October is Riparian Buffer Month!

A riparian buffer is a vegetated area of land that borders a body of water like a stream, river or lake. Trees, shrubs and grasses in the buffer all slow the flow of water and help water soak into the ground. They also provide numerous other benefits to people and wildlife alike.

Find out more about buffers on our Riparian Buffers page.

For updates during Riparian Buffer Month, follow us on Facebook

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 The Watershed Protection Department includes the following major programs:

Erosion Control                                 

Stormwater

Riparian Buffers

Flood Damage Prevention

Click here for the updated 2021 Fee Schedule

Have Stormwater Drainage Issues? Stormwater Drainage Issues Information Sheet

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control: delegated authority by NCDEQ to permit and inspect all land-disturbing activity in the County except for bona fide agriculture and silviculture. 

Stormwater Program: responsible for administration and enforcement of the Chatham County Stormwater Ordinance. Services include plan reviews and permit issuance for development applications and Illicit Discharge Reporting.

Riparian Buffers: services include making or approving surface water classifications, review and approval of riparian buffer maps, interpreting the Watershed Protection Ordinance for uses, variances and appeals.

(Photo by Peter Theye)

Floodplain: services generally include technical assistance to staff and citizen’s concerning all matters pertaining to the Special Flood Hazard Areas in Chatham County and the Flood Damage Protection Ordinance.

For questions regarding land clearing for timber operations, NC Forest Service.

To report a roadway or culvert drainage issue, NC Department of Transportation.

 Contact Department Staff