Erosion/Sediment Control and Storm Water Management Plan Details

The purpose of Maryland’s erosion/sediment control and stormwater management programs is to reduce stream channel erosion, pollution, siltation, and local flooding caused by land us e changes associated with urbanization. Erosion/sediment control plan approval is required, before construction, to prevent siltation due to releases of sediment (soil) from active construction sites. For example, before a housing development begins, the land needs to be cleared and graded. Erosion/sediment control plan implementation is needed to control the exposed soil from washing away into the storm drains, streams, rivers, and the bay. Plan approval is required for any construction activity that disturbs 5,000 square feet or more of soil, or results in the excavation of 100 cubic yards or more of soil. Stormwater management plan approval is required to prevent stream bank erosion by controlling the rate of stormwater runoff from newly developed areas by using infiltration practices, shallow marshes, retention, and detention ponds. For example, prior to construction, land is typically covered with grass and trees, which help slow down the rate of stormwater runoff and promotes infiltration. This reduces flooding and soil from being washed away. After construction, stormwater runoff typically increases due to the loss of ground cover and the increase of impervious surfaces such as roofs, sidewalks, roads, and parking lots. So, stormwater management is needed to control runoff to the same rate prior to construction. This approval is required for any new development project that disturbs 5,000 square feet or more of land. It can be obtained at the same time as the erosion and sediment control approval.