Suffolk County, MA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Erosion and sediment control in Suffolk County operates under layered regulation. The MA State Building Code (780 CMR 1804 and Appendix J) requires control measures on all land-disturbing activities. Under EPA Construction General Permit requirements, any site disturbing 1+ acre must file a Notice of Intent and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) with specific BMPs. Boston Inspectional Services and BWSC jointly enforce erosion control — a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan is required for projects disturbing 20,000+ sq ft or any work in the floodplain (Boston Code §9-9.15). Chelsea Stormwater Ordinance Article XIV and Revere Stormwater Ordinance §12.32 require silt fencing on downgrade sides, stabilized construction entrances of at least 50 feet of crushed stone, inlet protection on catch basins, and stockpile covers. Winthrop Board of Health and DPW enforce similar BMPs. Disturbed soil must be stabilized within 14 days of inactivity (7 days if near wetlands) per 314 CMR 4.00. Contractors working within 100 feet of wetlands also need approval from the Conservation Commission under the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, §40). Sediment tracked onto public streets must be cleaned daily; repeated violations trigger stop-work orders.