During the 1970's, a rapid shift in land use occurred in New Jersey. Land that was traditionally agriculture and rural was developed into non-agricultural and urban uses. With the construction of houses, industrial facilities and commercial sites came major land disturbance.

The extensive development of land in the State of New Jersey has often been accompanied by damage to our natural resources. One of the most serious damages is the erosion of soil by both wind and water. To help address this problem the State of New Jersey adopted the  Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, Chapter 251 on January 1, 1976. When soil is displaced unintentionally in this manner, problems are usually created in the area where the soil comes from and in the area where it is deposited. If a waterway or drainage facility is involved, silting of the stream or drainage facility occurs. The cost of correcting the resulting physical damage, pollution, and inconvenience is much greater than the cost of preventing soil erosion in the beginning. Fortunately, the technology for preventing soil erosion is well established and planners, engineers, developers, contractors and others are able to utilize this technology for both public and private use.

The State Soil Conservation Committee as adopted rules for the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act.  These rules are to implement Public Law 1975, Chapter 251 to secure timely decisions by the soil conservation districts on applications for development. The effective date of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act Rules is January 2, 2006.

 

Type of Construction Projects Regulated Under Chapter 251:

Commercial sites
Schools and churches
Industrial facilities
Townhouses and condominiums
Single-family dwelling unit lots
Subdivisions
Utility lines
Land grading
Demolition
Gravel pits, mining sites, and landfills
Shopping centers
Public facilities

Types of Construction Projects Not Regulated Under Chapter 251:

Agricultural and horticultural activities
Projects that disturb less than 5,000 square feet of land

Projects that are regulated under Chapter 251 must obtain a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Certification from the Soil Conservation District. An application form must be submitted along with plans, appropriate calculations, and the required application fee. The District has developed a fee schedule for various types of projects. District staff works with developers and municipalities to ensure measures outlined within a soil erosion and sediment control plan are being utilized during the course of construction. 

The State Soil Conservation Committee also developed tools or guidelines to help with the implementation of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Act. The "Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey" present comprehensive techniques and devices to help prevent soil erosion and off-site sedimentation. A copy of the standards can be purchased through the District office at a cost of $43.00 per copy. Other manuals, such as TR55 - Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds, are also available.

 

Mail requests and payments to: 

Cape Atlantic Conservation District
6260 Old Harding Highway
Mays Landing, New Jersey 08330

To contact a member of the staff, please go to Board of Supervisors and Staff.

 

Click here to download Adobe Reader