County officials and DNR officers are constantly on the lookout for mud and silt running into streams and for construction sites that are not properly screened with silt screening. The consequences of ignoring soil erosion and sediment control are many. In addition to being a violation of local, state, and federal law, erosion and sediment control problems lead to excessive regulatory oversight, excessive penalties, and job shutdown or delayed completion time. Lawsuits, loss of public trust, violation of construction loan covenants, and denial of permits on future projects can also result from ignoring erosion and sediment control measures. Long term, costly repair measures are also associated with the ignoring of soil erosion and sediment control laws.
Damage occurs to adjacent and downstream properties.
Water pollution and wetland pollution that result from contaminated runoff can damage fish and other wildlife populations. Recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, and boating are negatively impacted. Taxes, water, and sewer fees are raised to cover long term watershed restoration. Gilmer County has adopted a set of erosion and sedimentation structural conservation practices associated with the disturbing of the land, and a copy is available at Holloway's office. That visit or call could save everyone involved a lot of money.