[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the City of Hagerstown 11-20-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-19.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also provided for the repeal of former Ch. 209, Sediment Control, adopted 3-22-1994 by Ord. No. 1994-1, as amended.
A. 
The purpose of this chapter is to protect, maintain, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse impacts associated with land disturbances. The goal is to minimize soil erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation by using soil erosion and sediment control practices designed in accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.17.01, the 2011 Maryland Standards and Specifications ("Standards and Specifications") and the Stormwater Management Act of 2007 ("Act"). Implementing this chapter will help reduce the negative impacts of land development on water resources, maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of streams, and minimize damage to public and private property.
B. 
The provisions of this chapter, pursuant to Title 4, Environment Article, Subtitle 1, Annotated Code of Maryland, are adopted under the authority of the City Code of the City of Hagerstown and shall apply to all land grading occurring within the City of Hagerstown. The application of this chapter and the provisions expressed herein shall be the minimum erosion and sediment control requirements and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by state statute.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ADMINISTRATION
The MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) Water Management Administration (WMA).
ADVERSE IMPACT
Any deleterious effect on waters or wetlands, including their quality, quantity, surface area, species composition, aesthetics, or usefulness for human or natural uses, which is or may potentially be harmful or injurious to human health, welfare, safety or property, biological productivity, diversity, or stability or that unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or property, including outdoor recreation.
AGRICULTURAL LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Those methods and procedures used in the cultivation of land in order to further crop and livestock production and conservation of related soil and water resources. Logging and timber removal operations are not to be considered a part of this definition.
APPLICANT
Any person, firm, or government agency that executes the necessary forms to apply for a permit or approval to carry out construction of a project.
APPROVAL AUTHORITY
The entity responsible for the review and approval of erosion and sediment control plans.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP)
A structural device or nonstructural practice designed to temporarily store or treat stormwater runoff in order to mitigate flooding, reduce pollution, and provide other amenities.
CLEAR
To remove the vegetative ground cover while leaving the root mat intact.
CONCEPT PLAN
The first of three plans submitted under the comprehensive review and approval process required by the Act and described in COMAR 26.17.02 and shall include the information necessary to allow an initial evaluation of a proposed project.
DEPARTMENT
The MDE.
DRAINAGE AREA
That area contributing runoff to a single point measured in a horizontal plane that is enclosed by a ridge line.
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE DESIGN (ESD)
Using small-scale stormwater management practices, nonstructural techniques, and better site planning to mimic natural hydrologic runoff characteristics and minimize the impact of land development on water resources.
EROSION
The process by which the land surface is worn away by the action of wind, water, ice, or gravity.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
A system of structural and vegetative measures that minimizes soil erosion and off-site sedimentation.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
An erosion and sediment control strategy or plan designed to minimize erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation.
EXEMPTION
Those land development activities that are not subject to the erosion and sediment control requirements contained in this chapter.
FINAL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
Along with the final stormwater management plan, the last of three plans submitted under the comprehensive review and approval process required by the Act and described in COMAR 26.17.02. Final erosion and sediment control plans shall be prepared and approved in accordance with the specific requirements of the Washington County Soil Conservation District and this chapter and designed in accordance with the Standards and Specifications.
GRADE
To disturb earth by, including but not limited to, excavating, filling, stockpiling, grubbing, removing root mat or topsoil, or any combination thereof.
GRADING UNIT
The maximum contiguous area allowed to be graded at a given time. For the purposes of this chapter, a grading unit is 20 acres or less.
HIGHLY ERODIBLE SOILS
Those soils with a slope greater than 15% or those soils with a soil erodibility factor, K, greater than 0.35 and with slopes greater than 5%.
INSPECTION AGENCY
The Administration or, if delegated enforcement authority, the City of Hagerstown.
MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE (MEP)
Designing stormwater management systems so that all reasonable opportunities for using ESD planning techniques and treatment practices are exhausted and only where absolutely necessary is a structural BMP implemented.
