Section 277.243. 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 § 277.241 (relating to general requirements).

(b) Sedimentation ponds shall be constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with 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) Sedimentation ponds and other treatment facilities 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) Ponds 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 in accordance with 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 § 277.241.

(g) At a minimum, sedimentation ponds 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 § 277.151 (relating to soil erosion and sedimentation control plan).