Erosion Control Surveys Cedartown GA

What is an Erosion Control Survey?

An erosion control survey documents existing site conditions, drainage patterns, and soil disturbance areas to support the design and installation of sediment and erosion control measures required by law. Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) requires an erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control plan for most land-disturbing activities exceeding one acre, and many local jurisdictions have even stricter thresholds.

The survey provides the base data that your civil engineer needs to design an effective erosion control plan. This includes detailed topographic mapping of the site showing elevation contours, drainage flow paths, streams, wetlands, existing vegetation, and soil conditions. Without accurate survey data, the erosion control plan cannot properly identify where silt fences, sediment basins, check dams, and other best management practices (BMPs) should be placed.

At S&S Land Surveying, we work closely with engineers and developers to provide erosion control survey data that meets Georgia EPD requirements and local county standards. Our surveys capture all the information needed for a complete erosion and sediment control plan, including disturbed area calculations, stream and wetland buffer identification, drainage watershed delineation, and existing ground cover documentation.

We serve developers, builders, and landowners across all of Georgia who are planning to clear, grade, or develop land. Whether you are building a single home on a large lot or developing a multi-parcel subdivision, we provide the survey foundation that keeps your project compliant and avoids costly EPD fines and stop-work orders. Our topographic survey services complement erosion control surveys and are often combined to save time and cost.

Who Needs an Erosion Control Survey?

Developers planning to clear or grade one acre or more of land
Builders constructing subdivisions or multi-lot developments
Commercial projects requiring Georgia EPD land disturbance permits
Landowners with property near streams or wetland buffers
Civil engineers needing base data for erosion and sediment control plans
Road and infrastructure projects with significant land disturbance

Our Erosion Control Survey Process

Coordinate with your engineer. We discuss scope and requirements with your civil engineer to ensure the survey captures exactly what is needed for the erosion control plan design.
Topographic data collection. We survey the site to capture elevation contours, existing drainage patterns, slopes, and ground cover conditions using GPS and total station equipment.
Identify sensitive features. We locate and map streams, wetlands, buffer zones, and other environmentally sensitive features that require protection during land disturbance.
Calculate disturbed areas. We determine the total area that will be disturbed by the project and document existing conditions for comparison during and after construction.
Deliver survey data. You and your engineer receive the complete survey in CAD and PDF formats, ready to use as the base map for designing silt fences, BMPs, and the full erosion control plan.

Why Choose S&S Land Surveying

EPD Compliance

Our surveys meet Georgia EPD and local county erosion control requirements.

Engineer-Ready Data

CAD deliverables formatted for immediate use in erosion control plan design.

40+ years Experience

Deep knowledge of NW Georgia terrain, soils, and drainage patterns.

Avoid Costly Fines

Proper survey data prevents EPD violations and project delays.

Erosion Control FAQ

When is an erosion control plan required in Georgia?

Georgia EPD requires an erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control plan for most land-disturbing activities affecting one acre or more. Many local jurisdictions have stricter thresholds. An erosion control survey provides the base data needed to create this plan.

How much does an erosion control survey cost in Georgia?

Erosion control survey costs depend on site size, terrain complexity, and detail level required. Typical costs range from $800 to $2,500 for most development sites. Contact S&S Land Surveying for a free estimate tailored to your project.

What is included in an erosion control survey?

An erosion control survey includes existing topographic and drainage mapping, stream and wetland buffer identification, disturbed area calculations, vegetation documentation, and all the base data your engineer needs to design a complete erosion and sediment control plan.

What happens if I disturb land without an erosion control plan?

Land disturbance without proper permits and plans can result in significant Georgia EPD fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per day, stop-work orders, and required remediation at your expense. It is always more cost-effective to plan ahead.

Do I need both a topographic survey and an erosion control survey?

An erosion control survey includes topographic data focused on erosion plan needs. If your project also needs a full topo for site design, we can combine both into a single field visit, saving you time and money.

Related Services

Erosion control surveys are often part of a larger development project:

Topographic Surveys Site Plans Land Planning Boundary Surveys Parcel Splits Building Staking

Erosion Control Surveys in Georgia