to pay for the design, construction or
maintenance costs of any enhancements within the wetland reserve that are
required by Council and/or will form area of Public Open Space that Melbourne
Water will not maintain.
3. Beneficiary pays: Depending on who is willing to pay for which aspect of any
proposed enhancement, the cost-benefit and extent of benefit will ultimately
determine the beneficiary and therefore the party who ultimately pays. In many
cases, it might not be a simple distinction between Melbourne Water and the
land developer. Therefore, some form of cost share will need to be proposed.
The basis of any cost share will take into account the principal driver behind the
enhancement (i.e. who is proposing it and why) before factoring in where
benefits are derived.
Melbourne Water and the relevant council are the two key authorities with a
management interest in constructed wetlands. This section provides a brief overview of
this shared management interest in constructed wetlands.
In developing areas, Council or Melbourne Water can own wetlands and surrounding
open space area. Ownership is created via a Reserve vested in either Council or
Melbourne Water. Typically, the preference is for Council to own the Reserve and
Melbourne Water to have maintenance rights to the wetland via the creation of a
Memorandum of Common Provisions Easement (MCP AA1107). The extent (coverage)
of this Easement is generally the same as the extent of the Reserve or, as a minimum,
the Easement must cover the flood extent of a 1 in 100 year ARI flood event.
A key part of constructed wetland design is the delineation of which components of the
wetland and surrounding open space area are to be owned and maintained by Council
and Melbourne Water. The preparation and execution of a Maintenance Agreement is
a key requirement of the wetland design process. Each Council may have different
Introduction 1
Vision 1
Core outcomes 2
Effective pollutant removal ......................................................................3
Community safety ..................................................................................3
Maintenance and operational staff safety ...................................................4
Cost effective asset management .............................................................4
Aspirational outcomes 4
Wellbeing, liveability and amenity.............................................................4
Alternative water supply .........................................................................5
Recreational ..........................................................................................5
Landscape and cultural objectives ............................................................5
Accessibility ..........................................................................................5
Conservation .........................................................................................5
Introduction
Constructed wetlands should be designed to respond to the opportunities and
constraints of a particular site. The design response will be informed by characteristics
of the site (e.g. its topography, point of discharge, existing vegetation, geomorphic
character and soils) and the requirements of an urban development.
The design process and final form of a constructed wetland will be influenced by the
wetland vision. In addition to improving water quality, a vision typically includes
regulating flow rates, enhanced landscape and ecological values, and provides a range
of passive recreational and aesthetic benefits to the community.
This Part of the manual describes core outcomes that must be achieved for all
Melbourne Water constructed wetlands. The Deemed to Comply standards (refer
Part B2 of this manual) specify wetland properties that we are confident will achieve
the core outcomes. The Alternative Approach provides the option of proposing
wetland elements that differ from the prescriptive Deemed to Comply approach, but
still achieve the required core outcomes.
Aspirational outcomes are also described in this Part of the manual. Achieving these
aspirational outcomes is encouraged by Melbourne Water, however we will not accept
good performance relative to aspirational outcomes in lieu of compliance with the
required core outcomes.
The aim of this manual is to facilitate consistent delivery of best practice constructed
wetland designs. It is therefore important to define what is meant by best practice
constructed wetland design in clear terms, so that the expectations and requirements
of Melbourne Water for constructed wetlands are clear to all involved.
Vision
There are a range of strategies and resources that are relevant to defining a
constructed Wetland vision, but especially Melbourne Waters Stormwater Strategy
(2012). The Stormwater Strategy states that sustainable stormwater management is
expected to protect people, property and receiving waters, enhance liveability and
supply fit-for-purpose cost-effective water.
Public safety
Core outcomes
All Melbourne Water constructed wetlands must achieve the following core outcomes:
1. PDeliver effective pollutant removal and flow regime management;
2. Offer a safe environment for the community to interact with;
3. Provide a safe environment for Melbourne Water officers and contractors; and
These core outcomes are described in more detail in the following pages.
Community safety
Many people find wetland environments appealing. It is important that aquatic safety
risks are managed appropriately, and that the safety of people around constructed
wetlands, especially when in flood, is a central focus of any design. Standing water,
pipe/pit inlets and overland flow paths must be considered as part of aquatic safety
risk management.
A safety design audit may be required to ensure that the unmitigated and mitigated
risk profiles of a design are within acceptable levels.
Constructed wetland designs must provide a safe environment for Melbourne Water
officers and contractors. Measures include stable access routes for vehicles, ability to
inspect key wetland components without heavy lifting and/or confined space access
requirements, and maximising the proportion of maintenance tasks that can be
undertaken from dry land.
design
construct
operate
maintain
The developer contribution approach provides a cost effective mechanism for the
delivery of constructed wetlands in tandem with new development. The aim is to
balance the benefits being derived from the constructed wetland with the costs of
delivering it.
Aspirational outcomes
Wetland designers should strive to achieve a range of aspirational outcomes in
addition to the required core outcomes described above. These aspirational outcomes
are summarised in the following section.
Note: Aspirational outcomes are not reimbursable. Designers should work with the
local council to ensure that desired aspirational outcomes correspond with council
recreational and public open space policies.
Provide the community with amenity and passive and active recreational
opportunities.
Ensure efficient use of space through the integration of wetlands with flood
management areas.
Provide a water supply for uses such as irrigating open spaces and streetscape
vegetation.
Recreational
Retain, enhance and interpret existing ecological, landscape and cultural values,
such as trees and other native vegetation and sites of archeological significance.
These are valuable assets to the local community and help to create a unique
sense of place.
Accessibility
Provide public access to the wetland and associated open spaces including those
with limited mobility such as the disabled and elderly. The provision of public
access requires consideration of potential hazards associated with access paths,
provision of passing areas, ramps, hand/grab rails where needed, and the types
of surfaces used on paths including the use of tactile ground surface indicators.
Conservation
Wetlands often represent important biological hot spots in urban areas, as they
encompass a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats and may support diverse
flora and fauna communities.
It should be noted that constructed water bodies can attract flocking birds, which may
pose a hazard to airports. Local council planning schemes should be consulted when
considering whether to locate a constructed wetland near an airport.
Introduction 1
Deemed to Comply conditions 1
General ................................................................................................1
Maintenance provisions ...........................................................................1
Gross pollutant management ...................................................................3
Sediment pond ......................................................................................3
Macrophyte zone ...................................................................................4
Bypass .................................................................................................6
Inlets and outlets ...................................................................................6
Vegetation ............................................................................................9
Liner and topsoil .................................................................................. 12
Landscape design structures .................................................................. 13
Edge treatment ................................................................................... 13
Introduction
This section presents an overview of the design criteria that need to be met in order
to achieve the design objectives. Clear links between the design criteria and
objectives are illustrated, assisting the designer to check that their design is meeting
Melbourne Waters requirements.
These design criteria are expanded upon in this Part of the manual and are also
included in the relevant sections of Part D as part of the technical design approach.
Please refer to Part C for more information on the Deemed to Comply approach and
the Alternative Approach as part of the design acceptance process. The Deemed to
Comply conditions are also included in the design checklists provided in Part F of the
manual.
General
GN1 The treatment and flow regime performance of the wetland must be
modelled in MUSIC.
