Sediment and Erosion Control Update to Impact All Construction Sites

   In January, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) published the 2011 Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in the Maryland Register as a formal update to the 1994 Standards.

   The 2011 Standards became effective January 9, 2013 statewide; however, even prior to this date, some Soil Conservation Districtis already required the use of the new standards in plan submittals.

   This revision resulted in the following significant changes from the 1994 Standards:

• The maximum allowable contiguous area that can be graded at a given time will be limited to 20 acres. This "grading unit" must be at least 50% stabilized and approved by the enforcement authority before distrubance can move into the next "grading unit."
• Stabilization timeframes have decreased to 3 days for all slopes steeper than 3:1 and perimeter controls; and 7 days for all disturbed areas on the project site not under active grading
• MDE has added several new proven erosion control practices to the specifications.

1. All sites must be in compliance with thenew stabilization requirements by January 9, 2013
2. A Plan that has received final approval by January 9, 2013 may be reapproved under its existing design if grading has begun by January 9, 2015; however, the stabilization timing requirements must now meet the new 2011 Standards.