Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Program (SESC)
The Cass County Conservation District is the designated County Enforcing Agency (CEA) for the State of Michigan's Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control program (SESC).
The primary goal of the SESC program is to mandate acceptable soil erosion and sedimentation control measures that effectively reduce accelerated soil erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation during earth-changing activities.
Do I need a permit?
You must obtain an SESC permit prior to beginning work if your project meets either of the following criteria:
The earth change disturbs one or more acres of land.
The earth change is within 500 feet of a lake or stream.
Note: Even if your project is less than one acre and further than 500 feet from water, you are still legally required to comply with Part 91 and keep soil on-site.
Permit Application Requirements:
If you are planning to develop or disturb land, you must submit a complete application packet. Please allow up to 30 days for the permitting process including plan review and initial site inspection.
Each application must include:
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A completed form containing the landowner’s signature or the signed designated agent form.
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A detailed control plan map showing the limits of earth change, proximity to water, existing contours, and all necessary temporary and permanent erosion controls.
Be sure to include controls around soil stockpiles and a contained concrete washout station if applicable.
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A completed schedule and site sequence table detailing the timeline for installing and removing SESC measures.
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Payments can be made via cash, check (made payable to CCCD), or credit card.
Minor Residential (under 1,200 sq. ft.) - $200
Standard Residential (up to 2 acres) - $300
Major Projects (Commercial/Industrial) - $400
Seawall or Water Improvements - $300
For complete fee details and timelines please review the Fee Schedule page of the SESC Application Packet.
Permits & Documents:
Fillable PDF of Permit Application
Schedule Site Plan Review
Schedule a site plan review with one of our certified SESC staff members. Together we will review your permit, your site plan's control measures, and the project timeline to ensure all requirements are met and to help keep you out of violation of Part 91 from the very beginning of your project. A site plan review is not a requirement to receive a SESC permit, but it will help to expedite your application process. Click the button below to view our staff availability and request a meeting.
I received a violation letter in the mail.
What do I do now?
A
Meet the requirements
Follow the requirements and update control measures, or apply for a permit.
B
Submit corrections
Submit corrections and photos by completing the fillable form on the back of your violation letter.
C
Avoid fines
Failure to complete corrections and submit evidence will result in the installation of erosion controls.
The landowner will be billed for all installation costs, up to $10,000.
For further information see CCCD’s SESC Guidelines for Violation Resolution.