Direct answers to the questions developers, contractors and QPs most often ask about Earth Control Measures, QECP and PUB submission in Singapore.
Earth Control Measures (ECM) are temporary works — silt traps, sediment ponds, perimeter bunds and wash-down areas — that stop soil, silt and construction debris from entering the public drainage system and waterways in Singapore during earthworks and site clearance.
An ECM plan is typically required whenever a project involves earthworks, site clearance, piling or excavation with a risk of silt-laden runoff — commonly requested by PUB during the drainage submission stage, or where the site discharges to a public drain or watercourse.
Recurring PUB comments cover unclear discharge points, missing sediment trap sizing calculations, absent maintenance and inspection schedules, and drawings that are not coordinated with the civil, architectural and construction programme.
Before rain, check silt traps and bunds are clear and functional; during heavy rain, monitor discharge points for turbidity; after rain events, desilt traps, repair eroded bunds and log inspection findings. See the full ECM inspection checklist.
Short, direct answers for both visitors and search engines.
Earth Control Measures (ECM) are the physical and procedural measures - silt traps, sediment basins, cut-off drains, treatment units - used to stop silty stormwater runoff from construction sites entering Singapore's public drains.
In Singapore, ECM refers to the erosion and sediment control system registered with PUB under the Sewerage, Drainage and Coastal Protection Act 1999 for a construction site.
A Qualified Erosion Control Professional (QECP) prepares or endorses the ECM plan, ensures it meets PUB's requirements, and remains involved through inspection, monitoring and close-out.
Generally as soon as a project's earthworks, site clearance or excavation risk silty runoff, and before the ECM plan is submitted to PUB. Project-specific assessment is recommended.
It depends on the scope of works and site conditions; projects involving substructure or superstructure construction commonly require an ECM plan, but this should be assessed for your specific project. See our residential A&A case study.
Typically the ECM plan and drawings, QECP endorsement, and supporting site information; PUB may request additional documents depending on the project.
A QECP endorses the ECM plan before it is submitted to PUB for approval.
No - the ECM must be implemented in accordance with the QECP-endorsed, PUB-approved plan before work commences.
The QECP must review the change and re-submit the ECM plan to PUB for approval before the change is implemented on site.
Inspection frequency depends on the approved ECM plan and site conditions, with checks required during and after rain events at minimum. See our ECM inspection checklist.
Whether the ECM is functioning effectively, whether silty water is reaching any public drain, and whether immediate rectification is needed.
TSS is a measure of the solid particles suspended in water; it is used to assess how much silt or sediment remains in site discharge after treatment. The applicable discharge standard is set by the Sewerage and Drainage (Surface Water Drainage) Regulations - check the current regulation for the exact figure that applies to your project.
Through the treatment train set out in the approved ECM plan - typically settlement, and treatment units or polymer dosing where needed - monitored for discharge quality.
No - ECM addresses silty stormwater from rainfall; construction wastewater such as slurry or bentonite from boring or tunnelling needs separate collection and treatment.
ECM operation and maintenance records, inspection findings, and corrective actions, kept available for PUB on request.
After the QECP verifies that earthworks are complete and the site is fully reinstated.
No - other approvals from relevant agencies may still be required for the same works.
Yes - this is part of standard QECP involvement through the construction period.
Contact pe@qp.sg with your project details; scope and requirements are assessed per project.
