History of Chapter 251
During the 60’s and 70’s, we saw a rapid shift in land-use throughout New Jersey. Land in Camden County that was traditionally agricultural and rural was being rapidly developed into non-agricultural uses such as housing, commercial development and industrial uses. These activities led to increased soil erosion and sediment. Our waterways became polluted from sediment which severely impacted water quality, recreation, fish and wildlife. Sediment also impacted municipal storm sewer systems and roadways.
To help address this problem, the State of New Jersey adopted the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, Chapter 251, Public Law 1975 on January 1, 1976. This law regulates construction and land disturbing activities on projects with 5,000 square feet or more of land disturbance. The intent of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act is to reduce soil erosion, reduce the danger from stormwater runoff, to impede nonpoint source pollution from sediment and to conserve and protect the land, water and natural resources of New Jersey.
Projects that are regulated by Chapter 251 must obtain a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Certification from the Soil Conservation District. An application form must be submitted along with plans, appropriate calculations and documentation, and required application fees. District staff works with developers and municipalities to ensure measures outlined within a soil erosion and sediment control plan are being implemented during the course of construction.
To help address this problem, the State of New Jersey adopted the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, Chapter 251, Public Law 1975 on January 1, 1976. This law regulates construction and land disturbing activities on projects with 5,000 square feet or more of land disturbance. The intent of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act is to reduce soil erosion, reduce the danger from stormwater runoff, to impede nonpoint source pollution from sediment and to conserve and protect the land, water and natural resources of New Jersey.
Projects that are regulated by Chapter 251 must obtain a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Certification from the Soil Conservation District. An application form must be submitted along with plans, appropriate calculations and documentation, and required application fees. District staff works with developers and municipalities to ensure measures outlined within a soil erosion and sediment control plan are being implemented during the course of construction.
Standards for Soil Erosion & Sediment Control
Amendments to the Standards for Soil Erosion & Sediment Control in New Jersey have recently been adopted. The 2014 Standards for Soil Erosion & Sediment Control are available on the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website and will no longer be sold in print version. The link for the updated Standards is listed below.
An updated Hydrologic Modeling Database Data Entry Form (Basin Summary Form) has also been revised and can also be found via the website below.
NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program
www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/anr/nrc/njerosion.html
An updated Hydrologic Modeling Database Data Entry Form (Basin Summary Form) has also been revised and can also be found via the website below.
NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program
www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/anr/nrc/njerosion.html
Chapter 251 Application Information
Any project with a soil disturbance of 5,000 square feet or more requires a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan be submitted to our office for review. Once the plans are received and are found to be administratively correct then the plans are reviewed within 30 days. If the plans are found to be in accordance with the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey, the plan will be certified and approved for construction.
A complete submission must include the Application Form and necessary fees along with these items...
Soil Restoration on Construction Sites
Soil Restoration on Construction Sites in New Jersey begins December 7, 2017
In accordance with P.L. 2010, Chpt. 113, The Soil Restoration Act, NJDA has modified its Top Soil and Land Grading Standards to address requirements for soil restoration on construction sites where soils may have become compacted. The goal of restoration as stated in the Act, is to enhance the establishment of vegetation used to provide permanent soil stabilization. In general, these changes include the following:
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Top Soil
Land Grading
These rules go into effect December 7, 2017
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Soil Compaction Mitigation Verification Form
Compaction Standard Notes for Plan Frequently Asked Questions for the Implementation of the New Jersey Soil Restoration Act P.L. 2010, Chapter 113 and the New Jersey Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Soil Restoration Measures (2017-4.0) Soil Restoration Measures Memo Sample Soil Restoration Plan (If the Sample Soil Restoration Plan PDF does not display properly in your browser, save it to your device and then open it.) |
251 Exemption Policy
NEW CCSCD FEE SCHEDULE TO TAKE EFFECT ON AUGUST 1, 2010, WHICH INCLUDES A $25.00 CHARGE FOR EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS.
An Exemption is required for all projects that involve less than 5,000 square feet of soil disturbance. Please carefully review all the information and directions on the Exemption Application. All projects are unique, so please provide as much details as possible in your application. Please contact the District should you have any questions.
How to Achieve Compliance
Once your Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan has been certified by the District, keep in mind the following:
- Pre-construction meetings are highly recommended. Applicants should notify the District staff to schedule a pre-construction meeting to review the requirements of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
- Applicant should notify the District 72 hours before construction is to commence. Click here to submit this notification online...
- If site changes are required after your plans are certified, the applicant may be required to submit a revised plan to the District. This should be done before changes are made on the site. Notify the District of such changes to verify is revised plans are required.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Erosion Problems
- Keep the streets clean
- Install and maintain temporary controls denoted on the certified plan such as: sediment barriers, stabilized construction access, and storm sewer inlet protection
- Seed, mulch and tack all exposed areas
- Keep the storm sewer systems clean
