| EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PROGRAM |
| Why is Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Important? |
| Erosion and Sedimentation Table of Contents |
| Erosion Controls Erosion Control Examples Erosion Control Glossary Frequently Asked Questions General Permits NPDES |
Erosion is a natural process by which the surface of the land is worn away by water, wind or chemical action.
Accelerated erosion is the removal of the surface of the land through the combined action of human activities and
natural processes at a rate greater than would occur from natural processes alone. It causes sediment pollution which
is the type of non-point source pollution.
Accelerated erosion is the removal of the surface of the land through the combined action of human activities and
natural processes at a rate greater than would occur from natural processes alone. It causes sediment pollution which
is the type of non-point source pollution.
| Why is Sediment Pollution Harmful? |
Fish have gills which extract needed oxygen out of the water and these gills become clogged when the water becomes too clouded with sediment.
Sediment can cover fish eggs and the gravel nests they rest in.
Sediment destroys the food supply for many species of fish by covering aquatic insect habitat on the stream bottom.
Sediment reduces the amount of light penetrating the water, depriving the plants of light needed for photosynthesis.
Soil also carries with it other pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides and excess nutrients that are spread by the action of the water, causing problems not only at the source but
also downstream.
Sediment loads in our waterways often result in eroded and unstable streambanks.
Sediment increases public drinking water treatment costs or may render unfiltered drinking water supplies harmful for consumption.
Sediment can cover fish eggs and the gravel nests they rest in.
Sediment destroys the food supply for many species of fish by covering aquatic insect habitat on the stream bottom.
Sediment reduces the amount of light penetrating the water, depriving the plants of light needed for photosynthesis.
Soil also carries with it other pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides and excess nutrients that are spread by the action of the water, causing problems not only at the source but
also downstream.
Sediment loads in our waterways often result in eroded and unstable streambanks.
Sediment increases public drinking water treatment costs or may render unfiltered drinking water supplies harmful for consumption.
| What is the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program? |
Because of the soil erosion problems associated with earth disturbance activities, the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board approved statewide regulations for Erosion
and Sediment Control. Chapter 102 regulations, which are authorized by the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, prohibit the discharge of any pollutant to waters of the
Commonwealth.
Anyone conducting earth disturbance activities must use Best Management Practices (Erosion Controls) to minimize the amount of sediment leaving the earth disturbance
activity.
The Fayette County Conservation District is delegated the responsibility to review Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, conduct training, investigate complaints and perform
site inspections.
and Sediment Control. Chapter 102 regulations, which are authorized by the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, prohibit the discharge of any pollutant to waters of the
Commonwealth.
Anyone conducting earth disturbance activities must use Best Management Practices (Erosion Controls) to minimize the amount of sediment leaving the earth disturbance
activity.
The Fayette County Conservation District is delegated the responsibility to review Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, conduct training, investigate complaints and perform
site inspections.
| The Fayette County Conservation District Erosion and Sedimentation Technician responds to complaints about: |
| Erosion and Sedimentation Encroachment/Wetlands Earthmoving Activities associated with Agriculture Logging Oil and Gas Commercial Utility Landfill Residential Highway Mining |
| For additional information or questions regarding the E&S Program contact: Marilyn Dugan Erosion and Sedimentation Control Technician (724) 438-4497 |
| For Erosion & Sediment Plan forms: www.dep.state.pa.us and choose directLINK “Erosion Control Publications” |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |