Why Has the County Adopted Erosion Prevention Measures?
Construction sites that are not protected by erosion prevention measures are one of the primary contributors of sediment and pollution to rivers and streams. Lane County is required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain a stormwater management program that protects the waters of the state. Specific standards for how to enact protections are located in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Phase II General Permit and the Willamette Basin Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). These are permits that are administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), on behalf of the EPA. The County is required by both the MS4 Permit and the Mercury TMDL to adopt an erosion prevention code standards and to maintain an erosin prevention program.
More information about the County's MS4 Phase II General Permit and the Mercury TMDL is available on the County's Stormwater Management Program webpage.
What Kinds of Projects Need an Erosion Prevention Permit?
Development projects that are located within the MS4 Area and that disturb the land are subject to erosion prevention permitting requirements. Land disturbance is any activity that changes the physical conditions of landforms, vegetation, and/or hydrology, including, but not limited to, digging, clearing, grading, grubbing, filling, logging, and the staging and storage of materials.
Erosion prevention permits are only required within the County-Administered MS4 Area. Triggers for whether or not a permit is required are based upon the area of disturbance, its location, and type of use or zoning on the property. Click on the Erosion Prevention Requirements and Permit Information tab to the left for more information.
Erosion prevention permits are not required within the Mercury TMDL Area.
I Don't Need a Permit, but I Am Disturbing the Soil. What Do I Need to Do?
Land-disturbing projects within the MS4 Area and within the greater Willamette River Basin Mercury TMDL Area that surrounds the MS4 Area are required to use erosion prevention best management practices (BMPs) throughout the course of construction. BMPs must be used to meet the erosion prevention outcomes of Lane Code 9.090.030. Even if an erosion prevention permit is not required, BMPs must still be used to meet the outcomes.. Outcomes include:
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Keeping a clean site.
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Protecting soils from erosion.
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Protecting natural areas, water ways, septic fields, rights-of-way, and adjacent properties.
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Ensuring against chemical and debris pollution.
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Stabilizing soils and vegetation upon the completion of construction.
Please see the complete list of outcomes on the Outcomes Handout located on the Erosion Prevention Documents: Handouts, Forms, and Manual page.
My Site Is in the Eugene or Springfield UGB. Do I Need a County Permit?
The County has agreements with the Cities of Eugene and Springfield that grant each City the authority to administer city erosion prevention code requirements in the urban growth boundaries (UGB's) surrounding their city limits. Within the city UGBs, an erosion prevention permit from the County is not required. Please contact City offices directly if your site is located in the Eugene or Springfield UGB.