Archives of the Tip of the Month

Sediment and Stormwater Branch

October 2009

Plant your yards this month while grass can still grow before it gets too cold!

September 2009

Good quality silt fence is easier to maintain than the cheap stuff. When you buy silt fence, look for the good quality fabric, hardwood posts (min. 1.5" x 1.5"), and close spacing of the posts (<10'). It will save you maintenance costs in the long run.

August 2009

MDE has released a new NOI inspection checklist. Make sure you are using the most up-to-date version and are completing it at least once a week and after every rainfall event.

July 2009

Post your grading permit placard on the site before you start construction! Placards allow your site to be easily identifiable by any inspector on site.

June 2009

Always have your current approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plans on the job site and available for the Cecil County Sediment and Stormwater Inspectors. If someone is not available on the site at all times, have a lock box installed which can contain the plans so that an inspector can have access to them at any time.

May 2009

When an inspector comes on site, go meet him or her. Tell the inspector what is happening on site and what is being done to correct any currently occurring problems. Inspectors should be used as a resource and are there to help!

April 2009

Keep all records including site plans and NOI log books up to date  and on site so that all compliance activities are documented,  ready and accessible for an inspection.

March 2009

Reduce the risk of tracking sediment off site by providing a stabilized place for contractors to park. For instance, if the driveway is extended from the stone construction entrance to the foundation immediately following backfilling, contractors will have an easier time loading and unloading, and will keep their vehicles, our roads and our water cleaner.

February 2009

Always plan for inclement weather. Sometimes weather conditions will make grade inspections impossible; therefore, do not wait until the last few days before the house goes to settlement to submit a letter of deferral or As-built. Always establish the rough grade of the site as soon as possible and stabilize with straw and tack if the site will not be worked for more than 14 days.

January 2009

If winter weather is preventing you from performing final lot grading and permanent stabilization, submit an Authorized Deferral of Final Lot Grading and Permanent Stabilization (Letter of Intent 2009) form to the Department of Public Works. This deferral will allow a temporary certificate of occupancy to be requested until Spring 2009 when final lot grading and permanent stabilization can occur. [Certain conditions and terms apply. Please see Letter of Intent 2009 for more details.]

December 2008

Maintain all perimeter controls (silt fence and super silt fence) on site until the entire site is 90% vegetatively stabilized. Only remove perimeter controls with permission from the Sediment Control inspector in your area.

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