GN2 The meteorological data in the MUSIC model must be:
Based on at least 10 years of historical records
Recorded at six minutes intervals
Sourced from a pluviographic station as close as possible to the
wetland site
Have a mean annual rainfall depth equal to the long term rainfall
depth at the rainfall station closest to the wetland site
GN3 The system configuration shown on the design plans must be consistent
with the MUSIC model (including the stage/discharge relationship).
GN4 Peak design flows must be estimated in accordance with methods in
Australian Rainfall and Runoff.
Maintenance provisions
Sediment pond
SP1 Sediment ponds must be located offline of waterways1 but online to the
pipe or lined channel they are treating water from.
SP2 Sediment ponds must be located at each point stormwater enters the
wetland system unless:
The catchment of the incoming stormwater is < 1 ha OR
The incoming stormwater has already passed through a
bioretention system or wetland immediately upstream
SP3 Sediment ponds must be sized to:
Capture 95% of coarse particles 125 m diameter for the peak
three month ARI AND provide adequate sediment storage volume
to store between three to five years sediment. The sediment
accumulation zone must be assumed to be 500 mm below NWL
(refer to Figure 1).
Ensure that velocity through the sediment pond during the peak
100 year ARI event is 0.5 m/s. (The flow area must be assumed
to be the EDD multiplied by the narrowest width of the sediment
1
A waterway is defined as either a natural or constructed waterway. Melbourne Waters
Development Services Schemes define a Constructed Waterway as reaches of a waterway that
are required to be fully or partially constructed to service new development.
Macrophyte zone
MZ1 At least 80% of the area of the macrophyte zone at NWL must be 350
mm deep to support shallow and deep marsh vegetation. The wetland
bathymetry should provide approximately equal amounts of shallow
marsh ( 150 mm deep) and deep marsh (150 mm to 350 mm deep).
MZ2 The macrophyte zone EDD must be 350 mm.
MZ3 Macrophyte zones must be located offline from all waterways and drains
(i.e. there must be a bypass route around the macrophyte zone).
MZ4 The length of the macrophyte zone must be four times the average
width of the macrophyte zone.
MZ5 Major inlets to the macrophyte zone (i.e. those draining > 10% of the
catchment to be treated) must be located within the first 20% of the
macrophyte zone.
MZ6 The macrophyte zone outlet must be located at the opposite end of the
Bypass
BY1 The bypass route must be sized to convey the maximum overflow from the
sediment pond that will occur during the peak 100 year ARI event. Where a
sediment pond is within a retarding basin, the bypass must convey at least
the peak one year ARI flow.
Note: Refer to Part D of the Melbourne Water Waterways Manual for
channel design specifications when designing bypass routes.
IO1 All pits, grilles and structures must conform to Melbourne Waters
standards as shown in the Land Development Manual and Standard
Drawings. All covered pits must have approved lids and all uncovered
outlet structures must have approved grilles/grates.
IO2 Outlet structures must be easily identifiable and maintainable. They must
be accessible from the bank. The edge of the outlet structure closest to the
bank (maintenance access point) must be located in < 350 mm water
depth.
IO3 The controlled outlet (e.g. weir plate) must be visible from the surface (e.g.
Figure 5 Connection between sediment pond and macrophyte zone one year ARI flow
check
Vegetation
VG1 The macrophyte zone must contain a minimum 80% cover of emergent
macrophytes calculated at NWL comprising of shallow and deep marsh
LN1 The exfiltration rate from the base and the sides of the wetland must be
LDS1 All boardwalks, piers, bridges and/or structurally treated edges installed and
maintained by others are to have heights and/or railings in accordance with
relevant design codes and satisfy inundation and safety criteria.
LDS2 All boardwalks, bridges and formal pedestrian paths, must be at or above
the peak 10 year ARI water level.
LDS3 Boardwalks or viewing platforms are not permitted over sediment ponds.
Edge treatment
ET1 The edge of any deep open water should not be hidden or obscured by
embankments or terrestrial planting unless measures are taken to preclude
access. Public access to structures, the top of weirs, orifice pits and outlet
structures must be restricted by appropriate safety fences and other
barriers. Permanent fencing is required adjacent to potentially unsafe
structures.
ET2 All wetland edges must have:
Vegetated approach batters no steeper than 1:5, a 2.4 metre wide
vegetated safety bench at 1:8 between NWL and 350 mm below NWL
and a maximum 1:3 slope beyond 350 mm below NWL (refer Figure
6). OR
Batters no steeper than 1:4 between TED and 350 mm below NWL with dense
impenetrable planting that is a minimum of 2.5 metres wide and 1.2 metres
2
The AS 4419 requirement for % organic matter content does not apply. Topsoils used in wetlands
must have a minimum of 5% organic matter content.
Introduction 1
Two submission/acceptance pathways 2
Deemed to Comply.................................................................................3
Alternative approach ..............................................................................3
Working with Melbourne Water 4
Concept design stage 5
Concept design steps ..............................................................................6
Functional design stage 12
Functional design steps ......................................................................... 12
Detailed design stage 19
Detailed design steps ........................................................................... 19
Pre-construction stage 22
Pre-construction steps .......................................................................... 22
As-constructed and establishment stage 25
As-constructed steps ............................................................................ 25
Introduction
Melbourne Water is the ultimate client for almost all constructed wetlands in the
growth areas of Melbourne. Once constructed, these wetlands become either the
responsibility of Melbourne Water or the local Council to own and maintain.
Designers must ensure they meet the design process requirements of Melbourne
Water, and sometimes Council, in the same way they meet the requirements of the
Developer for the subdivision/development adjacent to the constructed wetland.
Wetland designers therefore play a pivotal role in ensuring that the constructed
wetland design interfaces with the surrounding development and environment to the
satisfaction of all parties.
Melbourne Water has a design acceptance process that the designer must follow for
the delivery of stormwater assets including pipelines, wetlands and waterways. The
process has a series of steps, which are detailed in this part of the manual, and are
specific to constructed wetland designs.
The following flow chart (Figure 1) outlines the interactions between the design
approach undertaken by the designer, and the steps of the design acceptance
process. The design acceptance process steps and the information required by
Melbourne Water at each acceptance milestone or hold-point are detailed in this part
of the manual. The wetland designer is required to work through key design stages:
concept, functional and detailed, and should also be heavily involved during the
construction and establishment of the asset.
MelbourneWaterDeveloperWorksTeam Designer/developer
MelbourneWaterDeveloperProjectsWorksTeam MelbourneWaterCorporation
Constructionacceptanceprocess
Submit Permitsandpre
SEMP qualifications
Certificateof Reimbursements
Reimbursement Certificateof
Surveillance practical paid
calculated completion
completion
Statementof Maintenance
compliancefor agreement
subdivision signed
The following forms are key administrative parts of the design acceptance process
under Melbourne Waters Quality Assurance program for developer constructed assets,
including constructed wetlands:
Acceptance of Conditions
2. Alternative approach
Deemed to Comply
Alternative approach
The Alternative approach pathway provides designers with the option of submitting an
approach that differs from the Deemed to Comply prescriptive approach (outlined in
Part B2), but still delivers the required core outcomes and design objectives for
constructed wetlands (outlined in Part B1).
The designer is responsible for providing Melbourne Water with evidence that the
Alternative Approach achieves equivalent or better performance than the Deemed to
Comply approach for core outcomes and design objectives.
