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Management of Stormwater and Sediment in Geauga County
Few activities cause the magnitude of soil disturbance in urbanized areas that construction sites do. Soil erosion and the resulting sedimentation are a leading cause of water quality problems in Geauga County. In order to protect the County's resources, the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) implements the Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations, Amended 2020.
Geauga County was the first county in Ohio to have these regulations. They were adopted in 1979 by the Geauga County Commissioners and have had numerous revisions and amendments since then. The purpose of the regulations is to protect the County’s water resources by ensuring that the proper stormwater and erosion and sediment control measures are in place. Erosion and sediment control measures are called Best Management Practices (BMP’s), and when installed and maintained correctly, they help prevent soil from leaving the site. Stormwater control measures ensure that the volumetric rate of stormwater runoff remains the same before and after development occurs.
Geauga County was the first county in Ohio to have these regulations. They were adopted in 1979 by the Geauga County Commissioners and have had numerous revisions and amendments since then. The purpose of the regulations is to protect the County’s water resources by ensuring that the proper stormwater and erosion and sediment control measures are in place. Erosion and sediment control measures are called Best Management Practices (BMP’s), and when installed and maintained correctly, they help prevent soil from leaving the site. Stormwater control measures ensure that the volumetric rate of stormwater runoff remains the same before and after development occurs.
- The regulations currently state:
- All construction sites where earth-disturbing activities are proposed on land disturbing one acre or more, or where earth-disturbing activities are proposed on sublots within platted subdivisions, must submit a Water Management and Sediment Control (WMSC) Plan.
- All Geauga County residents are responsible for knowing and complying with the regulations whether or not a plan is required.
Permit Information
Inspection Requirements:
The District inspects construction sites to ensure that they are adhering to the rules established in the Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations.
Our Commitment:
The District staff works diligently to review plans and perform site inspections to ensure that these erosion and sediment control measures are in place. The District is committed to helping achieve a balance between development and nature; therefore, preserving the integrity of Geauga County’s natural resources.
Helpful Resources:
A resource manual of recommended standards and practices relating to erosion control, stormwater management, and land development practices developed by Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation (ODNR-DSWC).Rev. 3-3-2014
A field handbook of common best management practices utilized by local government highway and public utility departments. This manual was created by Geauga SWCD to be a quick reference tool for highway and public utility workers in the field based on standards from the ODNR Rainwater and Land Development Manual. (Formatted to print on 8.5 x 11 paper to be folded into booklet.)