Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S)
The Centre County Conservation District administers the Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program on behalf of the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Any project that disturbs the natural cover of the soil is regulated by this program, including clearing, grading, road building, etc. Accelerated soil erosion occurs when the natural soil cover is removed and the bare soil is exposed to rain and water flow. The regulations require that anyone engaged in an earthmoving activity implement control measures to prevent or minimize accelerated soil erosion and the resulting sediment pollution. Sediment pollution in Centre County streams harms fish and other aquatic life, damages water supplies, exacerbates flooding, and causes property damage.
DEP FACT SHEET- Minimizing Accelerated Soil Erosion and Sediment Pollution
The Conservation District is involved in reviewing and acknowledging National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for construction activities. We also review and acknowledge General Permits for minor projects in and near streams.
To find information on a specific area of the E&S program, click on one of the links below.
- NPDES Permits for construction activities
- To obtain a permit for construction on sites larger than five acres, or on some sites larger than one acre. NEW- Some forms recently revised, December 2009.
- Stream Permits
- To obtain a permit for working in the vicinity of a stream.
- Dirt & Gravel Roads
- Information regarding the Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program. Contact our office for additional details regarding the program in Centre County. Also, check out the Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies.
- Oil and Gas Permits
- PA-DEP Oil and Gas information.
- Pond and Dam Permits
- Information about pond and dam permitting.
- E&S Control Plans
- Info to submit an E&S plan; our fee schedule and application.
- Homeowners
- To control runoff during the construction of a single home.
- Interstate 99
- A discussion of erosion control on this large earthmoving project.
- The Erosion and Sediment Control Manual
- The complete E&S manual complete with design figures. This is a fairly large file (3.9 MB); be patient if you download.
You need Acrobat reader to view these files
- Awards
- Erosion Control Award Winners.
- Photo Gallery
- A visual tour of erosion control in action.
- Logging
- Considerations for timber harvesting, regarding E&S control and permits.
- Underground Utilities
- Guidelines for Utility Construction.
CENTRE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
414 HOLMES AVE., SUITE 4, BELLEFONTE, PA 16823
PHONE: 814-355-6817, FAX: 814-355-8696
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