CHAPTER Env-Wt 300
PERMITS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS; CONDITIONS
APPLICABLE TO ALL WORK IN JURISDICTIONAL AREAS
REVISION
NOTE #1:
Document #5186, effective 7-23-91,
made extensive changes to the wording, format, and structure of rules in
Chapter Wt 300. Document #5186
superseded all prior filings for the sections in this chapter. The prior filings for rules in the former
Chapter Wt 300 included the following documents:
#2271,
eff 1-10-83 |
#4297,
eff 7-23-87 |
#2924,
eff 12-11-84 |
#4352,
eff 1-4-88 |
#3074,
eff 7-26-85 |
#5028,
eff 12-20-90 |
See Revision Note #1 at the chapter
heading for Chapter Env-Wt 600 relative to the deletion of former rules under
Chapter Wt 600 by Document #5185, effective 7-23-91, and the incorporation of
those former rules into Chapter Wt 300 by Document #5186.
REVISION
NOTE #2:
Pursuant to a rules reorganization
plan approved by the Director of the Office of Legislative Services on
September 7, 2005, Department rules in Wt 300 filed under Document #8341,
effective 4-25-05, were editorially renumbered subsequently with subtitle Env-Wt
denoting the wetlands program area. The
title Wt was discontinued.
REVISION
NOTE #3:
Document #12803, effective 12-15-19,
adopted, readopted with amendment, or repealed all of the rules in Chapter
Env-Wt 300, and changed the chapter heading from “Criteria and Conditions for
Permits” to “Permits and Other Authorizations; Conditions Applicable to All
Work in Jurisdictional Areas.” Document
#12803 also made extensive changes in the numbering of rules within the
chapter. Expired
Env-Wt 301.01(g) is now covered by Env-Wt 311.05(b). Document #12803 also moved the requirements
for permit applications formerly in Env-Wt 500 to Env-Wt 300.
Requirements for delineation and
classification of jurisdictional areas and general classification of projects
in the former Env-Wt 300 were moved to Env-Wt 400 by Document #12804, effective
12-15-19. The provisions formerly in
expired Env-Wt 301.01 (a)-(f), (h), and (i), as well as those in Env-Wt 301.02,
are in Env-Wt 406. The provisions
formerly in Env-Wt 303 relative to classification of projects, and the
remaining provisions of Env-Wt 304, were moved by Document #12804, effective
12-15-19, to Env-Wt 400 and by Document #12805, effective 12-15-19, to Env-Wt
500. See Revision Note #2 at the chapter
headings, respectively, for Env-Wt 400 and Env-Wt 500.
Document #12803 replaces all prior
filings for rules in the former Chapters Wt 300 and Env-Wt 300.
The prior
filings for former Chapter Wt 300 up through Document #8341, effective 4-25-05,
included the following documents:
#5400, INTERIM, eff 5-21-92, EXPIRED
9-18-92
#5444, eff 8-3-91
#5548, eff 1-5-93
#5549, eff 1-5-93
#5739, eff 11-23-93
#5904, eff 9-30-94
#6219, eff 4-4-96
#6404, INTERIM, eff 12-21-96, EXPIRED
4-20-97
#6498-B, eff 4-23-97
#7047, eff 6-29-99
#7158, eff 12-17-99
#7856, eff 3-21-03
#7896, eff 5-22-03
#7988, eff 11-21-03
#8062, eff 3-13-04
#8341, eff 4-25-05
The prior fillings for former Chapter
Env-Wt 300 after Document #8341 was effective 4-25-05 included the following
documents:
#9095, eff 2-23-08
#9132, eff 4-19-08
#9717, eff 5-25-10
#10367, eff 6-26-13
PART Env-Wt 301
RESERVED
PART Env-Wt 302
RESERVED
PART Env-Wt 303
RESERVED
PART Env-Wt 304
RESERVED
PART Env-Wt 305
PURPOSE; APPLICABILITY; ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Env-Wt
305.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to:
(a) Identify dredge, fill, and construction
activities that are:
(1) Allowed by RSA 482-A without a permit or
notification;
(2) Prohibited or limited by RSA 482-A;
(3) Allowed by RSA 482-A provided the specified
conditions are met, including notification for SPNs;
(4) Allowed under a lower scrutiny approval
(LSA), which includes registrations and PBNs;
(5) Allowed under an expedited permit (EXP); or
(6) Allowed only if a standard permit is
obtained;
(b) Establish conditions that apply to all
dredge, fill, and construction activities, whether or not allowed by RSA 482-A
with or without notification or covered by a standard permit, an EXP, or an
LSA;
(c) Establish procedures and criteria for filing
a notification or registration for an LSA;
(d) Establish procedures and criteria for
applying for an EXP;
(e) Establish procedures and criteria for filing
an application for a standard permit;
(f) Establish procedures and criteria for the department’s
review of submissions and decisions;
(g) Establish post-issuance requirements,
including but not limited to permit acceptance, recordation, duration,
transfer, and procedures and criteria for permit amendments;
(h) Establish procedures for emergency
situations; and
(i) Establish the criteria and procedures for
suspending, revoking, or modifying an LSA, EXP, or standard permit.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt
305.02 Applicability.
(a) Subject to (b)-(f), below, this chapter shall
apply as of December 15, 2019 to any person who undertakes or proposes to undertake any dredge,
fill, or construction activities, or any combination thereof, in a
jurisdictional area.
(b) The approval criteria in this chapter shall
apply to:
(1) Any application filed on or after December
15, 2019; and
(2) Any application filed prior to December 15,
2019 that is not administratively complete, as determined under Env-Wt 310.02
or Env-Wt 312.02, as applicable, as of December 15, 2019, regardless of when
the completeness
determination is made.
(c) NH DOT projects that qualify for a statutory
permit by notification (SPN) or the registration process established in Env-Wt
309.03 through Env-Wt 309.05 but have not been initiated prior to December
15, 2019 shall be undertaken pursuant to the
requirements of this chapter.
(d) NH DOT projects for which an application has
been filed prior to December 15, 2019 shall be subject to the design, approval, and construction
criteria in effect on the date of filing, provided the application is complete
within 6 months of December 15, 2019, regardless of when the completeness determination is made.
(e) If NH DOT believes that one or more projects
in the planning stages for which an application has not been filed as of December
15, 2019 should be subject to the design, approval, and
construction criteria in effect prior to December 15, 2019, NH DOT shall submit a list in writing to the department of all
such projects, that includes for each project:
(1) The location of the proposed project;
(2) A brief description of the project and the
purpose of the project, outlining the anticipated scope of work to be performed
and whether impacts are expected to be temporary or permanent;
(3) The anticipated dates on which:
a. An application for the project will be filed;
and
b. The project will be advertised to bid; and
(4) The specific requirements in the 2019 rules
that are not practicable to comply with and for each, the reason(s) why
compliance is not practicable.
(f) If NH DOT submits a list pursuant to (e),
above, the department shall consult with NH DOT to reach a mutual agreement
regarding the design features or other aspects of each project that are not
practicable to redesign or otherwise change to meet the requirements of the
2019 rules and so will be subject to the rules in effect prior to December
15, 2019.
(g) For each project submitted by NH DOT, the
agreement reached pursuant to (f), above, shall be memorialized in writing
signed by authorized officials of the department and NH DOT.
(h) NH DOT shall submit a copy of the signed
agreement required by (g), above, with the relevant application so that the
agreement becomes part of the public file.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; ss by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
305.03 Abbreviations and Acronyms. Abbreviations and acronyms used throughout
this chapter shall have the meaning assigned in Env-Wt 100, as summarized in
Appendix E.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
PART Env-Wt 306 ACTIVITIES
REQUIRING A PERMIT OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION; REQUIRED PLANNING FOR ALL PROJECTS;
WHEN ABUTTER NOTIFICATION REQUIRED
Env-Wt 306.01 Activities Eligible for a Statutory Permit
by Notification (SPN). A project shall be eligible to submit a notification
for a statutory permit-by-notification (SPN) if:
(a) The project qualifies under Env-Wt 308.04;
and
(b) All applicable requirements and conditions
are met.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 306.02 Activities Eligible For a Lower Scrutiny
Approval (LSA). Any project classified as minimum impact and
listed in Env-Wt 309.06(a) shall be eligible to apply
for a lower scrutiny approval (LSA) as authorized by RSA 482-A:11, VI-a or VII
and as described in Env-Wt 309 unless:
(a) The project includes activities that:
(1) Do not comply with all standard conditions
for the project as specified in Env-Wt 307;
(2) Are prohibited under RSA 482-A; or
(3) Do not follow applicable best management
practices;
(b) Any work in any jurisdictional area was commenced prior to obtaining the applicable
approval;
(c) The application has not been signed to
indicate the right to intervene has been waived by:
(1) The conservation commission; or
(2) If the town in which the project is proposed
does not have a conservation commission, the local governing body; or
(d)
If a PBN is sought for a routine roadway maintenance activity that is
within LAC jurisdiction, the application has not been signed to indicate the
right to intervene has been waived by the applicable LAC.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 306.03 Activities Eligible for an Expedited
Permit (EXP). Any project classified
as minimum impact shall be eligible to apply for an expedited permit (EXP) as
authorized by RSA 482-A:11, VI and as described
in Env-Wt 310 unless:
(a) The project includes activities that are
prohibited under RSA 482-A;
(b) Any work in any jurisdictional area was commenced prior to obtaining the applicable
approval;
(c) The application has not been signed to
indicate the right to intervene has been waived by:
(1) The conservation commission; or
(2) If the town in which the project is proposed
does not have a conservation commission, the local governing body; or
(d) If an EXP is
sought for a project that is within LAC jurisdiction, the
application has not been signed to indicate the
right to intervene has been waived by the
applicable LAC.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt
306.04 Activities Requiring a
Standard Permit; When Standard Permits Are An Option.
(a) A standard permit as authorized by RSA
482-A:3, I, shall be obtained from the department prior to undertaking any
dredging, filling, or construction activity in any jurisdictional area that:
(1) Is not prohibited or exempted by RSA 482-A;
(2) Does not qualify for a statutory
permit-by-notification (SPN); and
(3) Is not eligible for an LSA under Env-Wt
306.02 or an EXP under Env-Wt 306.03.
(b) An applicant may choose to apply for a
standard permit for any project that is eligible for an SPN, PBN, or EXP.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 306.05 Required Planning
For All Projects.
(a) In order to determine the appropriate impact
classification of a project and the type of approval required, if any, the
person responsible for a proposed project shall:
(1) Have all wetlands delineated and classified by a certified wetland
scientist unless:
a. The project is conditionally exempt under
Env-Wt 309.02; or
b. The project is exempt from delineation
requirements under Env-Wt 406.03;
(2) Determine whether the subject property is or
contains a priority resource area, by determining whether the subject property:
a. Contains any documented
occurrences of protected species or habitat for such species, using the
DataCheck tool at https://www4.des.state.nh.us/NHB-DataCheck/;
b. Is a bog;
c. Is a floodplain wetland contiguous to a tier
3 or higher watercourse;
d. Is a designated prime wetlands or a
duly-established 100-foot buffer; or
e. Is a sand dune, tidal wetland, tidal water,
or undeveloped tidal buffer zone;
(3) For projects that are subject to Env-Wt 600,
conduct the data screening required by Env-Wt 603.03;
(4) Also determine whether the subject property:
a. Is within LAC jurisdiction, unless the
project will be conducted pursuant to a notification for minimum impact
activities under RSA 482-A:3, V, RSA 482-A:3, XII, or RSA 482-A:3, XVI on land
used for agricultural purposes as provided in RSA 483:12-a; or
b. Is within or contains any areas that are
subject to time of year restrictions under Env-Wt 307;
(5) For stream crossing projects, also determine
the size of the watershed;
(6) For dredge projects, also determine whether
the subject property is contaminated; and
(7) For projects for which a standard permit will
be sought, also determine whether the project has potential to impact impaired
waters, class A waters, or outstanding resource waters.
(b)
Unless otherwise specified, the determinations required by
(a), above, may be made using:
(1) The wetlands permit planning tool, available
at https://nhdeswppt.unh.edu;
or
(2)
Any other database or source that provides the requisite information.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12956, EMERGENCY RULE,
eff 12-23-19; amd by #13046, eff 6-2-20; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 306.06 Abutter Notification.
(a) Unless exempted pursuant to (c), below, the
applicant shall notify abutters prior to filing an application.
(b) As required by RSA 482-A:3, I(d)(1), notice
shall be provided in writing by certified mail or other delivery method that
provides proof of receipt.
(c) Abutter notification shall not be required
for:
(1) Any project conducted under an SPN;
(2) Any project conducted under a PBN or
registration, unless specifically required;
(3) Public highway maintenance or repair
projects; or
(4) Utility maintenance or repair projects within
a utility right-of-way.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
PART
Env-Wt 307 CONDITIONS
APPLICABLE TO ALL ACTIVITIES IN JURISDICTIONAL AREAS
Env-Wt
307.01 Purpose and Applicability.
(a) The purpose of this part is to establish
conditions that apply to all dredging, filling, and construction activities in
jurisdictional areas, regardless of the primary purpose of such activities.
(b) This part shall apply to any activity being
conducted in any jurisdictional area, whether or not a standard permit, LSA,
EXP, PBN, SPN, registration, or waiver is required or has been obtained for the
activity.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.02 Requirements for Coverage Under State
General Permits. In order to be in
compliance with federal requirements, all work in areas under the jurisdiction
of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) shall comply with all conditions
of the applicable state general permit, available at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/portals/74/docs/regulatory/StateGeneralPermits/NH/NH%20General%20Permit%2018August2017.pdf.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.03 Protection of Water Quality Required.
(a) No activity shall be conducted in such a way
as to cause or contribute to any violation of:
(1) The surface water quality standards specified
in RSA 485-A:8 or Env-Wq 1700;
(2) The ambient groundwater quality standards
established under RSA 485-C;
(3)
The limitations on activities in a sanitary protective area established
under Env-Dw 302.10 or Env-Dw 305.10; or
(4) Any provision of RSA 485-A, Env-Wq 1000, RSA
483-B, or Env-Wq 1400 that protects water quality.
(b) All work, including management of soil
stockpiles, shall be conducted so as to minimize erosion, minimize sediment
transfer to surface waters or wetlands, and minimize turbidity in surface
waters and wetlands using the techniques described in:
(1) Env-Wq 1505.02, Env-Wq 1505.04, Env-Wq 1506,
and Env-Wq 1508;
(2) The applicable BMP manual, available as noted
in Appendix B:
a. For forestry projects, the Forestry BMPs;
b. For SPN utility projects, the Utility BMPs;
c. For trail projects, whether under an SPN or
other approval, the Trail BMPs; or
d. For roadway maintenance projects, whether
under an SPN, registration, or other approval, the Routine Roadway BMPs; or
(3) The applicable BMP manual supplemented by the
portions of Env-Wq 1500 listed in (1), above, if the applicable BMP manual
provides less protection to jurisdictional areas than the provisions of Env-Wq
1500 listed in (1), above.
(c) Water quality control measures shall:
(1) Be selected and implemented based on the size
and nature of the project and the physical characteristics of the site,
including slope, soil type, vegetative cover, and proximity to jurisdictional
areas;
(2) Be comprised of wildlife-friendly erosion
control materials when:
a. Erosion control blankets are used;
b. A protected species or habitat is documented;
c. The proposed work is in or adjacent to a PRA;
d. Specifically requested by NHB or NHF&G;
or
e. Any combination of a. through d., above,
applies;
(3) Be installed prior to start of work and in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended specifications or, if none, the
applicable requirements of Env-Wq 1506 or Env-Wq 1508;
(4) Be capable of:
a. Minimizing erosion;
b. Collecting sediment and suspended and
floating materials; and
c. Filtering fine sediment;
(5) Be
maintained so as to ensure continued effectiveness in minimizing erosion and
retaining sediment on-site during and after construction;
(6) Remain in place until all disturbed surfaces
are stabilized to a condition in which soils on the site will not experience
accelerated or unnatural erosion, using techniques such as:
a. Achieving and maintaining a minimum of 85%
vegetative cover using an erosion control seed mix, whether applied in a
blanket or otherwise, that is certified by its manufacturer as not containing
any invasive species; or
b. Placing and maintaining a minimum of 3 inches
of non-erosive material such as stone; and
(7) If
designed and installed as temporary methods, be removed upon completion of work
when compliance with (6), above, is achieved;
(d) Any sediment collected by water quality
control measures shall be:
(1) Removed with sufficient frequency to prevent
the discharge of sediment; and
(2) Placed in
an upland location in a manner that prevents its erosion into a surface water
or wetland.
(e) All exposed soils and other fills shall be
permanently stabilized within 3 days following final grading.
(f)
A coffer dam or other turbidity control shall be:
(1) Used to
enclose a dredging project conducted in or along the shoreline of a bog, marsh,
lake, pond, stream, river, creek, or any other surface water, provided that a
coffer dam shall not be installed during periods of high flow; and
(2) Removed
after work within the coffer dam or other turbidity control is completed, the
contained water has returned to background clarity, and removing the structure
will not cause or contribute to a violation of (c)(6), above.
