• Identify and eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days. 
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers, including those that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
•  Empty water that may accumulate in discarded tires. 
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside. 
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned annually, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend to block the drains. 
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. 
• Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. 
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. 
• Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated, and prevent water from collecting on swimming pool covers.

Erosion is a natural process by which the surface of the land is worn away by water, wind or chemical action. Accelerated erosion is the removal of the surface of the land through the combined action of human activities and natural processes at a rate greater than would occur from natural processes alone.

A certain amount of erosion and sediment occurs naturally. Because it is a natural process, nature is able to assimilate naturally occurring sediments without permanent adverse effects. Adverse effects most often result from accelerated erosion due to earth disturbance activities such as surface mining, agricultural plowing and tilling, construction activities and timber harvesting operations.

• Fish have gills, which extract oxygen from the water. These gills can become clogged when the water transports excessive amounts of sediment.
• Sediment can cover fish eggs and the gravel nests they rest in.
• Sediment can destroy the food supply for many species of fish by covering aquatic insect habitat on the stream bottom.
• Sediment clouds the water and deprives plants of light needed for photosynthesis. This is thought to be the primary cause of the widespread die-off of aquatic vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay.
• Sediment may carry other pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides and excess nutrients that are spread by water action and cause problems not only at the source, but also downstream.
• Sediment loads in our waterways often result in eroded and unstable stream banks.

HOW IS EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL REGULATED?

Because of the soil erosion problems associated with earth disturbance activities, the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approved statewide regulations for Erosion and Sediment Control, 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 in September of 1972 and amended them on January 1, 2000. These regulations are authorized by the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, 35 P.S. §§691.1 et seq., and prohibit the discharge of any pollutant to waters of the commonwealth. Under the Chapter 102 regulations, anyone conducting earth disturbance activities must use Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize the amount of sediment leaving the earth disturbance activity.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Chapter 102 regulations and the Clean Streams Law. County conservation districts with trained staff are delegated the responsibility to review Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (E&S Plans), conduct training, perform site inspections, and in some cases, conduct compliance and enforcement actions. Every county in Pennsylvania has a county conservation district office except Philadelphia County.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?

Depending on what type of earth disturbance activities that you are doing, how much soil you are disturbing and what the quality of watershed that you are in determines if you need BMP’s or full fledge E&SS Plan. An E&S Plan, which meets the requirements of Chapter 102, must be properly designed, implemented, and available on site for all earth disturbance activities. The E&S Plan must show how land and water resources are to be protected against accelerated erosion through the use of BMPs. Examples of BMPs include: minimizing earth disturbance, silt fence, mulch, diversion ditches, sediment traps, sediment basins, and the establishment of grasses or other BMPs for permanent stabilization. County conservation districts are able to provide guidance for E&S Plan development.    

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Proper planning and use of BMPs is the key to a successful project and the protection of the commonwealth’s water resources. Before you begin your project, become familiar with the erosion and sediment control requirements. Inform your contractor or equipment operator of the need for E&S Plans or NPDES permits as part of the project. If you need assistance or more information, contact your local county conservation district or a DEP regional office.
 
If sediment pollution is occurring, or if there is evidence that sediment pollution has occurred due to an on-going earth disturbance activity, contact the conservation district for the county where the project is located. You will need to provide the location, type of activity, name of the project (if known), and whether sediment pollution is occurring.

Storm Water & Best Management Practices (BMP)

Day to Day BMPs (Best Management Practices):           

Many of these best management practices may seem rather simple or small, but the cumulative effect throughout an entire watershed can significantly contribute to improved storm water management.

• Avoid overuse of pesticides and fertilizers—use only the amount needed and apply only when necessary.
• Apply fertilizer and pesticides only onto target areas. Don’t spread fertilizer onto paved surfaces that drain to the storm sewer.
• Follow recommended watering practices. Avoid excess watering and don’t sprinkle water onto paved or other areas that drain into the storm sewer.
• Avoid compacting yard and garden soils because compaction impedes water infiltration.
• Avoid unnecessary pesticide, fertilizer, or water use by using plants adapted to the local area.
• Clean up hazardous material spills properly and don’t wash waste into the storm sewer.
• Store oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and other automotive products properly. Keep these substances tightly sealed and avoid leaky containers.
• Clean up oil or other vehicle fluid drippings. Do not store used vehicle parts on areas that drain to the storm sewer.
• Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash or on a non-paved surface to avoid drainage to the storm sewer.
• Avoid allowing pet waste to be dumped or washed into the storm sewer. Properly bury or flush the waste down a toilet into the sanitary sewer system for treatment. Reduce or avoid areas of concentrated pet waste.
• Mulch grass clippings and leave these on the lawn for natural fertility or use the clippings for composting.
• Keep grass clippings and leaves from washing into the storm sewer.
• Drain downspouts onto grassy areas. Collect water from downspouts for use around the home.
• Do not discharge sump-pump water onto paved surfaces that drain to the storm sewer.
• Mulch and seed bare soil as soon as possible to prevent the soil from eroding into the storm sewer.