Soil Erosion and Sediment Control- Chapter 251

Failure to control erosion can lead to polluted waterways

As the nation’s most densely populated state, New Jersey continues to experience rapid shifts in land use greatly accelerating the process of soil erosion and sedimentation.  Unchecked, the resultant is added pollution to the waters of New Jersey and the loss of fertile soil.  New Jersey’s State Legislature recognized the scope of this problem and the effect it was having on the state’s environment.

In response, the State declared to strengthen and extend the present erosion and sediment control activities and programs in passing the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, Chapter 251, Public Law 1975.

 Under this Act, developers are required to follow a District approved sediment control plan for most major soil disturbances over 5,000 square feet.  The State Soil Conservation Committee has developed and maintained technical standards and guidance to assure that soil, water and related natural resources are managed during development.  In this way, soil loss and related environmental damage are minimized. 

Ongoing housing development within Burlington County makes up the majority of the workload for the Burlington County Soil Conservation District (BCSCD).  A regular inspection of these sites by BCSCD staff ensures that the certified plan and the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in the state of New Jersey are being followed. 

Interim site stabilization – All exposed soils should be immediately stabilized to meet the approved E&S standards.  When using straw mulch, an anchoring product such as tackifier or crimper should be used to keep the straw in place for the season.

Silt Fence – It is imperative that all silt fences on site be properly installed and maintained. Frozen ground does not lend itself to silt fence installation, so again, be proactive rather than reactive. Snow should not be piled against silt fence for obvious reasons. The required weekly site inspections by owner/operators will go a long way in silt fence upkeep.

Soil Stockpiles – All soil stockpiles must be protected with anchored down straw mulch and or a hydro-mulch and silt fencing installed at least on the down slope side of the stockpile.

Construction Entrances – Often an afterthought, all construction entrances/exits must be properly stabilized and maintained. Mud tracked onto roadways during winter months is not only an E&S concern, but becomes an increased hazard to public safety.

Inlet Protection – Inlet protection must be properly maintained on all storm sewer inlets through the duration of the winter months.

Sediment Basin/Trap Maintenance – One of the most important maintenance items for basins and traps during winter months is the outlet structure. Checking that all seals retain their watertight seal is crucial. Maintenance inspections should also address: signs of basin failure, monitoring sedimentation, removal of debris from outlet and basin, and making sure the spillway is clear.

Self Inspections – The most effective maintenance tool an owner/operator can employ is the completion of weekly self inspections and after runoff rain events. Not only is it a stipulation of the NPDES permit, but it goes a long way to keeping a clean site by diagnosing a problem or potential problem and dealing with it before an inspection by a Conservation District representative notes site violations. In closing, nothing is foolproof and there are no guarantees, but utilizing the above measures, being proactive, practicing preventative maintenance, and using common sense will help owner/operators in dealing with Old Man Winter and your friendly neighborhood conservation district.

"To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land
instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in
the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand
down to them amplified. . . "
- Theodore Roosevelt