EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION POLLUTION
CONTROL GLOSSARY
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Accelerated Erosion – 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. Within
construction sites, soils can erode at a rate of 100,000 tons per quarter mile per year. This erosion is 200
times greater than erosion from crop land and 2000 times greater than erosion from woodlands.
Best Management Practices (BMP) – Techniques that are used to help protect against accelerated
erosion of soils. Some examples of BMP's may include silt fence, mulch, diversion ditches, sediment traps,
sediment basins and establishment of grasses or other BMP's fro permanent stabilization.
County Conservation District – Over 50 years ago state legislators recognized the need to support
grassroots conservation efforts. As a result, the Conservation District law was passed authorizing the
creation of county conservation districts. Today there is a conservation district established in every
Pennsylvania county, except Philadelphia.
Each conservation district is led by a Board of Directors made up of local people from all walks of life.
These volunteers study county natural resource issues and make decisions which enhance and protect their
community. District boards frequently discuss issues and solutions with neighboring district board members
before taking action that could impact life across county lines.
Erosion – the natural process by which the surface of the land is worn away by water, wind or chemical
action.
Non-Point Source Pollution – is pollution that cannot be traced to a specific point. The sources may
include runoff from urbanized areas, failing septic systems, poor animal-keeping practices, discharges from
boats, poor forest management practices and improper use of household hazardous substances.
Point Source Pollution – is any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance, including, but not limited to
any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, well, discrete fissure, or container from which pollutants are or may be
discharged.
Receiving Water – any watercourse that receives the stormwater from a disturbed site. They can include a
river, creek, stream, slough or canal.
Sediment Pollution – is soil out of place. It is a product of activities by man which lead to severe soil loss.
When these large quantities of soil enter our waters sediment pollution occurs.
Surface Water – water on the surface of the earth, including water in a perennial or intermittent
watercourse, lake, reservoir, pond, spring, wetland, estuary, swamp or marsh, or diffused surface water.
The term does not include recirculated process water or wastewater stored in an off-stream impoundment,
pond, tank or other device unless such water or wastewater is withdrawn and used by a person other than
the person who initially withdrew the water from a water resourced or obtained such water from a public
water supply agency.
Watercourse – a distinct natural or artificial body of water flowing perennially or intermittently in a defined
channel with bed and banks. The term includes a river, creek, stream, slough or canal.