The Morgan County Planning and Development Office is responsible for issuing land disturbance activity permits at the local level from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD). This is a privilege that can be revoked at the discretion of the GAEPD. In order to continue servicing the public as a local issuing authority, we are required to inspect and enforce all land disturbance activities over one (1) acre, or within 200 feet of state waters regardless of the disturbed acreage. All land disturbance activities will require a set of approved plans. All best management practices (BMPs) will be required to meet the requirements of the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC)'s Erosion Control Manual (Green Book). Violations of the Morgan County Erosion and Sediment Control Act can result in monetary penalties up to $2,500.00 per day per violation and/or up to 60 days in jail. Violations that require us to notify GAEPD can result in monetary penalties of up to $50,000.00 per day per violation.

The following rules must be observed when building a pond in Morgan County:

1. Pond plans should be designed by a licensed design professional. Plans must include, but not be limited to: dam width, dam length, dam height, total acres of the pond, as well as BMP's for each stage of construction.

2. Agricultural Ponds: the Madison Natural Resource Conservation Service Office (NRCS) (706-342-1315) will determine if the pond qualifies as an agricultural pond. Land disturbance permits are not required for these ponds. However, installation and maintenance of BMPs per GSWCC requirements are still mandatory. Random inspections of BMPs by local, state and federal officials will be made. Plans for ponds over 10 acres must be submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for review and approval.

3. Non-agricultural ponds: all non-agricultural pond plans must be submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the GAEPD for review and approval.

4. Pond plans are submitted to the Morgan County Planning and Development Office for review and approval. Morgan County will not review or approve a pond plan until previously approved by both the Army Corps of Engineers and the GAEPD.

5. Once approval has been obtained, construction may begin. BMPs must be installed and maintained per approved plans. All BMPs will be subject to inspection.

For questions, please contact Code Enforcement

 (706-342-5089).