(g) The person in charge of construction
equipment shall:
(1) Inspect such equipment for leaking fuel, oil,
and hydraulic fluid each day prior to entering surface waters or wetlands or operating
in an area where such fluids could reach groundwater, surface waters, or
wetlands;
(2) Repair any leaks prior to using the equipment
in an area where such fluids could reach groundwater, surface waters, or
wetlands;
(3) Maintain
oil spill kits and diesel fuel spill kits, as applicable to the type(s) and
amount(s) of oil and diesel fuel used, on site so as to be readily accessible
at all times during construction; and
(4) Train each equipment operator in the use of
the spill kits.
(h) Equipment shall be staged and refueled in
accordance with Env-Wt 307.15.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.04 Protection of Fisheries and Breeding Areas
Required. Work such as excavations,
deposition of dredged or fill material, or other activities that produce
suspended sediment in jurisdictional areas that provide value as bird migratory
areas or fish and shellfish spawning or nursery areas, shall
be done so as to:
(a) Avoid and minimize discharges of dredged
material or placement of fill material during spawning or breeding seasons by
using water quality protection techniques as specified in Env-Wt 307 and timing
of project as specified in Env-Wt 307.10(g) or (h), as applicable;
(b)
Not discharge sediment to spawning or nursery areas or to amphibian and
migratory bird breeding areas during spawning or breeding seasons, as
applicable, which could necessitate suspending the activities; and
(c)
Protect high quality waters as specified in Env-Wq 1708.06.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.05 Protection Against Invasive Species
Required.
(a) Prior to the installation of swamp mats, the
mats and any heavy machinery used to install them shall be inspected for and
cleaned of all vegetative matter by a method and in a location that prevents
the spread of the vegetative matter to jurisdictional areas.
(b) Equipment to be used in surface waters shall
be completely free of all aquatic and terrestrial invasive plants, seeds, and
other propagules, and all exotic aquatic species of wildlife as defined in RSA
487:16, I-a.
(c) All applicable requirements of RSA 487:15-25
shall be met.
(d) No boat washing or rinsing shall occur in
jurisdictional areas or in a location where run-off is likely to flow to any
jurisdictional area.
(e) To prevent the use of soil or seed stock
containing nuisance or invasive species, the contractor responsible for work
shall follow the Invasive Plant BMPs, available as noted in Appendix B.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 307.06 Protection of Rare, Threatened or
Endangered Species and Critical Habitat.
No activity shall jeopardize the continued existence of a threatened or
endangered species, a species proposed for listing as threatened or endangered,
or designated or proposed critical habitat under the:
(a) Federal Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C.
§1531 et seq.;
(b) State Endangered Species Conservation Act,
RSA 212-A; or
(c) New Hampshire Native Plant Protection Act,
RSA 217-A.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.07 Consistency Required with Shoreland Water
Quality Protection Act. All
development activities associated with any project shall be conducted in
compliance with applicable requirements of RSA 483-B and Env-Wq 1400 during and
after construction.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.08 Protection of Designated Prime Wetlands and
Duly-Established 100-Foot Buffers.
(a) Water quality and environmental minimization
measures shall be in place to ensure that functions and values of prime
wetlands and duly-established 100-foot buffers are protected.
(b) Duly-established 100-foot buffers shall not
be disturbed unless specifically authorized under RSA 482-A.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 307.09 Shoreline Structures. No structure shall be built over public trust
surface waters, except:
(a) To provide docking for watercraft in accordance
with Env-Wt 500;
(b) To construct or replace a bridge for public
travel; or
(c) To provide seating for dining establishments
in:
(1) Areas
exempted from RSA 483-B pursuant to RSA 483-B:12; and
(2) Historic
commercial tidal areas as allowed under Env-Wt 600.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.10 Dredging Activity Conditions. In addition to all other applicable
conditions in this part, the following conditions shall apply to all dredging
activities:
(a) No dredging shall occur that would create violations
of any set-backs specified in:
(1) RSA
485-A or RSA 483-B relative to protecting water quality; or
(2) Env-Wq
1000 relative to septic systems;
(b) Work shall be done during low flow or in the
dry unless:
(1) A dredge
dewatering, diversion, or cofferdam plan has been approved as part of the
project;
(2) The
project has specific approval based on water depth to operate from a barge; or
(3) The work
will be conducted in a lake or pond and turbidity containment can be achieved
using turbidity controls;
(c)
Turbidity controls shall:
(1) Be
installed prior to construction and maintained during construction such that no
turbidity escapes the immediate dredge area; and
(2) Remain in
place until suspended particles have settled and water at the work site has
returned to normal clarity;
(d) Dredged materials shall be disposed of out of
jurisdictional areas, unless other disposition is specifically permitted
pursuant to (e), below;
(e) If an applicant wishes to use dredged
materials as part of the proposed project or dispose of dredged materials in a
jurisdictional area, the applicant shall specifically request authorization to
do so as part of the application filed pursuant to Env-Wt 311;
(f) Dredged materials to be stockpiled in uplands
shall be dewatered in sedimentation basins that are:
(1) Contained
within turbidity controls that prevent turbid water from leaving the basins;
and
(2) Located outside of any jurisdictional area;
(g) Subject to (h), below, in non-tidal waters,
no dredging shall occur:
(1) Between October 1 and March 31
for any documented occurrence of a cold water fishery or threatened or
endangered fishery; or
(2) In March or April for any area that is
habitat for rainbow smelt;
(h) For logging projects, work shall be done to
protect water quality in accordance with the Forestry BMPs, available as noted
in Appendix B;
(i) In addition to the limitations on tidal
dredging in Env-Wt 600, no dredging shall occur in tidal waters during a fish
migration or larval setting stage of fish and shellfish,
which is between November 15 and March 15;
(j) In addition to the limitations on tidal
dredging in Env-Wt 600, dredging projects in tidal waters shall be designed and
implemented to ensure that there is no disruption of tidal flushing. Tidal flushing means the influx or outflow of
water that is associated with the normal ebb and flow of the tide;
(k) Dredging shall not impede fish migrations or
interfere with spawning areas for fish;
(l) Dredging shall not disturb contaminated
sediment unless dredging of such sediment is specifically identified in the
application, authorized in the issued permit, and implemented with such
protective conditions as are necessary to ensure that the contaminated sediment
is properly managed;
(m) Dredging operations that are not related to
the operation of a public water supply (PWS) shall be no closer than 250 feet
from an active intake for the PWS; and
(n) The permittee shall send prior notification
of dredging activities to the PWS owner/operator by registered mail at least 30
days prior to dredging when done in a waterbody or other jurisdictional area
within 500 feet of a public water supply intake.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
307.11 Filling Activity Conditions. In addition to all other applicable
conditions in this part, the following conditions shall apply to all temporary
and permanent filling activities:
(a) Fill shall be clean sand, gravel, rock, or
other material that:
(1) Meets the project’s specifications for its
use; and
(2) Does not contain any material that could
contaminate surface or groundwater or otherwise adversely affect the ecosystem
in which it is used;
(b) Limits of fill shall be clearly identified
prior to commencement of work and controlled in accordance with Env-Wt 307.03
to ensure that fill does not spill over or erode into any area where filling is
not authorized;
(c) Slopes shall be immediately stabilized by a
method specified in Env-Wq 1506 or Env-Wq 1508, as applicable, to prevent
erosion into adjacent wetlands or surface waters;
(d) No fill shall be allowed to achieve setbacks
to septic systems specified in Env-Wq 1000;
(e) Fill shall be not placed so as to direct
flows onto adjacent or down-current property;
(f) Swamp mats and construction mats shall be
deemed temporary fill for new authorizations only if they meet the requirements
of (h)(1) and (h)(2), below;
(g) Authorized temporary fill other than swamp
mats, construction mats, and corduroy shall be placed on geotextile fabric laid
on preconstruction wetland grade;
(h) Subject to (i), below, temporary fill shall
be:
(1) In place no longer than one growing season;
(2) Removed immediately upon work completion; and
(3) Disposed
of at an upland location in a manner that prevents its erosion into a surface
water or wetland;
(i)
Corduroy shall be deemed temporary fill that may be left in place if it:
(1) Is
installed as part of a skid trail in accordance with the Forestry BMPs;
(2) Does not
exceed 1,000 LF and 20,000 SF per crossing; and
(3) Does
not cross or have permanent impacts to a perennial stream, marsh, PRA, or
vernal pool;
(j) Wetlands and surface waters shall be restored
to pre-impact conditions and elevation as specified in Env-Wt 307.12(i), below,
unless otherwise authorized in an
issued permit;
(k) Swamp mats shall be:
(1) Properly installed, not dragged into
position; and
(2) Removed immediately upon the completion of
work; and
(l)
No fill shall take place in a
PRA unless:
(1) Specifically
authorized by the department in an issued permit; or
(2) Authorized
under applicable project-specific provisions.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
307.12 Restoring Temporary Impacts;
Site Stabilization. In addition to
all other applicable conditions in this part, the following conditions shall
apply to restoring all temporary impacts:
(a) Within 3 days of final grading or temporary suspension
of work in an area that is in or adjacent to surface waters, all exposed soil
areas shall be stabilized by:
(1) Seeding and mulching, if during the growing
season; or
(2) Mulching with tackifiers on slopes less than
3:1 or netting and pinning on slopes steeper than 3:1 if not within the growing
season;
(b) Upon completion of construction, all
disturbed wetland areas shall be stabilized with wetland seed mix containing
non-invasive plant species only;
(c) Any seed mix used shall not contain plant
species that are exotic aquatic weeds;
(d) Mulch used within an area being restored
shall be natural straw or equivalent non-toxic, non-seed-bearing organic
material;
(e) Wetland
soils from areas vegetated with purple loosestrife or other state-listed
invasive plant species shall not be used in the area being restored;
(f) If any temporary impact area that is
stabilized with seeding or plantings does not have at least 75% successful
establishment of wetlands vegetation after 2 growing seasons, the area shall be
replanted or reseeded, as applicable;
(g) If a temporary impact area is restored by
seeding or plantings, then:
(1) The work
shall not be deemed successful if the area is invaded by nuisance species such
as common reed or purple loosestrife during the first full growing season
following the completion of construction; and
(2) The
person responsible for the work shall submit a remediation plan to the
department that proposes measures to be taken to eradicate nuisance species
during this same period;
(h) Unless otherwise authorized, any trees cut in
an area of authorized temporary impacts shall be cut at ground level with the
shrub and tree roots left intact, to prevent disruption to the wetland soil
structure and to allow stump sprouts to revegetate the work area; and
(i) Unless otherwise authorized, wetland areas
where permanent impacts are not authorized shall be restored to their
pre-impact conditions and elevation by replacing the removed soil and
vegetation in their pre-construction location and elevation such that post-construction
soil layering and vegetation schemes are as close as practicable to
pre-construction conditions.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 307.13 Property Line Setbacks.
(a) As required by RSA 482-A:3, XIII(a), all boat
docking facilities shall be at least 20 feet from the abutting property line,
whether in tidal or in non-tidal waters.
(b) Subject to (c) and (d), below, dredging,
filling, or construction activity within a jurisdictional area that is not
covered by (a), above, that is covered by an LSA or for which an EXP or
standard permit is required shall occur at least 10 feet from an abutting
property line.
(c) The set-back established in (b), above, shall
not apply to utility projects in a utility right-of-way if a boundary survey
has been or will be completed prior to initiation of work.
(d) Subject to (e), below, if an applicant wishes
to extend an activity that is covered by (b), above, closer than 10 feet to an
abutting property line, the applicant shall obtain written consent from the
affected abutter.
(e) An applicant shall not be required to obtain
consent from the affected abutter to extend work closer than 10 feet to the
property line for:
(1) A bank
stabilization project; or
(2) Stream
crossing projects undertaken by a public agency in conformance with the Routine
Roadway BMPs, available as noted in Appendix B.
(f) The department shall inform the applicant
that an increase to the setback to property lines is required if the department
determines during the review process that the location proposed for an
activity:
(1) Represents a danger to other waterfront
activities due to its size or character, or both, being inconsistent with the
size and character of the surrounding area;
(2) Is likely to create a navigation hazard due
to its size or proximity to other existing legal structures; or
(3) Is likely to interfere with an abutter’s
access to or use of the abutter’s property.
(g)
If the department determines pursuant to (f), above, that a larger
set-back is required, the department shall increase the set-back only the
distance required to abate the danger, hazard, or interference, as applicable.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.14 Rock Removal. In addition to all other applicable
conditions in this part or in Env-Wt 500, the following conditions shall apply
to removal of rocks from surface waters:
(a) No rocks shall be blasted or otherwise
removed unless doing so is necessary to provide public access or to abate an
immediate navigable hazard;
(b) No rocks shall be removed during fish
spawning;
(c) Subject to (e), below, rocks removed from the
bed of a surface water shall be relocated within 10 feet to 20 feet of their
current location and at a similar depth unless otherwise specifically allowed
pursuant to (d), below;
(d) If an applicant cannot relocate rocks that
need to be removed as required by (c), above, the applicant shall specifically
request authorization to remove the rocks to another location as part of the
application filed pursuant to Env-Wt 311; and
(e) Rocks that are necessary to protect fish
spawning areas or critical wildlife habitat in shallow streams or lakes shall
not be relocated.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.15 Use of Heavy Equipment in Wetlands. In addition to all other applicable
conditions in this part or in Env-Wt 500 or Env-Wt 600, the following
conditions shall apply to the use of heavy equipment in wetlands:
(a) Heavy equipment shall not be operated in any
jurisdictional area unless specifically authorized in the permit for the
project;
(b) Mobile heavy equipment working in wetlands
shall not be stored, maintained, or repaired in wetlands, except that repairing
or refueling in a wetland is allowed if equipment cannot practicably be removed
and secondary containment is provided;
(c) Where construction requires the operation of
heavy equipment in wetlands, the equipment shall:
(1) Either have low ground pressure, namely less
than 4 psi, or not be located directly on wetland soils and vegetation; or
(2) Be placed
on timber or swamp mats that are adequate to support the equipment in such a
way as to minimize disturbance of wetland soil and vegetation;
(d) Timber
and swamp mats shall be:
(1) In good condition to ensure proper
installation, use, and removal; and
(2) Thoroughly cleaned before re-use; and
(e) Swamp mats shall:
(1) Be placed
in the wetland from the upland or from equipment positioned on swamp mats if
working within a wetland;
(2) Be installed, used, and removed so as to
minimize impacts to wetland areas; and
(3) Be installed with adequate erosion and
sediment controls at approaches to the mats to promote a smooth transition to,
and minimize sediment tracking onto, the mats.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.16 Adherence to Approved Plans Required. For any project for which plans were
submitted and an SPN, PBN, LSA, EXP, or standard permit was issued, all work on
the project shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.17 Unpermitted Activities. The following activities shall be deemed to
be work done without a permit in violation of RSA 482-A:3:
(a)
Any work done that:
(1)
Is not covered by an SPN under Env-Wt 308, a registration under Env-Wt
309, or an SMMD permit under Env-Wt 310.04 through Env-Wt 310.09;
(2)
Is in an area that is subject to the jurisdiction of the federal Clean
Water Act for which an LSA, EXP, or standard permit has not been obtained; or
(3)
Causes impacts to jurisdictional areas that are not authorized by an
SPN, registration, LSA, EXP, SMMD permit, or standard permit;
(b)
Any work that is subject to an LSA, EXP, SMMD permit, or standard permit
that is carried out prior to receiving the applicable authorization; and
(c)
Any work that is subject to an SPN that does not comply with all
requirements for the SPN.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 307.18 Reports. The following plans and reports shall be
submitted to the department, where applicable:
(a)
Compensatory mitigation project monitoring reports in
accordance with Env-Wt 803.04;
(b) A construction monitoring plan with inspection
reports, water quality reports, and a wetland planting plan prepared by a CPESC
specialist or certified wetland scientist;
(c) A report that describes the monitoring
conducted and date(s) of inspections, and includes photos showing the extent of
jurisdictional impacts, areas of restoration, and progress of any plantings;
(d) A report that describes the stability of and
status of stream or wetland systems, including a description of any necessary
adjustments; and
(e)
A schedule and description of measures to be taken during construction
and after completion of the project.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
PART
Env-Wt 308 ACTIVITIES ALLOWED OR
PROHIBITED BY STATUTE
REVISION NOTE:
Document #13183, effective 3-30-21,
readopted with amendments the form “Seasonal Dock
Notification for Lakes and Ponds Statutory Permit by Notification (SPN)”,
NHDES-W-06-035, pursuant to the expedited revisions to agency forms process
in RSA 541-A:19-c. Document #13183
contained only the amended form, giving it a new effective date, and updated
the form’s revision date from “May 2020” to “March 2021.” Rule Env-Wt 308.06
titled “SPN Notifications” requires that information required to activate a
temporary seasonal dock SPN, as specified in Env-Wt 308.05 titled “Activation
of an SPN”, shall be submitted on or with the form “Seasonal Dock Notification
for Lakes and Ponds Statutory Permit by Notification (SPN)”, NHDES-W-06-035. The prior filing affecting Env-Wt 308.06 was
Document #13124, effective 10-23-20. The
“Document Date” of “May 2020” in Table 308-1 in Env-Wt 308.06 was subsequently
changed editorially to “March 2021” because of Document #13183.
