Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding residents, property owners, and project managers that the grading and digging season for permitted projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin begins May 1.
Grading and digging work are confined to drier months to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity from sources of erosion and sediment, according to TRPA. Working in dry conditions prevents soil compaction and stops loose soil and mud from washing away from project sites or into roadways, storm drains, waterways, and the lake.
Widespread erosion and sediment-laden runoff can flow into Lake Tahoe during storm events and when saturated soil is disturbed.
During the grading season, May 1 through October 15, soil work can proceed in dry conditions, but is prohibited when a project area is covered with snow, when ground is saturated, muddy, or unstable, and during periods of precipitation. Although all grading is prohibited in wet conditions, not all digging requires a permit. More information is available at trpa.gov/applications-forms under Grading.
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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer, at (775) 589-5278 or [email protected].