Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District Urban Conservation Program

Sediment: #1 Pollutant

This culvert has been almost completely clogged with sediment which is the number one pollutant, by volume, in Ohio's surface waters. Urban devleopment can be a major source of sediment entering Ohio's streams.

Why is sediment such a problem? It costs the tax payers money to fix, it could increase the risk of flooding and it destroys aquatic habitat.

Urban development is an ever-increasing reality for the residents of Wayne County. With all development activity, comes a responsibility to ensure that the health and safety of the public and the environment are protected. In cooperation with the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District has initiated a program that aims to promote the use of Best Management Practices to protect the County's water resources from impact as a result of Urban Development.

The Wayne County Sediment and Erosion Control Regulations
These regulations give the Wayne County Board of Commissioners the ability to enforce sediment and erosion control standards for construction activities. Done right, construction and land development can be a wholly unobtrusive activity. Done wrong, it can have disastrous effects on the quality of water in streams, a stream's ability to contain high flows, and the frequency of downstream flooding.
Technical Assistance
We are strategically poised to offer the best and most up to date urban conservation related information available. Find all kinds of information and links here that will answer your questions, technical or otherwise. Also, get a list of questions you should ask when considering buying property.
Approval for Small Construction Activity
The Wayne County Building Department requires all applicants for building permits to obtain prior approval from the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District before a building permit may be issued for the project. Download the application here and get more information on Erosion and Sediment Control on small construction sites.
Education and Outreach
We offer a multitude of urban related educational opportunities including Backyard Conservation, classroom or field activities for students, and technical presentations for community groups and trade organizations. Contact us at (330) 262-2836 for more information.

The Wayne County Sediment and Erosion Control Hall of Fame (coming soon)

This is the way it is supposed to be done. The project developer and contractor are listed under each picture.

Questions concerning the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District Urban Conservation Program should be directed to:
Matthew Smith, matthew-smith@oh.nacdnet.org