Additional
requirements on the form are set forth in Env-Wt 308.04 titled
“Statutory Permits by Notification (SPNs)”, Env-Wt 308.06 titled “SPN
Notifications”, and Env-Wt 311.11 titled “Requires Signatures and
Notifications.” The effective date of
the rules remained unchanged by Document #13183. However, the requirements on the form with
revision date March 2021 would be the valid and enforceable rule in case of any
conflict between the form and the rules,
since the form is defined as a “rule” in RSA 541-A:1, XV and is the later
enactment.
Env-Wt 308.01 Activities Exempted By Statute from Permit
Requirement. A permit under RSA
482-A shall not be required prior to undertaking any of the following
activities in any jurisdictional area:
(a) As specified in RSA 482-A:3, IV(a) and as
clarified in Env-Wt 308.02(a) and (b), the replacement
or repair of existing structures in or adjacent to any waters of the state that
does not involve excavation, removal, filling, or dredging in any waters or of
any bank, flat, marsh, or swamp;
(b) As specified in
RSA 482-A:3, IV(b) and subject to the conditions listed in Env-Wt 308.02(c),
the maintenance, repair, replacement, or modification so as to preserve
usefulness of:
(1) Man-made
non-tidal drainage ditches;
(2) Roadside and railroad ditches;
(3) Detention
basins, ponds, and wetlands that have been legally constructed to collect,
convey, treat, or control storm water and spring run-off;
(4) Legally constructed ponds on active farms;
(5) Erosional features caused by proximate human
activity;
(6) Fire
ponds and intake areas of dry hydrants that have been legally constructed to
provide water for municipal firefighting purposes as approved by a local fire
chief; and
(7) Aggregate
wash ponds, sluiceways, and other legally constructed man-made water conveyance
systems that are used for the commercial or industrial purpose of collecting,
conveying, storing, and recycling water;
(c) As specified in RSA 482-A:3, IV(c), the
cleaning of legally constructed culverts as necessary to preserve their
usefulness, provided:
(1) The conditions stated in Env-Wt 308.02(c) are
met; and
(2) Any repair, replacement, or modification of a
culvert is in accordance with RSA 482-A:3, XVI, reprinted in Appendix D;
(d) As specified in RSA 482-A:3, VII and as
clarified in Env-Wt 308.02(d), the removal of sand that has blown or drifted
onto any lawn, driveway, walkway, parking or storage area, or boat ramp, or
that has blown or drifted in, on, or around buildings or other structures owned
by the person;
(e) As provided in the definition of “structure”
in RSA 482-A:2, IX, the construction or installation of a bench, a landing with
dimensions no larger than 10 feet wide by 10 feet long, or stairs with a width
not exceeding 6 feet, provided that:
(1) The construction or installation is done
without regrading or recontouring the shoreline; and
(2) No portion of the bench, landing, or stairs
is over water;
(f)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XI(b), activities associated with the manual
search for minerals in a river bed by panning, without the use of motorized
equipment, provided that any person who intends to engage in any panning
activity obtains prior written permission to engage in such activity from the
riverbed landowner on whose property the activity is to be conducted, as
required by RSA 482-A:3, XI(f); and
(g) As provided in RSA 210:9, II,
the destruction or removal of a beaver dam or the installation of beaver pipes
or beaver fences as defined in RSA 210:9, II-a by a landowner, the landowner’s
agent, or any town or municipal or state official or employee
on property under that person’s control to protect
property, public highways, or bridges from damage or submersion, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) Removal of the dam shall be done in a gradual
manner such that it does not allow a sudden release of impounded water so as to
cause erosion, siltation, or a safety hazard downstream;
(2) No
machinery shall enter the water or otherwise create any disturbance by filling
or dredging in or adjacent to surface waters, wetlands, or the banks thereof;
and
(3) All dredged materials shall be placed out of
jurisdictional areas.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 308.02 Clarification of Statutory Exemptions.
(a) If a structure that will be repaired or
replaced pursuant to RSA 482-A:3, IV(a) has a portion located below the water surface at time of such repair or
replacement and the below-water portion will also be repaired or replaced, a
permit shall be obtained prior to undertaking any work on the below-water
portion.
(b) If a permit is required by (a), above, the
applicant shall submit, with the application for the permit, proof that the
structure the applicant is proposing to repair or replace is an existing legal
structure as defined in Env-Wt 102.
(c) As specified in
RSA 482-A:3, IV(b), the activities listed in Env-Wt 308.01(b), may be
undertaken without a permit only if:
(1) The
exempted facility, area, or feature was not constructed as compensatory
mitigation under a wetlands permit or as part of a settlement agreement;
(2) The exempted facility, area, or feature is
not extended into any jurisdictional area;
(3) Dredged materials are deposited outside of
all jurisdictional areas;
(4) Wetlands
or surface waters outside the limits of the exempted facility, area, or feature
are not disturbed or degraded;
(5) Best management practices are followed; and
(6) The work does not infringe on the property
rights or unreasonably affect the value or enjoyment of property of abutting
owners.
(d) Sand that has blown or drifted from a sand
dune onto a lawn, driveway, walkway, parking area, storage area, or boat ramp,
or that has blown or drifted into, onto, or around any structure may be removed
by the owner without a permit pursuant to RSA 482-A:3, VII, provided only
hand-held equipment is used.
(e) A structure shall qualify for a statutory
exemption only if the structure:
(1) Was legally constructed; and
(2) Has been maintained so as to continue its
intended use when originally constructed, and not abandoned or overgrown.
(f) An erosional feature, such as a small erosion
gully or rill, may be smoothed and filled and stabilized as necessary to
protect water quality where adjacent to a developed area, provided that if the
erosional feature is within the area approved to be impacted by a permit, the
work shall comply with the approved plans and permit.
(g) A legally-constructed ditch may be cleaned
out and maintained to remove deposited silt or sediment, but shall not be
lowered to drain or dewater adjacent wetlands or surface waters.
(h) All exempt activities shall be conducted in accordance
with all applicable BMPs and Env-Wt 307.03.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 308.03 Activities Prohibited or Limited By
Statute.
(a) As specified in RSA 482-A:3, VIII and IX, no person shall operate or ride any mechanized or off-highway
recreational vehicle on any sand dune in the state of New Hampshire except for:
(1) Police vehicles or fire vehicles;
(2) Vehicles used in cases of emergency;
(3) Authorized maintenance vehicles when
performing maintenance duties; and
(4) Vehicles
used by commercial fishermen or commercial lobstermen when engaged in
activities related to fishing or lobstering.
(b) As specified in RSA 482-A:16, no person shall
place or cause to be placed any fill in any area below the mean high water
level of any public waters, or below the artificially-created high water level
of publicly-owned bodies of water in this state, with the intent or with the
effect of creating or forming filled land adjacent to such bodies of water
without obtaining a grant of right from the governor and executive council in
accordance with RSA 482-A:17.
(c) As specified in RSA 482-A:21, I, no person
shall excavate, remove, or dredge any bank, flat, marsh, swamp, or lake bed
that lies below the natural mean high water level of any natural pond of more
than 10 acres without obtaining a grant of right from the governor and
executive council in accordance with RSA 482-A:22.
(d) As specified in RSA 482-A:26, I, no person
shall construct any structure suitable for use as a dwelling if the structure
or any part of the structure extends beyond the shoreline of any public water
or publicly-owned water body.
(e) As specified in RSA 482-A:26, II, no person
shall convert or modify any existing structure in order to make the structure
suitable as a dwelling if the structure or any part of the structure extends
beyond the shoreline of any public water or publicly-owned water body, subject
to the exceptions specified in RSA 482-A:26, III.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt
308.04 Statutory
Permits-by-Notification (SPNs). The
following activities may be undertaken in any jurisdictional area without
obtaining an LSA, EXP, or standard permit provided the conditions identified
below are met and the requirements of Env-Wt 308.05 through Env-Wt 308.08 are
met:
(a) As provided in RSA 482-A:3, IV-a, the installation of a temporary seasonal dock on any lake or pond,
provided that all requirements of RSA 482-A:3, IV-a, reprinted in
Appendix D, are met;
(b) As provided in RSA 482-A:3, V, timber harvesting that meets the requirements for minimum impact
activities, provided that the person undertaking the timber harvesting complies
with all requirements specified in RSA 482-A:3, V, reprinted in Appendix D;
(c) As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XII, minimum
impact projects to construct and maintain recreational trails, provided that
all requirements of RSA 482-A:3, XII, reprinted in Appendix D, are met;
(d) As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XV, minimum
impact projects by utility providers to maintain and repair existing utility
services within existing rights of way, provided that all requirements of RSA
482-A:3, XV, reprinted in Appendix D, are met; and
(e) As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XVI, minimum
impact projects to repair or replace culverts or stream crossing structures, including culverts up to and including 48
inches in diameter or the functional hydraulic equivalent, provided that
all requirements of RSA 482-A:3, XVI, reprinted in Appendix D, are met.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; (See also Revision Note at part
heading for Env-Wt308)
Env-Wt 308.05 Activation of an SPN.
(a)
The person responsible for a project that includes an activity listed in
Env-Wt 308.04 shall activate the relevant SPN by submitting the following to
the department on or with the applicable notification as listed in Env-Wt
308.06, Table 308-1:
(1)
The information specified in the applicable statutory provision;
(2)
Proof that the project conforms to the statutory criteria, including but
not necessarily limited to the following:
a. The DataCheck identification number and an
affirmation that recommendations have been received; and
b. Such information as is needed to demonstrate
the criteria for minimum impact projects are met; and
(3) For minimum impact projects
to repair or replace culverts or stream crossing structures as provided in
Env-Wt 308.04(e), except for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI
on land used for agricultural purposes, if the project is within LAC jurisdiction
then the LAC has signed the notification to waive its right to intervene.
(b)
The person responsible for the activity shall:
(1)
Sign and certify the notification in accordance with Env-Wt 311.11; and
(2)
Affirm that:
a. The project is not located in a PRA, except
as provided in Env-Wt 407;
b. All recommendations of NHB and NHF&G have
been received; and
c. The person responsible for
the activity is aware of the limits of the SPN and BMPs for the project and
will adhere to both.
(c) If the department determines that a
notification is administratively complete and that the project as described
meets the requirements for an SPN, the department shall, within 5 working days
of receipt of the notification, post on its website:
(1)
A notice that the notification was complete and that the project as
described conforms with all applicable requirements; and
(2)
The effective date of the SPN, which shall be the date the SPN is posted
by the department on its website.
(d)
For any forestry SPN issued as noted in (c), above, the department shall
provide:
(1)
A copy suitable for posting at the job site to the applicant;
(2)
A letter to the property owner confirming the forestry SPN and noting
the applicable conditions; and
(3)
A copy of the letter required by (2), above, to the town municipal
offices, conservation commission if any, and NH DNCR district forest ranger.
(e)
If the department determines that a notification is incomplete or that
the project as described does not meet the requirements for an SPN, the
department shall send a written notice to the person responsible for the
project that:
(1)
Identifies each deficiency; and
(2)
Informs the person that in order to proceed under the SPN, the person
shall:
a. File a complete and correct notification, if
the project as described appears to meet the requirements for an SPN; or
b. Obtain an LSA, EXP, or standard permit, if
the project as described does not appear to meet the requirements for an SPN.
(f)
If a person receives a notice under (e), above, and proceeds with the
work covered by the notification without first filing a complete and correct
SPN form or obtaining a different type of authorization, then:
(1)
All work done shall be deemed to have been done without a permit or
exemption; and
(2)
The person shall file an application for an after-the-fact standard
permit.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 308.06 SPN
Notifications. The information
required to activate an SPN specified in Env-Wt 308.05 shall be submitted on or
with the applicable document identified in Table 308-1, below:
Table 308-1: SPN Notifications
Cross-Reference |
Type of
SPN |
Document
Name, Identification |
Document Date |
Env-Wt
308.04(a) |
Temporary
seasonal dock |
Seasonal Dock Notification, |
March 2021 |
Env-Wt
308.04(b) |
Timber
harvesting (Forestry) |
Forestry
Notification, NHDES W-06-008 |
May 2020 |
Env-Wt
308.04(c) |
Recreational
trails |
Trails
Notification, NHDES W-06-040 |
May 2020 |
Env-Wt
308.04(d) |
Utilities |
Utility
Notification, NHDES W-06-042 |
May 2020 |
Env-Wt
308.04(e) |
Culvert
repair/replacement |
Culvert Repair-Replacement Notification, NHDES
W-06-033 |
May 2020 |
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; ss by #13124, eff 10-23-20 (see also Revision
Note at part heading for Env-Wt 308
Env-Wt 308.07 Post-Work Notification Requirements for
SPNs other than Utility Project SPNs.
(a)
Prior to commencing the work covered by the SPN, the person responsible
for a project other than a utility project shall post at the site a copy of the
SPN posted by the department on its web site or provided by the department
pursuant to Env-Wt 308.05(d)(2).
(b)
Within 10 days following completion of the work covered by an SPN other than a
utility project, the person responsible for the project
shall submit to the department confirmation of completion of the project,
either by paper copy or electronically.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 308.08 Conditions for SPNs. All work done pursuant to an SPN shall be
subject to the following conditions:
(a)
The work shall be done in compliance with all applicable conditions in
Env-Wt 307;
(b)
Any work done in shoreland covered by RSA 483-B, the shoreland water
quality protection act, shall comply with all applicable conditions established
therein; and
(c)
All SPN projects shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable
BMPs.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
PART Env-Wt 309
LOWER SCRUTINY APPROVALS (LSAs)
Env-Wt 309.01 Applicability; Types of LSAs.
(a) This part shall apply to those activities
that:
(1) Are not
prohibited or exempted by RSA 482-A;
(2) Are not
subject to an SPN; and
(3) May be
undertaken without an EXP or a standard permit.
(b) LSAs shall be classified based on the type of
activity authorized, as follows:
(1) Activities
authorized by rule to be undertaken without notice to the department provided
the conditions specified in Env-Wt 309.02 are met;
(2) Routine
roadway maintenance activities that may be undertaken provided a registration
is filed and the conditions specified in
Env-Wt 309.03 through Env-Wt 309.05 are met; and
(3) Minimum
impact activities, other than restoration/enhancement projects under Env-Wt
525, that:
a. Have no deviations from the
standards and conditions specified in Env-Wt 307 or the applicable provisions
of Env-Wt 500, Env-Wt 600, or Env-Wt 900;
b. Do
not impact a PRA, except as provided in Env-Wt 407; and
c. Qualify for a PBN as specified
in Env-Wt 309.06 through Env-Wt 309.10.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 309.02 Projects Conditionally Authorized By Rule. As authorized by RSA 482-A:11, VII, the
following activities that are not prohibited or exempted by RSA 482-A and are
not subject to an SPN may be undertaken without notifying the department or
registering the activity with the department and without obtaining a standard
permit or an EXP, provided the conditions stated in Env-Wt 307 and the
conditions stated below are met:
(a) Mowing or other cutting of vegetation in a
wet meadow, red maple swamp, hemlock swamp, or white pine swamp, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) The roots of the vegetation shall not be
disturbed;
(2) The ground shall be frozen or sufficiently
dry to avoid making ruts; and
(3) The
project shall not be located in a bog, designated prime wetland,
duly-established 100-foot buffer, marsh, or tidal buffer zone;
(b) Placement of a boat mooring, swim raft, or
swim line in waters of the state, provided that the mooring, raft, or line has
a permit from the department of safety or the harbor master, as applicable;
(c) Temporary placement of a fabric barrier on
the bottom of a lake or pond by or under the direction of the department for
the control of exotic aquatic weeds as authorized by RSA 487:17, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) The area shall not exceed 10,000 square feet
(SF); and
(2) The project shall not be
located in a marsh of any size or a PRA unless specifically authorized;
(d) Installation of a stream crossing in an
ephemeral stream;
(e) Use of piezometers, staff gauges, flow
meters, or hand tools such
as augers or tile spades for:
(1) Determining limits of jurisdictional
wetlands;
(2) Determining stability of shoreline for data
to be included in a wetlands application;
(3) Educational purposes; or
(4) Monitoring hydrology;
(f)
Hand raking of leaves or other organic debris from the shoreline or lake
bed, subject to the following conditions:
(1) All raking shall be done in an area exposed
by drawdown or other low-water conditions;
(2) The raking shall not disturb vegetative
roots; and
(3) The raking shall be limited to an area no
larger than 900 SF;
(g) The planting of non-invasive plants to
enhance wetlands using hand-held, non-motorized tools;
(h)
Any stream crossing built landward of the limits of one bank to landward
of the limits of the opposite bank so as not to impact jurisdictional areas;
(i) Drilling geotechnical borings during the
design of a project, borings and excavation for the purpose of wetland
delineation or geologic sampling, drilling test wells or installing monitoring
wells for purposes of exploring for public water supplies, drilling drinking
water wells for public or private use, and drilling test wells or installing
monitoring wells to investigate or monitor soil or groundwater contamination,
provided:
(1) The
applicant provides the landowner, the department, the local governing body, and
the municipal conservation commission, if any, with written notification of the
general location and the type of work to be conducted prior to its
commencement;
(2) All applicable conditions from Env-Wt 307 are
met;
(3) Drill holes:
a. Do not exceed 8 inches in diameter; and
b. Are back-filled with drill spoil or are
filled with clean material or grout;
(4) Drill cuttings are removed out of department
jurisdiction, unless they are used as provided in (3)b., above;
(5) Any drilling in surface waters is done using
machinery operated from a barge, from the ice, or from adjacent uplands; and
(6) No work is done in bogs, marshes, tidal
wetlands, designated prime wetlands, a duly-established 100-foot buffer, or in
surface waters except as provided in (5), above;
(j) Test pitting by backhoe or other heavy
equipment in the banks of surface waters or in the upland tidal buffer zone for
the purpose of gathering geotechnical information for the design of a project;
and
(k) Undertaking site remediation activities
approved by the department pursuant to Env-Or 600, subject to the following
additional conditions:
(1) The
information submitted to the department on which the approval for the
activities was issued shall have:
a. Clearly identified all
jurisdictional areas; and
b. Clearly described the
activities that will occur within jurisdictional areas; and
(2) The entity undertaking the activities shall provide the department’s wetlands bureau and the local governing
body with written notice of the commencement of work as soon as practicable,
but in no event later than 5 working days after commencing work.
