Do gravel pits need to be registered with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)?
Well, it depends. Current regulations require “borrow” pits with 5 acres or more of active area to be registered (with a few exceptions). Smaller excavations for sand, gravel, or fill, or inactive pits generally do not need to be officially registered with the State. But excavations less than 5 acres in size for clay, topsoil or silt must be operated in accordance with certain standards to ensure environmental protection. For a general description of the registration system for gravel pits and similar surface excavations, see the Issue Profile at the DEP web site. For more complete information, see the links on the DEP’s Mining Page. Keep in mind that DEP regulations do not apply in unorganized townships under LURC jurisdiction, and that local ordinances may have additional, more stringent requirements.
