The Department is responsible to review land development projects for compliance with local environmental laws and regulations. Specific requirements include:
Streams and Wetlands
Streams, wetlands and associated steep slopes are protected under County, State and Federal laws. These resources must be accurately located and identified on the development plan. Any disturbance to these areas requires justification that impacts cannot be reasonably avoided and may require replacement or other mitigation.
Forest Conservation
County and State regulations require that a certain percentage of a new development site remain forested. If little or no forest exists on site, forest must be established, either on or off site. The Department reviews the development plan to ensure that forest retained or created maximizes water quality and habitat benefit.
Storm Water Management
County and State regulations require that new development activities control increased storm water runoff and reduce adverse impacts to receiving streams and wetlands. Ponds, swales, trenches or other permanent measures are constructed by the developer to meet these requirements.
Sediment Control
County and State regulations require that measures be implemented on construction sites which control erosion and prevent silt and mud from being washed from the site. Silt fence, diversion berms, sediment basins and other features are maintained on site throughout the grading and construction phase.
Ground Water
County and State regulations provide for proper siting, design and construction of water supply wells and on-site sewage disposal systems for residential and commercial development not served by Metropolitan water and sewerage.
Chesapeake Bay Critical Area
County and State regulations have designated the land within 1,000 feet of tidal waters for enhancement and protection of resources. In addition to regulations cited above, this program provides specific criteria for limiting impervious surfaces, removing pollutants from runoff and conserving fish, wildlife and plant habitat.
Revised January 26, 2001
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