The review and design acceptance process for the Alternative approach will take
longer and designers will be made aware that there is no certainty that their design
will be accepted by Melbourne Water. This provides the opportunity for developers
and their designers with tight time constraints and/or those that are risk adverse to
pursue the Deemed to Comply pathway.
The review and design acceptance process for the Alternative approach pathway will
be same as the Deemed to Comply pathway, with a concept, functional and detailed
design package required for each stage of the process. This ensures a transparent and
consistent process for internal and external stakeholders. When an Alternative
approach design is submitted, Melbourne Water involves input from various internal
departments and expertise in wetland design and operation, including hydrology,
hydraulics, ecology, constructability and maintenance.
For unusual design applications, or where internal resources are not available,
Melbourne Water may choose to seek expert opinion from independent peer reviewers
about whether the information submitted demonstrates that Melbourne Waters core
outcomes and design objectives will be achieved.
www.melbournewater.com.au/Planning-and-building/Pages/planning-and-building
The following diagram represents the structure of the Development Planning team as
it relates to the planning and delivery of key assets in Development Services
Schemes, such as constructed wetlands.
DeveloperWorksTeam
SchemeServicingorFeasibilityadvice;reviewandassessmentofGreenfieldplanningpermitapplicationsandsubdivision
applications;reviewofsurfacewatermanagementstrategies;reviewofconceptdesignpackage;confirmationofwetlandlocation
ConceptDesign andindicativefootprint;reviewofcoreoutcomesassociatedwithwetlandproposal
DeveloperWorksTeam
Reviewandassessmentoffunctionaldesignpackage;preparationofinternalbusinesscasesforthedelivery(timingandfunding)
ofprojects;preparationofNonWorksandWorksOffers;reviewofMUSICandfloodmodels;andreviewofCertificationofPlanof
Functional SubdivisionandconsenttotheissueofaStatementofCompliance
Design
DeveloperProjectWorksTeam
Assessmentofdetaileddesignpackages;issuedesigncertification;contractorassessment;calculationofreimbursementsfor
schemeworks;preparationofmaintenanceagreements
DetailedDesign
DeveloperProjectWorksTeam
Precommencementmeetingonsite;issueofpermittowork;surveillanceofongroundworks;issuecertificateofpractical
PreConstruction completion
&Construction
DeveloperProjectWorksTeam
Fullreimbursementspaid;maintenanceagreementssigned;issuecertificateofcompletion
AsConstructed
Before design work commences, the criteria and objectives for the design should be
determined. Melbourne Water will provide broad design objectives and criteria for the
constructed wetland to inform the concept design. The wetland must be designed to
achieve the required core outcomes for constructed wetlands, including:
Community Safety
The land developer and the local government authority may also have design
specifications for the wetland and surrounding open space. The designer is tasked
with the job of preparing a concept that meets each of these combined design
objectives.
In summary, the concept design phase in this manual is concerned with the process of
synthesising and identifying various options that could potentially meet the design
objectives for the constructed wetland. It is at the functional design stage where these
options and ideas are tested to determine their feasibility and arrive at an end
product, being the preferred design scenario. This underlines the importance of
iteration during the evolution of the concept and functional design as different options
are explored and refined.
Important note: It is not recommended to combine both the concept and functional
design stage in the design acceptance process as this will often lead to problems and
longer time delays, and there is no certainty that this will speed-up the acceptance
process.
The concept design stage consists of six steps (see Figure 2).
Conceptdesignstage
It should be noted that this is not an application for Conditions (i.e. the Works Offer),
but a request for Scheme Servicing Advice.
The initial concept design package is prepared by the wetland designer, in close
consultation with the design team, which should include a landscape architect.
1. A statement listing any aspects of the package that do not conform with the
Deemed to Comply requirements outlined in this manual (Part B2) and
justification as to how the proposed alternative approach achieves equivalent or
better than the deemed to comply approach, in relation to:
a. pollutant reductions
b. safety outcomes
c. maintenance
i. version of MUSIC
3. A plan showing catchment boundaries for each treatment system and location
of receiving waterways
5. A plan showing the location and indicative footprint of all existing and planned
treatment systems, waterways (constructed and/or natural) and retarding
ponds that will be located within and/or service the land shown on the draft
Plan of Subdivision
b. the boundary of the reserve that the constructed wetland will sit within;
note that the reserve boundary should be at least 20% larger than the
maximum extent of all parts of the wetland footprint, as above, to
accommodate any changes to the footprint during later design phases.
This plan must show existing waterways and/or pipe networks within or
adjacent to the reserve
d. the location of sediment pond inlet(s) and high flow bypass and
macrophyte zone outlets
b. NWL (m AHD)
c. EDD
e. planting zones
g. invert of outlet pipe and how this relates to the receiving waterway/drain
The concept design package is to be submitted in the following file formats (Table 1).
Item Format
Statement Pdf
Report Pdf
Plans and sections Pdf or jpeg
Highlight any conflicts that arose from undertaking the iteration in attempting
to address all parties comments.
Highlight any significant changes from the original concept that may not
otherwise be obvious to the reviewers.
Melbourne Water does not accept any liability for delays caused by incomplete
or inaccurate information submitted for review.
Melbourne Waters concept design acceptance will take the form of an in-principle
acceptance subject to, with the subject to being further feasibility analysis that
needs to be undertaken through the functional design phase.
At the end of the concept design phase, the three key parameters that should
generally have been agreed upon (subject to functional design) are:
There is an understanding, at this stage, between Melbourne Water and the land
developer that nothing is locked-in and that some changes to size and location of the
constructed wetland, and possibly some of the objectives, may need to be made
according to the results of the analysis undertaken during the functional design.
Demonstrating the optimal solution to achieve our design objectives and criteria
for that asset (see Part B1 and Part B2);
Providing confidence that the asset, if constructed according to the design, will
function according to our requirements;
Most constructed wetlands are subject to land reimbursements from Melbourne Water.
Functional designs are a critical part of determining the land area required for these
assets as part of the land reimbursement process.
The functional design phase consists of seven steps (see Figure 3).
1. A statement listing any aspects of the package that do not conform with the
Deemed to Comply requirements outlined in this manual (Part B2) and
justification for how the proposed alternative approach achieves equivalent or
better than the deemed to comply approach, in relation to:
a. pollutant reductions
b. safety outcomes
c. maintenance
c. The design flow rates, and the method and assumptions used to
estimate them
d. The peak water levels above wetland and in surrounding reserve for 5,
10 and 100 year ARI events, and the method and assumptions used to
estimate them
i. The calculations used to size the connection between the sediment pond
and macrophyte zone
j. The calculations used to size the connection between the sediment pond
and high flow bypass (i.e. sediment pond overflow outlet)
n. The plant species and densities that will be used in each zone
r. The peak 5, 10 and 100 year water levels in the sediment pond and
macrophyte zone
3. Scale plan(s) showing proposed surface levels (in m AHD) within and
surrounding the wetlands (e.g. produced from earthworks model). The plan(s)
must show lines indicating TED, NWL, the edge of each planting zone,
maintenance access tracks and sediment dewatering areas, any existing or
proposed services within the wetland reserve and locations of any edges that do
not contain safety benches and will therefore be fenced. Note that presence,
alignment and estimate depth of underground services must be based on
physical site proving (unobtrusive testing using a detector is acceptable).