(l) Projects solely for the removal of exotic aquatic weeds
(EAW), subject to the following:
(1) The
project shall be conducted in accordance with a long-term management plan
designed pursuant to Env-Wq 1305.03;
(2) In
flowing waters, harvesting shall be initiated only at the most upstream
location of the infestation, where practicable;
(3) The
work shall be conducted by divers who have received training in EAW control
diving from a diving instructor who is listed with the department’s invasive
species coordinator;
(4) The
vegetation control shall be done in a manner that avoids impacts that would
cause degradation of water quality;
(5) The
project:
a. Complies with RSA 487:15
through 25, the New Hampshire Clean Lakes Program; and
b. Uses a construction sequence
that minimizes impacts to any adjacent PRAs; and
(6) If
the NHB DataCheck identifies any areas of concern relative to protected species
or habitat, the project shall incorporate the recommendations of NHF&G and
NHB regarding the protected species or habitat.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 309.03 Registrations for Routine Roadway
Maintenance Activities. Routine
roadway maintenance activities that are not covered by the SPN described in
Env-Wt 308.04(e) but are included in the Routine Roadway BMPs may be undertaken
pursuant to this section provided:
(a) The activities are conducted in accordance
with the Routine Roadway BMPs, except that for projects in LAC jurisdiction as
applied to routine roadway projects, a standard application shall not be
required if a waiver of intervention is obtained from the LAC;
(b) The total project does not impact more than
50 LF of a watercourse or more than 3,000 SF of any other jurisdictional area;
(c) No work is done:
(1) In or adjacent to designated prime wetlands;
(2) In a bog, marsh, tidal wetlands, undisturbed
tidal buffer zone, or sand dunes; or
(3) On an existing stream crossing where erosion
processes have scoured the toe of the stream bank to an extent that the upper
portion of the stream bank has collapsed within 150 LF of the stream crossing;
(d) The work does not occur on property not owned
by the responsible party unless the responsible party also:
(1) Provides
copies of a signed written release from each owner of the property on which the
work will be done to the department with the registration; or
(2) Provides a completed registration at least 5
calendar days prior to start of work to each owner of property that will be
impacted by the work; and
(e) A copy of the completed registration is
posted in a prominent location at the worksite prior to initiation of work at
the worksite.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd bgy #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt
309.04 Information Required for
Routine Roadway Maintenance Registrations.
(a) To register routine roadway maintenance
activities, the responsible party shall provide the information in (c), below,
to the department on the applicable Routine Roadway Activity Registration as
listed in (b), below, that has been signed and certified as specified in Env-Wt
311.11.
(b) The registrations required by (a), above,
shall be as specified in Table 309-1, below:
Table 309-1: Routine Roadway Maintenance Registrations
Registration |
Document
Identification |
Document
Date |
RR-1:
Culvert replacement or repair |
NHDES
W-06-033A |
May 2020 |
RR-2:
Culvert extension |
NHDES
W-06-033B |
May 2020 |
RR-3:
Culvert relocation |
NHDES
W-06-033C |
May 2020 |
RR-4: Embankment
stabilization |
NHDES
W-06-033D |
May 2020 |
RR-5:
In-kind headwall repair only; any size culvert |
NHDES
W-06-033E |
May 2020 |
RR-6:
Headwall construction, repair, or replacement |
NHDES
W-06-033F |
May 2020 |
RR-7:
Roadside ditch maintenance |
NHDES W-06-033G |
May 2020 |
RR-8:
Culvert inlet and outlet maintenance |
NHDES
W-06-033H |
May 2020 |
RR-9:
Temporary scaffolding |
NHDES
W-06-033 I |
May 2020 |
(c) The responsible party shall provide the
following to the department in writing:
(1) The name, mailing address, and web site URL,
if any, of the person responsible for the activity and, if the person is other
than an individual, the name, daytime telephone number including area code, and e‑mail address of an individual who will serve as the person’s
point of contact for the activity;
(2) The type of activity to be undertaken;
(3) The location of the activity; and
(4) The estimated start date for the activity and
the anticipated length of time the activity will take to complete.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 309.05 Processing of Routine Roadway Maintenance
Registrations.
(a) As of December 24, 2019, the department shall
review a routine roadway maintenance (RRM) registration for administrative
completeness within 2 working days of receipt as provided in this section.
(b)
If the RRM registration does not contain all information and
certifications required by Env-Wt 309.04, the department shall:
(1) Disqualify
the RRM registration; and
(2) Within 2
working days of disqualifying the RRM registration, post a notice of
disqualification for the project that includes the reason(s) for the
disqualification on its website.
(c)
The department shall review a complete RRM registration for compliance
with all applicable requirements within 2 working days of determining the
registration is complete.
(d)
Within 4 working days of receiving a complete RRM registration, the
department shall:
(1) If the
registration complies with applicable requirements, post a notice of completeness
for the project on its website; or
(2) If the
project covered by the RRM registration does not comply with applicable
requirements, then:
a. Disqualify
the registration; and
b. Within 2 working days of disqualifying the RRM registration,
post a notice of disqualification for the project that includes the reason(s)
for the disqualification on its website.
(e)
If a RRM registration was denied because it was incomplete and the
registrant wishes to proceed under a RRM registration, the registrant shall
submit a new registration for an RRM in accordance with Env-Wt 309.04.
(f)
If a RRM registration was denied because the proposed project did not
comply with applicable requirements and the registrant wishes to proceed, the
registrant shall file:
(1) An RRM
registration for a project that has been modified to conform to applicable
requirements; or
(2) An application for a PBN under Env-Wt 309.06,
an EXP under Env-Wt 310, or a standard permit under Env-Wt 311.
Source. #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd by #13124, eff
10-23-20
Env-Wt 309.06 Availability of Permit-by-Notification
(PBN). Any person intending to undertake
activities in a jurisdictional area may do so under a PBN as authorized by RSA
482-A:11, VI if the project is:
(a) A minimum impact project that is:
(1) Exotic aquatic weed control activities not
exceeding one acre that comply with Env-Wt 510.08(a)(3);
(2) Replenishment of an existing legal beach that
complies with Env-Wt 511.07(a);
(3) Repair or replacement of an existing legal
deck or patio that complies with Env-Wt 511.08;
(4) Installation of a new seasonal dock that
complies with Env-Wt 513.24(a);
(5) Repair or replacement of an existing legal
docking structure that complies with Env-Wt 513.24(a);
(6) Installation of a dock anchoring pad that
complies with Env-Wt 513.24(a)(1)c.;
(7) Installation of a watercraft lift that complies
with Env-Wt 513.24(a)(1)a.;
(8) Installation of a new canopy that complies
with Env-Wt 513.27(a);
(9) Repair or replacement of an existing legal
wall that complies with Env-Wt 514.07(a)(3);
(10) Maintenance or repair of an existing legal
boathouse that complies with Env-Wt 515.07(a);
(11) Repair or replacement of a boat launch under
Env-Wt 518;
(12) Installation of a dry hydrant that complies
with Env-Wt 518.07(a);
(13)
Forestry activities that:
a.
Are not eligible for an SPN; and
b.
Comply with Env-Wt 520.05(a);
(14) Utility activities that:
a.
Are not eligible for an SPN; and
b.
Comply with Env-Wt 521.06(a);
(15) Installation of residential utilities to a
single-family home that complies with Env-Wt 521.06(a)(7);
(16) Agricultural activities that comply with
Env-Wt 522.06(a);
(17) A temporary coffer dam that complies with
Env-Wt 526.06(f);
(18) Maintenance of an existing legal tidal
docking structure that complies with Env-Wt 606.17(b);
(19) Repair of a existing legal tier 1 or tier 2
stream crossing that complies with Env-Wt 903.01(e)(2);
(20) Repair of a existing legal tier 3 stream
crossing that complies with Env-Wt 903.01(e)(3);
(21) Replacement of an existing legal tier 1
stream crossing that complies with Env-Wt 903.01(e)(4); and
(22) Installation of a temporary tier 1 or tier 2
crossing that complies with Env-Wt 903.01(e)(5); and
(b) Has no deviations from the standards and
conditions specified in Env-Wt 307 or the applicable provisions of Env-Wt 500,
Env-Wt 600, or Env-Wt 900.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
(formerly Env-Wt 309.05); ss by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 309.07 PBN Application Requirements. To obtain a PBN, the applicant shall submit
to the department the following, on or with a PBN Application, NHDES W-06-27,
dated May 2020:
(a) The applicant’s name, mailing address, email
address, and daytime
telephone number including area code;
(b)
Information on the proposed project location, including:
(1) The location of proposed project by street
address, tax map and lot number, and latitude and longitude as decimal degrees
to 5 decimal places (D.ddddd);
(2)
A copy of the town tax map showing the location of the proposed project
in relation to abutters;
(3)
A copy of the appropriate US geological survey map with the property and
project located;
(4)
Name of water body, wetland, or other jurisdictional area where work is
proposed;
(5)
Original or digital photos, clearly showing the area to be impacted,
mounted no more than 2 per sheet, on 8.5 inches by 11 inches paper and
annotated to explain impact; and
(6)
The results and identification number of the investigations required by
Env-Wt 306.05;
(c)
Information on the proposed project, including:
(1)
Identification of the applicable minimum project provision in Env-Wt
500, Env-Wt 600, or Env-Wt 900, as applicable, and any required
project-specific information;
(2)
A description of the project, including a list of the work items to be
performed and detailed dimensions of the size of the impacts in jurisdictional
areas;
(3)
Identification of the type of landform to be affected, including the
type of wetland and type of soils;
(4)
An accurate drawing with dimensions clearly shown to document existing
site conditions and to show the location of the property;
(5)
An accurate drawing to show the impact of the proposed activity on
jurisdictional areas, including the following:
a. An overview of the property and proposed
impact areas in relation to property lines;
b. The scale, if any, used on the plan;
c. If the drawing is not to scale, the
dimensions of all existing and proposed structures and all other relevant
features necessary to clearly define the project;
d. A labeled north-pointing arrow to indicate
orientation
e. A legend that clearly indicates all symbols,
line types, and shading used on the plan;
f. The location of jurisdictional areas
delineated in accordance with Env-Wt 400;
g. Proposed sequence of construction including
pre-construction through post-construction activities and the relative timing
and progression of all work;
h. The location and type of siltation and
turbidity controls indicated graphically and labeled, or annotated as
necessary; and
i. For any project using a temporary coffer dam
and for any repair of a tier 3 stream crossing, the date, signature, and seal
of the licensed professional engineer who prepared or had responsibility for
the plan(s);
(6)
The number of linear feet of shoreline frontage for projects located on
water bodies;
(7)
The linear distance of the project from abutting property boundaries;
and
(8)
Any additional information required by the applicable section in Env-Wt
500, Env-Wt 600, or Env-Wt 900;
(d) A
signed statement by the applicant certifying, in addition to the certifications
specified in Env-Wt 311.11, that:
(1)
The proposed project meets the conditions and limits of Env-Wt 307 and
the applicable minimum impact project rule;
(2)
If the project is to repair or replace a docking structure, the docking
structure is an existing legal structure;
(3)
The proposal is the alternative with the least adverse impact to
jurisdictional areas, as required by Env-Wt 313.03(a); and
(4)
The applicant is aware of the limits of the PBN and understands and will
comply with all conditions in the PBN and all applicable conditions in Env-Wt
307;
(e)
The application fee for minimum impact projects as required by RSA
482-A:3, I;
(f) A statement signed by the town or city clerk
of the municipality in which the property is located or, if the property is
located in more than one municipality, by the city or town clerk of each such
municipality, certifying that the municipality has received 4 copies of the
application including all attachments;
(g)
A signed statement by the county conservation district or certified
wetland scientist, if required by the appropriate minimum impact project rule,
certifying compliance with all conditions of that rule;
(h) A signed statement from the conservation
commission or, if there is no conservation commission, the local governing
body, certifying that the municipality waives its right to intervene on the
project, unless the PBN is for one of the following project types in which case
no review or signed statement shall be required:
(1) Replenishment of an existing legal beach that
complies with Env-Wt 511.07(a);
(2) Repair or replacement of an existing legal
deck or patio that complies with Env-Wt 511.08;
(3) Repair or replacement of an existing legal
docking structure that complies with Env-Wt 513.24(a);
(4) Repair or replacement of an existing legal
wall that complies with Env-Wt 514.07(a)(3);
(5) Maintenance or repair of an existing legal
boathouse that complies with Env-Wt 515.07(a);
(6) Maintenance of an existing legal tidal
docking structure that complies with Env-Wt 606.17(b);
(7) Repair of an existing legal tier 1 or tier 2
stream crossing that complies with Env-Wt 903.01(e)(2);
(8) Repair of an existing legal tier 3 stream
crossing that complies with Env-Wt 903.01(e)(3); and
(9) Replacement of an existing legal tier 1
stream crossing that complies with Env-Wt 903.01(e)(4); and
(i) A signed statement from the LAC, if the
project is a routine roadway maintenance activity within LAC jurisdiction,
certifying that the LAC waives its right to intervene on the project.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
(formerly Env-Wt 309.06); amd by #12976, eff 1-22-20; amd by #13124, eff
10-23-20
Env-Wt
309.08 PBN Review Procedures.
(a) The department shall review an application
for a PBN for administrative completeness within 7 working days of receipt.
(b) If the PBN application is not
administratively complete, meaning it does not contain all information required
by Env-Wt 309.07, the department shall, within 8 working days of receipt of the
application, send a notice of incompleteness to the applicant and the local
governing body identifying any deficiencies and notifying the applicant that
the applicant must submit all necessary information within 20 days of the date
of the notice of incompleteness or the PBN application will be denied.
(c) If the applicant does not submit all
necessary information within 20 days of the date of the notice, the department
shall deny the PBN application.
(d) The department shall review an
administratively complete application for a PBN for compliance with all
applicable requirements:
(1)
Within 10 days of receipt, provided the application includes a waiver of
intervention from the conservation commission when required by Env-Wt 309.07(h)
and from the LAC if required by Env-Wt 309.07(i), which may be provided via
email; or
(2)
Within 25 days of receipt, if the application does not include the
certifications.
(e) Within
the applicable time period specified in (d), above, the department shall:
(1)
Issue a permit for the project to the applicant via email and post a
copy on its website, if the application complies with applicable requirements; or
(2)
Deny the application if the project covered by the application does not
comply with applicable requirements and inform the applicant in writing of the
reason(s) for the denial.
(f) If an application was denied pursuant to (c),
above, and the applicant wishes to proceed under a PBN, the applicant shall
submit a new application for an PBN as specified in Env-Wt 309.07.
(g) If an application was denied because the
proposed project did not comply with applicable requirements and the applicant
wishes to proceed, the applicant shall file:
(1)
A new PBN application for a project that has been modified to conform to
applicable requirements; or
(2)
An application for an EXP under Env-Wt 310 or a standard permit under
Env-Wt 311.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
(formerly Env-Wt 309.07); ss by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 309.09 Conditions for PBNs.
(a)
All work authorized by a PBN shall comply with all applicable conditions
specified in Env-Wt 307 and the applicable provisions of Env-Wt 500, Env-Wt
600, or Env-Wt 900.
(b) Subject
to Env-Wt 309.10, after the completion of work authorized by a PBN no other
work that would require any permit or other authorization under RSA 482-A or
subtitle Env-Wt shall be undertaken on the subject property pursuant to another
PBN or EXP, or pursuant to an SPN, for a period of 12 months from the date the
PBN was issued.
(c)
Within 10 days following completion of the work covered by a PBN, the
person responsible for the project shall submit to the department confirmation
of completion of the project, either on paper or electronically.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
(formerly Env-Wt 309.08)
Env-Wt 309.10 Work Subsequent to Work Under a PBN;
Reclassification.
(a)
Work that is wholly unrelated to the work covered by the PBN may be done
within 12 months of the date the PBN was issued under another PBN or EXP, or
pursuant to an SPN, if the property owner submits information, including a
plan, to demonstrate that:
(1)
The proposed work is wholly unrelated to and separate from the work
already done under the prior PBN, EXP, or SPN; and
(2)
The proposed work and the work already done under the prior PBN, EXP, or
SPN do not, when combined, constitute a project for which a standard permit is
required.
