About This Book
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 113A, Article 4—the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973—governs soil erosion and water pollution resulting from land-disturbing activities.
Purpose The Act aims to prevent soil, dirt, and construction debris from washing into waterways while still permitting development under mandatory environmental standards.
Core Requirements - Erosion Control Plans: An approved Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) plan is required before any land-disturbing activity exposing more than one acre of soil. Plans must be submitted at least 30 days before work begins. - Buffer Zones: Protective vegetative buffers are required along natural watercourses, lakes, and sensitive areas such as trout waters. - Slope Stabilization: Graded slopes must be stabilized with ground cover within 21 calendar days of completing each grading phase.
Administration and Enforcement The Act is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) through the Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR). Local governments may operate their own approved erosion control programs. Violations may result in civil penalties, restoration requirements, or legal action against developers or landowners.
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