11. Works cost estimate with clearly itemised items to be funded by Melbourne
Water.
12. Copy of supporting hydrologic, hydraulic and water quality models (e.g. MUSIC,
RORB and HEC-RAS)
File formats and supplementary information on the required elements of the functional
design package are presented in Table 2:
Item Format
Statement Pdf
Report Pdf
Plans, sections, schematic drawings Pdf
Letters Pdf
Catchment boundary Geo-referenced MapInfo layers
Modelling files MUSIC, RORB and/or HEC-RAS files
All plans and information specified on the Application for Conditions form.
The date of the application is the date upon which all required plans and information
have been received by Melbourne Water (i.e. not necessarily the date on the
application form). All applicable fees, charges or contributions are based on the rates
current at this date. It is therefore in the Developers best interest to ensure a
complete and correct application is submitted.
Subsequent to the Application for Conditions being made, if there are changes to the
Plan of Subdivision that affect the extent of Works and/or contributions payable, the
Developer must submit a new application. A new application is not required for minor
Plan of Subdivision changes such as minor easement creations or relocations.
If any changes are required, youll need to re-submit the functional design package
for further review/comment to check that your iteration correlates with the feedback
provided. This submission should:
Highlight any conflicts that arose from attempting to address all interested
parties comments; and
Highlight any significant changes from previous design submissions that may
not otherwise be obvious to the reviewers.
Melbourne Water does not accept liability for delays caused by incomplete or
inaccurate information submitted for our review.
Melbourne Water will respond to the Works Offer application within 60 calendar days
from the date of application. The timeframe may be extended beyond 60 calendar
days where insufficient information is submitted,(to enable proper assessment of the
application) or where Melbourne Water requires additional information from the
Developer/consultant during the application review process.
Any other required information and statements for Quality Assurance purposes.
If the acceptance does not meet Melbourne Waters requirements, the Developer will
be notified by Melbourne Water within 5 working days of receiving the acceptance.
Any changes or additional information needed to satisfy Melbourne Water must be
lodged before the Works Offer expiry date.
Important note: If you choose to commence work before accepting the Works Offer
or without a Works Offer, you accept to carry the risks associated with:
1. Lack of clarity on the basis for reimbursement
2. Impact on flora, fauna and cultural heritage issues
3. Land disturbance and environmental pollution
4. Community related issues
5. An asset that is not transferrable over to an Authority
6. Retrofitting costs to meet Melbourne Waters standards
The detailed design stage consists of four steps (see Figure 4):
Detaileddesignstage
Designer Melbourne
Water
Figure 4 Steps in the detailed design phase
Important note: Consultation with the Melbourne Water Project Initiator in the
Developer Project Works Team will be required for any design changes that may be
proposed/required during the preparation and review of the detailed design if those
changes are considered likely to have an impact on the function of the constructed
wetland.
File formats and supplementary information on the elements of the detailed design
package are presented below:
Item Format
Statement Pdf
Reports Pdf
Models MUSIC, RORB, HEC-RAS files
Plans Pdf and dwg
Specifications Pdf
1. A statement listing any aspects of the package that do not conform with the
Deemed to Comply requirements outlined in this manual, and justification for
how the proposed alternative approach achieves equivalent or better than the
deemed to comply approach, in relation to:
a. pollutant reductions
b. safety outcomes
2. An updated design report with a summary of any design changes that have
been made since the functional design was accepted by Melbourne Water. In
addition to the items that must be included in the functional design package
design report, the final design report must include calculations and assumptions
used to specify all scour protection and energy dissipation works.
4. Civil and landscape construction drawings covering all aspects of the wetland
and showing all the required items listed in the functional design package, plus:
a. Scour protection
d. Topsoil properties
e. Dimensions and details for all hydraulic structures including pits, pipes,
headwalls and weirs
5. Civil and landscape specifications in accordance with AS2124, with the sections
that relate to the wetland highlighted.
6. Contact details for the Superintendent for the construction contract and an
outline of their relevant qualifications and experience (including records of
Green Card training).
Melbourne Water will review and provide comment on the detail design. Some
amendments may be required prior to lodgement of design certification.
Melbourne Water does not accept liability for delays caused by incomplete or
inaccurate information submitted for our review.
Pre-construction stage
The objective of the pre-construction phase is to ensure that all stakeholders
associated with the project are aware of their responsibilities, and that the contractor
has all of the information relevant to the construction works. The pre-construction
stage incorporates the tender process and the lodgement of pre-construction
certification paperwork to Melbourne Water.
Pre-construction steps
PreConstruction
Step3.Reimbursement
Step1.Tenderprocess Step2.SubmitSEMP Designer
calculated
Melbourne
Step4.Permitsandpre Step5.Preparepre Step6.Organisepre Water
qualifications constructioncertificate constructionmeeting
statement
Figure 5 Steps in the pre-construction phase
The contractor must obtain a Permit to Work for any projects that involve
connections to an existing Melbourne Water pipeline or outlets to a waterway.
The Permit to Work will be issued by the Project Surveillance Office at the Pre-
commencement meeting. The contractor must have completed a Permit
recipient training course in order to obtain a Permit to Work.
While civil works are being carried out, the contractor must have someone on
site that has obtained a Melbourne Water green card (i.e. attended the Site
Environmental Awareness Training course)
Melbourne Water must have at least two weeks notice of intention to start
construction by submission of a Pre-Construction Certification Statement and
Checklist.
Important Note: You must give Melbourne Water at least two working days notice
from the start date if construction is going to be delayed. Melbourne Water also needs
to know your new start date at least two working days before you begin.
Important note: Consultation with the Melbourne Water Project Officer in the
Developer Project Works Team will be required for any design changes during
construction that are considered likely to have an impact on the function of the
constructed wetland. Works must match the accepted design, unless Melbourne Water
provides permission for any changes. If the contractors works do not match the
design or meet Melbourne Waters construction standards, the principal/developer
may be asked to rectify them at their own cost.
View our construction of works website for guidelines and details on construction.
Construction website
visit your site to make sure the work complies with our standards; and
monitor your Site Environmental Management Plan, and amend the plan where
necessary.
As-constructed steps
Asconstructedandestablishmentphase
Designer Melbourne
Water
Figure 6 Steps in the as-constructed and establishment phase
Check that you are ready to lodge your Construction Certification Statement by using
our Construction Certification Checklist. See Melbourne Waters website for more
details.
Be sure to review all conditions in the Works Offer before submitting the Construction
Certification Statement.
The developer must pay any reasonable additional costs incurred by Melbourne
Water.
If the Agreement terminates, money paid by the Developer under the Agreement will
be forfeited or refunded at the discretion of Melbourne Water. Melbourne Water will
deduct any reasonable costs incurred, before determining any refund amount.
Melbourne Water will not accept the Construction Certification Statement if there is
reason to believe there are discrepancies between the condition of the works as
certified and as-constructed. As-constructed feature surveys should be undertaken
and/or thoroughly reviewed by the consultant/developer to validate the
construction/design process.
When the documentation is ready, submit the as-constructed plans and complete the
following forms:
provide you with a Letter of Release for the subdivision (if one has been
requested); and
pay the reimbursement, less the amount held until the defects liability period
finishes.
