Key hydrologic features
 26. (1) The following are key hydrologic features: 1.  Permanent and intermittent streams. 2.  Wetlands. 3.  Kettle lakes. 4.  Seepage areas and springs.  O. Reg. 140/02, s. 26 (1); O. Reg. 141/17, s. 18 (1). (2) All development and site alteration with respect to land within a key hydrologic feature or the related minimum vegetation protection zone is prohibited, except the following: 1.  Forest, fish and wildlife management. 2.  Conservation and flood or erosion control projects, but only if they are determined to be necessary in the public interest after all alternatives have been considered. 3.  Development of infrastructure in accordance with the requirements set out in section 41. 4.  Low-intensity recreational uses as described in section 37. 5.  Agricultural uses other than uses associated with on-farm buildings and structures, but only with respect to land in the minimum vegetation protection zone related to a key hydrologic feature and not in the key hydrologic feature itself. O. Reg. 140/02, s. 26 (2); O. Reg. 141/17, s. 18 (2-4). (3) An application for development or site alteration with respect to land within the minimum area of influence that relates to a key hydrologic feature, but outside the key hydrologic feature itself and the related minimum vegetation protection zone, shall be accompanied by a hydrological evaluation under subsection (4).  O. Reg. 140/02, s. 26 (3); O. Reg. 141/17, s. 18 (5). (4) A hydrological evaluation shall, (a)  demonstrate that the development or site alteration will have no adverse effects on the key hydrologic feature or on the related hydrological functions; (b)  identify planning, design and construction practices that will maintain and, where possible, improve or restore the health, diversity and size of the key hydrologic feature and its connectivity with other key hydrologic features and with key natural heritage features; (c)  determine whether the minimum vegetation protection zone whose dimensions are specified in the Table to this Part is sufficient, and if it is not sufficient, specify the dimensions of the required minimum vegetation protection zone and provide for the maintenance and, where possible, improvement or restoration of natural self-sustaining vegetation within it; and (d)  in the case of an application relating to land in a Natural Core Area, Natural Linkage Area or Countryside Area, demonstrate how connectivity within and between key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features will be maintained and, where possible, improved or restored before, during and after construction. O. Reg. 140/02, s. 26 (4); O. Reg. 141/17, s. 18 (6-8). (4.1) Despite subsection (3), a hydrological evaluation is not required in the case of an application relating to the construction of a new building or structure in the minimum area of influence of a key hydrologic feature if the proposed building or structure is for agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses or on-farm diversified uses and is located a minimum of 30 metres from the key hydrologic feature. O. Reg. 141/17, s. 18 (9). (4.2) Any agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses or on-farm diversified uses that are carried out in the minimum area of influence that relates to a key hydrologic feature shall be carried out in accordance with best management practices to protect or restore key hydrologic features and related ecological functions. O. Reg. 141/17, s. 18 (9). (5) In the case of items 11 and 12 of the Table to this Part, the basis on which the determination and specification mentioned in clause (4) (c) is done shall include, without limitation, an analysis of land use, soil type and slope class, using criteria established by the Government of Ontario, as amended from time to time.  O. Reg. 140/02, s. 26 (5).