FALL: We received a notice from the McKean County Conservation District that we felt was important to pass on to our readers.
Did you know some work near streams, even in one’s own yard, may require a permit?
“The McKean County Conservation District reminds landowners and contractors that certain activities may require permits or erosion and sedimentation plans. A stream in Pennsylvania is a waterway with defined bed and banks, even if water does not flow year round. Projects requiring permits involving streams include docks, gravel bar removal, work on stream banks, utility line crossings, crossings including stream culverts and bridges, and agricultural crossings.”
District officials say before beginning a project, check with your municipality and county planning office regarding their requirements and building permit information, and with the district about requirements for erosion and sedimentation and work near waterways.
Some guidelines from the district: If your project 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 are still required to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation.
More than 5,000 square feet of earth disturbance will require a written erosion and sedimentation plan. And there are more requirements for larger projects, too.
“It is especially important in the fall to seed and mulch any bare earth from recent disturbance to prevent erosion,” the district officials caution. “Never place fill or refuse (leaves, branches, or yard waste) in or near a stream.”
Contact the McKean County Conservation District at 814-887-4001 or conservation@mckeancountypa.org or visit www.mckeanconservation.com for more permitting information.
THE QUEEN: In light of the recent passing of The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, we wanted to share some of her words of wisdom: “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.”
Of the death of fellow artist Prince, she had this to say: “The music will go on.”
