Soil Erosion
Sediment is the greatest pollutant by volume entering our lakes and streams. Sediment is the product of uncontrolled erosion. Erosion and off-site sedimentation affect everyone in Michigan. Erosion and sedimentation result in: loss of fertile topsoil, damage to lakes and streams, increased flooding, damage to plant and animal life, and structural damage to buildings and roads.
Construction is one of the major causes of erosion in Michigan. Without proper planning and management, over 100 tons of sediment per year can be generated on some construction sites.
The application must provide specific information such as the name of the responsible individual and starting and ending dates. Additionally, a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan must be developed that will effectively reduce soil erosion and off-site sedimentation.
The plan must include at a minimum:
- A map showing the site location, physical limits of each change activity, predominant land features including lakes, streams and wetlands, and contour intervals or slope information.
- Soil information.
- Location of existing and proposed drainage patterns.
- Timing and sequence of each proposed earth change.
- Description of all temporary and permanent erosion and sedimentation control measures.
- A schedule for maintaining all control measures.
- Any other information required by the permitting agency.
- Integrate the overall construction design and activities to fit the physical and vegetative features of the site.
- Stage construction and stabilization activities to minimize the area and duration of disturbance.
- Identify control measures that will minimize erosion.
- Identify control measures that will prevent off-site sedimentation. Sediment control should not be used as a substitution for erosion control, but rather in conjunction with erosion control.
- Establish an inspection and maintenance schedule.
Yes, there are several:
- A person who violates this part is subject to a municipal or state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $2,500.
- A person who knowingly violates this part or knowingly makes a false statement in the application is responsible for the payment of a civil fine of not more than $10,000 for each day of violation.
- A person who knowingly violates this part after receiving a notice of determination under Section 9112 or 9117 is responsible for the payment of a civil fine of not less than $2,500 or more than $25,000 for each day of violation.
- A stop work order may be issued until compliance is obtained.
- The permitting agency can install or maintain control measures to bring a nonconforming site into compliance with Act 451 and bill the landowner for the costs incurred.