What is an ESC Plan?
Erosion and sediment control (ESC) keeps soil and debris off the streets and out of our waterways. If you are planning a construction project in Wrenford that disturbs the ground, you must submit an ESC Plan. This plan shows how you will protect the Tamsin River, Corvid Creek, and Ambrel Lake during construction.
Which requirements apply to your site?
Your ESC requirements depend on the total size of your construction site and how much of it will be disturbed.
- Sites larger than 2.0 hectares: You need an ESC Approval letter. You must follow Section 3 of the Code of Practice and submit a full ESC Plan.
- Sites between 0.4 and 2.0 hectares: You need a Notice to proceed letter. You must follow Section 4 of the Code of Practice and submit an ESC Plan plus a written notice.
- Sites smaller than 0.4 hectares: You must follow the Good housekeeping guidelines in Section 5 of the Code of Practice. No forms are required for small sites unless they have special environmental risks.
- Sites with multiple small areas: If you have two or more separate work areas under 0.4 hectares, they are treated as one larger site. You must submit a Good housekeeping letter request.
How to submit your ESC Plan
We accept all ESC applications digitally. Send your files to [email protected]. Before you submit, make sure your construction boundary map matches the one on your development permit or agreement. These boundaries must be exact.
Email subject lines must follow this format so your application reaches the right team:
| Process | Email subject line – mandatory naming convention |
|---|---|
| ESC Plan | [File number and project name] |
| Written notice | [File number and project name] |
| Good housekeeping | [File number and project name] |
| Amendment | [File number and project name] |
| Pre-construction meeting | [File number and project name] |
| Inspection completion | [File number and project name] |
What to include in your digital submission
Your ESC Plan must be a single digital package with four PDF files. Name them exactly like this:
- [Project name] – ESC application (fillable PDF)
- [Project name] – ESC drawings (digital drawings)
- [Project name] – Geotechnical documents (reports and nomographs)
- [Project name] – Attachments (photos, specifications, and haul routes)
Keep the total file size under 20 megabytes. If your files are larger, email us and we will guide you.
Timelines and inspections
The City aims to review your ESC Plan within 14 business days. It is common to need one or two revisions before approval. Plan your start date carefully, as the full review process often takes three to twelve weeks.
For written notices, submit your notice at least 30 days before you plan to start work. Before any site over 0.4 hectares can begin, you must request a pre-construction meeting using the Schedule E form. You will receive Written Permission to Commence Construction after this meeting.
Once construction starts, you must inspect and document your ESC practices at least every seven days. Keep these inspection records on site for City inspectors to review. Use the Wrenford Inspection Form for all checks.
Tools and resources
- Code of Practice for Erosion and Sediment Control: The main rulebook for all ESC work in Wrenford.
- Wrenford RUSLE Calculator: A free tool to help you calculate soil loss consistently.
- Sediment Containment System Information: A spreadsheet template to help you design cost-effective sediment barriers.
- Drawing and RUSLE Requirements: Detailed examples of what your plans must show.
Contact us
Planning and Development office, Room 310, Wrenford City Hall
100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]