(b)
If the property owner wishes to undertake work that is related to the
work covered by the PBN within 12 months of the date the PBN was issued, the
owner shall submit information about the proposed work and the department shall
evaluate the proposed work together with the work covered by the PBN to assess
the cumulative impact to determine whether the project as a whole meets a
different classification under Env-Wt 400, Env-Wt 500, Env-Wt 600, or Env-Wt
900, as applicable.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; renumbered by #12954 (formerly
Env-Wt 309.08)
PART Env-Wt 310
SUBMISSIONS FOR EXPEDITED PERMITS (EXPs)
Env-Wt
310.01 EXP Submission Requirements. To obtain an EXP, the applicant shall submit
to the department the following, on or with an EXP Application, NHDES W-06-012,
dated May 2020:
(a)
The name, mailing address, and daytime telephone number including area code
of the applicant, the applicant’s agent if any, and each owner of the subject
property if the applicant does not own the property;
(b)
Information on the proposed project location, including:
(1) The location of proposed
project by street address, tax map and lot number, and latitude and longitude
as decimal degrees to 5 decimal places (D.ddddd);
(2)
A copy of town tax map showing the location of the proposed project in
relation to abutters;
(3)
A list of abutters’ names and mailing addresses to cross-reference with
the tax map;
(4)
A copy of the appropriate USGS map with the property and project clearly
marked;
(5)
Name of water body, wetland, or other jurisdictional area where work is
proposed;
(6)
Photos that:
a. Clearly show the area to be impacted;
b. Are mounted or printed no more than 2 per
sheet on 8.5 inches x 11 inches paper; and
c. Are annotated to explain impact;
(7) Whether
the proposed project location is:
a. In a PRA; or
b. Within a designated river corridor; and
(8)
The results and identification number of the DataCheck;
(c)
Information on the proposed project, including:
(1)
Identification of the applicable minimum impact provision(s) in Env-Wt
500, Env-Wt 600, or Env-Wt 900 and the project-specific information required by
those provision(s);
(2)
A brief description of the project and the purpose of the project,
outlining the scope of work to be performed and whether impacts are temporary
or permanent, including the dimensions of the impacts in jurisdictional areas;
(3)
Identification of the type of landform to be affected, including the
type of wetland;
(4)
An accurate drawing showing the precise location, with detailed
dimensions clearly annotated to document existing site conditions and to show
the proposed impacts to the jurisdictional areas;
(5) An accurate drawing to show the impact of the
proposed activity on jurisdictional areas, including the following:
a. An overview of the property and proposed
impact areas in relation to property lines;
b. The scale, if any, used on the drawing;
c. If the drawing is not to scale, the
dimensions of all existing and proposed structures and all other relevant
features necessary to clearly define the project;
d. A labeled north-pointing arrow to indicate
orientation;
e. A legend that clearly indicates all symbols,
line types, and shading used on the plan;
f. The location of the jurisdictional areas
delineated in accordance with Env-Wt 400;
g. Proposed sequence of construction including
pre-construction through post-construction activities and the relative timing
and progression of all work;
h. The location and type of siltation and
turbidity controls indicated graphically and labeled or annotated as necessary;
i. For any project using a temporary coffer dam
and for any repair of a tier 3 stream crossing, the date, signature, and seal
of the licensed professional engineer who prepared or had responsibility for
the plan(s);
k. For restoration/enhancement projects, the
information required to be shown on a map by Env-Wt 525;
l. For tidal minimum impact projects, the
information required to be shown on a map by Env-Wt 600; and
m. For minimum impact stream crossing projects,
the information required to be shown on a map by Env-Wt 900;
(6)
The number of linear feet of shoreline frontage for projects located on
water bodies;
(7)
The linear distance of the project from abutting property boundaries;
(8)
As applicable:
a. The type of dock construction;
b. The diameter of culvert(s) to be used for
road or driveway crossings;
c. The additional information specified in
Env-Wt 522 for minimum impact agricultural applications;
d. Plans for maintenance of retaining walls, as
specified in Env-Wt 514;
e. Specifications and plans for maintenance of
rip-rap, as required by Env-Wt 514; and
f. Any other project-specific plan or
information required under Env-Wt 500;
(d)
A signed statement by the applicant certifying, in addition to the
certifications specified in Env-Wt 311.11, that:
(1)
The proposed project meets the conditions and limits of the applicable
minimum impact project rule;
(2)
All abutters have been notified;
(3)
If the project is to repair or replace a docking structure, the docking
structure is an existing legal structure;
(4)
The proposal is the alternative with the least adverse impact to
jurisdictional areas, as required by Env-Wt 313.03;
(5)
The project is not an after-the-fact application;
(6)
The project is:
a. Not located in a PRA; or
b. Is located in a PRA but is subject to a
classification adjustment under Env-Wt 407.02 or a project-type exception (PTE)
under Env-Wt 407.04; and
(7)
The applicant is aware of the limits of the EXP and understands and will
comply with all conditions in the EXP and all applicable conditions in Env-Wt
307;
(e)
The application fee for minimum impact projects as required by RSA
482-A:3, I;
(f)
As of December 24, 2019, a statement signed by the town or city clerk of
the municipality in which the property is located or, if the property is
located in more than one municipality, by the city or town clerk of each such
municipality, certifying that the municipality has received 4 copies of the
application including all attachments;
(g)
A signed statement by the county conservation district or certified
wetland scientist, where required by the appropriate minimum impact project
rule, certifying compliance with all conditions of that rule;
(i)
A signed statement from the LAC, if the project is within LAC
jurisdiction, certifying that the LAC waives its right to intervene on the
project.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd by #12976, eff 1-22-20; amd by #13124, eff
10-23-20
Env-Wt 310.02 EXP Review Procedures.
(a) The department shall review the application
for an EXP for administrative completeness and compliance with applicable
department rules within 30 calendar days of receipt if the application has been
signed as required by Env-Wt 310.01(h) and (i).
(b) If the information submitted as part of the
application is not sufficient for the department to determine that the project
meets the criteria for an EXP, the department shall send a request for more
information, together with any written technical comments the department deems
necessary, within 30 calendar days of receipt of the application. Such request and technical comments shall be
sent by electronic means if the applicant or applicant’s agent has indicated
that doing so is acceptable.
(c) If
the application is administratively complete, complies with applicable
requirements, and has the signed statements required by Env-Wt 310.01(h) and (i), the department
shall issue an EXP and post the information on its website within one working
day of determining that the application was complete and in compliance with all
applicable requirements.
(d) If
the applicant receives a notice as described in (c), above, and wishes to
proceed under a EXP, the applicant shall submit a revised application for an
EXP that provides all of the required information within 20 days of the date of
the notice.
(1) Identifies each item that is missing; and
(2) Informs the applicant that in order to
proceed under the EXP, the applicant shall submit all
necessary
information within 20 days of the date of the notice or the application will be
denied.
(e) If
the applicant does not submit all necessary information to the department
within 20 days of the date of a notice sent pursuant to (c), above, the
department shall deny the EXP.
(f) If
the project proposed in the EXP application does not comply with applicable
requirements, the department shall deny the application and notify the
applicant in writing of the reason(s) for the denial.
(g) If
the applicant wishes to proceed with the project, the applicant shall file:
(1) An
EXP application for a project that has been modified to conform to applicable
requirements; or
(2) An
application for a standard permit as specified in Env-Wt 311.
(h) If
the application was complete except for one or both of the signed statements
required by Env-Wt 310.01(h) and (i), the application shall be processed
under the application processing times established in RSA 482-A:3, XIV.
(j) Any request for additional information
under (b), above, shall:
(1) Specify
that the applicant shall submit such information as soon as practicable; and
(2) Notify
the applicant that if the requested information is not received within 60 days
of the request, the department shall deny the application.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 310.03 Conditions for EXPs. The following conditions shall apply to all
work done pursuant to an EXP:
(a)
No other work shall be done on the subject property pursuant to another
EXP or an SPN for a period of 12 months from the date the EXP was issued unless
the property owner submits information, including a plan, to demonstrate that:
(1)
The proposed work is wholly unrelated to and separate from the work
already done under the EXP or SPN; and
(2)
The proposed work and the work already done under the EXP or SPN do not,
when combined, constitute a project for which a standard permit is required;
(b)
The work shall comply with all applicable conditions specified in Env-Wt
307; and
(c) Any work shall be timed and carried out to
protect documented occurrences of cold water or threatened or endangered
fisheries.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 310.04 Permit Required for Small Motor Mineral
Dredging (SMMD).
(a)
As required by RSA 482-A:3, XI(b), any person who wishes to engage in
small motor mineral dredging (SMMD) shall obtain a permit from the department
prior to engaging in such dredging. The
permit shall be obtained as specified in Env-Wt 310.05 through Env-Wt 310.08.
(b)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XI(a), SMMD shall be limited to minimum
impact projects that do not exceed the following limits:
(1)
Power equipment shall be limited to 5 horsepower;
(2)
Suction dredges shall be limited to a single 4-inch diameter intake
nozzle; and
(3)
Sluice and rocker boxes shall be limited to 10 SF.
(c)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XI(c), any person wishing to engage in
mineral dredging that in any way exceeds the limits specified in (b), above,
shall first obtain, in addition to a standard permit under Env-Wt 311, a mining
permit from the department of natural and cultural resources pursuant to RSA
12-E.
(d)
As required by RSA 482-A:3, XI(f), any person who has obtained a SMMD
permit from the department shall, prior to engaging in any SMMD, obtain the
written permission to engage in such activity from the riverbed landowner on
whose property the activity is to be conducted.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 310.05 Applications for SMMD Permits.
(a)
To apply for an SMMD permit, the applicant shall submit the following to
the department on or with a “Small Motor Mineral Dredging” application, NHDES
W-06-030:
(1) The applicant’s
name, mailing
address, and e-mail address or daytime telephone number including area
code;
(2)
The calendar year for which the application is being made;
(3)
Whether the applicant is a New Hampshire resident and if so, proof of
New Hampshire residency as specified in (b), below;
(4)
Proof of age as specified in (c), below, if New Hampshire residency is
not claimed;
(5) A signed statement certifying that, in
addition to the certifications specified in Env-Wt 311.11:
a. The applicant’s intended activities do not
exceed any of the limits established in RSA 482-A:3, XI(a), as restated in
Env-Wt 310.04(b); and
b. The applicant has read and will comply with
Env-Wt 307 relative to those conditions that apply to all activities and those
that apply specifically to dredging activities;
(6) The location(s) where the dredging will
occur; and
(7)
A check or money order for the filing fee required by RSA 482-A:3,
XI(h), currently $25 for residents of the state of New Hampshire and $50 for
out-of-state applicants.
(b)
Any applicant
claiming New Hampshire residency shall:
(1)
Provide a clear photocopy of his or her New Hampshire driver’s license or
New Hampshire non-driver ID; and
(2)
Clearly print the license or ID number on the application.
(c)
If the applicant is not claiming New Hampshire residency, the applicant
shall submit a clear photocopy of his or her driver’s license, non-driver ID,
or other documentation issued by a government entity that shows the applicant’s
date of birth or otherwise establishes that the applicant is 18 years old or
older.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 310.06 Submission to Municipality and Conservation
Commission Review Not Required. As
provided in RSA 482-A:3, XI(b):
(a)
An application for a SMMD permit shall be filed directly with the
department; and
(b)
The application shall not be subject to:
(1)
The requirements of RSA 482-A:3, I relative to notice and fees; or
(2)
The requirements of RSA 482-A:11, III relative to conservation
commission intervention review.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 310.07 Issuance of SMMD Permit.
(a)
The department shall issue a SMMD permit to any individual who:
(1)
Submits a complete application as specified in Env-Wt 310.05(a); and
(2)
Demonstrates that he or she is 18 years of age or older.
(b)
Each individual 18 years of age or older who is participating in SMMD
shall have his or her own permit.
(c)
Individuals who are 17 years of age or younger may participate in SMMD
only if accompanied by an individual who possesses a valid SMMD permit and only
to the extent allowed by such individual.
(d)
As authorized by RSA 482-A:3, XI(e), the department shall include in the
permit such conditions and restrictions on timing and location as are necessary
to protect the public interest in the environment and wildlife protection.
(e) The department shall not issue an SMMD
permit for dredging in a documented occurrence of a cold water fishery or
protected species area.
(f)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XI(b), any permit issued by the department
for SMMD shall expire at the end of the calendar year in which it is issued.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 310.08 Post-Issuance Requirements for SMMD
Permits.
(a)
Subject to (b), below, any individual operating under an SMMD permit
shall post
the permit in the immediate vicinity of the dredging operation where it
can be seen by anyone approaching the activity.
(b)
If it is not practical to post the permit, the permittee shall have the
original permit or a clear copy thereof available for inspection by anyone who
requests to see it.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
PART
Env-Wt 311 APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR STANDARD
PERMITS
Env-Wt 311.01 Application Preparation for All Projects. Prior to finalizing the details of a proposed
project for which a standard permit is needed, the applicant shall:
(a) Complete the required planning for all
projects established in Env-Wt 306.05;
(b) If the DataCheck identifies any areas of
concern relative to protected species or habitat, determine how to avoid and
minimize project-related impacts on the resource by coordinating with:
(1) The NHF&G for rare or protected animal
species and habitat; and
(2) The NHB for protected plants or exemplary
natural communities;
(c) If the proposed activity impacts a PRA, then:
(1) Review
and complete the standard application criteria and design requirements and
provide any additional minimization and avoidance design features; or
(2) Propose compensatory mitigation in accordance
with Env Wt 800;
(e) For work proposed within LAC jurisdiction,
provide a copy of the final application and plans to the LAC prior to filing
the application with the department;
(f) Ensure that impacts have been avoided and
minimized to the greatest extent practicable, as specified in Env-Wt 313.03;
and
(g) For any minor or major project, submit
preliminary functional assessment results as specified in Env-Wt 311.10.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 311.02 Pre-Application Requirements for Projects
Requiring Compensatory Mitigation.
Prior to finalizing the details of a proposed project that is required
by Env-Wt 313.04 to provide compensatory mitigation, the applicant shall:
(a)
Undertake the reviews and responses required by Env-Wt 311.01;
(b)
Evaluate permittee-responsible compensatory
mitigation as defined in Env-Wt 802.05;
(c)
If permittee-responsible compensatory
mitigation is not feasible, prepare:
(1) An explanation
of what was considered and why preservation of an upland buffer as specified in
Env-Wt 803.10(b) is not a feasible alternative;
(2) An explanation of what was considered and why
restoration, enhancement, or creation of wetlands on the subject property as
specified in Env-Wt 803.10(c) and Env-Wt 803.10(d) is not a feasible
alternative; and
(3) A statement that an in-lieu mitigation
payment that can be provided in accordance with RSA 482-A:28 is the chosen form
of compensatory mitigation, with the amount to be calculated in accordance with
RSA 482-A:30 or RSA 482-A:30-a, as applicable;
(d)
Except for projects where the department of transportation is the
applicant and at least 30 days but not
more than 90 days before submitting the application schedule, attend a
pre-application meeting with the department to discuss the proposed project and
all applicable requirements and to coordinate the review of the compensatory
mitigation proposal;
(e)
Bring all information collected or otherwise prepared pursuant to Env-Wt
311.01 and (a)-(c), above, as well as a narrative description of how avoidance
and minimization and functional assessment have been addressed to the meeting
required by (d), above; and
(f) Provide the following information to the
department at or prior to the meeting, as applicable to the type of compensatory
mitigation proposed:
(1) The location of the proposed project site and
whether the project is located in any area designated in the WAP as
highest-ranked habitat based on ecological conditions;
(2) If the impact is to wetland resources, the
wetland classification as identified on the national wetland inventory maps
available from the New Hampshire statewide geographic information system
clearinghouse, NH GRANIT, accessible at http://www.granit.unh.edu/;
(3) The location of the proposed mitigation
project, including whether the project is located in any area designated in the
WAP as highest quality habitat in the state or biological region;
(4) The type of compensatory mitigation proposed;
(5) Aerial photographs of the proposed project
site, compensatory mitigation site, and surrounding areas;
(6) Division of historic resources information regarding the compensatory mitigation
site;
(7) A brief narrative explaining the project
impacts and how the proposed compensatory mitigation will offset the loss of
functions and values of the wetlands that would be impacted by the project for
which the permit is sought;
(8) An estimated date for submitting a complete
compensatory mitigation proposal; and
(9)
Information, compensatory mitigation
plans, and concepts discussed with the local conservation commission.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
311.03 Applications for Standard
Permits.
(a)
To apply for a standard permit, the applicant shall submit a complete
application package, as specified in (b), below, in accordance with RSA
482-A:3, I(a)(1).
