Lake County enforces strict erosion and sediment control under the Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) Article V. Any land disturbance over 5,000 sq ft requires a permit, SESC plan, silt fencing, and stabilized construction entrance per NPDES ILR10 rules.
Lake County's Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO), administered by the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), governs erosion and sediment control across unincorporated areas and 50+ certified municipalities including Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, Highland Park, and Lake Forest. Under WDO Article V, any development disturbing 5,000 sq ft or more requires a Watershed Development Permit with an approved Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) plan. Required BMPs include silt fence on downslope perimeters, stabilized construction entrances, inlet protection, erosion control blankets on slopes over 3:1, and sediment basins for sites over 5 acres. Disturbed areas must be stabilized within 7 days of final grading (14 days in non-growing season). Projects over 1 acre also require an Illinois EPA NPDES ILR10 permit under 415 ILCS 5/39. SMC inspectors conduct active-site inspections and may issue stop-work orders.
Work without SESC plan: stop-work order, fines $500 to $2,500 per day under WDO Art. XIV. Sediment discharge to Lake Michigan, Des Plaines, or Fox River: IEPA Section 12 penalties up to $50,000 per day. Failure to stabilize disturbed soil: daily fines until vegetation established.
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