Erosion & Sediment Control Plans (E&S Plans)

Small Project E&S Plan Template

CENTRE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT Erosion and Sediment (E&S) Control Plan For Earth Disturbances Less Than 1 Acre (PDF) - This form is a tool provided for Applicants as a blueprint for which a proposed earth disturbance project can meet Chapter 102 Erosion and Sedimentation Control throughout the proposed earthmoving activities. Applicability and inclusiveness of this form relative to individual proposed projects may vary.

An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (E&S Plan) is a site-specific plan identifying the use of erosion controls to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation. The pertinent regulations can be found in the Pennsylvania Code, Title 25. Environmental Protection, Chapter 102: Erosion and Sediment Control.

The Conservation District is responsible for reviewing and approving E&S Plans for earthmoving sites. Inspections of the sites are conducted to assure plans are properly implemented, erosion controls are installed, and approved construction sequences are followed.

When Is An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (E&S Plan) Required?

The law requires the implementation and maintenance of erosion and sediment controls for any earthmoving activity. Projects having less than 5,000 square feet (about 0.1 acre) of earth disturbance are only exempt from developing a written plan (unless in a Special Protection watershed). They are, however, required to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation controls.

Those projects which disturb 5,000 square feet or more of land are required to develop a written plan, then implement and maintain the erosion controls on the site. The written plan is required to be available on the site at all times. However, if the municipality requires an approval letter from the Conservation District, then you need to submit the plan to our office for review.

Projects which disturb equal to or greater than 1.0 acre require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities. As part of this permit, an approved erosion control plan is required. Therefore, you need to submit the plan to our office for review.

Earth disturbance activities associated with agricultural plowing or tilling, animal heavy use area(s), timber harvesting, and road maintenance do not require coverage under an NPDES permit. Persons conducting agricultural plowing and tilling activities are required to develop plans and implement agricultural erosion controls. The E&S Plan is that portion of a conservation plan identifying erosion controls to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation. Any farming activity that does not have a conservation plan or needs an updated plan is encouraged to contact the District.

Persons conducting timber harvesting or road maintenance activities which involve 25 acres or more of earth disturbance must apply and obtain coverage for an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit.

What Is Needed In An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (E&S Plan)?

An E&S Plan should include plan maps and drawings, topographic features, soils maps and information, location of waterways receiving site runoff, description(s) of the earth disturbance activities, amount of runoff and upstream watershed, a sequence for installation of the erosion controls along with a maintenance program, and procedures for recycling or disposal of materials.

E&S Control Corner (PDF), Fall 2002. Tips to consider when developing an E&S plan.

PA DEP Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Manual, March 2012. Use for assistance and guidance with plan writing, BMP design specifications and details for compliance with the Commonwealth's Chapter 102 regulations. Also includes chapters on activities such as: logging and timber harvests, utility lines projects, low hazard individual lot E&S planning, site stabilization methods and streambank stabilization.

Centre County Conservation District Fee Schedule:

  • E&S Plan Review = $400 + $75 per acre disturbed in the E&S Plan: Fee Schedule and Application (PDF)
  • Chapter 105 General Permit, no E&S Plan Review fee necessary; see Chapter 105 Fee Calculation Worksheet and Fee (PDF) and Stream Permits
  • NPDES Permits: seperate fees in addition to E&S Plan review fee -
    • NPDES General Permit: $500 (payable to: Centre County Clean Water Fund) 
    • NPDES Individual Permit: $1500 (payable to: Centre County Clean Water Fund)
    • NPDES (either one) disturbed acre fee: $100 per acre rounded to the nearest acre (payable to: Commonwealth of PA Clean Water Fund)