(b) A complete application package for a standard permit shall include the
following:
(1) A completed standard permit application
as specified in Env-Wt 311.04, dated, signed, and certified as specified in Env-Wt 311.11;
(2) The correct fee, determined
as specified in RSA 482-A:3, I(b) or (c), as applicable, subject to any cap established
by RSA 482-A:3, X;
(3) The results of the actions
required by Env-Wt 311.01(a)-(c);
(4) The project plans described
in Env-Wt 311.05;
(5) The maps, or electronic
shape files and meta data, and other attachments specified in Env-Wt 311.06;
(6) An explanation of how the avoidance and
minimization requirements of Env-Wt 313.03 have been met, as specified in
Env-Wt 311.07, unless the project is limited to non-tidal shoreline structures
that comply with the avoidance and minimization guidelines included in chapter
12 of the A/M BMPs, available as noted in Appendix B, specifically only for
shoreline structure placement relative to vegetated wetlands and bank access
locations relative to the shoreland waterfront buffer and applicable design and
construction requirements of Env-Wt 500;
(7) An explanation
as to methods, timing, and manner as to how the project will meet standard
permit conditions specified in Env-Wt 307;
(8) If applicable, the information regarding proposed compensatory mitigation specified in
Env-Wt 311.08;
(9) Any additional information
specific to the type of resource as specified in Env-Wt 311.09;
(10) For minor and major
projects, a functional assessment of all wetlands on
the project site as specified in
Env-Wt 311.10, unless the project is limited to non-tidal shoreline structures
that comply with the avoidance and minimization guidelines included in chapter
12 of the A/M BMPs, available as noted in Appendix B, specifically only for
shoreline structure placement relative to vegetated wetlands and bank access
locations relative to the shoreland waterfront buffer and applicable design and
construction requirements of Env-Wt 500;
(11) Any
additional project-specific information required by Env-Wt 500, Env-Wt 600, or
Env-Wt 900, as applicable;
(12) A list containing the name,
mailing address, and tax map/lot number(s)of each abutter to the subject property; and
(13) Copies of certified postal
receipts or other proof of receipt of the notices that are required by RSA
482-A:3, I(d).
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
311.04 Application Information. The applicant shall provide the following
information on the wetlands standard permit application, NHDES W-06-012, dated
May 2020:
(a)
Applicant name, mailing address, email address, fax number, and
telephone number including area code, and
authorization for the department to communicate by email;
(b)
If the applicant is not the owner of the property, the information
required by (a), above, for each property owner;
(c)
Authorized agent name, company name, mailing address, email address, fax
number, and telephone number including area code, and authorization to
communicate by email;
(d)
Signatures as required by Env-Wt 311.11;
(e)
Municipal signatures, where required by application process;
(f)
Town or city clerk signature;
(g)
The square feet of wetland impact areas and the linear feet of surface
water impact areas for both temporary and permanent impacts based on type of
jurisdiction area, including the following:
(1) Forested wetland;
(2) Scrub-shrub wetland;
(3) Emergent wetland;
(4) Wet meadow;
(5) Intermittent stream;
(6) Perennial stream or river;
(7) Stream bank;
(8) Lake or pond;
(9) Lake or pond bank or shoreline;
(10) Tidal waters;
(11) Tidal marsh;
(12) Sand dune;
(13) Designated
prime wetland or duly-established 100-foot buffer of a designated prime
wetland;
(14) Tidal buffer zone, and whether it is
developed;
(15) Docking for lake, river, or tidal water; and
(16) Vernal pool.
(h)
How the application fee was calculated based on (g), above;
(i)
A brief description of the project and the
purpose of the project, outlining the scope of work to be performed and whether
impacts are temporary or permanent;
(j)
The narrative or checklist on avoidance and minimization required by
Env-Wt 311.07, the wetland assessment required by Env-Wt 311.10,
resource-specific information required by Env-Wt 311.09, and project design
considerations required by Env-Wt 313; and
(k)
Project-specific information required by Env-Wt 500, 600, 800, and 900,
as applicable.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
311.05 Required Project Plans.
(a)
The applicant shall provide the following information on one or more
plan sheets that conform to (c), below:
(1)
The name of the applicant;
(2)
Except for the department of transportation, if the applicant has not
yet acquired an enforceable proprietary interest in the property, the name of
each owner of the subject property as of the date the application is prepared;
(3)
The tax map, block, unit, and lot number of each parcel in the subject
property;
(4)
The date each plan was originally prepared and the date of each
revision, if any;
(5)
The name and professional license number of the individual responsible
for each portion of the plan, such as the wetland delineation, the survey, and
the engineering where licensed or certified;
(6)
An overview of the subject property and proposed impact areas in
relation to property lines;
(7)
All existing and proposed easement boundaries, including drainage and
maintenance access easements, in relation to the property lines of the subject
property;
(8)
For department of transportation applications of over 400 linear feet,
roadway stations shown every 100 feet;
(9)
Any impacts proposed to a right-of-way over another’s land;
(10)
The footprint and vertical dimensions of each existing structure, each
proposed structure, and all other relevant features necessary to clearly define
the project;
(11)
A labeled north-pointing arrow that points true or magnetic north to
indicate orientation;
(12)
A legend that clearly identifies all symbols, line types, and shading
used on the plan;
(13)
The location of jurisdictional areas delineated in accordance with
Env-Wt 406, and whether any have been designated as prime wetlands in
accordance with RSA 482-A:15;
(14)
Except for the department of transportation, the name and professional
license number of the individual responsible for the delineation of
jurisdictional areas, including but not limited to wetlands, streams, and
vernal pools on the property, if other than the individual identified as being
responsible for the plan pursuant to (5), above;
(15)
All shorelines and surface waters on or within 250 feet of the nearest
impact area and, if applicable, all coastal features as described in Env-Wt 603
including but not limited to all sand dunes and all areas within 100 feet of
the highest observable tideline;
(16)
The location of the 100-year floodplain, if on or within 100 feet of the
subject property;
(17)
If the topography of the subject property is to be permanently altered,
existing and proposed final contours at intervals not greater than 2 feet in
all areas to be disturbed and within 250 feet thereof on the subject property,
and a reference elevation referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD
83) or its successor;
(18) Labeled and lightly shaded or stippled areas
indicating limits of all temporary and permanent impacts in jurisdictional
areas;
(19)
Proposed methods of erosion, siltation, sedimentation, and turbidity
control and management, indicated graphically and labeled with the type of
control and the contractor responsible for monitoring the controls if known at
the time of the application;
(20)
If the project proposes the subdivision of land, the location of all proposed lot lines on one or more plans stamped by a
land surveyor licensed pursuant to RSA 310-A;
(21)
If the project involves construction of vegetative stabilization,
bioengineering, rip-rap slope, retaining wall, or other bank stabilization
structure, the information required by Env-Wt 514 or Env-Wt 600, as applicable;
and
(22)
All information necessary to clearly delineate and describe the project,
including any project-specific information specified in Env-Wt 500 or Env-Wt
600, as applicable.
(b) Plans depicting wetland boundaries that are
submitted with an application for a standard permit shall:
(1) Show the
location and number of the individual wetland boundary flags or other markings,
as located by survey
or by GPS;
(2) If
prepared by a certified wetland scientist, be stamped by the certified wetland
scientist who prepared the plan(s) or who oversaw the wetland boundary
delineation if done by an apprentice or an associate who is not a certified
wetland scientist;
(3) If not prepared by a certified wetland
scientist, be accompanied by a report that includes an existing conditions plan
that has been prepared and stamped by a certified wetland scientist;
(4) If
prepared by a homeowner acting on his or her own behalf for the development of
the homeowner’s primary residence, be signed by the homeowner in accordance
with Env-Wt 311.11;
(5) Include
notes that specify:
a. The date(s) on which the
wetlands delineation was performed; and
b. The method of delineation; and
(6) Be
accompanied by:
a. A report of existing
conditions, if the jurisdictional areas have not been disturbed; or
b. US Army Corps of Engineers data
sheets, if disturbed conditions exist.
(c) Each plan sheet shall:
(1) Include a title block in the lower right-hand
corner that contains:
a. The information specified in (a)(1)-(4),
above; and
b. The scale of the plan as specified in (3),
below, with a graphical scale bar;
(2) Be on white paper that is either 8.5 x 11
inches, 11 x 17 inches, or 22 x 34 inches;
(3) Be at a scale of one inch equals 100 feet for
subdivisions, otherwise at a scale of one inch equals 400 feet or a scale that
provides greater detail;
(4) Be numbered consecutively and include an
index sheet if more than one sheet; and
(5) If on paper that is larger than 8.5 x 11
inches, be folded as close to that size as possible with the title block facing
up.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 311.06 Maps and Other Attachments. The applicant shall submit the following with
the completed application form:
(a)
A copy of a town tax map showing the
subject property, the location of the project on the property, and the location
of properties of abutters with each lot labeled with the name and mailing address
of the abutter;
(b)
Dated and labeled color photographs that:
(1)
Clearly depict:
a. All jurisdictional areas, including but not
limited to portions of wetland, shoreline, or surface water where impacts have
or are proposed to occur; and
b. All existing shoreline structures; and
(2)
Are mounted or printed no more than 2 per sheet on 8.5 x 11 inch sheets;
(c)
A copy of the appropriate USGS map or updated data based on LiDAR at a
scale of one inch equals 2,000 feet showing the location of the subject
property and proposed project;
(d)
A narrative that describes the work sequence, including pre-construction
through post-construction, and the relative timing and progression of all work;
(e) For all projects in the protected tidal zone,
a copy of the recorded deed with book and page numbers for the property;
(f) If the applicant is not the owner in fee of
the subject property, documentation of the applicant’s legal interest in the
subject property, provided that for utility projects in a utility corridor,
such documentation may comprise a list that:
(1) Identifies
the county registry of deeds and book and page numbers of all of the easements
or other recorded instruments that provide the necessary legal interest; and
(2) Has been
certified as complete and accurate by a knowledgeable representative of the
applicant;
(g) The NHB memo containing the NHB identification
number and results and recommendations from NHB as well as any written
follow-up communications such as additional memos or email communications with
either NHB or NHF&G;
(h) A statement of whether the applicant has
received comments from the local conservation commission and, if so, how the
applicant has addressed the comments;
(i) For projects in LAC jurisdiction, a statement
of whether the applicant has received comments from the LAC and, if so, how the
applicant has addressed the comments; and
(j)
If the applicant is also seeking to be covered by the state general
permits, a statement of whether comments have been received from any federal
agency and, if so, how the applicant has addressed the comments.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 311.07 Demonstration of Avoidance and
Minimization.
(a) Subject to (c), below, the applicant shall submit with the application a written
narrative that explains how all impacts to functions and values of all
jurisdictional areas have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent
practicable, as required by Env-Wt 313.03.
(b) The explanation required by (a), above,
shall include the following:
(1) Whether
the primary purpose of the proposed project is to construct a water access
structure or requires access through wetlands to reach a buildable lot or
portion thereof;
(2) Except as
provided in any project-specific criteria and except for any NHDOT project that
qualifies for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) or that would qualify for a categorical exclusion if NEPA applied,
for any project that proposes new permanent impacts of more than one acre or
that proposes new permanent impacts to a PRA, or both, whether any other
properties reasonably available to the applicant, whether already owned or
controlled by the applicant or not, could be used to achieve the project’s
purpose without altering the functions and values of any jurisdictional area,
in particular wetlands, streams, and PRAs;
(3) Whether
alternative designs or techniques, such as different layouts, different
construction sequencing, or alternative technologies could be used to avoid
impacts to jurisdictional areas or their functions and values as described in
the A/M BMPs, available as noted in Appendix B; and
(4) Except
for projects solely limited to construction or modification of non-tidal
shoreline structures, which shall be subject to criteria in Env-Wt 313.03(c), how the project conforms to Env-Wt 311.10(c).
(c) In lieu of a written narrative, the applicant
may submit a completed “Avoidance and Minimization Checklist” dated May 2020,
NHDES W-06-050.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
(formerly Env-Wt 309.07); amd by #12976, eff 1-22-20; ss by #13124, eff
10-23-20
Env-Wt
311.08 Required Information for
Projects with Compensatory Mitigation.
For any project for which compensatory mitigation is required, the
applicant shall submit the following as part of the application:
(a) The type of compensatory mitigation to be
proposed by the applicant and, if permittee-responsible mitigation will be
proposed, the following preliminary information:
(1) If
preservation of an upland buffer is being proposed as compensatory mitigation:
a. A baseline
documentation report that describes current property conditions and includes
color photographs that have been taken in the absence of snow cover that
clearly and accurately show the nature and condition of the buffer area; and
b. A summary of
the conservation values and goals for the proposed preservation area that will
be incorporated into the final conservation easement;
(2) If wetland restoration, enhancement, or
creation is being proposed as compensatory mitigation, a plan noting the location of the project and a summary of the
proposed measures to achieve wetland restoration, enhancement, or creation; and
(3) If restoration or enhancement of a stream is
being proposed as compensatory mitigation, a plan showing the location of the
project and a summary of the proposed measures to achieve stream restoration or
enhancement; or
(b)
A complete compensatory mitigation proposal as specified in Env-Wt
312.04.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 311.09 Required Resource-Specific Information.
(a)
For projects in tidal areas, the applicant also shall submit the
project-specific information required by Env-Wt 600, including but not limited
to the datum and jurisdictional limits specified therein.
(b)
For projects affecting non-tidal surface water shoreline, the applicant
also shall submit the following:
(1)
The general shape of the shoreline including the length of frontage and
the normal high water elevation;
(2)
The footprint of all existing and proposed structures on the subject
property;
(3)
The intended use of each proposed structure; and
(4)
The distance from existing and proposed work to abutting property lines.
(c) For
projects within the protected shoreland as defined by RSA 483-B, the applicant
also shall provide the following:
(1)
The reference line;
(2)
The location of all existing structures between the primary building
line and the reference line;
(3)
The location of all proposed structures;
(4)
For projects adjacent to tidal waters, the landward limit of the
100-foot tidal buffer zone; and
(5)
The total disturbed area within the protected shoreland.
(d)
For all stream crossing projects, the applicant also shall submit the
information specified in Env‑Wt 903.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 311.10 Functional Assessment.
(a) Subject
to (d) and (e), below, the functional assessment required by Env-Wt
311.03(b)(10) for minor or major projects impacting non-tidal wetlands, vernal
pools, and watercourses shall be:
(1)
Performed by a certified wetland scientist; and
(2)
Completed using one of the following methods:
a. US ACE Highway Methodology Workbook, dated
1993, together with the US ACE New England District Highway Method Workbook
Supplement, dated 1999, both available as noted in Appendix B; or
b. An alternative scientifically-supported
method with cited reference and the reasons for the alternative method
substantiated.
(b)
The functional assessment required by Env-Wt 311.03(b)(10) for minor or
major projects impacting tidal areas shall be:
(1)
Performed by a qualified coastal professional as defined in Env-Wt 602;
and
(2)
Completed as specified in Env-Wt 600.
(c)
After
completing the functional assessment, the applicant
shall:
(1)
Use the results of the functional assessment to select the location of
the proposed project having the least impact to wetlands functions;
(2)
Design the proposed project to have the least impact to wetlands
functions;
(3) Where impact to wetland functions is
unavoidable, limit the project impacts to the least valuable functions on the
site while avoiding and minimizing impacts to the highest and most valuable
functions; and
(4) Include on-site minimization measures and
construction management practices to protect aquatic resource functions.
(d)
For minor or major projects requiring a standard permit without
mitigation, the applicant shall submit a wetland evaluation report that
includes completed checklists and information demonstrating the relative
functions and values of each wetland evaluated.
(e)
For a shoreline structure over inland surface waters that are not
vegetated wetlands, in lieu of (a) through(d), above, the applicant shall
submit a statement describing how the project’s design meets applicable
project-specific rules for the proposed shoreline structure and its proposed
location.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt
311.11 Required Signatures and
Certifications. Any notice,
registration, or application required to be filed under this chapter shall be
signed, dated, and certified as follows:
(a)
If the applicant is an individual, the applicant shall sign and date the
application;
(b)
If the applicant is an organization or other legal entity, the official
of the applicant who has been authorized to sign the application shall sign and
date the application and print or type his or her name and title on the
application;
(c)
If the applicant has an authorized agent, the authorized agent also
shall sign and date the application and print or type his or her name and title
on the application;
(d)
As of December 24, 2019, if the applicant is not the owner of the
property, each property owner also shall sign and date the application provided
that property owner signatures shall not be required for transportation
projects adjacent to existing rights-of-way where an easement will be obtained
prior to the start of construction;
(e)
Each signature provided pursuant to (a)-(c), above, shall constitute
certification by the signer that:
(1) To the best of the signer’s knowledge and
belief, all required notifications have been provided;
(2) The information submitted on or with the
application is true, complete, and not misleading to the best of the signer’s
knowledge and belief; and
(3) The signer understands that:
a. The submission of false, incomplete, or
misleading information constitutes grounds for the department to:
1. Deny the application;
2. Revoke any approval that is granted based on
the information; and
3. If the signer is a certified wetland
scientist, licensed surveyor, or professional engineer licensed to practice in
New Hampshire, refer the matter to the joint board of licensure and
certification established by RSA 310-A:1; and
b. The signer is subject to the penalties
specified in New Hampshire law for falsification in official matters, currently
RSA 641;
(f)
As of December 24, 2019, each signature provided pursuant to (d), above,
shall constitute certification by the signer that he or she is aware of the
application being filed and does not object to the filing; and
(g)
Each signature provided pursuant to (a), (b), and (d), above, shall
constitute authorization for the municipal conservation commission and the
department to inspect the site of the proposed project, except for minimum
impact forestry SPN projects and minimum impact trail projects, where the
signature shall authorize only the department to inspect the site pursuant to
RSA 482-A:6, II.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12924, eff 12-24-19; (see
also Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wt 309)
Env-Wt 311.12 After-the-Fact Applications.
