Stream alteration permits Construction activities that affect wetlands and surface waters often need permits. This brochure acquaints you with what projects need permits and who issues them. The Clean Water Act and its amendments establish certain conditions under which permits are required. Examples are placing fill material in, or excavating from, surface waters, including lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands. Work in, on, over, and under a navigable water also requires a 404 Permit.
Examples are bridge construction, channel straightening, and wetland draining.
Conditions are attached that require action to minimize impact on water quality. These conditions become part of the COE permit and are enforceable. Potential for the project to violate water quality standards or create a pollution problem. Practices to be implemented to assure water quality standards are not violated or undesirable water quality conditions are not created. Possible consequences if practices are not implemented and violations occur.