Erosion & Sediment Control

Erosion and Sediment Control is practiced to promote, protect, maintain and enhance the public safety, health and general welfare of the citizens of Caroline County; to promote the conservation of natural resources; and to protect fish, marine life and recreational use of these waters from the adverse effects of erosion and sedimentation; and to assist in the attainment and maintenance of water quality standards.

No land shall be cleared or graded without first having implemented erosion and sediment controls in accordance with an erosion and sediment control plan approved by the Soil Conservation District as required by the Caroline County Code of Local Public Laws. A building or grading permit may not be issued until the erosion and sediment control plan has been approved, unless the activity is specifically exempted in the code.

When a project is determined exempt by the County or the Soil Conservation District, no fees shall be charged for the determination. The following are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

  1. Agricultural land management practices and agricultural BMPs;
  2. Clearing or grading activities that disturb less than 5,000 square feet of land area and disturb less than 100 cubic yards of earth; and
  3. Clearing or grading activities that are subject exclusively to state approval and enforcement under state law and regulations.

Additional exemptions shall be granted in such a manner as determined in the Memorandum of Agreement.

For more information about Erosion and Sediment Control or for requirements specific to your project visit the Maryland Department of the Environment web page on Soil Erosion and Sediment Control or contact the Caroline County Soil Conservation District at 410-479-1202.