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Soil Erosion and Sediment Control:

New Regulations for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Published January 27, 2012
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) formally updated new erosion and sediment control regulations on January 27, 2012. The new regulations will enhance erosion and sediment control practices across the State, improve the water quality of construction site runoff, and help in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.
An updated handbook containing these regulatory changes can be accessed here:

2011 Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control 

Changes include:

 

  • Establishing a maximum 20-acre grading unit for most construction sites. This will limit larger earth disturbances that are more likely to cause sediment pollution.
  • Improving stabilization requirements to assist in reducing erosion and sediment generation, and help establish grass in non-work areas. (Details on the new stabilization requirements may be found in the regulation link below.)
  • Requiring each county and municipality in Maryland to submit a draft erosion and sediment control ordinance to MDE for review within six months and adopt an approved ordinance within one year of the regulations’ adopted date. (Municipalities may adopt the erosion and sediment control ordinance of their respective county.)

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