Three criteria must be present in order to classify an area as wetland. The permit must be posted on the site before any work begins. Roadside ditches constructed to collect sheet runoff may be maintained without a permit from the Department if no hydric soils, nor a predominance of wetland vegetation, is present. However, maintenance of ditches that divert a naturally flowing intermittent or perennial stream, or which are located in a wetland, requires a permit. Streamlined Permitting for Public Road Projects Town roads are considered as a single property.
Permits are valid for five years.
By planning ahead, road agents may receive a permit for all anticipated minimum impact road maintenance projects by filing one application. Once approved, permits may be amended to reflect proposed changes in plans by submitting a written request to the Department. Applying for Wetlands Permit Application forms should be available from the town clerk. This rule does not apply to those applying for permits for public highway construction or repairs. In addition to describing the work proposed in the application, the applicant must explain the need for the work and how the proposed plan represents efforts to avoid and minimize impacts to surface waters and wetlands.