POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM

Authority to administer the erosion and sediment pollution control program is delegated to the conservation district by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The primary purpose of this program is to minimize accelerated erosion and sediment pollution from earth disturbance activities. Any activity that removes vegetation and disturbs soil has the potential to cause erosion. Along with carrying away soil particles, eroded soils also carry nutrients and pesticides that become soluble in water, increasing the amount of nonpoint source pollution.

Under this program, all earth disturbance activities must develop, implement and maintain a plan to minimize accelerated erosion and sediment pollution. The responsibilities of the conservation district in implementing the erosion and sediment pollution control program include the following: provide education both to the public and regulated community; review erosion and sediment pollution control plans for compliance with regulations; assess and resolve erosion and sediment pollution control complaints; and conduct site inspection of ongoing earth disturbance activities to insure compliance with the approved plan.

In addition, earth disturbance activities in excess of five acres must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for discharge of stormwater from construction activities. This program is funded by DEP and fees obtained from users.

STREAM ENCROACHMENT & OBSTRUCTION

In 1992, the Potter County Conservation District entered into a delegation agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assist and administer specific functions of the Dam Safety and Encroachment Act. This act regulates dams, wetland encroachment, and stream encroachments and obstructions.

The conservation district’s responsibility is to aid and assist Potter county residents in complying with this act when working in or around Pennsylvania’s streams and wetlands. The conservation district helps protect local waterways in the county through general permitting, on-site evaluation of permitting requirements and complaint investigations. Most activities located in and along streams, floodways or wetlands, whether large or small, must have either a permit or qualify for a permit waiver. Prior to working in or near streams or wetlands citizens should contact the conservation district to obtain technical assistance and to insure that they are in compliance with regulations. This program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.