The Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards were modified in July 1999. These standards address management of soil, water and related natural resources during development activities to prevent or minimize soil loss. These standards which are implemented by the Soil Conservation Districts were last modified in 1987.

This version includes several new standards; high acid producing soils, dewatering, off-site stability, soil bioengineering, temporary stream crossing, floating turbidity barriers, and a new section on runoff treatment. In addition, a Water Quality Enhancement statement has been added to each standard. This statement describes the stormwater runoff benefits associated with each standard.

The new section on runoff treatment includes standards for water quality protection after construction is completed. These control methods function after the temporary measures required during construction have been removed. The intent of including these design specifications is to make it easier to obtain approvals where such controls are required. It is the intent of the Soil Erosion Districts to coordinate approvals with the Department of Environmental Protection.

The introduction to this new section provides overall guidance on the selection of Best Management Practices for controlling stormwater runoff in the post construction phase. It includes Tables which provide information on which BMP would be most suitable for a given project. This information and the standards themselves will be used only in those cases where the stormwater controls are required by others. The districts will not require that you utilize BMP’s nor dictate use of a specific BMP.

The standards include a means of addressing requests for use of new soil erosion products and materials. These standards now include a performance basis for product and material selections. If a product or material meets the criteria listed in a standard it will be acceptable for use in New Jersey.