| FAYETTE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT |
| Frequently asked Erosion and Sedimentation Control Questions |
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| Why is Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Important? |
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.
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.
Fish have gills which extract needed oxygen out of the water and these gills become clogged when
the water becomes too clouded with sediment.
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.
| Why is Sediment Pollution Harmful? |
| What are Erosion Controls |
They are specific steps, guidelines and devices taken to protect the disturbed ground. Some typical
examples of erosion controls are silt fencing, hay bales, sequencing the limit of disturbance,
sediment traps, channels and seeding/mulching.
ANYTIME there are earthmoving activities – disturbances of the ground – controls are required to be
used. Keeping your disturbances contained, and the receiving watercourses clean, are not only the
main goal, but also the law.
examples of erosion controls are silt fencing, hay bales, sequencing the limit of disturbance,
sediment traps, channels and seeding/mulching.
ANYTIME there are earthmoving activities – disturbances of the ground – controls are required to be
used. Keeping your disturbances contained, and the receiving watercourses clean, are not only the
main goal, but also the law.
| When is an Erosion Control plan approval required? |
Major land disturbance activities, such as an addition to a structure or the use of heavy equipment
to move dirt require an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan.
When there are any other environmental permits required for the proposed activity
(stream-crossing, joint permit, NPDES permit, water obstruction).
When a municipality requests to have an Erosion Control approval (if required for the grading
permit or if they just wish to have it reviewed by the District office for Erosion Control).
When the Conservation District office, The DEP or the Fish and Boat Commission requests a plan
and an approval.
to move dirt require an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan.
When there are any other environmental permits required for the proposed activity
(stream-crossing, joint permit, NPDES permit, water obstruction).
When a municipality requests to have an Erosion Control approval (if required for the grading
permit or if they just wish to have it reviewed by the District office for Erosion Control).
When the Conservation District office, The DEP or the Fish and Boat Commission requests a plan
and an approval.
If you are planning to conduct an earth disturbance activity, make sure that you are doing your
part. Proper planning and use of Best Management Practices is the key to a successful project
and the protection of the Commonwealth's water resources.
Before beginning your project, become familiar with the requirements and inform your contractor
or equipment operator of the need for Erosion and Sediment Control Plans as part of the project.
part. Proper planning and use of Best Management Practices is the key to a successful project
and the protection of the Commonwealth's water resources.
Before beginning your project, become familiar with the requirements and inform your contractor
or equipment operator of the need for Erosion and Sediment Control Plans as part of the project.
| What can you do? |