Permits

State law requires a landowner or designated agent who contracts for, allows, or engages in an earth change in Michigan which disturbs 1 or more acres of land or which is within 500 feet of the water's edge of a lake or stream is required to obtain a permit.

Bloomfield Township requires a SESC permit for all construction projects where there is an earth disturbance.  This permit can be obtained through the Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner.  Phone 248-858-0958 or visit their website for further information.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requires that permitted discharges be under the supervision of a Certified Construction Site Storm Water Operator (certified operator) by participating in the EGLE, Surface Water Quality Division's (SWQD) Certified Operator Training Program.  The certified operator is required to inspect the construction activities once each week and with 24 hours of a precipitation event which results in a discharge from the site.   These inspections are conducted to insure that SESC measures are adequate for the site and are operating properly.  For information regarding this program, please visit the EGLE website.

Physical Factors Affecting Soil Erosion

  • Climate
  • Vegetative cover
  • Soil
  • Slope characteristics (steepness and length)

Sediment Deposition may result in the following:

  • Increased flooding due to reduced channel or storm drain capacity
  • Reduction of fish spawning areas
  • Less desirable fish communities

The goals of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control are:

  • Protect land and water resources
  • Minimize erosion and off-site sedimentation
  • Use the best practical combination of procedures, practices and people

Four principles of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control are:

  1. Plan the development to fit the particular topography, soils, waterways, and natural vegetation at a site.
  2. Expose the smallest practical area of land for the shortest possible time, by scheduling and staging project activities.
  3. Apply Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control practices as a first line of defense against on-site damage.
  4. Implement a thorough inspections, maintenance, and follow-up program.

Effective Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Front of housed being built

Failing Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control

New house yard without grass