Goal
The goal of this program is to minimize soil erosion and the resulting sediment pollution to Waters of the Commonwealth.
Erosion is a natural process by which the surface of the land is worn away by water, wind, or chemical action. Accelerated erosion, on the other hand, occurs at a greater rate and is of particular concern with human earth disturbance activities.
PA Code, Title 25, Chapter 102, and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law require the implementation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation.
Why is sediment pollution harmful?
- Public drinking water—sediment loads increase the treatment costs and may render drinking water unsafe.
- Fish and aquatic insect habitat—excessive sediment can clog fish gills, cover the stream gravel needed for fish to nest their eggs, and destroy the food supply for many species of fish by covering the macro-invertebrate insect habitat.
- Aquatic vegetation—sediment clouds the water and deprives plants the light required for photosynthesis.
- Excess nutrients and other harmful pollutants—sediment may carry other pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and excess nutrients that cause problems.
- Streambank erosion—higher sediment loads in our streams often results in erodible and unstable banks.
Our Role
The erosion & sedimentation (E&S) pollution control program works to protect our waterways throughout the county. Sediment is one of the largest threats to the health of our waterways. When proper site development practices are used, we protect community waterways and the services they offer. Healthy waterways enhance a community’s quality of life and make our communities a desirable place to live and work.
The Huntingdon County Conservation District (HCCD) has Level II delegation from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to administer the erosion and sediment pollution control program. Level II duties include education, outreach, technical assistance, site inspection, plan review, and voluntary compliance. HCCD works with DEP on all enforcement matters.
Please review the links to the right for assistance in determining the Chapter 102 requirements for your type of project. If you have erosion and sediment control questions or permitting concerns, please contact the E&S Technician for assistance.
