The emphasis of the erosion and sedimentation control (E&S) program is the conservation of
soil and water resources. The Perry County Conservation District administers the E&S program through a signed delegation agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). As the county continues to experience overall growth, it becomes increasingly important to make sure that resources are protected. 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 Perry County Conservation District reviews and approves E&S control plans for earthmoving sites. Inspections of sites with active earthmoving are conducted to assure the plans are properly implemented. We check to see that required controls are installed and maintained and that appropriate construction sequences are being followed that minimize off site sedimentation. This is one of the ways that the Perry County Conservation 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.
A federal regulation that works in conjunction with the local E&S program is the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. This regulation, the implementation of which has been delegated to DEP, requires any earthmoving activities disturbing more than one acre with a concentrated discharge to a water course or any site disturbing greater than five acres regardless of the discharge, obtain a permit. It is recommended that anyone disturbing between one and five acres of land during the life of an earthmoving project contact the Conservation District to determine if an NPDES permit will be required.
Under the requirements of the NPDES program, these activities must have an approved erosion control plan. Perry County Conservation District conducts the reviews of these plans for DEP to assure compliance with Chapter 102 and the Clean Streams Law. The NPDES permit program also requires a Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Plan to address concerns about ground water recharge and water quality issues, especially during the more frequent storm events.
NPDES Permit applications are available on DEP's website at www.dep.state.pa.us. under the keyword “NPDES Permits”. Choose “Stormwater Construction Activities”
Click here to download the 2011 E & S plan review application and fee schedule(pdf 86 KB)