Streams, Wetlands and Waterways

 

Any work in or near “Waters of the Commonwealth” (stream, lake or wetland) is regulated by the State of Pennsylvania under Chapter 105 of DEP’s Rules and Regulations. DEP’s North Central Regional office in Williamsport (Ph 570-327-0529) is responsible for administration of these regulations in Columbia County.  The Conservation District, through a cooperative agreement with DEP, acts as a local contact for the public for stream related questions and concerns.  The District’s first goal is to help the public through the permitting process and help them accomplish their goals without causing unnecessary negative impacts on the stream. 

 

The Conservation District also assists DEP by investigating complaints about unauthorized stream work.  Our goal is to assist the landowner in bringing the site into compliance.  Often this can be accomplished without major disruptions to the plans or unnecessary delays.   When necessary, we refer the problem to the DEP Regional Office for further action.

In addition to the State’s permitting requirement, there is also a Federal permit, administered by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), which is often required before working in streams and wetlands.   To simplify the process for the applicant, one application submission is used for both permits.   In many cases, the approval letter authorizing the project will include both the State and Federal approvals.   In a case where that is not possible, the need for the second approval will be clearly stated in the approval letter with a warning that the project cannot be started before the second approval is obtained.