DEP Finalizes New Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Manual For Agricultural Operations

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 5 PA Bulletin that it has finalized the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual For Agricultural Operations (not yet online).

Chapter 102 regulations require have for a long time required all agricultural operations to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation to the waters of this Commonwealth by implementing appropriate Best Management Practices.

Those operations that plow or till 5,000 or more square feet, including no-till, or that have Animal Heavy Use Areas that are 5,000 or more square feet in total, are required to have a written Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.

The Manual is designed to provide these agricultural operations with guidance on designing and implementing best management practices.  More specifically the Manual describes--

-- What: what is an Ag E&S Plan, and what are the required

-- Who: to whom does it apply?

-- Why: attempted to focus on the benefits to the farmer as well as regulatory compliance

-- When: when would it need to be developed, updated, implemented, etc.

-- How:  how should it be developed (i.e. how to identify and address resource concerns)

-- Includes reference to tools and resources (i.e. NRCS, PAOneStop, Conservation District planning assistance)

The new Manual is designed to complement the existing Manure Management Manual and make complying with the erosion and sedimentation requirements easier for small farmers.

DEP developed the Manual in consultation with county conservation districts, the State Conservation Commission, Penn State Extension, the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service-PA and DEP’s own Agricultural Advisory Board members.

A copy of the final Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual For Agricultural Operations will be available in DEP’s eLibrary [when posted].  Click Here to search for Document Number: 383-4200-002.  

It may also be available on DEP’s online eComment webpage at the bottom where Recently Finalized documents are posted.

Updating the Manual is part of an initiative to bring erosion and sedimentation control and stormwater management requirements up-to-date with the latest requirements in cost-effective and green best management practices.

DEP is working with  Villanova University on an update to the Stormwater BMP Manual as well.

Questions should be directed to Jill Whitcomb by sending email to:  jiwhitcomb@pa.gov  or calling 717-783-5205.