New Jersey Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act

Under N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., any project disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of land must obtain a soil erosion and sediment control plan certification from the local Soil Conservation District before construction. Plans must meet the New Jersey Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control. Municipalities cannot issue building permits for covered projects until the District certifies the plan, creating a uniform statewide review process that local rules cannot bypass.

Penalties include fines up to $3,000 per violation, stop-work orders, and required restoration of disturbed soil.