The defects liability period differs depending on the asset. The following periods apply
and take effect from when the Certificate of Practical Completion is issued:
The Developer is responsible for all reasonable costs incurred by Melbourne Water
during the defects liability period. These costs will be included when the account is
finalised. Melbourne Water reserves the right to extend the defect liability period.
Such extended period will be specified in the special conditions of the agreement.
The Developer's nominated representative must certify that all works still comply with
the Construction Certification Statement and that the construction of the
development's roads and other services is complete.
Use the End of Defects Liability Period Certification Checklist to make sure that all the
necessary steps are completed, then submit the End of Defects Liability Period
Certification Statement.
Once Melbourne Water has accepted your End of Defects Liability Period Certification
Statement and a Works Warranty Bond has been lodged, Melbourne Water will
organise for the remainder of the reimbursement to be paid and provide a Certificate
of Completion.
Melbourne Water will not accept the End of Defects Liability Period Certification
Statement if it has reason to believe that there are discrepancies between the
condition of the Works as certified and as existing.
4. Downstream outfall works have been certified complete or the Developer has
made alternative arrangements which are acceptable to Melbourne Water
7. The defects liability period has ended to the satisfaction of Melbourne Water
Important note: The applicable Works Warranty Bond must be lodged with
Melbourne Water prior to the Certificate of Completion and final payment being made.
Important note: Complete the works to Melbourne Water standards and submit the
required documentation to obtain a Certificate of Practical Completion, Letter of
Release (if required) and any outstanding reimbursements.
Introduction 1
Concept design 2
MUSIC Modelling ....................................................................................2
Hydrologic and hydraulic modelling ...........................................................3
Functional design 3
Detailed design 4
Pre-construction 4
Construction and establishment 4
Introduction
The design approach for constructed wetlands is presented in this Part of the manual.
The design approach reflects the design acceptance process set out in Part C, and
follows the same linear sequence from concept design at the commencement of the
project to completion of the detailed design stage and finally through to construction,
establishment and maintenance.
This document describes the analytical and design tools, and technical resources
required by the designer. A description of the technical details of these tools and
resources is provided in Part E on the manual.
Concept design
Functional design
Detailed design
Pre-construction
Construction and establishment
Part D is structured as a series of steps that take the designer on a linear path
through the design process. There are often design iterations required during the
design process. This requires the designer to retrace their steps and repeat some
steps until the design meets the required criteria.
The design approach presented in this Part of the manual assumes a sound
understanding of the fundamentals of wetland function (Part A), the design objectives
and Deemed to Comply design criteria (Part B), and the design acceptance process
(Part C).
This section should be read in conjunction with the current versions of the following
documents:
Authority consultation
Site visit
Catchment analysis
Collaboration between members of design team (e.g. engineering, ecology,
landscape)
MUSIC modelling to estimate performance
Preliminary estimates of design flow rates to size high flow bypass route width
Analysis of feature survey or other information to estimate wetland levels and
spatial constrains (e.g. existing trees)
Analysis of flora and fauna survey, geotechnical testing and other relevant site
investigations
MUSIC Modelling
MUSIC modelling must be undertaken using the most recent version of the software
and should be in accordance with Melbourne Waters MUSIC Modelling Guidelines.
Where the modelling approach is not in accordance with Melbourne Waters
Guidelines, a full justification for the alternative approach must be provided.
The sediment pond will be sized accurately during the functional design stage. For the
concept design stage, the sediment pond can be assumed to be 10% of the
macrophyte zone area and have an average depth of 1.5 meters.
Where the sediment pond and macrophyte zones have a common Top of Extended
Detention (TED), a single wetland node should be used to represent the system in
MUSIC. The Inlet Pond Volume should represent the volume of the sediment ponds
permanent pool above the sediment accumulation zone.
Where the sediment ponds TED is higher than the macrophyte zones TED, the
sediment pond and macrophyte zone should be modelled using separate nodes in
MUSIC (i.e. a sedimentation basin node and a wetland node). When separate
nodes are used, the wetland nodes inlet pond volume should be set to zero. The
sedimentation basins equivalent pipe diameter or Custom Outflow Relationship must
reflect the hydraulic control between the sediment pond and macrophyte zone.
For the purpose of the concept design phase, it is recommended that the surface
areas used in the MUSIC node(s) are assumed to be the area at the bottom of the
Extended Detention Depth (EDD). Alternatively, the Custom Storage Relationship can
be used to define the storage volume at a range of depths (although this level of
detail is usually not available at the concept design stage).
During the concept design phase, peak design flows are estimated (generally using
the Rational Method) to size the high flow bypass channel. The indicative channel
dimensions can be estimated using Mannings Equation. Refer to Part E of this
manual for advice on hydrologic modelling and hydraulic analysis.
Functional design
The functional design phase is likely to include:
The controlled outlet must be sized using the method described in Part E rather
than the method in the Engineering Procedures
The velocities must be checked using the method described in Part E rather
than the method in the Engineering Procedures.
Detailed design
The primary reference for the detailed design phase is the standard drawings on
Melbourne Waters Planning and Building website:
Pre-construction
The primary reference for the pre-construction phase is Melbourne Waters Planning
and Building website:
Introduction 1
Design tools 1
Hydrological modelling ............................................................................1
Continuous simulation modelling ..............................................................6
Hydraulic analysis of flow velocities ........................................................ 10
Resources 16
Planning ............................................................................................. 16
Design ............................................................................................... 16
Maintenance........................................................................................ 17
Construction and establishment ...............................................................5
Glossary 6
Introduction
This section provides some of the necessary tools required for constructed wetland
design. The information supports Part D of the manual and should be consulted in
tandem with the design procedures outlined.
Design tools
The wetland design process uses software that is available and frequently used by the
Melbourne Water and land development industries. This section presents guidance
regarding:
2. Continuous simulation (water quality, residence time and water level analysis)
Where the wetland designer is using hydrologic event modelling and one-dimensional
hydraulic modelling, Melbourne Water requires the wetland designer to use RORB and
HEC-RAS software.
The continuous simulation modelling must be undertaken using the Model for Urban
Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation (MUSIC).
Various terrain modelling packages are used across the industry and are acceptable to
Melbourne Water. Melbourne Waters preference is that a software package such as
12D is used.
Hydrological modelling
The catchment hydrology can be estimated using a combination of the Rational Method
and RORB runoff routing software.
The Rational Method provides a simple estimation of the design peak flow rate. The
Rational Method is recommended for use to:
Calculate the design flow rate for small, simple catchments (less than 400 ha)
Calibrate a RORB model
Important note: For catchments less than 100 ha, Melbourne Water may accept the
use of the Rational Method for sizing retarding basin storage volumes and designing
other assets. However, project specific written consent from Melbourne Water must be
obtained to confirm if this approach is acceptable.
The Rational Method procedure is described in Book 4 of Australian Rainfall and Runoff
(1998). Book 8 provides information specific to urban stormwater management.
Melbourne Waters Land Development Manual outlines the Rational Method procedure
including all input parameters and/or sources in Section 5.3.2 Design of Stormwater
Conveyance Hydrologic and Hydraulic Design (available online):
http://www.melbournewater.com.au/Planning-and-building/Standards-and-
specifications/Design-general/Pages/Hydrologic-and-hydraulic-design.aspx
RORB
The Melbourne Water recommended RORB modelling procedure includes:
3. Use of the calibrated preliminary RORB model as basis for modelling future
scenario/s with proposed diversions and/or detention storages.
