Mahoning SWCD

The Urban Conservationist and SWCD Technicians provide technical guidance on Best Management Practices (BMPs) for sediment and erosion control and storm water management for construction sites.

The staff at Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in cooperation with the Mahoning County Engineers, work to ensure that all erosion and sedimentation controls are correctly installed and maintained at construction sites throughout Mahoning County. MSWCD works closely with developers, contractors, local residents and County, Township and Village officals to review construction plans and inspect subdivision sites. During the review and inspection process we certify that the developer is implementing all erosion and sediment control practices per the specifications of the Mahoning County Erosion and Sediment Control Rules, the Mahoning County Drainage Criteria Manual and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) manual entitled Rainwater and Development Handbook: Ohio's Standards for Stormwater Management and Land Development and Urban Stream Protection.

Erosion and Sediment Control Rules

The Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), as outlined in the Mahoning County Stormwater Management Plan, is involved in the plan approval process. The SWCD reviews the SWPPP, determining that appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs)have been designed for a specific site. A checklist is used as a guide for SWPPP development and approval. Specifically, SWCD staff will review the use and location of BMPs and for compliance with Ohio EPA Construction General Permit (CGP) conditions. During construction, the SWCD performs on-site inspections to ensure that measures are being implemented in accordance with terms of the permit.

Mahoning County continues to meet the mandates set forth by the Ohio EPA Phase II Stormwater Program, requires development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for projects disturbing one (1) or mores acres of land.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System:

What is a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit and why would I need one?

As of March 10, 2003 in order to discharge stormwater from a construction site, all construction projects that disturb 1 acre or more of land must have either:

An individual stormwater permit, or
Coverage under one of Ohio's general permits

Disturbance includes, but is not limited to soil disturbance, clearing, grading, and excavation. Operators of sites distrubing less then one acre are also required to obtain a permit if their activity is part of a "larger common plan of development or sale" with a planned disturbance of one acre or greater.

For much more information, visit the US EPA "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System wepage.

To apply for an individual permit or for coverage under a statewide general permit you must file an application with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency prior to commencement of your construction activities.