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Water Quality

Permits

Activities in, near, or that affect lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands may require one or more permits from local, state, and/or federal agencies. The Water Quality Division of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation administers several permit programs in conjunction with other permitting agencies. The type of permit required depends upon the specific project to be completed.

State and federal guidelines and/or permit regulations may also apply to pond management practices and construction of new ponds and dams.  Any landowners contemplating construction of a new pond should consult these resources.  The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has created a fact sheet and guidelines on pond and dam construction in Vermont.

The following information is available below:

General Permit Information

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Permits - It is always best to start any project by contacting a state permit specialist from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/permits.htm - Open in New Window

Vermont Water Quality Permits - Information is included at this site regarding dams, water withdrawals, aquatic nuisance control, draw downs, and other topics.

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/permits.htm - Open in New Window

Wetland Conditional Use Determination - When working in wetlands or their buffer zones a Wetland Conditional Use Determination from the Water Quality Division may be required.

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/permits/htm/pm_cud.htm - Open in New Window

Act 250 - Any project that comes under Vermont’s Act 250 jurisdiction will be required to address water quality and wetland issues during review.

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/permits/htm/pm_250.htm - Open in New Window

Stream Alteration - Construction or gravel extraction in a river or stream or on its banks requires a Stream Alteration Permit from the state.

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/permits/htm/pm_streamalt.htm - Open in New Window

Shoreland Encroachment Permit - Projects in or along lakes or ponds that impinge beyond the normal summer water level requires a state Shoreline Encroachment Permit.

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/permits/htm/pm_encroachment.htm - Open in New Window

US Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material, and mechanized land clearing in waters of the United States, including wetlands. The Corps of Engineers coordinates with the Agency of Natural Resources, but the two programs have different rules, regulations, and procedures.

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/permits/htm/pm_coe.htm - Open in New Window

Section 401, Water Quality Certification - Under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, states have the authority to review and approve, condition, waive, or deny water quality certification for all Federal permits or licenses that might result in a discharge to waters of the United States, including wetlands.

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/permits/htm/pm_401.htm - Open in New Window

Connecticut River Joint Commissions – The CRJC published an informative page called “Get the Right Permits for Projects Near Rivers and Streams” for landowners. Permit contact information is included for both New Hampshire and Vermont.

http://www.crjc.org/pdffiles/permits.pdf - Open in New Window

Pond Construction & Management

Vermont Pond Construction Guidelines

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/lakes/docs/lp_pond-construction.pdf - Download File

Pond and Dam Construction Fact Sheet

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/lakes/docs/lp_pond-factsheet.pdf - Download File

DEC Website on Ponds

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/lakes/htm/lp_pondinfo.htm - Open in New Window

Stormwater

See Stormwater page.

In This Section

Acid Mine Drainage

Bank Erosion & Sediment

Basin Planning

Fisheries

Floodplain Management

Good Road Maintenance

Grants

Invasive Species

Mercury

Non-Point Source Pollution

Organizations

Permits

Riparian Buffer Zones

Stormwater

Wastewater Treatment

Water Quality Studies

Water Supply Protection

Wetlands