Mississippi Erosion and Sediment Control State Standards

Under Miss. Code Sections 49-17-1 et seq. and the MDEQ Large Construction General Permit, operators of construction sites disturbing one acre or more must prepare and implement an Erosion Control, Sediment Control, and Stormwater Management Plan (ESCSWMP). Required best management practices include silt fences, sediment basins, stabilized construction entrances, inlet protection, and timely vegetative stabilization within 14 days of inactivity. MDEQ inspectors and authorized local programs enforce these requirements. The MDEQ Planning and Design Manual provides binding technical standards. Coastal counties also coordinate with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for site work near tidal waters.

Failure to install or maintain required BMPs or to implement an approved plan may trigger MDEQ stop-work orders and civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under Miss. Code 49-17-43.