One acre is not a safe shortcut
Alabama's construction permit framework includes one acre, a larger common plan and other water-quality circumstances; normal silviculture is a separate classification question.
Officially sourcedCheck ADEM when disturbance reaches one acre, is part of a larger common plan, or may create a water-quality concern; do not assume mulching is normal silviculture.
Questions
- Will clearing, grading or excavation disturb one acre or more?
- Is this work part of a larger common plan whose total disturbance reaches the threshold?
- Could the work create a water-quality concern even below one acre?
- Is the actual purpose normal silviculture, or is it homesite, road, utility, commercial or residential development?
- What stabilization will follow exposed-soil work?
Routing
If any answer is yes or uncertain, check the current ADEM coverage decision and local requirements before scheduling.
Forestry-mulching equipment does not itself make a project exempt silviculture.
Official sources and scope notes
- Construction General Permit — Alabama Department of Environmental Management