Permitting
Permit Requirements
Work in and along a stream, wetland or other body of water is regulated by DEP according to the regulations commonly referred to as Chapter 105. DEP divides projects into three categories to determine the type of review is required.
The first level covers minor activities in or near the water that have no impact on the stream. Permitting requirements for this type of project are waived in the regulations. For a listing of the available waivers, see the Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter 105.12. It should be noted that a federal permit issued by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) may be required even if the State permit is waived. For more information on these activities the applicant should contact the Conservation District (570-317-9469) or the DEP regional office (570-327-0529).
The second category covers projects that would have some impact on the aquatic resource. Because many projects planned for near or in a waterbody are similar and have minimal impact on the environment when properly done, DEP has developed a series of preapproved permits (general permits) for these routine minor activities. They outline specific requirements and conditions that if followed will minimize the impact to the environment. To use these permits, the applicant must pre-register the use of the permit and receive a written acknowledgement back that the project is qualified for use of the general permit. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure to read the conditions and restrictions associated with the specific general permit to make sure that it can be used for your specific project. Normally these applications can be processed and acknowledged within ten days or sooner by the Conservation District provided all the required information is submitted.
Press here to obtain the latest version of the general permits from DEP’s website.
The third category of permitting includes activities that have the potential to have significant impact on the environment or may be a threat to public safety. These require an individual site specific review by a DEP engineer and/or biologist as well as a review by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). To make submissions easier, the regulatory agencies involved have agreed to a combined review process known as a “Joint Permit”. Projects requiring this type of permit often require detailed engineering plans prepared by someone trained and experienced in this type of work. Because of the complexity involved, these types of plans can take several months or longer to get through the review process. For more information and application forms for these types of projects, contact the Conservation District (570-784-1310 ext 102) or the DEP regional office (570-327-0529) or use the link below.
Click here to access the joint permit Application on DEP’s website.
Work in and along a stream, wetland or other body of water is regulated by DEP according to the regulations commonly referred to as Chapter 105. DEP divides projects into three categories to determine the type of review is required.
The first level covers minor activities in or near the water that have no impact on the stream. Permitting requirements for this type of project are waived in the regulations. For a listing of the available waivers, see the Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter 105.12. It should be noted that a federal permit issued by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) may be required even if the State permit is waived. For more information on these activities the applicant should contact the Conservation District (570-317-9469) or the DEP regional office (570-327-0529).
The second category covers projects that would have some impact on the aquatic resource. Because many projects planned for near or in a waterbody are similar and have minimal impact on the environment when properly done, DEP has developed a series of preapproved permits (general permits) for these routine minor activities. They outline specific requirements and conditions that if followed will minimize the impact to the environment. To use these permits, the applicant must pre-register the use of the permit and receive a written acknowledgement back that the project is qualified for use of the general permit. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure to read the conditions and restrictions associated with the specific general permit to make sure that it can be used for your specific project. Normally these applications can be processed and acknowledged within ten days or sooner by the Conservation District provided all the required information is submitted.
Press here to obtain the latest version of the general permits from DEP’s website.
The third category of permitting includes activities that have the potential to have significant impact on the environment or may be a threat to public safety. These require an individual site specific review by a DEP engineer and/or biologist as well as a review by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). To make submissions easier, the regulatory agencies involved have agreed to a combined review process known as a “Joint Permit”. Projects requiring this type of permit often require detailed engineering plans prepared by someone trained and experienced in this type of work. Because of the complexity involved, these types of plans can take several months or longer to get through the review process. For more information and application forms for these types of projects, contact the Conservation District (570-784-1310 ext 102) or the DEP regional office (570-327-0529) or use the link below.
Click here to access the joint permit Application on DEP’s website.