Sediment is erosion made up of soil and other materials transported through water. Sediment is the No. 1 pollutant, by volume, in Butler County streams. Sediment kills aquatic life and large amounts could contribute to flooding.

Temporary and permanent conservation practices for all earthmoving activities in Butler County can help prevent this.

One of the causes of this earthmoving is rainfall eroding exposed and disturbed soil. The threat of accelerated erosion is especially great as land development continues to increase in the county.

Recently, erosion and sedimentation pollution control plans were reviewed by Brent Hilderbrand and Ian Harrell, county conservation district technicians. According to the Clean Streams Law of Pennsylvania, all earthmoving activities must have a pollution control plan available on site. If more than five acres of earth disturbance or stream encroachment is involved, one or more permits are required from the Department of Environmental Protection.

The control plans consider these factors:

The topographic features of the land

The types, depth, slope and extent of the soils

The proposed alteration of the land

The amount of runoff from the project and the upstream watershed

The staging of earthmoving activities

Temporary control measures and facilities used during earthmoving

Permanent control measures and facilities for long-term protection

A maintenance program for the control facilities, including a way to dispose of materials.

Also, storm water problems are handled by the local municipalities. However, in Butler County, not all municipalities have ordinances to address water runoff.