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Control erosion, apply for earthmoving permits
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Posted on Aug 13 2008
The Division of Environmental Quality is reminding all residents, government departments and agencies, municipal governments, and private businesses of their earthmoving responsibilities during the “heavy rain and typhoon season.”
Entities planning to conduct earthmoving or vegetation clearing activities must apply for and obtain a “One-Start Earthmoving and Erosion Control Permit” at DEQ. The activities that require an Earthmoving and Erosion Control permit are:
* Land clearing to build your home or business, or for farming, using chainsaw, machetes, tractor, etc.;
* Use of heavy equipment (backhoe, pay-loader, bull-dozer, etc);
* Digging the foundation of your new or existing home or business;
* Clearing for new road access; and
* Backfilling your property.
The permit is required as per the Earthmoving and Erosion Control Regulations – CR Vol. 15, No. 10, Oct. 15, 1993 and the CNMI Environmental Protection Act, Public Law 3-23, 2 CMC §§ 3101 to 3134, and 1 CMC §§ 2601 to2605.
Heavy rains and typhoon seasons affecting the CNMI islands for the next several months could compound the consequences of land clearing. Engaging in earthmoving activities without a DEQ Earthmoving and Erosion Control permit is detrimental to the Commonwealth’s potable and coastal waters.
The One-Start Earthmoving & Erosion Control Permitting process is coordinated by the DEQ in partnership with Coastal Resources Management Office, Division of Fish & Wildlife, and Historic Preservation Office.
If in doubt regarding property clearing or related activities, call the Wastewater, Earthmoving and Erosion Control Branch at 664-8500 for more detail information or you can call for appointment. Permit application forms are available at the DEQ Office, 1st Floor, Gualo Rai Center, Chalan Pale Arnold, from Monday to Friday, except holidays from 8am to 4pm only. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]