OWNER/DEVELOPER
A person undertaking or for whose benefit activities covered by this chapter are carried on. General contractors or subcontractors, or both, without a proprietary interest in a project are not included within this definition.
PERMITTEE
Any person to whom a building or grading permit has been issued.
PERSON
Includes the federal government, the state, any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the state, or any of their units, or an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, executor, administrator, fiduciary, or representative of any kind, or any partnership, firm, association, public or private corporation, or any of their affiliates, or any other entity.
RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL
Any foreman, superintendent, or project engineer who is in charge of on-site clearing and grading operations or the implementation and maintenance of an erosion and sediment control plan.
SEDIMENT
Soils or other surficial materials transported or deposited by the action of wind, water, ice, gravity, or artificial means.
SITE
Any tract, lot, or parcel of land, or combination of tracts, lots or parcels of land that are in one ownership, or are contiguous and in diverse ownership, where development is to be performed as part of a unit, subdivision, or project.
SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The second of three plans submitted under the comprehensive review and approval process required by the Act and described in COMAR 26.17.02. A site development plan shall include the information necessary to allow a detailed evaluation of a proposed project.
STABILIZATION
The protection of exposed soils from erosion by the application of seed and mulch, seed and matting, sod, other vegetative measures, and/or structural means.
STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The "2011 Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control," or any subsequent revisions.
STORMWATER
Water that originates from a precipitation event.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Natural areas, ESD practices, stormwater management measures, and any other structure through which stormwater flows, infiltrates, or discharges from a site.
VARIANCE
The modification of the minimum erosion and sediment control requirements for exceptional circumstances such that strict adherence to the requirements would result in unnecessary hardship and not fulfill the intent of this chapter.
WATERSHED
The total drainage area contributing runoff to a single point.
No person shall disturb land without implementing soil erosion and sediment controls in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the Standards and Specifications, except as provided within this chapter.
The following activities are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
A. 
Agricultural land management practices and agricultural BMPs;
B. 
Clearing or grading activities that disturb less than 5,000 square feet of land area and disturb less than 100 cubic yards of earth; and
C. 
Clearing or grading activities that are subject exclusively to state approval and enforcement under state law and regulations.
The Washington County Soil Conservation District may only grant a variance from the requirements of the Standards and Specifications when strict adherence will result in exceptional hardship and not fulfill the intent of this chapter. The owner/developer shall submit a written request for a variance to the Washington County Soil Conservation District. The request must state the specific variance sought and the reasons for the request. The Washington County Soil Conservation District shall not grant a variance unless and until sufficient information is provided describing the unique circumstances of the site to justify the variance.
A. 
A person may not grade land without an erosion and sediment control plan approved by the Washington County Soil Conservation District.
B. 
The Washington County Soil Conservation District shall review erosion and sediment control plans to determine compliance with this chapter and the Standards and Specifications prior to approval. In approving the plan, the Washington County Soil Conservation District may impose such conditions that may be deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter, COMAR 26.17.01, the Standards and Specifications, and the preservation of public health and safety.
C. 
The review and approval process shall be in accordance with the comprehensive and integrated plan approval process described in the Standards and Specifications, the City of Hagerstown's Stormwater Ordinance,[1] and the Act.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 213, Stormwater Management.
D. 
At a minimum, a concept plan must include the mapping of natural resources and sensitive areas, including highly erodible soils and slopes greater than 15%, as well as information required under the City of Hagerstown's Stormwater Ordinance. These areas are to remain undisturbed, or an explanation must be included with either the concept or site development plan describing enhanced protection strategies for these areas during construction.
E. 
A site development plan submittal must include all concept plan information and indicate how proposed erosion and sediment control practices will be integrated with proposed stormwater management practices. The latter is to be done through a narrative and an overlay plan showing both ESD and erosion and sediment control practices. An initial sequence of construction and proposed project phasing to achieve the grading unit restriction should be submitted at this time.
F. 
An applicant shall submit a final erosion and sediment control plan to the Washington County Soil Conservation District for review and approval. The plan must include all of the information required by the concept and site development plans as well as any information in § 209-7B not already submitted.
G. 
