Warrick County, IN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 54 of the Warrick County Code, adopted in 2024 to implement the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's Construction Stormwater General Permit, applies to all land-disturbing activities within the county's MS4 jurisdiction that disturb one acre or more, or that are part of a larger common plan of development that will ultimately disturb an acre or more, under Section 54.08(A). Agricultural tillage, silviculture, oil and gas exploration activities, regulated-drain ditch maintenance, and certain permitted landfill or coal-mining operations are exempt under Section 54.08(B). Before starting covered work, Section 54.13 requires the owner or developer to submit a construction/stormwater pollution prevention plan technical review form and required fees, design plans identifying erosion and sediment control measures per the Indiana Stormwater Quality Manual, a construction-site SWPPP under the state Construction Stormwater General Permit, and IDEM's notice of intent with proof of public notice, then obtain stormwater approval from the Stormwater Management Department.

Section 54.13(D) sets a specific numeric design limit: cut and fill slopes may not exceed 3:1 except as approved by the county to meet other community or environmental objectives, and grading and sediment control practices must meet the Indiana Stormwater Quality Manual's design criteria to the county's satisfaction. Section 54.12 further requires the site owner or operator, at their own expense, to use structural and non-structural best management practices to prevent accidental discharge of pollutants into county storm drainage. The county may also require a performance bond or letter of credit under Section 54.13(E) to cover the cost of installed improvements and inspections.