Modelling scenarios
Modelling of the existing condition is to be based on the current planning zones (or
historical if current zone is Urban Growth) and should only consider existing
topography and infrastructure. Modelling of future conditions is to be based on the
proposed planning zone and include all infrastructure (drainage, storage, etc.) and
any changes to topography.
Important note: Generally, RORB underestimates flows for less than 10 year ARIs.
Therefore, the designer needs to check and adjust if necessary RORB flow estimates
for less than 10 year events using the Theoretical relationship between average
recurrence intervals of annual and partial series floods in Australian Rainfall and
Runoff.
The fraction impervious must be reported in table format, detailing the fraction
impervious for each zone within a sub-catchment as well as the overall fraction
impervious for the sub-catchment. This must be reported as part of submissions made
to Melbourne Water.
no special storages;
no diversions to separately route multiple flow paths (i.e. overland and
underground flows); and
a structure and reach types consistent with the assumptions of the Rational
Method and the way in which the time of concentration is estimated.
As a minimum, the calibration checks must occur at the upstream end of the
Melbourne Water drainage system. Some projects may require calibration at the
upstream end of the modelled council drainage system, the catchment outlet and/or
at confluences of drainage networks.
Important note: the designer must discuss calibration points and obtain approval
from Melbourne Water prior to proceeding. The calibration must be to a 1 in 100 year
and 1 in 10 year Rational Method Flow estimate, calculated in accordance with AR&R
and taking into account time of concentration calculation requirements outlined in this
document.
All reach alignments should be consistent with the assumptions for calculating the
Rational Method flow for the catchment. Similarly, the fraction impervious should
also be consistent between the preliminary RORB model and the fraction impervious
used to estimate the Rational Method Coefficient of Runoff. The correlation between
runoff coefficient and catchment fraction impervious is described in AR&R.
The parameter kc must be adjusted so the flow from the preliminary RORB model
matches the Rational Method estimated flow.
AR&R method (Section 1.7 of Book II) must be used for the Areal Reduction Factor
(ARF). ARFs need only be used for catchment areas greater than 400 hectares.
Suitable initial loss values must be determined by the developer. As a guide, the
following values may be appropriate in the absence of better information:
http://www.melbournewater.com.au/Planning-and-building/Standards-and-
specifications/Design-general/Pages/Hydrologic-and-hydraulic-design.aspx
All RORB reach alignments, node locations, sub-catchment and catchment boundaries
are to be populated with appropriate descriptions, slopes, lengths to correspond with
the RORB model code.
MUSIC Guidelines
Melbourne Water has created the MUSIC Guidelines (2010) which recommend input
parameters and modelling approaches for MUSIC users. The objectives of the MUSIC
tool guidelines are to:
The Melbourne Water Guidelines should be read in conjunction with the MUSIC Users
Manual (eWater). Users of this Wetland Manual are expected to be sufficiently trained
in the use of MUSIC software and know how to use it appropriately.
MUSIC Auditor
The MUSIC auditor is a tool that has been developed for checking the parameter
inputs to MUSIC models to ensure they comply with relevant guidelines and are within
expected or reasonable ranges. The MUSIC Auditor is intended for use by suitably
experienced professionals with an understanding of water sensitive urban design and
MUSIC software.
The MUSIC Auditor is free for anyone to use within Melbourne Water's area of
responsibility and can be accessed using the following website:
http://www.musicauditor.com.au/
The MUSIC Auditor was developed by Microburst Software with the support of
Melbourne Water and in collaboration with E2Designlab.
Wetland Wetland
inlet Flowdirection outlet
Volumeofwaterthatmust
bedisplacedbeforewater
particleXwillexitwetland
Figure 1 Residence time for a particle of water entering a wetland
The plug flow of water through the wetland is assumed to involve 100% of the
extended detention volume and the upper parts of the permanent pool volume.
Melbourne Water will accept calculation methods where up to 50% of the permanent
pool volume is assumed to be involved in plug flow.
1. Create a six minute MUSIC model of the system that is in accordance with
Melbourne Waters MUSIC Guidelines. Ensure the wetland node has an accurate
stage-discharge and stage-storage relationship. This will require the use of the
Custom Outflow and Storage Relationship option in MUSIC (refer Error!
Reference source not found.), unless the wetland has vertical sides and a
single horizontal circular orifice outlet which is not in accordance with the
Deemed to Comply criteria.
2. Export a flux file from the wetland node. Use an online tool or steps below to
analyse the flux file.
3. Delete all columns except for outflows and storage. Use a pivot table in
excel, or another data processing method, to determine the:
4. Determine the average plug flow volume for each day in the time-series by
subtracting 50% of the permanent pool volume from the average storage
volume calculated from the flux file.
5. For each day in the time-series, count the minimum number of proceeding days
until the cumulative outflow volume equals the plug flow volume. Use this
method to create a daily time-series of residence times.
7. Determine the 10th percentile value of the daily time-series of residence times.
If this 10th percentile value is three days or more, the wetland configuration
provides an acceptable residence time.
An inundation frequency analysis is required to ensure that the plant species proposed
for the wetland are able to cope with the expected wetland hydrology. Melbourne
Water has created an online tool to assist practitioners undertake inundation
frequency analysis (refer WEBSITE X).
1. Use the plant height information in the tables within Part B2 of this manual to
determine the emergent macrophyte species (excluding ephemeral batter
species) that, when mature, will be the shortest relative to NWL for both
shallow and deep marsh zones. Note that the planting depth relative to NWL
must be taken into account. For example, if a plant will be 500 mm high when
mature, and will be planted at a depth of 200 mm, the height relative to NWL
will be 300 mm.
2. Create a six minute MUSIC model of the system in accordance with Melbourne
Waters MUSIC Guidelines. Ensure the wetland node has an accurate stage-
discharge and stage-storage relationship. These relationships should include
any detention storage above wetland (e.g. retarding basin). This will require the
use of the Custom Outflow and Storage Relationship option in MUSIC (refer
Error! Reference source not found.), unless the wetland has vertical sides
and a single horizontal circular orifice outlet which is not in accordance with the
Deemed to Comply criteria.
3. Export a flux file from the wetland node. Use an online tool or steps below to
analyse the flux file.
4. Determine the 20% percentile of the water level time-series using Excel or
another data analysis method.
5. Ensure that the effective water depth (permanent pool depth plus extended
detention depth) does not exceed half the average plant height for more than
20% of the time.
Manual calculation
The manual velocity calculation involves the following steps:
2. Determine the peak water level in the sediment pond during the critical 10
year ARI event1 (e.g. if the sediment pond is not within a retarding basin and
overflow outlet is a weir, use the weir equation to determine the head of water
needed to pass the peak 10 year ARI flow over the weir). If the sediment pond
is within a retarding basin use RORB to determine the peak 10 year ARI water
level.
3. Determine the narrowest part of the sediment pond in the direction of flow
between the inlet and overflow outlet. Determine the width between the batters
at the location at:
a. NWL; and
b. the peak 10 year ARI water level.
4. Determine the cross section flow area at the narrowest point of the sediment
pond by multiplying the distance between NWL and the peak 10 year water
level by the average of the two widths determined in Step 3.
