Sahuarita, AZ Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Sahuarita requires erosion and sediment control plans for construction and grading activities that disturb one acre or more, consistent with the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) general construction permit administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Projects disturbing one acre or more must file a Notice of Intent with ADEQ and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The town engineering department reviews erosion control plans as part of the grading permit process. Best management practices required include silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, fiber rolls, dust suppression, and temporary sediment basins. The Sonoran Desert environment creates unique erosion challenges. Thin desert soils on caliche (hardpan) layers are highly erodible during monsoon downpours. Disturbed soils must be stabilized within 14 days of final grading. Revegetation with native species is preferred. HB 2675 encourages rainwater harvesting, and the town supports passive rainwater harvesting features (berms, swales) that also serve erosion control purposes. Residential homeowners performing minor landscaping do not need erosion control plans, but must not direct runoff onto neighboring properties. Sahuarita area washes (Santa Cruz River corridor, unnamed desert washes) are regulated under the Pima County Floodplain Management Ordinance.