Grading season begins in Lake Tahoe, but only if soil is ready

The annual grading season of May 1 to October 15 begins today in the Lake Tahoe Basin and those who will be disturbing soil need to remember some rules after this wet winter.

No grading can take place during times of precipitation, and if the project site is still covered in snow, saturated or muddy, all grading and soil disturbing activities must be suspended.

"Because of high precipitation this winter, snowy and wet conditions in some locations around Lake Tahoe may not allow grading projects to begin May 1," said Tom Lotshaw of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) in a press release. "In areas still covered by snow, saturated, or muddy, grading must wait until the snow melts and the ground dries out. If you are digging and encounter groundwater, stop and call your project inspector."

A grading permit is needed if a project disturbs more than seven cubic yards of soil. That form is available here: www.trpa.org/wp-content/uploads/Grading_Project_Application.pdf.

Even though exempt from a permit, the TRPA must be notified if a project disturbs between three and seven cubic yards of soil. That form is available here: www.trpa.org/wp-content/uploads/Exempt-Qualified_Exempt_Activity_Application_2-26-16.pdf

These restrictions are in place to prevent loose soil and mud from washing into Lake Tahoe and reducing its water quality, soil compaction, and other environmental impacts.