Chelan County, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- SWPPP trigger
- 1 acre or more disturbed
- Filing deadline
- 1 working day before disturbance
- On-site requirement
- Certified erosion and sediment control lead
- Repeat-violation penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/day
- Enforcing office
- Chelan County Engineer
Summary
Land-disturbing projects of one acre or more in unincorporated Chelan County must prepare and implement a construction stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) before breaking ground. A certified erosion and sediment control lead must be on site or on call whenever grading occurs, per Chelan County Code Chapter 13.18.
Core Element No. 2: ... Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention. ... Construction stormwater pollution prevention plan required: A stormwater pollution prevention plan containing all appropriate information as specified in this chapter shall be submitted to Chelan County ... Projects meeting the regulatory threshold of land-disturbing activities of one acre or greater shall prepare, submit, and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) for construction activity. The SWPPP shall be implemented beginning with initial soil disturbance and continue until final stabilization. ... Each SWPPP shall include a statement that any land clearing, construction, or development involving the movement of earth shall be in accordance with the SWPPP and that a certified erosion and sediment control lead (CESCL) shall be on site or on call on all days when construction or grading activity takes place. ... All such projects shall provide a copy of the Construction SWPPP, including an anticipated schedule, to the county engineer at least one working day before any land-disturbing activity.
Full Breakdown
040(2). The SWPPP must be implemented starting with initial soil disturbance in unincorporated Chelan County and must stay in force until final stabilization of the site. Every SWPPP has to name the owner or developer and any consulting firm, be accompanied by a filing fee, and include a statement that a certified erosion and sediment control lead (CESCL) will be on site or on call on every day construction or grading activity takes place. Projects must hand the county engineer a copy of the Construction SWPPP, with an anticipated schedule, at least one working day before any land-disturbing activity begins.
Smaller projects disturbing under five acres can instead qualify for an erosivity waiver if the site's rainfall erosivity 'R' Factor comes in under five for the construction period, calculated with the Texas A&M online erosivity tool, and the operator certifies it will implement erosion and sediment control best management practices consistent with the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington. Exempt activities include sites under an existing NPDES individual permit, emergency work needed to protect life or property, WAC Title 222 forest practices, and routine maintenance that restores a facility's original line and grade. 050.
Violations & Fines
Violating any Chapter 13.18 requirement is unlawful under Section 13.18.060. A first violation is handled under Chelan County Code Chapter 16.06. A person who violates the chapter two or more times is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 per violation per day and/or imprisonment of up to 90 days per violation per day, with each day of continuing violation counted as a separate offense. The county may also issue emergency cease-and-desist orders, suspend MS4 discharge access, enter property without notice to abate an imminent hazard, and recover abatement costs plus attorneys' fees; unpaid abatement costs draw 8 percent annual interest after 30 days and can become a property lien after 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does unincorporated Chelan County require an erosion control plan for construction?
Who has to be on site during grading in Chelan County?
What happens if a builder skips the SWPPP filing deadline?
Can a small project in Chelan County skip the SWPPP?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chelan County
Compare Chelan County to another location·View the Washington environmental rules overview
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