Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Transcription

1 Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) By Cameron Adams Southern Maine Region 312 Canco Road, Portland (207) Main Office and Central Maine Region 28 Tyson Drive, Augusta (207) Eastern Maine Region 106 Hogan Road, Bangor (207) Northern Maine Region 1235 Central Drive, Presque Isle (207)

2 Southern Maine Maine Regional Department Staff of Environmental Protection (DEP) Assignments By Town Points of contact for: Field Determinations Permit by Rule applications General permitting questions

3 DEP Jurisdiction over water The Department is responsible for managing, protecting and enhancing the quality of Maine's water resources. These include coastal water resources, wetlands, rivers and streams, lakes, and groundwater

4 The Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA) Defines a river, stream, or brook as a protected natural resource No regulated activity within 75 feet without a DEP permit Activities requiring a permit: Dredging, filling, dewatering, displacing soil, removal of vegetation Construction, replacement, repair or alteration of permanent structures

5 NRPA Streams Must Have: A channel between defined banks and at least 2 of the following characteristics: A. Mapped on a U.S.G.S. topo map as a solid or dashed blue line B. Flows at least 6 months/year C. Has a scoured, mineral bottom D. Contains aquatic animals such as fish, insects, or mollusks E. Contains aquatic vegetation

6 Two Different NRPA Streams

7 Permit By Rule (PBR) Fast and easy permitting process (14 day review) For a project to qualify for PBR, it must meet all applicable Chapter 305 Rules Chapter 305 Section 10 covers stream crossings (bridges, culverts, fords) Changes coming soon

8 Stream Crossings - PBR Sizing a crossing under PBR the crossing structure must provide an opening at least 3 times the cross sectional area of the stream channel (or accommodate 25-year storm event): 1. Find average stream width and depth (at normal high water) 2. Cross-sectional area of stream channel = avg width*avg depth 3. Crossing structure must have an opening at least 3x this value Culvert Sizing Chart included in PBR application to help with this calculation specifically for culverts

9 Stream Crossings - PBR Avg Width Avg Depth

10 BEFORE:

11 AFTER:

12 Stream Crossings - PBR In-stream work window: July 15 th October 1 st May request approval to work outside of this window Fill slopes must be stabilized If working in less than 3 of water, must divert water around work area

13 Stream Crossings Culverts: No longer than 75 feet Follow alignment and grade of stream Be inset at or below streambed elevation Back fill must be compacted Inlet and outlet banks must be riprapped

14 Water Management Is Critical Rule requires a diversion if working In less than 3 of water Sandbag Cofferdam Jersey Barrier Cofferdam Working at low water obviously helps with water management

15 Existing Crossing Replacements Exempt from NRPA permitting if: Erosion controls are used Fish passage is not blocked New crossing is installed to match natural grade to avoid drops or perching Culverts embedded in stream a minimum of 1 foot or 25% diameter (max 2 feet)