Clinton County Conservation District: Seasonal Construction Projects May Require Plans and Permits
MILL HALL-Spring not only means the spouting and blooming of flowers but it also brings with it the start of construction season and that means new construction projects are on the horizon. If you are looking to build a new home or addition, a barn, a garage, a manure storage facility, install a swimming pool, or build a driveway, you may, in addition to a local building permit, also require additional permits or plans before begin.
For example, Title 25, Chapter 102 of Pennsylvania Law requires any project that involves 5,000 square feet or more of earth disturbance to have an erosion and sediment (E&S) plan available onsite at all times during construction. If that earth disturbance reaches one (1) acre or more over the life of a project, an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit is required. Please note, splitting a larger construction project into smaller projects conducted over a two- or three-year period does not allow one to avoid getting an NPDES permit.
In most years, the Clinton County Conservation District has been available to assist landowners and contractors with the review and development of such plans. However, recent loss of staff at the District has resulted in the District’s Chapter 102 delegation being temporarily suspended which means all such work must be routed temporarily to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Projection. Folks may still call the Conservation District for assistance in reaching to the correct DEP planning and permitting staff.
It is possible that local municipalities may have more stringent regulations concerning permits and stormwater that could impact your project so always be sure to reach out to your local municipalities as well.
In addition to the construction of homes and garages, spring also is a time when people begin to do work in and near streams. Work such as building a structure in a flood-way or within 50 feet of a stream; adding rock to stabilize a stream-bank, installing a boat lunch, removing gravel bars from streams, or installing a culvert in a stream are governed by Title 25, Chapter 105 of PA Law and will also will typically require a permit. The Conservation District is ready, willing, and able to assist residents, contractors, and municipalities with such permits.
For more information or assistance, please contact the Clinton County Conservation District’s Resource Conservationist, Rachel Daley, at (570)-726-3798, ext. 3802, or by email at RDaley@ClintonCountyPA.gov.
