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1. Why is erosion and sediment control important?

Sediment is the greatest pollutant by volume impacting our lakes, streams and wetlands. Sediment is the product of uncontrolled erosion. Everyone in Michigan is affected by erosion and off-site sedimentation. Erosion and sedimentation result in: loss of fertile topsoil, filling of 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 acre per year can be generated on some construction sites. For more information, contact Soil Erosion at 734-222-6860.

2. What local units of government does the Washtenaw County SESC Program have jurisdiction in?

• Augusta Township
• City of Dexter
• City of Saline
• City of Ypsilanti
• Lodi Township
• Northfield Township
• Salem Township
• Saline Township
• Scio Township
• Sharon Township
• Superior Township
• Webster Township
• York Township

For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

3. What activities require a permit or waiver?

Earth changing activities that are of a certain size and within 500 feet of surface water, defined by the County's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, may require a permit or waiver with our office. All earth changes that will disturb one acre or more, regardless of the proximity to surface water require a permitwith our office. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

4. What does the County's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program consider surface water?

As defined in the Washtenaw County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Surface water is any water including ponds (as defined), lakes, streams, rivers, county drains (as defined) storm drains (as defined) and wetlands, which holds or conveys water continually or seasonally. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

5. Where do I apply for a permit and how long does the process take?

Applicants can submit for a permit at Washtenaw County's Western Service Center, Office of the Water Resources Commissioner; located at: 705 N Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

The submittal should include a completed application, applicable fees, two sets of erosion control plans and a designated agent letter if required. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

6. How long is the permit valid?

Residential permits expire 18 months from the date of issuance and commercial permit expire two years from the date of issuance. Extensions can be given if needed for a six month period. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

7. Can a soil erosion permit be transferred?

Yes. If the landowner changes during the active soil erosion permit, the permit can be transferred to the new landowner. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

8. Are there penalties associated with Part 91, Washtenaw County SESC Ordinance?

Yes, there are several. Violations are progressive and are issued according to the severity and the number of occurrences of violations on site. They include, but are not limited to, cease and desist orders, stop work orders, site remediation and municipal civil infractions. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

9. Will I need a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality permit?

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) issues permits associated with regulated wetlands (Part 303) and inland lakes / stream (301), floodplains and construction stormwater discharge.  It is up to the applicant to contact the MDEQ prior to earth change activity to see if a permit is needed through the State, if they have the above resources on their property.

*Note: Sites disturbing/clearing 1 acre or greater are subject to the State of Michigan Permit-by-Rule (Rule 323.2190) administered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.  Review MDEQ's stormwater discharge from construction sites webpage.

10. Who do I contact for further information?

If you have additional questions, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.