Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control

Most construction and ground-disturbing activities in Millersburg require an Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) permit from the City, often in conjunction with other permits.  When required, this permit must be obtained prior to beginning any ground disturbing activities. 

What is an EPSC permit?  This permit requires a property owner to demonstrate how they will prevent erosion and sediment (mud) run off into streets, streams, and other waterways during construction.  The property owner will need to create a plan demonstrating how they will control the site during construction so that dirt, mud, and other sediment is contained on the site.  This will require a site plan submitted with the permit application showing all mitigation that is proposed to control sediment.  The plan will be reviewed by the City and the site will be inspected to make sure the control measures are working during site construction.  

There are two kinds of applications for an EPSC – Major and Minor.  A Minor permit may be used if:

• The disturbed area is greater than 10,000 square feet and less than one acre
• Average slopes are 5 percent or less in the affected area
• Slopes are no greater than 3:1 and do not exceed 6 feet in height
• The impacted area does not contain a stream, creek, river, lake or wetland
• The impacted are does not contain a drainage way or swale that collects from more than 1 acres

A Major EPSC permit is required if you are disturbing more than one acre or are disturbing at least 10,000 square feet and do not meet the criteria for a Minor permit.   

Ground disturbances of less than 10,000 sf do not require an EPSC permit.  Farming activities are also exempt from EPSC permit requirements.

Your project may also require an NPDES 1200-C permit through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (Oregon DEQ).  The EPSC permit and 1200-C permit are separate permits administered by separate agencies. Property owners will often need to secure both an EPSC and a 1200-C permit prior to disturbing the ground.    

You can find the applications below.  Be sure your submittal includes a site plan meeting the requirements listed in the permit application.