The document outlines a proposed Independent Verification Scheme (IVS) for stormwater treatment devices in Victoria, Australia. The scheme would establish regulations, administration, and technical evaluation protocols to validate device performance claims and create a central database. It would be administered by Melbourne Water and implemented in three stages: 1) developing a roadmap, 2) industry consultation, and 3) establishing administrative framework and testing protocols. The goal is to better utilize integrated water management and provide validated information to help select technologies to meet stormwater quality objectives.

1. Independent verification
scheme for stormwater
treatment devices
2013 Stormwater Victoria
Conference

2. Introduction
The Independent Verification Scheme (IVS)
project is a joint initiative of Melbourne Water and
Institute of Public Works Engineering (IPWEA) with
active participation and support from
Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA
Vic), Victorian Department of Health (DOH VIC),
Victorian Civil Contractors federation, Stormwater
Victoria, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organization (CSIRO), Monash University
and other industry representatives.

3. Project Objectives
The overall aim of this project is to establish
the regulatory and administrative
framework, product testing and validation
protocols and performance database for
the storm water treatment devices to
enable the better utilization and broader
uptake of Integrated Water Cycle
Management (IWCM) in Victoria

4. Project delivery approach
Delivery of this complex and multifaceted project is
planned in three stages, where:
• Stage 1 of this project (currently in progress) should
deliver a road map discussion paper for the
development of an independent verification scheme for
stormwater treatment devices in Victoria.
• The subsequent stages of the project will involve
comprehensive industry consultation on the proposed
scheme and formation of the delivery strategy (stage2),
and
• Establishment of the administrative framework and
protocols for testing and validation of stormwater
treatment devices in VIC and the stormwater treatment
products database (stage 3).

5. Conceptual schematic
and key elements

6. REGULATIONS
ADMINISTRATION
TECHNICAL

7. Regulations
• Relevant legislation and acts (e.g. Water Act 1989 ,
Environment Protection Act 1970, State environment
protection policy (waters of Victoria))
• Environmental regulations (e.g. The Urban stormwater
best practice environmental management guidelines
(BPEMG))
• Planning regulations (e.g. clause 56 of the Victoria
Planning Provisions)
• Stormwater reuse regulations (e.g. Australian Guidelines
for Water Recycling: Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse )
• Current initiatives and collaborative actions (e.g.
Protecting our bays and waterways – a partnership
agreement between EPA, Melbourne Water and MAV)

8. Administration
• Overarching governance arrangements
• Establish and administer the Stormwater Treatment
Devices database
• Set the requirements for claims evaluation and
testing
• Form and administer Independent Technical Experts
panel
• Development of relevant guidelines and protocols
• Financial administration including fees, funding and
grants
• Promotion, education and training on the IVS
• Reporting to the relevant regulatory bodies on the
IVS

9. Technical
To assist with implementation of the IVS scheme, the
Administrator forms an Evaluation panel comprised of
industry, technical and regulatory specialists to:
• Set the definitions, categories and parameters for
Stormwater treatment devices and its performance
• Based on best industry practice prepare testing
procedures and protocols for verification of
performance claims as part of IVS
• Develop protocols and procedures for data evaluation
and reporting
• Review vendors’ applications and test plans and make
recommendations
• Audit tests for compliance
• Review the Verification reports submitted by vendors
and make recommendations

10. Road Map

11. Jurisdiction and extent
• The proposed IVS is developed and
implemented in the state of Victoria, Australia
serving as a pilot for the broader National
scheme.
Application
• Through Urban stormwater best practice
environmental management guidelines
(BPEMG) (potentially an Appendix).
• Stormwater performance is required through
planning (e.g. Clause 56 of the Victoria
Planning Provisions).
• Council sustainable water strategies, municipal
stormwater targets.

12. Deliverables
•Central database for information on Stormwater
Treatment Devices performance.
o Collates and allows access to verified performance
claims
o Allows greater clarity for selection of pre-validated
technologies to meet a required stormwater quality
objectives.
•A mechanism allowing the database to be
maintained and ensure integrity of information
provided.
•A defined pathway for testing, validation and
acceptance onto the database.

13. Administration
• Melbourne Water Corporation may assume the
position of the Administrator for the IVS scheme
and the role of Stormwater Treatment Devices
performance database manager. The
Administrator forms an Evaluation and Experts
panel to assist with the implementation of IVS.
Devices covered by the scheme
• This Independent Verification scheme applies to
pre-engineered, commercially-available
technologies for storm water treatment.

14. Governing principles
The IVS should be,-
o straightforward, practical and consistent in its
application
o avoid being overly prescriptive
o support innovation
Decision making should be transparent,
timely and accountable, with clear
mechanisms to leverage the knowledge
and experience of industry and the
broader scientific/research community

15. Discussions