5. Estimate the 100 year ARI flow velocity at the narrowest point of the sediment
pond by dividing the peak 100 year ARI flow rate by the cross sectional area
determined in Step 4. Ensure the 100 year flow velocity does not exceed 0.5
m/s (in accordance with Deemed to Comply Condition SP3).
1
Note this method assumes the peak 100 year ARI flow occurs when the water level in
the sediment pond is equal to the peak 10 year ARI water level.
7. Determine the narrowest part of the macrophyte zone in the direction of flow
between the inlet and outlet. Determine the width between the batters at the
location at:
a. NWL;
b. TED; and
c. the peak 10 year ARI water level.
8. Determine the cross section flow area at the narrowest point of the
macrophyte zone:
a. For the three month ARI event, multiply the EDD by the average of the
NWL and TED widths determined in Step 7.
b. For the 100 year ARI event, multiply the distance between the NWL and
the peak 10 year ARI water level by the average of the NWL width (7a)
and the peak 10 year ARI water level width (7c).
9. Estimate the three month ARI flow velocity at the narrowest point of the
macrophyte zone by dividing the peak three month ARI flow rate by the cross
sectional area determined in Step 8a. Ensure the three month flow velocity does
not exceed 0.05 m/s (in accordance with Deemed to Comply Condition MZ9).
10. Estimate the 100 year ARI flow velocity at the narrowest point of the
macrophyte zone by dividing the peak 100 year ARI flow rate by the cross
sectional area determined in Step 8b. Ensure the 100 year flow velocity does
not exceed 0.5 m/s (in accordance with Deemed to Comply Condition MZ9).
HEC-RAS
The Hydrologic Engineering Centre of the US Army Corps of Engineers developed the
River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) software. The software allows the user to perform
one-dimensional steady and unsteady river calculations (US Army Corps HEC RAS
manual) through interaction with the graphical user interface.
2
Note this method assumes the peak 100 year ARI flow occurs when the water level in
the macrophyte zone is equal to the peak 10 year ARI water level.
Getting started
The HEC-RAS software and supporting resources (users manual, applications guide
and the hydraulic reference manual) is freely available at:
http://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/downloads.aspx
This manual assumes that the user is familiar with the steps required to set-up a basic
steady flow simulation project in HEC-RAS.
Define geometric data (e.g. geometry exported from terrain modelling package)
HEC-RAS can import geometric data in several different formats (GIS, HEC-RAS, and
others). The HEC-RAS format may be used when importing geometric data from 12d
Model.
Geometric data created in 12d Model is imported to HEC-RAS in HEC-RAS
format by selecting File | Import geometry Data | HEC-RAS Format from within
the geometric data editor window. The HEC-RAS users manual (pp. 6-131 to 6-
137) provides supporting information for the process.
2. Define suitably spaced cross sections along the design line (typically 20 to 50 m
spacing depending on wetland size). The top of the ephemeral batters should
generally be used as the left and right bank station.
3. Mark the cross section locations on a scale plan and measure the downstream
reach lengths for left over bank (LOB), right over bank (ROB) and channel flow.
1. Enter the peak three month and 100 year flow rates into the HEC-RAS model as
steady flow data.
2. Adopt the NWL for the downstream boundary condition for the peak three
month flow.
3
Chow, V.T. (1959) Open-channel hydraulics. McGraw- Hill Book Co., New York, 680 p.
5. View the Profile Output Summary table in HEC-RAS and check that:
a. For all cross sections in the sediment pond and macrophyte zone the
peak 100 year ARI flow velocities are less than 0.5 m/s
b. For all cross sections in the macrophyte zone, the peak three month ARI
flow velocities are less than 0.05 m/s.
If the peak 100 year ARI steady flow velocities exceed the Deemed to Comply
thresholds, modify the wetland configuration. If the peak 100 year ARI steady flow
velocities complies with the thresholds but the peak three month ARI velocity in the
wetland does not, either proceed with checking the unsteady three month velocities or
modify the wetland configuration.
1. Determine the flow duration for the critical three month ARI event and
construct an approximate flow hydrograph for this event (using RORB output
data).
2. Determine volume of water in the critical three month ARI event (area below
hydrograph).
4. In HEC-RAS:
a. set the upstream boundary condition to be the critical three month ARI
hydrograph (from Step 1)
b. set the downstream boundary condition to be the outflow hydrograph
(from Step 3)
c. set the Initial Stage for the downstream boundary condition to the
wetland NWL.
Planning
The following key strategies and plans detail how Melbourne Water manages its water
assets:
Stormwater Strategy
The Stormwater Strategy is closely linked to the Healthy Waterways Strategy and
covers the same five-year period. It focuses on managing stormwater to protect and
improve the ecosystem health of waterways and bays.
Design
Melbourne Water has produced the following range of guidelines which may be of use
or further interest to the wetland designer.
MUSIC Guidelines
Stormwater connections
Jetties Guidelines
Maintenance
Civil components
Inlet No erosion, blockage or damage Clear inlet of accumulated sediment or debris. Storm events
Eroded areas should be locally re-profiled or reinforced, and re-planted if 3 months
necessary.
Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets if the erosion is either recurring or severe.
Outlet No erosion, blockage, damage or Clear outlet of accumulated sediment or debris. Storm events
standing water Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment 3 months
Outlet freely draining. Assets if standing (backwatering into the raingarden) is present.
Other No erosion and damage to other Repair minor damage to structures. 3 months
structures structures, e.g. pits, pipes, access Eroded areas should be repaired (reinforced). This may involve minor re-profiling or
ramps, walls and rock protection. re-planting works.
For severe damage, i.e. where flows have scoured down the side of a structure
refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets.
Batters and No erosion. Eroded areas should be locally re-profiled or reinforced, and re-planted if Annually
bunds necessary.
Sediment Accumulated sediment no less than Clean out accumulated sediment from the sediment pond. Annually
accumulation 0.5 m below NWL. Accumulated sediment to be removed from the macrophyte zone and the system
No major sediment accumulation on replanted as required.
macrophyte zone topsoil.
Topsoil No surface scour or depressions. Topsoil surface to be repaired. This may involve evening out the surface, importing 3 months
surface additional soil and replanting.
Algal growth No major algal growth (less than 10% If significant patches of algal growth persist across the macrophyte zone (i.e. 3 months
of macrophyte zone is permissible). greater than 10% of the surface) then refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying
Vegetated Stormwater Treatment Assets.
Harvesting No blockages and equipment is Refer to manufacturers instructions. Annually
infrastructure functioning as designed.
(if relevant)
Vegetation Greater than 90% vegetation cover in Remove any dead or diseased vegetation. 3 months
cover designated marsh areas of the Replant individual bare patches (greater than 5% of the area) using either new
- macrophyte zone. plants or by dividing and translocating existing plants.
macrophytes Plants healthy, free from disease and If bare areas represent greater than 30% of the macrophyte zone area, refer to
vigorously growing. Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment Assets.
Vegetation Continuous vegetation cover along the Annually
cover lower batter.
- ephemeral Greater than 90% vegetation cover.
/terrestrial Plants healthy, free from disease and
batters vigorously growing.
High flow Greater than 90% vegetation or other Surface to be repaired. This may involve evening out the surface, importing
bypass scour protection (e.g. rock beaching). additional soil and replanting.
