Bibb seeks tougher curbs on soil erosion

May 11, 2005
By Travis Fain
Telegraph Staff Writer

Bibb County commissioners advocated a much tougher erosion ordinance Tuesday than previously discussed, calling for almost immediate fines for builders who allow soil to wash off construction sites.

Last month, commissioners asked the county engineer to meet with developers before finalizing a proposed ordinance that would have installed a five-day deadline for builders to address erosion problems before losing their building permit.

But instead of changing the proposal to be more developer-friendly, engineer Ken Sheets came back to commissioners Tuesday asking for the same restrictions. Commissioners then told him to toughen it, giving builders 24 hours to address runoff problems before fines kick in - $500 for home construction and $1,000 for commercial construction.

They sped up the proposed timetable to pull construction permits, saying builders will have 48 hours, once warned by county officials, to solve runoff problems.

No final vote was taken and County Attorney Virgil Adams and Sheets planned to draft a new version of the ordinance that commissioners can review at their next ordinances and resolutions committee meeting, which is scheduled for May 24. The law is meant to keep dirt on construction sites and, if approved, would be tougher than state regulations, Sheets said.

"Until you get into (builder's) pocketbook ... we've got dirt just washing out into the street," said Commissioner Elmo Richardson who, along with Commissioner Joe Allen, was the most vocal Tuesday in supporting the new ordinance.

To contact Travis Fain, call 744-4213 or e-mail tfain@macontel.com.