Erosion and Sedimentation
Erosion and Sedimentation
The majority of the Conservation District's efforts are centered towards the conservation of water and soil resources. The District administers the Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) program through a signed delegation agreement with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Bureau of Watershed Protection to enforce Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sediment Control) of PA Title 25 (Environmental Protection).
As the county continues to experience growth, it becomes increasingly important to make sure that resources are protected according to the regulations. Due to intensifying development pressure and greater awareness for environmental protection, the E&S program continues to be one of the District's most demanding programs.
Through the program, the District reviews and approves E&S control plans for earthmoving sites. Inspections of the sites are conducted to assure the plans are properly implemented, controls are installed, and 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.
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NPDES and Chapter 102 Program
Requirements and Regulations
The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program is administered in conjunction with the E&S Program.
This program requires any earthmoving activities disturbing one (1) acre or more over the life of the project to obtain a permit. Under the requirements of the NPDES program, these activities must have an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan submitted to the District for review.
Permits are not issued until the plan is in compliance with Chapter 102.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please note the Fee Schedule has been updated as of October 24, 2024.
See details in the E&S Forms and Documents section below.
The PAG-02 General Permit will expire on December 7, 2024.
Click here to read the letter regarding the reissuance of the PAG-02 General Permit.
Chapter 102 Responsibilities
Chapter 102 also defines responsibilities of Local Governing Bodies in regard to permitting and earth disturbance activities.
Chapter 102.42
A municipality or county which issues building or other permits shall notify the Department or conservation district within 5 days of receipt of an application for a permit involving an earth disturbance activity consisting of 1 acre (0.4 hectare) or more.
Chapter 102.43
With the exception of local stormwater approvals or authorizations, a municipality or county may not issue building or other permit or approval to those proposing or conducting earth disturbance activities requiring a Department permit until the Department or a county conservation district has issued the E&S or individual NPDES Permit, or approved coverage under the general NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated With Construction Activities under Chapter 102.5 (relating to permit requirements).
Resources
Forms and Documents
Click here to be directed to DEP's E&S Resources page. This page includes links to the following resources and guidance:
- Permits and Applications: PAG-02 General, Individual, & (ESCGP-3) Oil and Gas; NOIs; Instructions; Checklists; Chapter 102 Permit Modules 1 through 4; and Application for NPDES or WQM Permit Transfer (used for transferring Chapter 102 permits and other permits)
- Chapter 102 Forms and Instructions: Co-Permittee Liability Release, Co-Permittee Acknowledgement, County and Municipal Notifications, Visual Site Inspection Report, Pre-application Meeting Request, and Notice of Termination
- Guidance/ Resources: Alternative E&S and PCSM BMPs reviewed by DEP, Erosion & Sediment Pollution COntrol Program Manual, PA Stormwater BMP Manual, Riparian Buffer Guidance, FAQs, Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater BMP Maintenance, E&S Plan Template for Timber Harvesting, Acronymns and Abbreviations, Instrument for the Declaration of Restrictions and Covenants, and Notification and Operation and Maintenance Agreement, and Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to be directed to DEP's Water Obstruction and Encroachments page.
This page includes Guidelines, guidance, forms, and instructions for Chapter 105 Water Obstruction Encroachment Permit Applications.