A final erosion and sediment control plan shall not be considered approved without the inclusion of the signature and date of signature of the Washington County Soil Conservation District on the plan.
H. 
Approved plans remain valid for two years from the date of approval unless extended or renewed by the Washington County Soil Conservation District.
I. 
Grandfathering of approved plans:
(1) 
Any plans that receive final approval after January 9, 2013, must be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the Standards and Specifications.
(2) 
A plan that receives final approval by January 9, 2013, may be reapproved under its existing conditions if grading activities have begun on the site by January 9, 2015, with the exception of stabilization requirements.
(3) 
Stabilization practices on all sites must be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the Standards and Specifications by January 9, 2013, regardless of when an approved erosion and sediment control plan was approved.
A. 
An applicant is responsible for submitting erosion and sediment control plans that meet the requirements of the Washington County Soil Conservation District, this chapter, the City of Hagerstown's Stormwater Ordinance, the Standards and Specifications, and the Act. The plans shall include sufficient information to evaluate the environmental characteristics of the affected areas, the potential impacts of the proposed grading on water resources, and the effectiveness and acceptability of measures proposed to minimize soil erosion and off-site sedimentation.
B. 
At a minimum, applicants shall submit the following information:
(1) 
A letter of transmittal and/or application.
(2) 
Name, address, and telephone number of:
(a) 
The owner of the property where the grading is proposed;
(b) 
The developer; and
(c) 
The applicant.
(3) 
A vicinity map indicating North arrow, scale, site location, and other information necessary to easily locate the property.
(4) 
Drainage area map(s) at a minimum scale of one inch equals 200 feet, showing existing, interim, and proposed topography, proposed improvements, standard symbols for proposed sediment control features, and pertinent drainage information, including provisions to protect downstream areas from erosion for a minimum of 200 feet downstream or to the next conveyance system.
(5) 
The location of natural resources, wetlands, floodplains, highly erodible soils, slopes 15% and steeper, and any other sensitive areas.
(6) 
A general description of the predominant soil types on the site, as described by the appropriate soil survey information available through the local soil conservation district or the USDA Natural Resources Soil Conservation Service.
(7) 
Proposed stormwater management practices.
(8) 
Erosion and sediment control plans, including:
(a) 
The existing topography and improvements as well as proposed topography and improvements at a scale between one inch equals 10 feet and one inch equals 50 feet, with two-foot contours or other approved contour interval. For projects with more than minor grading, interim contours may also be required.
(b) 
Scale, project and sheet title, and North arrow on each plan sheet.
(c) 
The limit of disturbance (LOD), including:
[1] 
Limit of grading (grading units, if applicable); and
[2] 
Initial, interim, and final phases.
(d) 
The proposed grading and earth disturbance, including:
[1] 
Total disturbed area;
[2] 
Volume of cut and fill quantities; and
[3] 
Volume of borrow and spoil quantities.
(e) 
Storm drainage features, including:
[1] 
Existing and proposed bridges, storm drains, culverts, outfalls, etc.;
[2] 
Velocities and peak flow rates at outfalls for the two-year and ten-year frequency storm events; and
[3] 
Site conditions around points of all surface water discharge from the site.
(f) 
Erosion and sediment control practices to minimize on-site erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation, including:
[1] 
The salvage and reuse of topsoil;
[2] 
Phased construction and implementation of grading unit(s) to minimize disturbances, both in extent and duration;
[3] 
Location and type of all proposed sediment control practices;
[4] 
Design details and data for all erosion and sediment control practices; and
[5] 
Specifications for temporary and permanent stabilization measures, including, at a minimum:
[a] 
The "Standard Stabilization Note" on the plan, stating:
"Following initial soil disturbance or redisturbance, permanent or temporary stabilization must be completed within:
[i]
Three calendar days as to the surface of all perimeter dikes, swales, ditches, perimeter slopes, and all slopes steeper than three horizontal to one vertical (3:1); and
[ii]
Seven calendar days as to all other disturbed or graded areas on the project site not under active grading."
