Erosion Control Regulations | What is an Erosion & Sediment Control Plan?
Who Can Submit the Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plan?
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Review Fee Schedule
Title 25 Chapter 102 - Erosion Control Regulations
The purpose of Chapter 102 - Erosion Control Regulations is to implement the intent of the Clean Streams Law of Pennsylvania. The Clean Streams Law prohibits the discharge of any substance which creates a nuisance into the waters of the Commonwealth. Sediment is rated the number one pollutant by volume to Pennsylvania’s waters and is listed as a nuisance.
Chapter 102 (available online at pacode.com) is a set of rules and regulations administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality. The objective of these regulations is to eliminate or limit sediment pollution created as a result of earth disturbance activities. Anyone who disturbs vegetation or exposes the earth’s surface to the forces of erosion is subject to these controls. The primary element of Chapter 102 is the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
What is an Erosion & Sediment Control Plan?
(Commonly referred to as an E&S Plan)
Regulations require that every project that involves disturbing the earth develops an E&S Plan.
An E&S Plan is a written plan that describes how erosion and/or sedimentation will be controlled during an earthmoving project. The idea is to control muddy water so that it does not enter a stream or other waterway. It is easier to plan the project so that it does not create muddy water, however this is not always possible. In such cases, it is necessary to filter the runoff before it enters a stream. Construction practices that help reduce or prevent sediment from entering a stream or waterway are commonly referred to as Best Management Practices (BMPs). Some common BMPs include:
- Keeping equipment on the bank
- Working during low-flow times
- Pumping water around project
- Blocking around work area
- Temporary seeding and mulching
- Using silt fencing, straw bales, rock filters, etc.
There are 11 basic areas that should be addressed in an E&S Plan:
- Topographic features
- Soil Type
- Proposed alterations
- Runoff
- Chapter 93 designation
- Location and description of BMPs
- Sequence of installation and removal of BMPs
- Supporting calculations
- Plan drawing or photos
- Maintenance program for inspection of BMPs
- Proper measures fore recycling or disposal of materials
Who Can Submit the Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plan?
§102.5. Erosion and sedimentation control plan.
The erosion and sedimentation control plan shall be prepared by a person trained and experienced in erosion and sedimentation control methods and techniques.
If a record of training and experience is not provided with the submission of an Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plan, a determination of qualifications shall be based on the plan under review.
The Crawford Conservation District will accept an Erosion and Sedimentation Control plan prepared by anyone who demonstrates knowledge of Erosion & Sedimentation Control, whether it is an engineering firm, a contractor, a homeowner, or forester.
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Review Fee Schedule
| Acres of Disturbed | Fees |
| 0-1.99 | $50.00 |
| 2-4.99 | $100.00 |
| 5-9.99 | $150.00 |
| 10-14.99 | $200.00 |
| 15-19.99 | $250.00 |
| 20-24.99 | $300.00 |
| 25-49.99 | $1,000.00 |
| 50-99.99 | $1,500.00 |
| 100+ | $1,500 + $10 |
Applicability of Fee Schedule
- The fee will not be applicable to agricultural operations such as plowing and tilling, and agricultural conservation completed in accordance with a conservation plan approved by the District. When a site disturbance occurs that is not an agricultural practice such as earth disturbance for a large building, the fee schedule for plan review would be applicable.
- The fee schedule will not be applicable to timber harvesting operations. Instead, a standard fee of $50.00 will be charged for all timber harvesting operations.
- Governmental units are exempt from the above fees.
- Each submission of a different project on the same site shall be considered as a new project and the fees shall be charged accordingly.
- The District can request to review a plan if a problem is perceived on site. The fee schedule will apply for such reviews.
Additional Fees
One fee is intended to cover the entire review process except for the following:
- Where the applicant or his agent fails to directly address and attempt to resolve concerns expressed by the District after a review of the E&S Plan, and such negligence requires the District to conduct more than two plan reviews, the full fee will be imposed for each submission thereafter. Resubmission fees may be waived at the discretion of the District Manager.
- When site construction and final site stabilization are not complete within two years from the date of initial plan review, the District reserves the right to require the submission of a new plan. Fees will be charges as indicated in the fee schedule above.
- Plan revisions requesting determination of adequacy, resubmitted within thirty (30) days after the District determined original plan the be adequate, shall be subject to a $25.00 processing fee.
- Any other required permit fees are in addition to the above fee schedule.
- Make check payable to: Crawford County Conservation District