Sediment & Stormwater Branch

The Sediment and Stormwater Branch operates under the  Development Services Division of the Cecil County Department of Public Works. The Sediment and Stormwater Branch is responsible for the development, management and execution of the Cecil County Erosion & Sediment Control and Stormwater Management programs. This branch ensures the effective administration of and compliance with the Cecil County Code and other applicable laws, regulations and standards.

Mission Statement:

Promote environmental stewardship of natural resources within the county during the development process to ensure the protection of those resources from the effects of sedimentation and stormwater pollution. The department is committed to working towards maintaining and improving water quality of the water resources in the county while also preserving the quality of life of all residents by:

• Holding public and private institutions accountable for meeting standards and specifications to which they have agreed upon to pursue development activities.
• Working with the development community prior to, during and following construction activities to set achievable expectations and objectives.
• Working cooperatively with other local, state and federal agencies with similar missions.
• Providing educational opportunities and outreach programs and activities.
• Providing enforcement of the local erosion and sediment control and stormwater management ordinances.

News and Events:

Due to weather conditions, final grading and permanent stabilization of yards and disturbed areas may not be achieved until the spring of 2012. Effective 1/2/12 the Department of Public Works will require an "Authorized Deferral of Final Lot Grading and Permanent Stabilization (letter of intent)" for any project with disturbed areas which require DPW approval of a Certificate of Occupancy. DPW will recommend temporary CO's to the Permits & Inspections Department for lots which have an approved letter of deferral. Our department will accept final lot grading asbuilt plans between Monday (12/12/11) and January 2, 2012 (1/2/12) for lots which can be final graded, permanently stabilized and asbuilt surveying completed. Following January 2, 2012, all projects must submit a letter of deferral.  The 2012 letter of intent (LOI) contains the Interim Conditions/Temporary Stabilization Measures and the associated fees and rules which must be completed / submitted prior to approval of the LOI. Note that the lot will be inspected to insure conditions for use of the LOI have been met. Also note that the seller and buyer are REQUIRED to sign the form. Faxed or xeroxed copies of signatures will not be accepted.

"One large tree can eliminate 5,000 gallons of stormwater runoff each year..." The State of Maryland has a program available to provide a $25 coupon for the purchase of a tree from an approved list of vendors. Currently two retailers in Cecil County (Coventry Landscaping on Appleton Rd., and Priapi Gardens in Cecilton) are participating in the program. Once you plant your tree, you even can plot it onto your property using their website, and you will receive a recognition letter from the Governor! Click HERE for more information.

The Watershed Assistance Collaborative (WAC), which is being coordinated by DNR, will provide training, funding opportunities and technical support to watershed groups for watershed planning and implementation assistance. Anyone who is part of a watershed group or is interested in forming one could benefit from this program. If you have questions about the program, please visit the Watershed Assistance Collaborative website, or contact Carrie Decker at 410-260-8723 or email her at cdecker@dnr.state.md.us. Please view the WAC Letter of Support and the WAC Information Flyer.