[b] 
Details for areas requiring accelerated stabilization; and
[c] 
Maintenance requirements as defined in the Standards and Specifications.
(g) 
A sequence of construction describing the relationship between the implementation and maintenance of controls, including permanent and temporary stabilization, and the various stages or phases of earth disturbance and construction. Any changes or revisions to the sequence of construction must be approved by the Washington County Soil Conservation District prior to proceeding with construction. The sequence of construction, at a minimum, must include the following:
[1] 
Request for a preconstruction meeting with the appropriate enforcement authority;
[2] 
Clearing and grubbing as necessary for the installation of perimeter controls;
[3] 
Construction and stabilization of perimeter controls;
[4] 
Remaining clearing and grubbing within installed perimeter controls;
[5] 
Road grading;
[6] 
Grading for the remainder of the site;
[7] 
Utility installation and connections to existing structures;
[8] 
Construction of buildings, roads, and other construction;
[9] 
Final grading, landscaping, and stabilization;
[10] 
Installation of stormwater management measures;
[11] 
Approval of the appropriate enforcement authority prior to removal of sediment controls; and
[12] 
Removal of controls and stabilization of areas that are disturbed by removal of sediment controls.
(h) 
A statement requiring the owner/developer or representative to contact the MDE or its agent at the following stages of the project or in accordance with the approved erosion and sediment control plan, grading permit, or building permit:
[1] 
Prior to the start of earth disturbance;
[2] 
Upon completion of the installation of perimeter erosion and sediment controls but before proceeding with any other earth disturbance or grading;
[3] 
Prior to the start of another phase of construction or opening of another grading unit; and
[4] 
Prior to the removal of sediment control practices.
(i) 
Certification by the owner/developer that any clearing, grading, construction, or development will be done pursuant to the approved erosion and sediment control plan. The certification must also require that the responsible personnel involved in the construction project have a certificate of training at an MDE-approved training program for the control of erosion and sediment prior to beginning the project. The certificate of training for responsible personnel may be waived by the Washington County Soil Conservation District on any project involving four or fewer residential lots. Additionally, the owner/developer shall allow right of entry for periodic on-site evaluation by the Washington County Soil Conservation District, the City of Hagerstown, and/or the MDE.
(j) 
Certification by a professional engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, architect, or forester (for forest harvest operations only) registered in the state that the plans have been designed in accordance with erosion and sediment control laws, regulations, and standards, if required by the Washington County Soil Conservation District or the Administration.
(9) 
Any additional information or data deemed appropriate by the Washington County Soil Conservation District.
A. 
The Washington County Soil Conservation District may revise approved plans as necessary. Modifications may be requested by the owner/developer, the inspection agency, or the City of Hagerstown in accordance with COMAR 26.17.01.09(H), Plan Modifications.
B. 
The Washington County Soil Conservation District may develop a list of minor modifications that may be approved as field revisions by the inspection agency. The Administration must approve any list of minor modifications prior to its implementation.
A. 
The Washington County Soil Conservation District may adopt a standard erosion and sediment control plan for activities with minor earth disturbances, such as single-family residences, small commercial and other similar building sites, minor maintenance grading, and minor utility construction.
B. 
A standard erosion and sediment control plan must meet the requirements of this chapter and the Standards and Specifications.
C. 
The MDE shall review and approve a standard plan prior to its adoption.
Before a grading or building permit for any site is issued by the City of Hagerstown, the Washington County Soil Conservation District must review and approve an erosion and sediment control plan for the site.
The building or grading permit shall expire two years from the date of issuance, unless extended or renewed by the City of Hagerstown. Application for permit renewal shall be made at least two months prior to the permit expiration date.
A permit fee schedule may be established by the City of Hagerstown for the administration and management of the erosion and sediment control program. Capital improvement projects, refuse disposal areas, sanitary landfills, and public works projects may be exempt from this permit fee.
The City of Hagerstown may suspend or revoke any grading or building permits after providing written notification to the permittee based on any of the following reasons:
A. 
Any violation(s) of the terms or conditions of the approved erosion and sediment control plan or permits;
B. 
