Erosion & Sediment Pollution Control
Janelle Wilde
Soil Conservation Coordinator
570-622-3742, ext. 3327
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Stephanie Lubinsky
Conservation Program Technician
570-622-3742, ext. 3329
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Valerie Sleva
Soil Conservation Technician
570-622-3742, ext. 3330
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In an attempt to control sediment pollution, PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) adopted strict rules and regulations concerning Erosion and Sedimentation Control in 1972. The rules and regulations, known as PA CODE TITLE 25 CHAPTER 102 EROSION CONTROLS states "This chapter requires persons proposing or conducting earth disturbance activities to develop, implement and maintain BMPs to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation and to manage post construction stormwater."
To this end, one of the District's primary focuses is the Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) Program. The emphasis of the overall program is the conservation of soil and water resources. The District administers the E&S program through a delegation agreement with the DEP. Through the program, the District reviews and approves E&SC control plans and NPDES permits for earthmoving sites and provides technical assistance. Site Inspections are conducted to assure the plans are properly implemented, controls are installed, and construction sequences are followed. By doing this, the District strives to meet its goal of minimizing accelerated erosion and sediment pollution to the waters of the Commonwealth as a result of earthmoving activities.
Schuylkill Conservation District administers the state's Dirt, Gravel, & Low Volume Road Maintenance Program. The objective of the program is to achieve environmental improvement through environmentally-sound road maintenance practices.
When is an Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC) Plan needed?
As per the amended Chapter 102 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations (November 2010), development of an erosion and sediment control plan is required for all earth disturbances of 5,000 square feet or greater, earth disturbances in High Quality or Exceptional Value watersheds, or if other DEP permits require it. This would also include timber harvesting activities, which must submit a timber harvest E&SC plan.
Projects having less that 5,000 square feed of earth disturbance are still required to develop, implement, and maintain erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs). They are only exempt from having a written plan. Additionally, persons proposing timber harvesting activities or road maintenance that disturb twenty-five (25) or more acres must apply for an Erosion and Sediment Control Permit.
Projects that disturb 1 acre or more require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities. As part of this permit, an approved E&SC plan is required.
For agricultural plowing or tilling activities or for animal heavy use areas, the following E&SC requirements apply:
(1) The implementation and maintenance of E&SC BMPs are required to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation including those activities that disturb less than 5,000 sq. ft.
(2) Written E&SC plans are required for the following activities that disturb 5000 sq. ft. or more of land: agricultural plowing or tilling activities and animal heavy use areas.
Applications & Information