Best Management Practices
Regulations
Enforcement

Knox County Engineering & Public Works
865.215.5800

Best Management Practices dfsasdfasd

Sediment is the number one pollutant by volume in our waterways. An uncovered lot can release 30 tons per acre of  soil during a large rain event. Erosion control best management practices  (BMP's) are temporary measures implemented during construction to reduce  the impact caused by ground-disturbing activities. BMP's must be planned  to remain functional until final ground cover is established. Inspect your erosion controls after every rain and at least once a week.

PLAN IN PHASES
Large projects should be conducted in phases.  Plan ahead to remove existing vegetation only when absolutely necessary.

GROUND COVER
Revegetation (permanent or temporary) is the best form of erosion control for any site. Plant temporary vegetation for erosion control. Non-vegetative cover (straw, matting, mulch, etc.) can be used when it is not a good time of year to start vegetation. Cover stockpiles and excavated soil with secured tarps or plastic sheeting. Tennessee Department of  Environment and Conservation regulation requires temporary vegetation be planted on sites that are idle for more than 30 days. Plant permanent vegetation as soon as possible.

CONSTRUCTION SITE ENTRACE
Construction site entrances need to be designed to prevent soil from leaving the site. A  gravel construction entrance built to specifications can significantly reduce the amount of soil leaving the site. Gravel entrances need to be a minimum of 100 feet in length and have a minimum depth of 6 inches.

SEDIMENT BARRIERS
Sediment barriers work as  leaky dams causing muddy water to pool behind them and allow the  soil to settle out of the water before it drains through the  barrier. A single row of silt fence is needed for every 100' of slope length for each disturbed area. Silt fence must be trenched in the ground a minimum of 8 inches to work properly. The fence posts should be at least 36 inches long and staked a minimum of 16 inches into the ground. They should be set on 5 foot centers. Silt fences  are only effective if placed along the contours of the landscape. Storm drains need to be protected by a sediment barrier until permanent ground cover is established. See Sketches.

Regulations

The Knox County Grading  permit procedure is established to reduce both erosion and sediment problems resulting from the development process and the increase of urban  runoff from developed land.  Article 6 of the Knox County Zoning Ordinance outlines the procedure for administrating and enforcing a Grading Permit.

An application for a Grading Permit shall be submitted to  the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works prior to the beginning of any grading, clearing, excavating, filling or other disturbance of natural terrain.

All grading activities in Knox County must follow these basic guidelines:

· Practice erosion control best management practices as  outlined in this pamphlet and/or directed by Knox County. The Knox  County Policy for Control of Erosion and Stormwater and the Tennessee Erosion Control Handbook are good guides to proper implementation of these techniques.

· Drainageways shall not be altered or obstructed in such a way as to create flooding or sediment problems outside the  project area.

· Fill material must be at least 90% soil. No  demolition material, household waste or other degradable material may be  used. Yard waste may not be transported from another site. If on-site  yard waste (brush, tree stumps, etc.) is to be used, it must comprise no  more than 10% of the fill material used.

· All plans and permits required by Knox County and  other agencies must be in place.

A Knox County Grading Permit does not imply compliance with any other regulations. For questions regarding wet weather springs, creeks, rivers, sinkholes, wetlands, or other considerations, please contact Knox County Engineering & Public Works or the agencies listed  under contact information in this brochure.

Enforcement

Any person, firm,  association, or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with or resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of Knox County zoning ordinances may be cited to General Sessions Court. Knox County Engineering and Public Works as well as Codes Administration  personnel may issue citations to General Sessions Court for erosion and  sediment control violations. A violation of the ordinance may be punished by assessment of a civil penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $1000 per citation.

Other Contacts
Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
865.215.2500

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
865.594.6035 Surface Water
615.532.9224 Groundwater

Natural Resource Conservation Service
865.523.3338 ext. 3