Noncompliance with violation notice(s) or stop-work order(s);
C. 
Changes in site characteristics upon which plan approval and permit issuance were based; or
D. 
Any violation(s) of this chapter or any rules and regulations adopted under it.
In issuing a grading or building permit, the City of Hagerstown may impose such conditions that may be deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter or the preservation of the public health and safety.
When deemed necessary by the City of Hagerstown, the owner/developer shall furnish a surety or cash bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other means of security acceptable to the City of Hagerstown. The bond amount should be equal to at least the cost of the installation, maintenance, and removal of the erosion and sediment controls shown on the approved plan.
The Administration is responsible for the inspection and enforcement of all land disturbing activities, including those sites requiring an erosion and sediment control plan as specified by this chapter. This enforcement authority may be delegated to the City of Hagerstown through a request by the City of Hagerstown or required as a condition of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) municipal separate storm sewer system permit. This section applies to the Administration or the City of Hagerstown, if delegated enforcement authority.
A. 
The owner/developer shall maintain a copy of the approved erosion and sediment control plan on site.
B. 
Every active site having a designed erosion and sediment control plan should be inspected for compliance with the plan on average once every two weeks.
C. 
A written report shall be prepared by the inspection agency after every inspection. The report shall describe:
(1) 
The date and location of the site inspection;
(2) 
Whether the approved plan has been properly implemented and maintained;
(3) 
Practice deficiencies or erosion and sediment control plan deficiencies;
(4) 
If a violation exists, the type of enforcement action taken; and
(5) 
If applicable, a description of any modifications to the plan.
D. 
The inspection agency shall notify the on-site personnel or the owner/developer in writing when violations are observed, describing:
(1) 
The nature of the violation;
(2) 
The required corrective action; and
(3) 
The time period in which to have the violation corrected.
It shall be a condition of every grading or building permit that the inspection agency has the right to enter property periodically to inspect for compliance with the approved plan and this chapter.
The inspection agency shall accept and investigate complaints regarding erosion and sediment control concerns from any interested parties and:
A. 
Conduct an initial investigation within three working days from receipt of the complaint;
B. 
Notify the complainant of the initial investigation and findings within seven days from receipt of the complaint; and
C. 
Take appropriate action when violations are discovered during the course of the complaint investigation.
A. 
The inspection agency shall, through the authority of this chapter and COMAR 26.17.01, use enforcement action when erosion and sediment control violations occur.
B. 
Enforcement actions may include, but are not limited to:
(1) 
Issuance of a corrective action order;
(2) 
Issuance of a stop-work order, the extent of which is determined by the inspection agency;
(3) 
Issuance of a penalty or fine as allowed; and
(4) 
Referral for legal action.
C. 
The City of Hagerstown may deny the issuance of any permits to an applicant when it determines that the applicant is not in compliance with the provisions of a building or grading permit or approved erosion and sediment control plan.
D. 
The inspection agency shall stop work on a site where land disturbance is occurring without an approved erosion and sediment control plan. Measures shall be required to be implemented to prevent off-site sedimentation.
If any portion, section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this chapter, it being the intent of the City of Hagerstown that this chapter shall stand, notwithstanding the invalidity of any portion, section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase, hereof.
A. 
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, for each violation, with costs imposed in the discretion of the court. Each day upon which the violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.
B. 
Any agency whose approval is required under this chapter or any interested person may seek an injunction against any person who violates or threatens to violate any provision of this chapter.
C. 
In addition to any other sanction under this chapter, a person who fails to install or to maintain erosion and sediment controls in accordance with an approved plan shall be liable to the City of Hagerstown or the state in a civil action for damages in an amount equal to double the cost of installing or maintaining the controls.
D. 
Any governing authority that recovers damages in accordance with this subsection shall deposit them in a special fund, to be used solely for:
(1) 
Correcting to the extent possible the failure to implement or maintain erosion and sediment controls; and
(2) 
Administration of the sediment control program.
This chapter shall take effect 30 days from the date it becomes enacted.