No surface scour or depressions. Remove any dead or diseased vegetation and replant bare patches
Weeds Less than 10% of the macrophyte zone Physically remove weeds from filter media surface and batters. 3 months
area and batters covered in weeds Do not use herbicides as these may harm the desirable wetland vegetation and
contaminate wetland outflows.
Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets if weed ingress is a persistent problem (i.e. weed coverage is persistently
greater than 30%).
Litter Macrophyte zone and batters free of Remove all litter and excessive debris 3 months
litter (i.e. less than 1 piece litter per 4
m2).
Pests No damage by pest animals and Seek specialist advice if persistent insect damage is observed. 3 months
insects. Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets if there is evidence of pest animal damage.
Safety in Design
Civil components
Inlet No erosion, blockage or damage Clear inlet of accumulated sediment or debris. Storm events
Eroded areas should be locally re-profiled or reinforced, and re-planted if 3 months
necessary.
Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets if the erosion is either recurring or severe.
Outlet No erosion, blockage, damage or Clear outlet of accumulated sediment or debris. Storm events
standing water Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment 3 months
Outlet freely draining. Assets if standing (backwatering into the raingarden) is present.
Other No erosion and damage to other Repair minor damage to structures. 3 months
structures structures, e.g. pits, pipes, access Eroded areas should be repaired (reinforced). This may involve minor re-profiling or
ramps, walls and rock protection. re-planting works.
For severe damage, i.e. where flows have scoured down the side of a structure
refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets.
Batters and No erosion. Eroded areas should be locally re-profiled or reinforced, and re-planted if Annually
bunds necessary.
Sediment Accumulated sediment no less than Clean out accumulated sediment from the sediment pond. Annually
accumulation 0.5 m below NWL. Accumulated sediment to be removed from the macrophyte zone and the system
No major sediment accumulation on replanted as required.
macrophyte zone topsoil.
Topsoil No surface scour or depressions. Topsoil surface to be repaired. This may involve evening out the surface, importing 3 months
surface additional soil and replanting.
Algal growth No major algal growth (less than 10% If significant patches of algal growth persist across the macrophyte zone (i.e. 3 months
of macrophyte zone is permissible). greater than 10% of the surface) then refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying
Vegetated Stormwater Treatment Assets.
Harvesting No blockages and equipment is Refer to manufacturers instructions. Annually
infrastructure functioning as designed.
(if relevant)
Vegetation Greater than 90% vegetation cover in Remove any dead or diseased vegetation. 3 months
cover designated marsh areas of the Replant individual bare patches (greater than 5% of the area) using either new
- macrophyte zone. plants or by dividing and translocating existing plants.
macrophytes Plants healthy, free from disease and If bare areas represent greater than 30% of the macrophyte zone area, refer to
vigorously growing. Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment Assets.
Vegetation Continuous vegetation cover along the Annually
cover lower batter.
- ephemeral Greater than 90% vegetation cover.
/terrestrial Plants healthy, free from disease and
batters vigorously growing.
High flow Greater than 90% vegetation or other Surface to be repaired. This may involve evening out the surface, importing
bypass scour protection (e.g. rock beaching). additional soil and replanting.
No surface scour or depressions. Remove any dead or diseased vegetation and replant bare patches
Weeds Less than 10% of the macrophyte zone Physically remove weeds from filter media surface and batters. 3 months
area and batters covered in weeds Do not use herbicides as these may harm the desirable wetland vegetation and
contaminate wetland outflows.
Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets if weed ingress is a persistent problem (i.e. weed coverage is persistently
greater than 30%).
Litter Macrophyte zone and batters free of Remove all litter and excessive debris 3 months
litter (i.e. less than 1 piece litter per 4
m2).
Pests No damage by pest animals and Seek specialist advice if persistent insect damage is observed. 3 months
insects. Refer to Water by Design (2012) Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Treatment
Assets if there is evidence of pest animal damage.
Civil components
Landscape components
http://waterbydesign.com.au/guidelines/
Term Definition
Adhere To stick (e.g. suspended sediment sticking onto a biofilm coating
the stem of a macrophyte stem).
Algae Simple photosynthetic plants that live in water or moist places
(Source: Melbourne Water).
Algal bloom A rapid increase in the mass of one or more algae, usually caused
by a change in the flow, light, temperature or nutrient levels of the
water in which it lives.
Amenity Attractiveness or community value.
Aquatic The community of organisms living within or immediately adjacent
ecosystem to water (including riparian and foreshore zones).
Australian A measure of height above mean sea level.
Height Datum
(AHD)
Average A statistical estimate of the average period in years between a
Recurrence flood occurrence of a given magnitude. The ARI of a flood event
Interval (ARI) gives no indication of when a flood of that size will occur next.
MUSIC The acronym used for the Model for Urban Stormwater
Improvement Conceptualisation software developed by the
Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology to model
urban stormwater management schemes.
Normal water The top of the permanent pool. Above this level water will be
level (NWL) discharged from the macrophyte zone via the controlled outlet.
Nitrification The process by which ammonia is converted to nitrites and then
nitrates.
Nutrients Organic substances such as nitrogen or phosphorous in a water.
Permanent pool The level of water retained within a basin below the invert of the
lowest outlet structure
Plan of Lodged under Section 22 of the Subdivision Act 1988, when a
Subdivision single title is divided into two or more new parcels of land. The
Plan of Subdivision will show the reserve that a constructed
wetland will sit within.
Pond Ponds, like lakes, are artificial bodies of open water usually formed
by a simple dam wall with a weir outlet structure. Typically the
water depth is greater than 1.5m.
Open water Unvegetated parts of a constructed wetland.
Outlet pool Open water at the most downstream end of a macrophyte zone.
Overflow Outlet (e.g. pit or weir) that conveys flows when the water level
exceeds the top of extended detention (TED).
Referral An authority nominated in Section 55 of the Planning and
Authority Environment Act 1987 that has statutory powers to provide
conditions or object to a planning permit application.
Residence time The time it takes for water to flow from the inlet to the outlet.
Retarding basin A temporary flood storage system used to reduce flood peaks. A
basin designed to temporarily detain storm or flood waters, to
attenuate peak flows downstream to acceptable levels. Also known
as a retention basin.
RORB RORB is a computer program that is used to calculate flood
hydrographs from rainfall and other channel inputs. It can be used
to design retarding basins and to route floods through channel
Introduction 1
Design acceptance process Forms, templates and checklists 1
Example design plans .............................................................................2
Example as-constructed plans ..................................................................2
Example maintenance agreement and plan ................................................ 2
Example operational plan ........................................................................2
Standard drawings .................................................................................2
Introduction
The following forms and certification statements are required as part of the land
development process.
Design package templates have been provided for each stage of the design acceptance
process. It is expected that all design submissions to Melbourne Water will adhere to
the structure of the templates, as this will enable efficient processing of applications.
Design packages must be complete and the declaration at the front of each design
package signed prior to submitting the package to Melbourne Water. Additional project
specific information may be added to the design package, as necessary.
Melbourne Water must be advised in writing of any variations from the requirements
set out in the Agreement and the Land Development Manual (with supporting
explanations) when the Certification Statements are forwarded to us.
Pre-construction stage
Consultants Pre-Construction Certification Checklist
Consultants Pre-Construction Certification Statement
Permit to Work
Standard drawings
The following are our standard drawings, which are specific to constructed wetlands:
All of our standard drawings and concept drawings are located on our website:
Standard drawings