(a) In addition to a complete application package
as specified in Env-Wt 311.03, an after-the-fact application shall include the
following:
(1) A current
conditions plan that clearly identifies all disturbances and construction
performed without a permit, delineated as specified in chapter 5 of the US ACE
Regional Supplement, available as noted in Appendix B;
(2) Copies of
aerial photographs and other information to document the basis for the
delineation;
(3) A restoration plan for all impacted
jurisdictional areas to be restored, prepared by a licensed professional, with
a wetland delineation stamped by a certified wetland scientist;
(4) A monitoring plan designed to ensure that the
restoration is successful; and
(5) An explanation as to why work was performed
prior to having a permit.
(b) Applications received after work is completed
shall be subjected to the same technical review and criteria as any other
standard application.
(c) The department’s acceptance of an
after-the-fact application shall not in any way preclude or limit the exercise
of any enforcement authority conferred by law on the department, the attorney
general, or any other federal, state, or local authority.
(d) Subject to (e), below, the department shall
process an after-the-fact application in accordance with Env-Wt 312 within 50
days of receiving an administratively complete after-the-fact application,
including necessary attachments, for a project having less than one acre of
impact and within 75 days for larger projects.
(e) The time limits in (d), above, shall not
apply if:
(1) The
project is the subject of an ongoing enforcement investigation, enforcement
action, or department of justice case, in which case the timeframe of the
ongoing action shall take precedence; or
(2) The
application requires additional information or requires the department to
perform a field inspection of the project, in which case the department shall
make its decision on the application within 60 days of the receipt of the
additional information or completion of the field inspection, as applicable.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
311.13 Amendments to Applications.
(a) Subject to (b), below, an applicant may
revise a proposed project by submitting, on or with an Amendment Request Form
For Wetlands Application or Permit, NHDES W-06-081, dated May 2020, the
information required by Env-Wt 311.03 to amend the application for the project
prior to the department’s issuance of a final decision on the application. The applicant shall provide notice to each
person to whom notice of the original application was sent prior to filing the
amended application with the department.
(b) If the proposed change constitutes a
“significant amendment” as provided in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(e), reprinted in
Appendix C, the applicant shall file a new application, not an amendment to an
existing application.
(c) The department shall process the request in
accordance with Env-Wt 312 within 30 days of receiving an administratively
complete Amendment Request Form For Wetlands Application or Permit, including
required attachments, unless:
(1) The request includes a new mitigation
proposal, in which case the processing time shall be 50 days; or
(2) The request is for a project that proposes an
acre or more of impact, in which case the processing time shall be 75 days.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
PART Env-Wt 312
STANDARD PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESSING AND REVIEW
Env-Wt
312.01 Identification of
Applications; Retention of Files.
(a) Upon receipt of an application, the
department shall assign a file number.
(b) The department shall maintain a file on each
application.
(c) The department shall retain files as
specified in Env-Wt 105.01.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 312.02 Administrative Completeness Determination.
(a)
Upon receipt of an application, the department shall:
(1)
Determine whether the application is administratively complete; and
(2)
Proceed in accordance with RSA 482-A:3, XIV(a)(1), as reprinted in
Appendix C.
(b)
An application shall be determined to be administratively complete if:
(1)
The application form required by Env-Wt 311.03(b)(1) is complete and
signed as required;
(2) The correct fee is submitted with the
application;
(3) The application package contains all
information, plans, maps, and other attachments required by Env-Wt
311.03(b)(3)-(13), as applicable; and
(4) The application package contains compensatory
mitigation plans as required in Env-Wt 312.03 and Env-Wt 312.04.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt
312.03 Completeness
Determination of Compensatory Mitigation Proposals.
(a)
If the applicant submits preliminary information pursuant to Env-Wt
311.08(a), the department shall review the information to determine whether the
information is sufficient for the department to understand the nature and
appropriateness of the proposed mitigation.
(b) If the applicant submits a complete
mitigation proposal pursuant
to Env-Wt 311.08(b) and Env-Wt 312.04, the department shall review the information to
ensure the minimum necessary compensatory mitigation components are included
for technical review of the project and shall be subject to the statutory
requirements under RSA 482-A.
(c)
The department shall notify the applicant in writing of its
determination under (a) or (b), above, as applicable. If the information does not meet the standard
specified in (a) or (b), above, as applicable, the written notice shall specify
the reason(s).
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12976, eff 1-22-20
Env-Wt 312.04 Complete Mitigation Proposal Components. The applicant shall provide the following
information in order for a compensatory mitigation proposal to be deemed an
administratively complete mitigation proposal:
(a)
An explanation supporting the type of mitigation proposed pursuant to
Env-Wt 801.03;
(b)
Where preservation of an upland buffer is being proposed, information
showing that the proposal meets the criteria specified in Env-Wt 804 together
with the following:
(1) A baseline documentation report that
describes current property conditions and includes color photographs that have
been taken in the absence of snow cover that clearly and accurately show the
nature and condition of the buffer area;
(2) A copy of the proposed conservation easement
language or language noting conveyance of fee simple ownership which protects
the conservation values in perpetuity, in accordance with Env-Wt 808.14;
(3) A surveyed plan, in accordance with Env-Wt
808.11, showing the location of the proposed conservation area boundaries; and
(4) A statement from the landowner or prospective
seller that it is willing to transfer the property, and proposed grantee
indicating that the proposed grantee will accept the easement or fee simple
deed;
(c)
For any proposal calling for a transfer of easements or fee simple
ownership, documentation showing that the proposed grantee is one of the
following:
(1) A state natural resource agency such as
NHF&G or NH DNCR;
(2) A municipality with a conservation commission
in the town where the property is located;
(3) A conservation organization such as a
state-wide, regional, or local conservation organization that can provide
documentation from the United States Internal Revenue Service stating that it
is an income tax-exempt, publicly supported corporation, pursuant to 501(c)(3)
of the United States Internal Revenue Code; or
(4) A local river management advisory committee
as established by RSA 483:8-a, authorized to accept and expend funds under RSA
483:13, that has tax exempt status pursuant to US Internal Revenue Code Section
170(a)(1);
(d)
For any proposal calling for a transfer of easements or fee simple
ownership to a conservation organization, documentation such as minutes of the
meeting at which the standards and practices were adopted showing that the
conservation organization has:
(1) Accepted the Land Trust Alliance (LTA)
standards and practices as specified in “LTA Standards and Practices”, revised
2017; or
(2) A record of holding easements and managing
them in a manner that is consistent with the purposes of the easements;
(e)
Where restoration, enhancement, or creation is being proposed as
compensatory mitigation, information showing that the
proposal meets the criteria specified in Env-Wt 805 or Env-Wt 806, as
applicable, together with all required plans and proposals; and
(f)
For an applicant who has determined that permittee-responsible
mitigation is not feasible as specified in Env-Wt 801.03, the information required by Env-Wt
803 and a preliminary estimate of the in-lieu mitigation payment.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt
312.05 Technical Review; Time
Extensions.
(a) Once an application has been determined to be
administratively complete, the department shall proceed with its technical
review of the application as specified in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(a)(2)-(5), reprinted
in Appendix C.
(b) If the information submitted as part of the
application is not sufficient for the department to determine that the criteria
for issuing a permit specified in Env-Wt 313.01 are met, the department shall
send a request for more information (RMI) to the applicant as authorized by RSA
482-A:3, XIV(a)(2).
(c) As stated in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(a)(2), “[a]ny request for additional information under this subparagraph
shall specify that the applicant submit such information as soon as practicable
and shall notify the applicant that if the requested information is not
received within 60 days of the request, the department shall deny the
application.”
(d) As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(a)(2), an
applicant may request additional time to respond to an RMI. An applicant shall submit a request for
additional time to the department in writing by identifying the application by
file number, explaining why additional time is needed and what information will
be provided if the additional time is granted, and the date by which the
information will be provided.
(e) The department shall grant additional time to
respond to a RMI unless the applicant has already requested and received additional time
totaling one year or more.
(f)
If the department is unable to review an application within the time
limits specified in RSA 482-A:3,
XIV(a)(3) or (4), as applicable, the department shall ask the applicant to
agree to an extension of time. If the
applicant agrees to extend the time, the applicant and the department shall
sign an extension agreement that identifies the deadline for department
action.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 312.06 Permits by Default.
(a)
As stated in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(b)(1), “[i]f the department fails to act
within the applicable time frame established in subparagraphs (a)(3), (a)(4),
and (a)(5), the applicant may ask the department to issue the permit by
submitting a written request. If the
applicant has previously agreed to accept communications from the department by
electronic means, a request submitted electronically by the applicant shall
constitute a written request.”
(b)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(b)(2), within 14 days of the date of
receipt of a written request from the applicant to issue the permit, the
department shall:
(1) Approve the application, in whole or in part,
and issue a permit; or
(2) Deny the application and issue written
findings in support of the denial.
(c)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(b)(3), if the department does not issue
either a permit or a written denial within the 14-day period, the applicant
shall be deemed to have a permit by default and may proceed with the project as
presented in the application.
(d)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(b)(3), a permit by default shall not
relieve the applicant of complying with all requirements applicable to the
project, including but not limited to requirements established in or under RSA
482-A, RSA 485-A relating to water quality, and federal requirements.
(e)
As provided in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(b)(4), upon receipt of a written request
from an applicant, the department shall issue written confirmation that the
applicant has a permit by default pursuant to RSA 482-A:3, XIV(b)(3), which
authorizes the applicant to proceed with the project as presented in the
application and requires the work to comply with all requirements applicable to
the project, including but not limited to requirements established in or under
RSA 482-A and RSA 485-A relating to water quality, and federal requirements.
Source. #13124, eff 10-23-20
PART
Env-Wt 313 PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR
STANDARD PERMIT DECISIONS
Env-Wt 313.01 Criteria for Approving Standard Permit
Applications.
(a)
The department shall not approve an application for a standard permit
and issue a permit unless:
(1)
The applicant has:
a. Met the requirements of Env-Wt 311.10
regarding functional assessments;
b. Met the avoidance and minimization
requirements specified in Env-Wt 313.03, subject to (c), below; and
c. Submitted a proposal for
compensatory mitigation that meets the requirements of Env-Wt 800 for
all permanent impacts that will remain after avoidance and minimization as
described in a. and b., above, unless not required under Env-Wt 313.04;
(2)
All applicable conditions specified in Env-Wt 307 have been met;
(3)
All resource-specific criteria established in Env-Wt 400, Env-Wt 500,
Env-Wt 600, Env-Wt 700, or Env-Wt 900 have been met;
(4)
All project-specific criteria established in Env-Wt 500, Env-Wt 600, or
Env-Wt 900 have been met; and
(5)
As required by RSA 482-A:11, II for a permit to dredge or fill, the work
will not “infringe on the property rights or unreasonably affect the value or
enjoyment of property of abutting owners” based on documentation that the
proposed dredge and fill activity will:
a. Be located entirely within the boundary of
the applicant’s property interest; and
b. Not result in any observable change in
off-site surface water levels or flows.
(b) Unless a waiver is granted under
Env-Wt 203, the department shall not grant a permit if the project proposes to
place fill in a jurisdictional area to achieve a set-back established in Env-Wq
1000 or in local ordinance between the jurisdictional area and the effluent
disposal area of an individual sewage disposal system.
(c)
The requirements to avoid and minimize shall not be deemed to be met if:
(1)
There is a practicable alternative that would have a less adverse impact
on the area and environments under the department’s jurisdiction;
(2)
The project will cause random or unnecessary destruction of wetlands; or
(3)
The project would cause or contribute to:
a. The significant degradation of waters of the
state; or
b. The loss of any PRAs.
(d)
The department shall deny an application if it is unable to determine
that the criteria for issuing a permit as stated in (a), above, have been met.
(e)
If the application is denied, the department shall notify the applicant
in writing of the denial and identify the reason(s) for the denial.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 313.02 Permit Issuance; Permit Conditions.
(a)
Subject to (b), below, if an application for a standard permit is
approved, the department shall issue the permit to the named applicant provided
the named applicant has an enforceable proprietary interest in the property.
(b)
If the application is for a major project located in a great pond or
public-owned water body, the department shall:
(1)
Submit the proposed permit to the governor and executive council as
required by RSA 482-A:3, II(a); and
(2)
Proceed as directed in RSA 482-A:3, II(b) after such review.
(c)
The issued permit shall include such conditions in the permit, including
but not limited to time limits, as are required to ensure that the project’s impacts
are minimized.
(d)
The conditions in the permit shall apply in addition to the applicable
conditions in Env-Wt 307.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 313.03 Avoidance and Minimization.
(a)
The department shall not approve any alteration of any jurisdictional
area unless the applicant demonstrates that the potential impacts to
jurisdictional areas have been avoided to the maximum extent practicable and
that any unavoidable impacts have been minimized, as described in A/M BMPs, available as noted in Appendix B.
(b) For any major or minor project, exclusive
of non-tidal shoreline structures that are subject to (c), below, the applicant
shall demonstrate specifically that:
(1)
There is no practicable alternative that would have a less adverse
impact on the area and environments under the department’s jurisdiction;
(2) The project avoids and minimizes impacts to
tidal marshes and non-tidal marshes where documented to provide sources of
nutrients for finfish, crustacea, shellfish, and wildlife of significant value;
(3)
The
project maintains hydrologic connections between adjacent wetlands or stream
systems;
(4) The project avoids
and minimizes
impacts to wetlands and other areas of jurisdiction under RSA 482-A, especially
those in which there are exemplary natural communities, vernal pools, protected
species and habitat, documented fisheries, and habitat and reproduction areas
for species of concern, or any combination thereof;
(5)
The project avoids and minimizes impacts that eliminate, depreciate, or
obstruct public commerce, navigation, or recreation;
(6)
The project avoids and minimizes impacts to floodplain wetlands that
provide flood storage;
(7)
The project avoids and minimizes impacts to natural riverine forested
wetland systems and scrub-shrub marsh complexes of high ecological integrity;
(8)
The project avoids and minimizes impacts to wetlands that would be
detrimental to adjacent drinking water supply and groundwater aquifer levels;
and
(9) The project avoids and minimizes adverse
impacts to stream channels and the ability of such channels to handle runoff of
waters.
(c) For any major or minor project involving the
construction or modification of non-tidal shoreline structures over areas of
surface waters having an absence of wetland vegetation, the applicant shall
demonstrate specifically that:
(1) The structures have been designed to use the
minimum construction surface area over surface waters necessary to meet the
stated purpose of the structures:
(2) The type of construction proposed is the
least intrusive upon the public trust that will ensure safe navigation and
docking on the frontage;
(3) The structures have been designed to avoid
and minimize impacts on ability of abutting owners to use and enjoy their
properties;
(4) The structures have been designed to avoid
and minimize impacts to the public’s right to navigation, passage, and use of
the resource for commerce and recreation;
(5) The structures have been designed, located,
and configured to avoid impacts to water quality, aquatic vegetation, and
wildlife and finfish habitat; and
(6) The structures have been designed to avoid
and minimize the removal of vegetation, the number of access points through
wetlands or over the bank, and activities that may have an adverse effect on
shoreline stability.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19; amd
by #13124, eff 10-23-20; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 313.04 Mitigation Requirements.
(a)
The applicant shall submit a compensatory mitigation proposal unless:
(1)
There is no permanent impact to a PRA;
(2)
The total project impacts less than 10,000 SF of non-tidal wetlands or
less than the threshold for tidal wetlands established in Env-Wt 600; and
(3) The overall project:
a. Is limited to bank stabilization using
rip-rap, bio-engineering methods, or other bank stabilization techniques to
protect existing infrastructure such as highways, bridges, dams, or buildings,
or includes such work in combination with other qualifying criteria;
b. Is limited to the installation of an
accessory docking structure or the construction of a new or replacement shoreline structure or breakwater,
or includes such work in combination with other qualifying criteria, provided
the resulting dock surface area of new shoreline structures on the frontage is
less than 2,000 SF;
c. Involves the construction of a pond
classified as a minimum impact or minor project in Env-Wt 519, either alone or
in combination with other qualifying criteria; or
d. Is otherwise a minimum impact project or is a
self-mitigating project as defined in Env-Wt 902.
(b)
Mitigation shall not be required for impacts that are not intended to
remain after the project is completed, provided the areas are restored in
accordance with provisions shown in the approved project plans.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20
Env-Wt 313.05 Processing of Related Wetlands and
Shoreland Permit Applications.
(a)
For the projects listed in (d), below, that require both an EXP or
standard permit under RSA 482-A and a shoreland permit under RSA 483-B, the
applicant may file the individual permit applications for the project
concurrently, with a written request to process the applications together.
(b)
As of December 24, 2019, concurrently filing the applications with a
request to process the applications together shall constitute:
(1)
A waiver by the applicant of the shorter time frame, if application
processing timelines are different for each permit program under the 2 statutes
and their implementing rules; and
(2)
Agreement by the applicant that any request for additional information
by the department under either or both statutes shall affect the review
timeframe of both applications being processed together.
