Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia, 2014, 6th edition
The sixth edition of the “Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia” has been revised with a focus on performance standards. Implementation of newly researched practices has been incorporated to expand on the traditional erosion and sediment control practices which are included in the sixth edition. These new practices have been proven to aid in controlling erosion and subsequent sedimentation in a cost-effective manner. It is important that this publication is used as a guideline and that “creativity” must be utilized when necessary to fully protect a site from erosion and subsequent sedimentation. What is required on erosion and sediment control plans has been modified and includes the current plan review checklists with guidance documents.
Perhaps the most harmful damage to Georgia’s land and water resources is incurred through unchecked and uncorrected erosion and sediment deposition. Years of work have done much to remedy the situation. There has also been created an awareness that efforts must continue to further reduce the volume of the sediment pollution in all the state’s waters. While ongoing work in soil and water conservation has been of considerable success, it was recognized that some state regulation of land-disturbing activities could add a needed dimension to the overall control effort. The General Assembly responded to this need, and in 1975, the Erosion and Sedimentation Act (O.C.G.A. § 12-7-1 et seq.) was passed. The Act has been amended several times since then. The Act requires counties and municipalities to have erosion and sediment control ordinances or be covered under state regulations. While the Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide assistance in this at the local level, the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission provides expert, step-by-step guidance for activities under such ordinances through a comprehensive publication of reference information. Thus the “Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia” can serve as a technical guide in formulating plans for land-disturbing activities. In preparing the manual, the State Conservation Commission is indebted to the many hundreds of researchers, engineers, farmers, conservationists and others who, over the years, made possible the accumulation of information on modern conservation. The criteria, standards and specifications contained in Chapter 6 must be incorporated into all local erosion and sediment control programs. The remaining chapters and sections of this Manual contain guidelines and support materials to assist users in the implementation of best management practices in accordance with the provisions of the Erosion and Sedimentation Act.
