Facts

• Land clearing is the process of removing trees, brush, and other vegetation from a piece of land.
• Excavating is the process of digging into the earth to remove soil, rock, or other materials.
• Land clearing and excavating activities can have a significant impact on the environment, including soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
• It is important to comply with all applicable land clearing and excavating regulations to help protect the environment and avoid fines.

Regulations

Federal

• The Clean Water Act regulates land clearing activities that have the potential to discharge pollutants into navigable waters.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates excavating activities to protect the safety of workers.

State

• The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) regulates land clearing and excavating activities that have the potential to disturb more than one acre of land.
• Landowners who are planning to clear or excavate more than one acre of land must obtain a permit from TDEC.

Local

• Many local governments also have their own land clearing and excavating regulations.
• It is important to contact your local zoning office to determine if there are any specific land clearing or excavating regulations that apply to your property.

Compliance Tips

• Contact your local zoning office to determine if there are any specific land clearing or excavating regulations that apply to your property.
• Obtain the necessary permits from TDEC and your local government before you begin clearing or excavating.
• Mark the boundaries of your project area before you begin clearing or excavating.
• Take steps to control erosion and runoff during and after your project.
• Dispose of all cleared vegetation and excavated materials in a proper manner.
• Restore the project area to its original condition as much as possible after your project is complete.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your land clearing and excavating project is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.