Stream and Wetland Regulatory Program

The Water Obstructions and Encroachments Section of the Division of Wetlands, Encroachments and Training develops and coordinates regulation, policy, program guidance and procedure for the regional implementation of the Chapter 105 Waterways and Wetlands program, including coordination with Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404 requirements. This program also administers the submerged lands licensing program as well as the commercial sand and gravel royalty agreements.

Fact Sheets and Publications

Guidelines and Guidance

Availability of Revised Environmental Assessment Form and Instructions for Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit Applications

Effective March 1, 2022, the Department of Environmental Protection (Department) requires the use of the revised Joint Permit Application and Environmental Assessment Forms for Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit Applications.  This information is intended to clarify use of the PA Function-Based Aquatic Resource Compensation Protocol (310-2137-001) for completing the information requirements for a Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit application, including Small Project Applications Environmental Assessment Form (3150-PM-BWEW0017) in accordance with 25 Pa. Code Chapter 105 (Dam Safety and Waterway Management) for all projects. The revised Environmental Assessment Form and Instructions can be accessed through the Department's eLibrary web site at www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us by selecting “Permit and Authorization Packages,” then “Waterways Engineering and Wetlands,” then “Water Obstruction and Encroachment and Wetlands,” and “Environmental Assessment Form”, or using the direct link.

• Best Management Practices (BMP) Constructed Wetland, 363-0300-002
• Constructed Wetlands for Mine Drainage Treatment, 563-2112-608
• Design Criteria - Wetlands Replacement Monitoring, 363-0300-001
• PA Function-Based Aquatic Resource Compensation Protocol, 310-2137-001
• Pennsylvania Wetland Condition Level 2 Rapid Assessment, 310-2137-002
• Pennsylvania Riverine Condition Level 2 Rapid Assessment, 310-2137-003
• Pennsylvania Lacustrine Condition Level 2 Rapid Assessment, 310-2137-004

Statutes and Regulations

• Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, Act 325 of 1978
• Floodplain Management Act, Act 166 of 1978
• Chapter 105 Dam Safety and Waterways Management
• Chapter 106 Floodplain Management
• Clean Streams Law, Act of 1937 P.L. 1987, No. 394

Resources

• Standards for Channel Cleaning at Bridges and Culverts
• PA Palustrine Community Classification Key
• PA Hydrogeomorphic Wetland Classification Key
• Webinars

Federal Permitting and Associated State Water Quality Certifications (SWQC) Issued Under Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act

• PASPGP-6 Permit
• PASPGP-6 General Conditions
• U.S. Army Corps Point of Contact List for Pennsylvania