Hudson County, NJ Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Erosion and sediment control in Hudson County is regulated under the NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act (N.J.S.A. 4:24-39) and administered by the Hudson-Essex-Passaic Soil Conservation District (HEP SCD), headquartered in Hackensack. Any land disturbance exceeding 5,000 square feet requires a certified Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan approved by HEP SCD before construction. Jersey City Construction Code Office and Hoboken Construction Office will not issue final construction permits without SCD plan certification for qualifying projects. Standard Best Management Practices (BMPs) required include silt fencing along downslope property boundaries, stabilized construction entrances (rock pads) to prevent tracking sediment onto public streets, inlet protection for all storm drains, temporary seeding for disturbed areas, and sediment traps for larger sites. Concrete washout areas are required to contain cement waste. Construction dewatering discharges must have permits. Permanent stabilization (vegetation, hardscape) must be installed before project closeout. Site inspections by HEP SCD occur during construction. Hudson County waterfront redevelopment projects (Jersey City waterfront, Hoboken piers) face additional coastal sediment controls under NJ Waterfront Development Act permits. Severe sediment discharge to Hudson River or Hackensack River triggers NJ DEP enforcement and potentially federal Clean Water Act penalties.