Contact

Drain Commissioner
219 E. Paw Paw Street Suite 301 Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: (269) 657-8241

Department Documents

Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Permitting

The Van Buren County Drain Commissioner’s Office is the designated agency for the “Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act” (SESC), Part 91, Public Act 451, 1994. Our program is supervised by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The main goal is to prevent sediment from reaching state waters and off-site areas.

Soil erosion, caused by wind and water, is a significant concern in Van Buren County. Approximately 74,100 acres of cropland are eroding faster than they can sustain productivity. These areas lose about 15,819,400 bushels of soil each year. Wind erosion is especially severe in the southwest part of the county.

Stream restoration project with erosion control matting, bare soil preparation areas, and wooden reinforcement structures along a forested waterway.

The Soil Erosion County Enforcement Agent (CEA) manages and enforces the Act’s provisions. The CEA oversees activities disturbing one or more acres or within 500 feet of state waters. We process over 150 permit applications annually. Most applications are for private residences and outbuildings, followed by developments and agricultural projects.

Exemptions under other state laws, like MDEQ permits, do not apply to Part 91 unless specified. Other agencies, tax-exempt properties, and agricultural projects may need a SESC permit. Exemptions for agriculture include only plowing and tilling.

Contact Information: 

Heath Jorriy

jorriyh@vanburencountymi.gov

Soil Erosion and Drain Maintenance Supervisor

Phone: 269-657-8241

Joshua Griffith

Chief Deputy Drain Commissioner

griffithj@vanburencountymi.gov.

Phone: 269-657-8241

Do I need an SESC Permit for my project?

You will need to obtain an SESC Permit if you are disturbing more than 225 sq ft of earth within 500′ of waters of the state; this would include lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and county drains. Please see link below for MI Wetlands Map Viewer*

Wetlands Map Viewer

*The wetlands maps are only for reference. You will need a Wetland Delineation if you will be working close to or in a wetland. Contact Michigan EGLE for more information. 

Wetland Permits

You will need to obtain a SESC Permit if the total earth change for your project will exceed 1 acre. 

You may also need an SESC Permit earth change of any size in a designated Michigan Critical Dunes Area. Please see link below if you are unsure if your project is in Critical Dunes.

Atlas of Critical Dunes with Plant Community IDs

If you are unsure if your project qualifies, please feel free to call us to make a determination. 

Steps to Obtain a SESC Permit

  1. Complete the VBC SESC Application and include the site plan.
  2. Email or drop off the application at our office: 219 E. Paw Paw St., Suite 301, Paw Paw, MI 49079.
  3. Pay the application fee to the Drain Office by cash or check made payable to Van Buren County.
  4. Receive your permit via email within 10 business days.

How to Renew Your SESC Permit

  1. Fill out the Extension/Transfer application. Be sure to include any updated SESC plans if applicable.
  2. Email or drop off the app and plans at our office: 219 E. Paw Paw St., Suite 301, Paw Paw, MI 49079.
  3. Pay the application fee to the Drain Office by cash or check made payable to Van Buren County.
  4. Receive your permit extension via email within 10 business days.

Document Library

SESC Documents and References

Name
13 documents · 1 folders
PDF

Helpful Links

Soil Erosion and Construction Storm Water – MDEQ

Web Soil Survey

Atlas of Critical Dunes with Plant Community IDs

Wetlands Map Viewer

Wetland Permits