Arenac Conservation District

Situations that do not require a part 91 Permit

All residential gardening, unless the natural elevation is raised (i.e: raised box gardens where fill dirt will be added)
Tree or shrub stump removal not exceeding 100 sq ft, unless it is conducted within 500ft of waters of the state. Contact the office for clarification.
Post hole digging for fencing, decks, utility posts, mailboxes or similar applications. This only applies if no additional grading is done.
Some logging and mining operations, NOT including access roads to logging and mining sites, or removal of clay, gravel, sand, peat or topsoil.
Earth change activities associated with oil or gas exploration and development including well locations, surface facilities, flow lines, or access roads to oil or gas exploration and development. These activities are regulated under Part 615 of the NREPA. Contact EGLE for more information.
Beach nourishment projects, which require an EGLE permit under Part 325 of Act 451.
Normal road and driveway maintenance such as grading or leveling, that does not increase the width or length of the road or driveway and will not contribute sediment to lakes or streams.
Minor earth-change activities stabilized within 24 hours, including but not limited to
- Planting of trees, shrubs, or other similar plants.
- Seeding or reseeding of lawns less than one acre if the seeded area is at least 100 feet from Waters of the State from state waters.
- Temporary stockpiles of soil, sand, or gravel not greater than a total of 10 cubic yards on the property if the stockpiling occurs at least 100 ft. from Waters of the State.
- Seawall maintenance not exceeding 100 square feet. Only applies to seawalls being maintained without soil disturbance. Replacement seawalls require a permit.

What materials are needed for an SESC permit?

Situations that do not require a part 91 Permit

The following information, plans and documents must be included with the application form:

A final design plan or development plan detailing all items of work.
A map or site plan, at a scale of not more than 200 feet per inch, showing all predominant land features, and contour intervals, and proximity to lakes or streams.
The description and location of all existing and proposed drainage and dewatering facilities.
A soils description of the affected areas, if so requested by the County Enforcing Agency.
A legal description of the site indicating legal ownership.
A description and location of the physical limits of the proposed earth change.
A listed sequence of each proposed earth change and the estimated time required to complete each.
The location and description for installing and removing all proposed temporary soil erosion and sediment control measures.
A description and the location off all proposed permanent soil erosion and sediment control measures.
A program proposal for the continued maintenance of all permanent soil erosion and sediment control measures that remain after project completion, including the designation of the person responsible for the maintenance. Maintenance responsibilities will be a part of any sales or exchange agreement for the land on which the permanent soil erosion control measures are located.

What is arenac Conservation District's ROLE?

Arenac Conservation District is the authorized County Enforcing Agency for Arenac County under Revised Ordinance 2017-01. Certified SESC Agents under the Arenac Conservation District are authorized to issue permits, conduct regulatory site visits, collect payments and issue citations on behalf of Arenac County.

Our Soil Erosion Technicians are available to help develop your soil maintenance plan and fill out your permit application. Stop by our office for assistance with your permit application.

Do i need any additional permits?

Additional storm water coverage may be required under Part 31 of the NREPA. For sites under 5 acres, storm water coverage is included under the Part 91 permit granted by administered through Arenac Conservation District. Earth change activities over five acres must submit a Notice of Coverage to the Water Resources Department the the MiEnviroPortal. For more information, contact the EGLE Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278.

An additional EGLE/USACE Joint Permit Application (JPA) may be necessary for activities where the land meets the water. Check the JPA Decision Tree document at the bottom of this page to determine if you need a JPA. For more information, visit michigan.gov/jointpermit.

Arenac County Fee Schedule for SESC Part 91 Permits

A digital invoice will be sent to the applicant on receipt of a digital application.