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Broome County, NY Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Standard
NY Blue Book
Threshold
5000 sq ft many towns
State Permit
SPDES GP-0-20-001 at 1 acre
Watersheds
Susquehanna, Chenango
Enforcement
DEC Region 7

Summary

Erosion and sediment control per NY Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Blue Book) required for all land disturbance. Silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, and inlet protection mandatory. DEC enforcement in Susquehanna and Chenango River watersheds.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Broome County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Throughout New York State, before commencing construction, the owner or operator of construction activities that will involve soil disturbance of one or more acres must obtain coverage under the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity, succinctly referred to as the Construction General Permit (CGP). Alternatively, the owner or operator of such construction activities must obtain coverage under an individual SPDES permit. In the New York City East of Hudson watershed, this requirement also applies to construction activities that will disturb 5,000 square feet or more, but less than one acre of land . In the municipal boundaries of the City of New York (NYC), this requirement also applies to construction activities that will disturb 20,000 square feet or more, but less than one acre of land, including less than 20,000 square feet which are part of a common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb 20,000 square feet or more, but less than one acre. In the municipal boundaries of NYC, this requirement also applies to construction activities that create 5,000 square feet or more of impervious area. Some exceptions to the requirements exist for agricultural projects, certain silvicultural projects, and routine maintenance activities.

Source: NYS DEC Stormwater Construction PermitView official code

Full Breakdown

Broome County sits within the Upper Susquehanna River Basin; land disturbance triggers both state and local erosion-control requirements. NYS DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-20-001 (Construction Stormwater) requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for any disturbance of 1 acre or more, or smaller sites within designated watersheds. Many Broome County towns (Vestal, Union, Binghamton) lower the local threshold to 5,000 sq ft of disturbance. Best management practices must follow the NY Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Blue Book, 2016) and NY Stormwater Management Design Manual. Required BMPs include silt fence along downslope perimeters, stabilized construction entrance, inlet protection on storm drains, and permanent stabilization within 7-14 days of final grading. Work near streams, wetlands, or the Susquehanna or Chenango Rivers may require an additional DEC Article 15 (Protection of Waters) permit. Enforcement by NYS DEC Region 7 and local code enforcement; federal enforcement by EPA Region 2 for CWA violations.

Violations & Fines

NYS DEC violations: $37,500 per day under ECL Art. 71. Municipal violations under local law: $250-$1,000 per day plus required restoration. Federal Clean Water Act violations can reach $56,460 per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SWPPP for a small home-building project in Broome County?
If disturbance is 1 acre or more, yes under DEC GP-0-20-001. Many Broome towns require BMPs at 5,000 sq ft even if a full SWPPP is not triggered.
Who inspects erosion controls during construction?
Your town or city code enforcement officer performs local inspections; DEC Region 7 (Syracuse office serving Broome) inspects SPDES-permitted sites.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Broome County

All Broome County rules

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