PROJECTS: Finishing outdoor projects before the snow flies? The McKean County Conservation District is reminding residents that they may need a permit or erosion and sedimentation plans.

“When planning any work near a stream or waterway it is especially critical to acquire permits and check regulations,” according to a statement from the district.

The district recommends, “Before beginning your project, check with your municipality and county planning office regarding their requirements and building permit information. Also check with the District about requirements for erosion and sedimentation prevention and work near waterways.”

The district offered guidelines for these projects involving moving earth:

• Will have less than 5,000-square-feet of earth disturbance, it is not necessary to have a written plan on site but erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) are still required to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation.

• Will have more than 5,000-square-feet of earth disturbance, a written E&S plan is required to be on site and implemented.

• Will have more than 1 acre of earth disturbance and is not in a special protection (Exceptional Value, High Quality) watershed, a General NPDES permit is required to be submitted for approval to the District. Before any earth disturbance activity can occur the plan must be approved. A copy of the approved stamped, signed, and dated plan must be kept on site.

• Will have more than 1 acre of earth disturbance and is in a special protection watershed, an Individual NPDES permit is required to be submitted for approval to the District. Before any earth disturbance activity can occur the plan must be approved. A copy of the approved stamped, signed, and dated plan must be kept on site.

• Is timber harvesting or road maintenance activity involving 25 acres (10 hectares) or more of earth disturbance, an E&S permit is required to be submitted for approval to the District. Before any earth disturbance activity can occur the plan must be approved. A copy of the approved stamped, signed, and dated plan must be kept on site.

“Some examples of projects in or near streams that require general permits include bank protection, gravel bar removal, utility line crossings, road crossings (including driveways), and boat ramps,” the district explained.

Contact the McKean County Conservation District at 814-887-4001 or conservation@mckeancountypa.org or visitwww.mckeanconservation.com for more information. “The District is here to provide educational and technical assistance to help landowners prevent possible violations of the Clean Streams law.”