DOEE SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN GENERAL NOTES

1. Following initial land disturbance or re-disturbance, permanent or interim stabilization must be completed within seven 

(7) calendar days for the surfaces of all perimeter controls, dikes, swales, ditches, perimeter slopes, and slopes greater 

than three (3) horizontal to one (1) vertical (3:1); and fourteen (14) days for all other disturbed or graded areas on the 

project site. These requirements do not apply to areas shown on the plan that are used for material storage other than 

stockpiling, or for those areas on the plan where actual construction activities are being performed. Maintenance shall 

be performed as necessary so that stabilized areas continuously meet the appropriate requirements of the District of 

Columbia Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC). [21 DCMR § 542.9 (o)]

2. ESC measures shall be in place before and during land disturbance. [21 DCMR § 543.6]

3. Contact DOEE Inspection (202) 535-2977 to schedule a preconstruction meeting at least three (3) business days before 

the commencement of a land-disturbing activity. [21 DCMR § 503.7 (a)]

4. A copy of the approved plan set will be maintained at the construction site from the date that construction activities 

begin to the date of final stabilization and will be available for DOEE inspectors. [21 DCMR § 542.15]

5. ESC measures shall be in place to stabilize an exposed area as soon as practicable after construction activity has 

temporarily or permanently ceased but no later than fourteen (14) days following cessation, except that temporary or 

permanent stabilization shall be in place at the end of each day of underground utility work that is not contained within 

a larger development site. [21 DCMR § 543.7]

6. Stockpiled material being actively used during a phase of construction shall be protected against erosion by establishing 

and maintaining perimeter controls around the stockpile. [21 DCMR § 543.16 (a)]

7. Stockpiled material not being actively used or added to shall be stabilized with mulch, temporary vegetation, hydroseed or plastic within fifteen (15) calendar days after its last use or addition. [21 DCMR § 543.16 (b)]

8. Fill material must be free of contamination levels of any pollutant that is, or may be considered to represent, a possible 

health hazard to the public or may be detrimental to surface or ground water quality, or which may cause damage to 

property or the drainage system. All fill material must be free of hazardous materials and comply with all applicable 

District and federal regulations.

9. Protect best management practices from sedimentation and other damage during construction for proper post 

construction operation. [21 DCMR § 543.5]

10. Request a DOEE inspector’s approval after the installation of perimeter erosion and sediment controls, but before 

proceeding with any other earth disturbance or grading. [21 DCMR § 542.12 (a)]

11. Request a DOEE inspector’s approval after final stabilization of the site and before the removal of erosion and sediment 

controls. [21 DCMR § 542.12 (b)]

12. Final stabilization means that all land-disturbing activities at the site have been completed and either of the following 

two criteria have been met: (1) a uniform (for example, evenly distributed, without large bare areas) perennial 

vegetative cover with a density of seventy percent (70%) of the native background vegetative cover for the area has 

been established on all unpaved areas and areas not covered by permanent structures, or (2) equivalent permanent 

stabilization measures have been employed (such as the use of riprap, gabions, or geotextiles). [21 DCMR § 542.12 (b.1, 

b.2)]

13. Follow the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency approved Stormwater Pollution 

Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and maintain a legible copy of this SWPPP on site. [21 DCMR § 543.10 (b)]

14. Post a sign that notifies the public to contact DOEE in the event of erosion or other pollution. The sign will be placed at 

each entrance to the site or as directed by the DOEE inspector. Each sign will be no less than 18 x 24 inches in size and 

made of materials that will withstand weather for the duration of the project. Lettering will be at least 1 inch in height

and easily readable by the public from a distance of twelve feet (12 ft). The sign must direct the public, in substantially 

the following form: “To Report Erosion, Runoff, or Stormwater Pollution” and will provide the construction site address, 

DOEE’s telephone number (202-535-2977), DOEE’s e-mail address (IEB.scheduling@dc.gov), and the 311 mobile app 

heading (“Construction-Erosion Runoff”). [21 DCMR § 543.22]

If a site disturbs 5,000 square feet of land or greater, the ESC plan must contain the following statement:

15. A Responsible Person must be present or available while the site is in a land-disturbing phase. The Responsible Person is 

charged with being available to (a) inspect the site and its ESC measures at least once biweekly and after a rainfall event 

to identify and remedy each potential or actual erosion problem, (b) respond to each potential or actual erosion 

problem identified by construction personnel, and (c) speak on site with DOEE to remedy each potential or actual 

erosion problem. A Responsible Person shall be (a) licensed in the District of Columbia as a civil or geotechnical engineer, 

a land surveyor, or architect; or (b) certified through a training program that DOEE approves, including a course on 

erosion control provided by another jurisdiction or professional association. During construction, the Responsible Person

shall keep on site proof of professional licensing or of successful completion of a DOEE-approved training program. [21 

DCMR § 547]