Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control

Sediment is the greatest pollutant by volume entering our lakes and streams. Sediment is the product of uncontrolled erosion. Everyone in Michigan is affected by erosion and off-site sedimentation. Erosion and sedimentation result in: loss of fertile topsoil, filling of lakes and streams, increased flooding, damage to plant and animal life, and structural damage to buildings and roads.

Construction is one of the major causes of erosion in Michigan. Without proper planning and management, over 100 tons of sediment per acre per year can be generated on some local construction sites.

According to Part 91 of Act 451 of 1994 a designated County Enforcing Agency is responsible for the proper administration and enforcement of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices. The Lenawee County Drain Commissioner has been appointed the enforcing agency for the County of Lenawee.

A permit is required for any earth change that disturbs one or more acres, or is within 500 feet of a lake or stream. Exempted activities include plowing and tilling for crop production, and some activities related to logging and mining.

Additional information: Lenawee County Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Policy

To obtain a Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Permit, please submit all applicable information as described in: checklist and requirements for application, and a completed application and appropriate fee: Application form / Fee schedule to the Drain Commissioner’s office. Staff will review the application promptly, issue a permit or request additional information.

Information on common temporary erosion control devices:

MACDC Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Manual

Additional support for designing Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control plans can be found here: Best Management Plans for Michigan Watersheds published by the Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality.  

Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Permit can be submitted online to David Mitchell