Erosion & Sediment Control

One of the functions of Calvert Soil Conservation District (CSCD) is the review of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (E&S Plans). The authority for this is given to CSCD under Maryland law, through the Annotated Code of Maryland Section Four. CSCD reviews Sediment Control Plans for all clearing and grading in Calvert County including single family lots, subdivisions, commercial development and forest harvest operations. E & S Plans for state and federal projects are not reviewed by the CSCD, but are handled by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). For additional questions concerning the E+S Plans contact our Erosion & Sediment Plan Reviewer at (410) 535-1521 ext. 3

Do I Need a Permit? How do I Obtain a Permit?

All grading in Calvert County requires either a permit or exemption. All land disturbances greater than 5,000 square feet or 100 cubic yards of material (about 7 dump truck loads) is required to have a grading permit through Calvert County government. Permits are required to have proper erosion and sediment control and must contain all of the items as defined in the Erosion & Sediment Control Guidelines see the section below. Grading less than 5,000 square feet or 100 cubic yards is exempt from the permit process but must have a grading exemption form which are explained in more detail below.

Grading Permits: If you are looking for the status of your grading permit for a single family lot or commercial development plan please contact Calvert County Department of Inspections and Permits at (410) 535-2155. For further information you may also view the Calvert County web page at www.co.cal.md.us/

E&S Guidelines: If you need to develop an E & S plan there is a comprehensive set of guidelines that will take you through the process step by step. Click here to view the GUIDELINES

Forest Harvest Permits:CSCD is responsible for and the approval of E & S Plans for forest harvest operations. For additional information on Forest Harvest operations please contact the local Maryland Department of Natural Resources office at (410) 535-1303. The DNR building is located at the Benedict Bridge at Hallowing Point.Click here to view a copy of the FOREST HARVEST PERMIT

Grading Exemptions: CSCD is also responsible for evaluating and reviewing grading exemptions. There are two types of grading exemptions:

*The urban exemption given to landowners whose land is not assessed agriculture. Activities disturbing less than 5,000 square feet or less than 100 cubic yards of soil are exempt from needing a county grading permit. However dwellings are excluded.

*The agricultural exemption is for landowners whose land is assessed agriculture. Exemptions are issued for agricultural land best management practices and must be approved by NRCS District Conservationist.

If you believe your project meets either of these exemptions please contact the Erosion and Sediment Plan Reviewer at (410) 535-1521 ext3.

Click here for URBAN GRADING EXEMPTION
Click here for AGRICULTURAL GRADING EXEMPTION
Click here for EROSION SEDIMENT CONTROL CHECKLIST

Click here for WAIVER OF ENGINEER'S SIGNATURE ON SEALED E&S PLANS

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