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Agricultural conservation planning assistance involves development of conservation management plans for farmers and landowners using best management practices (BMPs) for soil erosion and sediment control, animal waste nutrient management, water quality improvement, non-point source pollution control and other natural resource management concerns. Technical assistance and cost-sharing grants are available to help eligible landowners implement BMPs. Contact your local conservation district for further information.
 
 
Chapter 251
The Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act  of 1975 as amended, (N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et. seq.,) requires that virtually all non-agricultural land disturbance activities disturbing more than 5,000 square feet of surface area be performed in accordance with a plan for soil erosion and sediment control which meets SSCC standards as certified by the SCD.

In addition, stormwater discharge permits are issued through the SCDs for most construction and mining activities involving five or more acres of land under the New Jersey Pollution Discharge Elimination System.

The Stormwater Pollution Prevention plan must be certified by the local SCD as meeting Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control promulgated by the SSCC. Discharge forms can be obtained through the local soil conservation districts.

As part of the plan review process, districts collect and review pre- and post-development hydrologic site data (including electronic data files for computer models) and map drainage areas of construction sites for the development of watershed-based hydrologic models. As districts develop and maintain these models, they will be used to help refine future stormwater management development plans.

The SSCC works with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to streamline programs relating to land development, promote regulatory reform and expedite regulatory program permits and approvals for land development projects.
 
Soil Surveys
County-based soil surveys are prepared for virtually all open lands in the state to identify soil characteristics, capabilities and limitations for planning and managing farms and woodlands, selecting sites for roads, ponds, buildings, industry, wildlife habitat, recreational activity and most other land uses.

The surveys are a joint effort of the USDA, SSCC, SCDs, and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Copies are available through your local district or online at www.nj.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/soils. The soil survey is the foundation upon which most other natural resource conservation programs are based.