Receiving a letter in response provides you with documentation that your complaint was received and addressed. Additionally, you may wish to send your letter by certified mail and retain a copy of the letter for yourself so that you have documentation of your complaint. You may include more information in your call or letter than simply the nature of the violation and the location. You should also include specific problems that you noticed such as a lack of BMPs, inadequate BMPs, or improperly maintained BMPs, or whether there has been a visible change in the color of downstream creeks, streams, or rivers if you have such information. For further documentation, you might include pictures along with your letter.
Local authorities retain the bulk of control over erosion and sedimentation control problems.
Issuing authorities also have the power to suspend, revoke, or modify permits or to deny applications for permits in the first instance. Issuing authorities can demand that land-disturbing activities be stopped until a violation is corrected. Additionally, issuing authorities may require permit holders to mitigate any damage already done. Imminent and substantial danger to the environment or health may be addressed by emergency 48 hour injunctions. An injunction halts activity until an enforcement action is filed in court.