Soil Erosion Control

Our Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) Program strives to protect the waterways of Washtenaw county and beyond. This program assures the appropriate design and execution of SESC measures during earthmoving activities within the county. 

Dust could generated on construction site from vehicle.

Sediment is the greatest pollutant by volume impacting our lakes, streams, and wetlands. Sediment is the product of uncontrolled erosion. Construction is one of the major causes of erosion in Michigan. 

Erosion and sedimentation can: 

  • Cause the loss of fertile topsoil
  • Fill in lakes and streams
  • Increase flooding
  • Cause harm to plant and animal life 
  • Cause structural damage to buildings and roads

Report an Issue

Report a soil erosion concern using this electronic form.

Silt fence holding sediment from polluting neighboring grass

Requirements

  • All earth changes shall be designed, constructed and completed in a manner that limits exposed areas to the shortest possible time.  
  • A person shall install temporary soil erosion and sedimentation control measures before or upon commencement of the earth change activity and shall maintain the measures on a daily basis. 
  • Stabilization of detention/retention ponds will be needed before October 15th of each year or temporary stabilization of the site will need to be approved by the SESC Program.
  • A person shall remove temporary soil erosion and sedimentation control measures after permanent soil erosion measures are in place and the area is stabilized.  
  • All disturbed area shall be stabilized within five (5) days of final grading.
  • All SESC erosion control plans shall include provisions for temporary and permanent erosion and sedimentation control measures and shall be implemented and maintained in accordance with the standards and specifications of the product manufacturer.

Ordinance

The State has passed laws to protect the environment.  To comply with State laws, we have created a local SESC ordinance.  

SESC Ordinance

Additional Resources