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Oceana County approves hire to strengthen soil erosion and sediment controls
Summary
The Board approved allowing the Drain Commission to hire a full-time Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) employee to meet Part 91 obligations and Authorized Public Agency duties under EGLE; the administrator was authorized to make budget adjustments.
The Oceana County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 27 approved a request allowing the Drain Commission to hire a full-time employee focused primarily on Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC), citing growing permit volumes and statutory obligations.
Drain Commissioner Michelle Martin (as discussed in committee materials) explained that Part 91 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act requires counties to manage soil erosion and sedimentation control to protect adjacent properties and state waters and that Oceana also serves as an Authorized Public Agency for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Martin told the committee the county’s SESC workload has increased and routine inspections and drain maintenance are being neglected.
The full board adopted Motion #2025-21, moved by Commissioner McCormick and supported by Commissioner Erickson; roll-call votes were unanimous. The motion allows the Drain Commission to hire a full-time SESC-focused employee and authorizes the county administrator to make the necessary budget and staffing adjustments.
Board members discussed making the job title broader so the new hire can perform additional duties beyond SESC inspection if needed. The administrator will return with implementation details, and staff indicated the position will support permit review, inspections, permit issuance, and compliance work tied to Part 91 and the county’s Authorized Public Agency responsibilities under EGLE.
The vote creates an administrative pathway to address the county’s SESC enforcement and inspection backlog; the board did not specify a start date or salary in the minutes. The administrator is expected to report back to the board with hiring details and budget adjustments.
