Sediment pollution 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 can kill aquatic life and large amounts can contribute to flooding.

Temporary and permanent conservation practices for all earthmoving activities in Butler County can help prevent sediment pollution. Some of the conservation practices are

• Sediment fences

• Sediment basins

• Sediment traps

• Vegetative cover

• Inlet protection

• Rock filters

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

Erosion and sedimentation pollution control plans are reviewed by Conservation District Technicians.

According to the Clean Stream Laws of Pennsylvania, all earthmoving activities must have an erosion and sedimentation control plan available on site. The plan must 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.

Stormwater management problems are handled by local municipalities, however not all municipalities have enacted ordinances to address stormwater problems.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.