Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of North Carolina

Any person conducting a land-disturbing activity uncovering more than one acre must file an erosion control plan with the NC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources or an approved local program. Plans must address buffer zones, ground cover establishment within timelines, and design storms. Operators must maintain a 25-foot undisturbed buffer along trout waters. The Act applies uniformly statewide, though delegated cities and counties may run their own programs with at least equivalent rigor.

Beginning land-disturbing activity without an approved plan, exceeding disturbed area limits, or failing to install required ground cover can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per day per violation.