The goal of this program is to control erosion and the resulting pollution to the waters of the Commonwealth. Soil erosion occurs naturally on all land, with at least 40 percent of the total soil erosion resulting from activities such as construction, logging, and natural events.
While erosion can reduce soil productivity, it also has a substantial effect on the quality of our water. A certain level of soil erosion is tolerable, meaning that it does not harm soil productivity. This level, referred to as T, varies by soil type and considers a number of factors, including the time required for new soil to form.
Keith L. Largent is our Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program (E&SPC) Technician, and he is responsible for the review of E&SPC plans and inspections.
Chapter 102, Title 25, Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law, requires a plan and implementation of that plan for any earth moving project. A plan is to be written and available at the construction site, to explain how the land is to be protected against accelerated erosion through the use of mechanical and/or vegetative measures and how the plan is to be carried out.
The plan should include a site plan, a topographic map of the affected area, proposed changes including topography and detail drawings of erosion control measures such as swales, silt fence, mulch or stoning, diversion, etc. Plans for final stabilization are also required.
Conservation Districts in Pennsylvania administer the State Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program through a delegation agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. There are three levels of involvement with this program:
Level I - Education and Information
Level II - Education and Information; Inspection and Voluntary Compliance
Level III - Education and Information; Inspection and Enforcement
The Somerset Conservation District follows responsibilities for Level II and works closely with landowners and contractors for voluntary compliance and as a liaison between local and state agencies. If voluntary compliance is not achieved, a referral is made to the Department of Environmental Protection for enforcement.
