Orange County NC Website
4 <br /> 3 <br /> Local jurisdiction has the potential for better enforcement <br /> because staff is closer to the sites and do not have to cover an <br /> unmanageable geographical region. The close proximity means more <br /> attention can be given to sites, making the program more <br /> manageable and allows spending more time inspecting and less time <br /> on the road. An important aspect is that it allows a site <br /> inspection and evaluation during the erosion control plan review <br /> process . This is imperative on most sites, especially on <br /> difficult ones . <br /> Another advantage of local enforcement is that it is possible to <br /> routinely hold preconstruction conferences to go over the plan. <br /> The purpose is to ensure that the contractor has a copy of the <br /> approved plan, not of a preliminary one that may have been <br /> changed before it was approved, discuss inspection and <br /> enforcement procedures, etc. with the contractor and the person <br /> financially responsible before work starts. <br /> Regular site inspections are made to ensure compliance and detect <br /> problems before they get out of control . The goal is to inspect <br /> each site once a week. Realistically, some sites, such as rural <br /> subdivisions, are inspected less frequently and sites with more <br /> potential for failure and damage are seen more often. <br /> Another important function is reviewing proposed development <br /> projects during the initial stages of the design and approval <br /> process. This allows us to remind the developer and site designer <br /> that erosion control plan approval is required before land <br /> disturbing commences. We can also review the proposal for <br /> conditions or design features that may conflict with sediment and <br /> erosion control requirements or standards, such as existing <br /> conditions, topography, and room for the necessary sediment <br /> controls. If problems are found, we can initiate discussions to <br /> resolve conflicts before the development proposal is approved. <br /> The County has three full time staff positions: two inspectors <br /> and a supervisor who does most of the plan review and <br /> administration. Essentially 10016 of time is spent on erosion <br /> control, with some time spent on review of subdivisions in the <br /> County' s jurisdiction. Sixty to seventy plans are approved each <br /> year, and there are 80 to 120 active sites at any one time, <br /> depending on the state of the economy and level of development <br /> activity. <br /> c: PROGRAM.SUM <br />