2010 News Archive 

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State allows City to do erosion control independently

Johns Creek now can approve erosion-control plans without state oversight, a move that potentially could shave off weeks of delay in getting projects approved.

After on-site inspections and reviewing the City's past performance, the State Soil and Water Conservation District covering Fulton County is allowing Johns Creek staff to review erosion-control plans on its own. Of 881 cities and counties in Georgia, the state has granted that approval to only 51.

"We have no more training wheels," said Seth Yurman, Johns Creek land development manager. "We're not reliant on the state. We can approve plans more quickly, which helps everybody. It helps the development community, engineering community, the business community and us."

The Johns Creek City Council on Oct. 25 approved an agreement with the state in which the City promises to ensure that developments in Johns Creek comply with state erosion standards, and to submit regular reports.

Earlier this year, the state examined operations of the City's Land Development Division, which manages the erosion-control program. The district officials came away impressed. On a 500-point scale, Johns Creek scored an impressive 488.

"Following the assessment, it was concluded that the City's Erosion and Sediment Control Program is Exceptional," wrote District Chairman Alan Toney in a report. To receive an exceptional ranking, the City crew had to score at least a 426 in six categories graded by Fulton County and the state Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. There were five possible grades, the worst of which is Complete Failure.

The district also considered that the City's Land Development Division has consistently submitted reviews that met or exceeded state standards since Johns Creek was founded Dec. 1, 2006. Since its inception, the City has submitted reviews of 40 qualified developments to the state.

The Land Development Division reviews plans; inspects construction sites to ensure sediment doesn't wash away in a storm; and ensures construction doesn't occur too close to streams. The division is empowered to halt construction if developers violate any of those conditions.