Erosion & Sediment Control

Mud in the streets equals mud in the bay. All necessary efforts must be made to prevent erosion and sediment from escaping the job site and entering the waters of Maryland. 


This applies to all construction projects and even non-construction sediment and erosion. Help prevent the transportation of sediment into the Bay. Sediment carries chemicals and nutrients, blocks sunlight and adds to the overall pollution of our waterways.

Additional Information

For more information, you can contact the Office of Environmental Policy for the City or see the Anne Arundel County pages on the effects of sedimentation and excess nutrients.

What You Can Do

  • If you have a building permit, you must sign an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan form. This states you agree to use all necessary measures on your project to keep sediment from escaping.
  • If you have a grading permit, a sediment control plan shall be part of the plan set.
  • Installing reinforced silt fence will keep most soil contained if it is installed and maintained properly. Silt fence must be entrenched (bottom portion is underground) and remain upright without any holes. Soil should be kept from piling up against the silt fence.
  • Stabilizing any exposed ground with seed and straw, a layer of hardwood mulch or another stabilization method. The entire job site must be stabilized before construction above the ground level.
  • Only digging as much as needed for work that day will keep soil from unnecessarily being exposed to erosion if otherwise left open for extended periods of time.
  • Putting tarps over any piles of dirt to keep them from excess exposure to wind and rain to help prevent erosion.
  • Sweeping up any dirt or sand in the road, sidewalk or driveway and placing it in the disturbed area of your project or in your flower bed.
  • Don't hose down your road, sidewalk or driveway to clean it up. This sends the sediment straight into the storm drains (and on its way to the Bay)
  • Call Planning and Zoning to report any instances of sediment and/or mud on sidewalks or roadways.
  • Fines can be levied when mud/dirt escapes a site.
  • Be pro-active in your sediment and erosion control.
  • Help educate others about the importance of keeping our soil in our yards and out of our water.
  • Do it for your wallet, but more importantly, do it for the Bay.