Section 273.243. Sedimentation ponds

(a) Surface drainage from the disturbed area, including areas that have been graded, seeded or planted, shall be passed through a sedimentation pond or a series of sedimentation ponds before leaving the site. The Department may, in the permit, waive the required use of sedimentation ponds when a person or municipality demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that sedimentation ponds are not necessary to meet the requirements of § 273.241 (relating to general requirements).

(b) A sedimentation pond shall be constructed, operated, and maintained under this section, Chapters 102 and 105 (relating to erosion and sediment control; and dam safety and waterway management) and the minimum design criteria contained in the United States Soil Conservation Service’s Engineering Standard 378, ‘Pond’ Pa., as amended.

(c) A sedimentation pond and other treatment facility shall be maintained until removal of the ponds and facilities is approved by the Department.

(d) A pond shall include a nonclogging dewatering device approved by the Department that will permit the draining of the water from the inflow. The dewatering device may not be located at a lower elevation than the maximum elevation of the sedimentation storage volume.

(e) A pond shall be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent short circuiting to the maximum extent possible.

(f) The design, construction and maintenance of a sediment pond under this section does not relieve the person or municipality that operates a facility of the responsibility for complying with the applicable treatment requirements and effluent limitations established under § 273.241.

(g) At a minimum, a sedimentation pond shall be capable of managing the runoff resulting from a 25-year, 24-hour precipitation event.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 273.151 (relating to soil erosion and sedimentation control plan).