It is the objective of this chapter to control soil erosion and sedimentation caused by development activities, including clearing, grading, stripping, excavating, and filling of land, in the county. Measures taken to control soil erosion and off-site sediment runoff shall be adequate to assure that sediment is not transported from the site by a storm event of ten-year, 24-hour frequency or less. The following principles shall apply to all new development or redevelopment activities within the county and to the preparation of the submissions required under § 114.042 of this chapter.
(A) New development or redevelopment shall be related to the topography and soils of the site so as to create the least potential for erosion. Areas of steep slopes greater than 33% where high cuts and fills may be required are to be avoided wherever possible, and natural contours should be followed as closely as possible.
(B) Natural vegetation shall be retained and protected wherever possible. Areas immediately adjacent to natural watercourses, lakes, ponds, sinkholes and wetlands are to be left undisturbed wherever possible. Temporary crossings of watercourses, when permitted, must include appropriate stabilization measures.
(C) Special precautions shall be taken to prevent damages resultant from any necessary development activity within or adjacent to any stream, lake, pond, sinkhole or wetland. Preventive measures shall reflect the sensitivity of these areas to erosion and sedimentation.
(D) The smallest practical area of land should be exposed for the shortest practical time during development.
(E) Sediment basins or traps, filter barriers, diversions and any other appropriate sediment or runoff control measures shall be installed prior to site clearing and grading and maintained to remove sediment from run-off waters from land undergoing development.
(F) The selection of erosion and sediment control measures shall be based on assessment of the probable frequency of climatic and other events likely to contribute to erosion, and on evaluation of the risks, costs and benefits involved.
(G) In the design of erosion control facilities and practices, aesthetics and the requirements of continuing maintenance must be considered.
(H) Provision shall be made to accommodate the increased run-off caused by changed soil and surface conditions during and after development. Drainageways should be designed so that their final gradients and the resultant velocities and rates of discharge will not create additional erosion on-site or downstream.
(I) Permanent vegetation and structures shall be installed and functional as soon as practical during development.
(J) Those areas being converted from agricultural purposes to other land uses shall be vegetated with an appropriate protective cover prior to development.
(K) All waste generated as a result of site development activity shall be properly disposed of and shall be prevented from being carried off the site by either wind or water.
(L) All construction sites shall provide measures to prevent sediment from being tracked onto public or private roadways.
(M) All temporary soil erosion and sediment control practices shall be maintained to function as intended until the contributing drainage area has been permanently stabilized at which time they shall be removed.
(O) Water quality shall adhere to:
(1) Illinois Environmental Protection Act: 415 ILCS 5/11 and 5/12;
(2) Illinois Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulation: Title 35: Environmental Protection, Subtitle C: Water Pollution, Chapter 1, Pollution Control Board, Part 302 Water Quality Standards; and
(3) Illinois Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulations: Title 35, Environmental Protection, Subtitle C, Water Pollution, Chapter I: Pollution Control Board, Part 304 Effluent Standard.
(1993 Code, § 114.36) (Ord. 2000-09, passed 8-16-2000; Ord. 2008-06, passed 6-18-2008) Penalty, see § 114.999