Sediment & Stormwater Branch

The Sediment and Stormwater Branch operates under the  Development Services Division of the Cecil County Department of Public Works. The Sediment and Stormwater Branch is responsible for the development, management and execution of the Cecil County Erosion & Sediment Control and Stormwater Management programs. This branch ensures the effective administration of and compliance with the Cecil County Code and other applicable laws, regulations and standards.

Mission Statement:

Promote environmental stewardship of natural resources within the county during the development process to ensure the protection of those resources from the effects of sedimentation and stormwater pollution. The department is committed to working towards maintaining and improving water quality of the water resources in the county while also preserving the quality of life of all residents by:

• Holding public and private institutions accountable for meeting standards and specifications to which they have agreed upon to pursue development activities.
• Working with the development community prior to, during and following construction activities to set achievable expectations and objectives.
• Working cooperatively with other local, state and federal agencies with similar missions.
• Providing educational opportunities and outreach programs and activities.
• Providing enforcement of the local erosion and sediment control and stormwater management ordinances.

News and Events:

• The First Annual Wade In was a huge success!

• MDE has proposed new standards and specifications to be implemented in May 2010. The "Draft Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control" are available on by clicking here.

• In compliance with provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et. seq.), and the Code of Maryland Regulations, (COMAR) 26.17.02,  MDE requires designated small MS4s to obtain coverage under NPDES General Permit No. MDR055500. Coverage under the General Permit is intended to reduce the discharge of pollutants from small MS4s which, in turn, degrade receiving water quality. Cecil County has recently updated the Stormwater Management Program. Please review the Stormwater Management Program Final Document (.pdf).

• "One large tree can eliminate 5,000 gallons of stormwater runoff each year..." The State of Maryland has a program available to provide a $25 coupon for the purchase of a tree from an approved list of vendors. Currently two retailers in Cecil County (Coventry Landscaping on Appleton Rd., and Priapi Gardens in Cecilton) are participating in the program. Once you plant your tree, you even can plot it onto your property using their website, and you will receive a recognition letter from the Governor! Click HERE for more information.

• The Watershed Assistance Collaborative (WAC), which is being coordinated by DNR, will provide training, funding opportunities and technical support to watershed groups for watershed planning and implementation assistance. Anyone who is part of a watershed group or is interested in forming one could benefit from this program. If you have questions about the program, please visit the Watershed Assistance Collaborative website, or contact Carrie Decker at 410-260-8723 or email her at cdecker@dnr.state.md.us. Please view the WAC Letter of Support and the WAC Information Flyer. 

• The Sediment and Stormwater Branch has received the Erosion and Sediment Control Program Evaluation from the Maryland Department of the Environment Water Management Administration. MDE has granted continued delegation of erosion and sediment control enforcement authority under the same terms and conditions as the past 15 years. MDE states, Cecil County  Sediment and Stormwater Branch has "a high level of performance" and "is successfully operating."