- Home
- Government
- Planning and Development
- Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Protecting Waterways Through Responsible Land Development
The Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) Ordinance helps protect local water quality, property, and natural resources by regulating how soil is managed during construction and other land-disturbing activities. The ordinance explains when erosion control plans are required, how they are reviewed and enforced, and what steps must be taken to reduce the risk of sediment runoff into nearby waterways. Through clear standards for planning, inspection, and maintenance, it promotes responsible development while helping protect the environment and surrounding communities. This ordinance follows North Carolina’s Sedimentation Pollution Control Act and reflects current best practices for soil and water conservation.
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan are submitted to the Pitt County Planning Department for review to ensure they meet all requirements of the ordinance. County staff also conduct regular site inspections during construction to verify that proper erosion control measures are in place and functioning as intended.
Implementation, Enforcement, and Accountability
These standards ensure that development proceeds responsibly while reducing erosion risks and protecting local waterways and communities.
- Oversight and Enforcement: The Pitt County Technical Review Committee (TRC) evaluates all erosion control plans, while the Sediment Control Officer conducts site inspections and enforces compliance.
- Construction Standards: Projects must limit the amount of exposed soil, stabilize disturbed areas within specific timeframes, and install erosion control devices that prevent sediment from leaving the site.
- Buffer Protection: Activities near lakes, streams, or other natural waterways must maintain required buffer zones to prevent sediment from entering surface waters.
- Stormwater Management: Developers must control stormwater velocity and runoff to prevent erosion on-site and downstream, including energy dissipation at outlet points.
- Self-Inspections: Weekly and rain-event inspections are required during construction to ensure control measures remain effective and properly maintained.
- Maintenance Responsibility: Property owners are responsible for keeping permanent erosion control measures functional after development is complete.
- Violations and Penalties: Non-compliance may result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per day, stop-work orders, or legal enforcement actions.
- Appeals Process: Applicants may appeal plan decisions or penalty assessments through the Pitt County Board of Adjustment.
Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Enforcement Process
Residents and contractors are encouraged to follow this step-by-step process to reduce the risk of erosion and sedimentation issues during construction. Communication is directed to the financially responsible party at each step. This process helps protect local waterways and neighboring properties by ensuring that erosion and sediment controls are installed, maintained, and corrected quickly when needed. This overview reflects how local agencies review sites, notify responsible parties, and apply penalties when needed. Pitt County.
1) Plan Approval
- SESC Plan Approved: Work may proceed under the approved plan.
2a) Site Inspection
- Inspection conducted: Staff verify compliance with the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act (SPCA).
- If In Compliance:
- Send inspection report to the financially responsible party (FRP).
- Building permits: Issuance continues or resumes as applicable.
- If Not in Compliance:
- Send inspection report to the FRP outlining:
- Violations observed
- Corrective measures required
- Deadline to bring the site into compliance
- Building permits: Issuance is suspended until the site is compliant.
- Send inspection report to the FRP outlining:
2b) Reinspection
- If Now in Compliance:
- Send inspection report to the FRP confirming compliance.
- Resume building permit issuance.
- If Still Not in Compliance:
- Send Notice of Violation (NOV) with the inspection report to the FRP:
- Restates violations
- Specifies corrective actions
- Sets a new deadline to achieve compliance
- Send Notice of Violation (NOV) with the inspection report to the FRP:
2c) Final Reinspection After NOV Deadline
- If Site Remains in Noncompliance:
- Send Notice to the FRP stating the Technical Review Committee (TRC) will determine:
- Civil penalties assessed
- Date the penalty assessment will begin
- Additional Enforcement: The County may also pursue assessment of criminal penalties as allowed by law.
- Send Notice to the FRP stating the Technical Review Committee (TRC) will determine:
- If Site Is Brought Into Compliance:
- Send inspection report to the FRP confirming compliance.
- Building permit issuance resumes.