(c)
The department shall concurrently process applications for projects
listed in (d), below, that are filed together with a request to process the
applications together.
(d)
The following projects shall be eligible for the optional process
established by this section:
(1)
Non-tidal water access structures, provided the applicant has attended a
pre-application meeting with the department and the department has determined
that:
a. The shoreline and bank were previously
modified in such a way that defining the jurisdictional limit under RSA 482-A
is difficult;
b. The project proposes significant temporary
impacts in protected shorelands for the exclusive purpose of accessing areas
that will be impacted by activities subject to RSA 482-A; and
c. The project appears to comply with the
applicable requirements of RSA 482-A, the wetlands rules, RSA 483-B, and Env-Wq
1400; and
(2)
Projects located within an upland portion of the tidal buffer zone.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
PART Env-Wt 314 PERMIT ACCEPTANCE, RECORDATION, DURATION,
EXTENSION, AND TRANSFER; POST-ISSUANCE REQUIREMENTS
Env-Wt 314.01 Acceptance of Standard Permit. A standard permit shall:
(a)
Be signed by the permittee and the principal contractor who will build
or install the project prior to start of construction; and
(b)
Not be valid until signed as required by (a), above.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 314.02 Recordation
of Certain Permits and Deed Restrictions.
(a) As required by RSA 482-A:3, VI:
(1) The permittee shall record, in the registry
of deeds for the county or counties in which the real estate is located, each
permit granted under RSA 482-A for the installation, construction, or repair of
a dock, docking facility, or marina, or for alteration of wetlands associated
with a subdivision of 4 or more lots; and
(2) The permit shall not be effective until so
recorded.
(b) For projects in the coastal area, the
permittee shall record any permit issued for overwater structures, shoreline
stabilization, and any work in the tidal buffer zone, tidal wetlands, or sand
dunes at the registry of deeds in the county in which the property is
located. Any limitations or conditions
in the permit so recorded shall run with the land beyond the expiration of the
permit.
(c) The permittee shall provide the department
with a copy of the permit stamped by the registry with the book and page and
date of receipt.
(d) Upon receipt of a permit for a major docking
structure in public waters, the permittee shall file a deed restriction with
the appropriate registry of deeds to limit the use of the docking structure to
permitted conditions and to dedicate the required amount of shore frontage to
that structure.
(e)
The permittee shall provide a copy of the recorded deed restriction to
the department.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 314.03 Notice Required Prior to Initiating
Construction.
(a)
The permittee shall notify the department in writing at least one week
prior to commencing any work under the permit.
(b)
The project shall be constructed in accordance with the approved plans
and specifications.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 314.04 Permit Duration.
(a)
As specified in RSA 482-A:3, XIV-a(a), a permit shall be valid for 5
years except as specified in (b) through (e), below.
(b)
As specified in RSA 482-A:3, XIV-a(b), a permit issued to repair or
replace shoreline structures to maintain the integrity and safety of such
structures, including but not limited to docks, sea walls, breakwaters,
rip-rap, access ramps, and stairs, that are damaged by storms or ice, shall
expire 10 years from the date the permit was issued as long as any work
performed after the initial permitted work complies with the following:
(1)
The work is not in violation of the original permit or RSA 482-A:3,
XIV-a(a)(1)-(4);
(2)
All structures are repaired or replaced to the original permitted
location and configuration; and
(3)
All significant work is reported to the department in accordance with
the reporting requirements for the original permit.
(c)
Public transportation projects that exceed the limits of the US Army
Corps General Permit shall receive one permit extension, to a total of 10
years, provided the permittee:
(1)
Receives an individual federal permit from the US Army Corps of
Engineers; and
(2)
Requests such an extension in writing from the department prior to the
expiration of the original permit.
(d)
As specified in RSA 482-A:3, V(a), a minimum impact forestry SPN submitted as
specified in RSA 482-A:3, V shall be valid for 2 years from date of the completeness
letter issued by the department.
(e)
As specified in RSA 482-A:3, XI, a permit for SMMD issued in accordance
with RSA 482-A:3, XI shall expire at the end of the calendar year in which it is
issued.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 314.05 Permit Extensions.
(a)
As specified in RSA 482-A:3, XIV-a(a), a permittee may request an
extension of a permit.
(b)
To make the request, the permittee shall submit a written request to the
department prior to the expiration of the permit.
(c)
The request submitted pursuant to (b), above, shall include the
following:
(1)
The length of the requested extension, not to exceed 5 years; and
(2)
A statement, signed and certified in accordance with Env-Wt 311.11,
that:
a. The permit for which extension is sought has
not been revoked or suspended without reinstatement;
b. Extension of the permit would not violate a
condition of law or rule;
c. The project is proceeding towards completion
in accordance with plans and other documentation referenced by the permit;
d. The applicant proposes reasonable mitigation
measures to protect the public waters of the state from deterioration during
the period of extension; and
e. The wetland delineation is still valid
pursuant to Env-Wt 406.01(b).
(d)
As specified in RSA 482-A:3, XIV-a(a), the department shall grant one
extension of up to 5 additional years, provided:
(1)
The permittee has submitted the request as specified in (b) and (c),
above; and
(2)
The mitigation measures proposed by the permittee are adequate to
protect public waters from deterioration.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 314.06 Permit Transfers.
(a)
For any project that has not been completed when ownership or legal
authority to undertake the project is to be transferred, either the transferor
or the transferee may initiate a transfer of the permit.
(b)
To effect a transfer, the person initiating the transfer shall submit a
written request to the department that contains:
(1)
The name, mailing address, and daytime telephone number including area
code of the transferee and, if available, an e-mail address for the transferee;
(2)
The name and other identifying information of the transferor as shown on
the permit;
(3)
The permit number and date; and
(4)
The date on which the transfer is expected to occur or did occur.
(c)
Subject to (d), below, the request submitted pursuant to (b), above,
shall be signed and certified by the transferor and the transferee.
(d)
If the transferor is no longer available to sign the request, the
transferee shall submit a copy of the legal documentation that effected the
transfer.
(e)
The department shall transfer the permit within 5 working days after receipt of a
request as specified in (b), above, unless:
(1)
An enforcement action is pending against the transferor or transferee,
unless transferring the permit would facilitate a resolution of the action; or
(2)
The department has a reasonable basis to believe that grounds exist to
suspend or revoke the permit due to non-compliance with the permit terms,
unless transferring the permit would facilitate compliance.
(f)
If the transfer is approved, the new permittee shall be advised of all
conditions, limitations, and special considerations pertinent to the approved
project.
(g)
The department shall submit to the governor and executive council any
request for the transfer of a permit for a major project that involves
structures in great ponds or public-owned water bodies in the manner prescribed
for permits under RSA 482-A:3, II.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 314.07 Permit Amendments.
(a)
Subject to (b), below, a permittee may request an amendment to an issued
permit by submitting the information required to be filed in the original
permit application. The applicant shall
provide notice to all who received notice of the original application prior to
filing the amended application with the department.
(b)
If the proposed change constitutes a “significant amendment” as provided
in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(e), the applicant shall file a new application, not an
amendment to an existing permit.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 314.08 Notice of Completion and Certificate of
Compliance Required.
(a) The
permittee shall file a completed notice of completion and certificate of
compliance with the department within 10 working days of completing the work
authorized by the permit.
(b) The
notice of completion and certificate of compliance shall:
(1) Identify
the permit number and the date of permit issuance;
(2) Specify the date
the work was completed;
(3) Be signed and certified by
the permittee as specified in Env-Wt 311.11; and
(4) For projects other than forestry projects,
provide photos showing resource impact areas upon completion.
(c) In addition to the
certifications in Env-Wt 311.11, the permittee’s signature shall constitute
certification that the project was completed in compliance with all conditions
of the permit.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
PART
Env-Wt 315 PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS
EMERGENCIES
Env-Wt 315.01 Definition. For purposes of this part, “public agency”
means a federal or state agency or a municipal public works department that is
responsible for maintaining public infrastructure.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 315.02 Emergency Authorizations for Private
Property.
(a)
A property owner may request an authorization to act on an emergency
basis prior to filing an application under Env-Wt 310 or Env-Wt 311 if:
(1) A threat to public safety or public health
exists or significant damage to private property is imminent as a result of an
occurrence beyond the control of the property owner, such as a natural
disaster;
(2) The request for the emergency authorization
is made within 2 weeks of discovering the need for the emergency authorization;
(3) The emergency work shall be completed within
30 days, or 60 days for emergencies requiring approval from the department’s
waste management division; and
(4) Work covered by the emergency authorization
is limited to that specified in (e), below.
(b)
The property owner or property owner’s agent shall request an emergency
authorization by providing the following information to the department by
telephone, e-mail, or fax:
(1) The name of the property owner and the
address of the property where the emergency work will be done;
(2) The name and daytime telephone number
including area code
of the individual requesting the authorization, and, if available, an e-mail
address and fax number for that individual;
(3) A description of the reason the emergency authorization
is being requested;
(4) A list of structures proposed to be repaired
or otherwise stabilized; and
(5) A description of the work to be performed and
a schedule for the work.
(c)
If a request is made by telephone, the property owner or property
owner’s agent shall provide the information required by (b), above, by e-mail
or fax as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after the initial
request.
(d)
The department shall issue an emergency authorization requested as
specified in (a)-(c), above, no later than 3 working days after receipt of the
written request when necessary to mitigate an immediate threat to public health
or safety or to private property.
(e) The work
done pursuant to an emergency authorization shall be limited to
stabilization of the site or other mitigation of the immediate threat that does
not create any new permanent impacts to any PRA or vernal pools.
(f)
If any work performed pursuant to an emergency authorization under this
section results in new permanent impacts to any PRA or vernal pool or exceeds
work that is necessary to abate the emergency, then:
(1)
The work shall be deemed to be unpermitted activities as specified in
Env-Wt 307.17; and
(2)
The property owner shall file an after-the-fact standard application for
all work done.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 315.03 Emergency Authorizations for Repairs to
Public Infrastructure.
(a)
A public agency may request an authorization to repair public
infrastructure on an emergency basis without first filing a notification under
Env-Wt 308.04(e), a registration under Env-Wt 309.03, or an application under
Env-Wt 311 if:
(1) A threat to public safety exists due to
public infrastructure being damaged as a result of a natural disaster or other
emergency;
(2) The public agency submits a request for the
emergency authorization within 2 working days of discovering the need for the
emergency authorization; and
(3) Work covered by the emergency authorization
is limited to that described in (e), below.
(b)
The public agency shall request an emergency authorization by providing
the following information to the department by telephone, e-mail, or fax:
(1) The name of the public agency and the name
and daytime telephone number including area code of a contact
individual, and, if available, an e-mail address and fax number for that
individual;
(2) A description of the reason the emergency authorization
is being requested;
(3) Identification of the location and type of
infrastructure to be repaired; and
(4) A description of the work to be performed and
a schedule for the work.
(c)
If a request is made by telephone, the public agency shall provide the
information required by (b), above, by e-mail or fax as soon as possible but no
later than one working day after the initial request.
(d)
The department shall issue an emergency authorization requested as
specified in (a)-(c), above, as soon as possible, but in no case later than 3
working days after receipt of the written request.
(e)
Subject to (f), below, the work done pursuant to an emergency
authorization shall be limited to stabilization of the site or other mitigation
of the immediate threat and such work as is necessary to prevent or minimize
additional damage to the public infrastructure.
(f)
Permanent repairs to public infrastructure may be made by a public
agency pursuant to an emergency authorization under this section if:
(1) Repairs to stream crossings meet all
applicable requirements of Env-Wt 900;
(2) No permanent impacts to jurisdictional areas
occur outside of the footprint of the area already impacted by the
infrastructure being repaired unless necessary to comply with Env-Wt 900,
provided that channel blockages may be removed so long as the removal minimizes
the disturbance of sediments; and
(3) The public agency submits a notification
under Env-Wt 308.04(e), a registration under Env-Wt 309.03, or an application
under Env-Wt 310 or Env-Wt 311, as applicable, for the completed work within 30
calendar days of completing the work.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 315.04 Emergency Authorization Tracking,
Follow-Up Work.
(a) The
department shall create a record of each emergency authorization that includes a description
of the emergency,
the nature
and location of the work to be performed, and a schedule for the work.
(b)
Where a follow-up standard application or restoration is necessary to
perform additional work beyond emergency abatement or to restore altered
wetlands, the applicant shall submit a standard application and an as-built
plan or restoration plan.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 315.05 Work During Emergencies Without Prior
Authorization.
(a) Subject
to (b), below, work without an SPN, registration,
permit, or emergency
authorization shall be allowed during a natural disaster if the work is strictly limited to
that work necessary to mitigate an immediate threat or stabilize a property.
(b)
If work is done pursuant to (a), above, on private property, the owner
of the property where such work occurred, or the property owner’s agent, shall
report the following information to the department as soon as practicable but
no later than 30 days after commencing the work:
(1) The name of the property owner and the
address of the property where the emergency work will be done;
(2)
The name and daytime telephone number including area code of the
individual reporting the information, and, if available, an e-mail address and
fax number for that individual;
(3)
A description of the need for the work done on an emergency basis; and
(4)
A description of what work was done and when the work began and was
completed.
(c)
If work is done pursuant to (a), above, on public infrastructure, the
public agency shall report the following information to the department as soon
as practicable but no later than 10 working days after commencing the work:
(1) The name of the public agency and the name
and daytime telephone number including area code of a contact individual, and,
if available, an e-mail address and fax number for that individual;
(2)
An explanation of why the work had to be done without first filing for
an SPN, registration, permit, or emergency authorization;
(3)
Identification of the location and type of work done on an emergency
basis; and
(4) The date when the work began and the date
when the work was completed.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19; amd by #12954, eff 12-24-19
Env-Wt 315.06 Action After Emergency. Any
permanent repairs, restoration, or other activities proposed to be conducted after the
emergency has ended shall be undertaken pursuant to a statutory exemption, SPN,
LSA, EXP, standard permit, or waiver.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt
315.07 Authorizations Under Federal
Law.
(a) Nothing in this part shall relieve any person
from the obligation to comply with federal law relative to work done on an
emergency basis.
(b) The US ACE might require that a separate
federal permit be obtained for:
(1) Work that exceeds in-kind maintenance or
repairs; and
(2) Activities that exceed those classified as
minimum impact.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
PART Env-Wt 316
PERMIT SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, OR MODIFICATION
Env-Wt 316.01 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to establish the criteria
and procedures for suspending,
revoking, or modifying an approval issued under RSA 482-A or the wetlands
rules.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 316.02 Definition. For purposes of this part, “approval” means
an SPN, LSA, EXP, standard permit, or waiver, as applicable to the specific
situation.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt
316.03 Suspension or Revocation of
Approvals.
(a)
The department shall initiate a proceeding to suspend or revoke an
approval whenever the department:
(1) Receives credible information that supports a
conclusion that the work being done under the approval
does not comply with the terms of the approval
and all other applicable requirements; and
(2)
Concludes that the department’s attempts to obtain compliance by other
means have not been successful, subject to (b), below.
(b)
If the work being done poses an immediate and substantial threat to the
environment or to public health or safety, the department shall not be required
to attempt to obtain compliance by other means.
(c)
To initiate the proceeding, the department shall notify the owner of
the property on which the work is occurring and the person(s) doing the work, if known to the department, in writing of:
(1) The intention to suspend or revoke the
approval, as applicable;
(2) The facts on which the proposed action is based; and
(3) The deadline for
requesting a hearing to show cause why
the proposed action should not be taken.
(d)
If a hearing is requested, the hearing shall be conducted in accordance
with the provisions of RSA 541-A
and Env-C 200 that apply to adjudicative proceedings.
(e)
After the hearing, if one is held, or after the
deadline for requesting a hearing if a request is not received, the department shall:
(1) Revoke the approval, if the department
determines that:
a. The approval would not have been issued if
the information submitted had been true, complete, and not misleading; and
b. The project for which the permit was obtained
cannot be made to conform to applicable requirements; or
(2) Suspend the permit, if the department
determines that:
a. The approval would have been issued if the
information submitted had been true, complete, and not misleading; and
b. The project for which the approval
was obtained can be made to conform to
applicable requirements.
(f)
If an approval is suspended pursuant to (e)(2), above, the department
shall reinstate the approval upon receiving proof from the respondent that the
project meets applicable requirements.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt 316.04 Modification of Approvals. The department shall issue a modified permit
if it determines, as a result of a hearing conducted pursuant to Env-Wt 316.03,
that:
(a)
A modification of the approval is necessary to bring the project into
compliance with applicable requirements; and
(b)
The modified approval meets all applicable criteria for issuance and
does not constitute a significant amendment as defined in RSA 482-A:3, XIV(e).
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Env-Wt
316.05 Notice of Decisions; Appeals.
(a) The department shall notify the
respondent in writing of its decision.
If the decision is to suspend, revoke, or modify the approval, the
department shall specify the reason(s) for the decision.
(b) Any person aggrieved by the decision who
wishes to appeal the decision shall file an appeal with the wetlands council
as specified in
Env-Wt 203.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter
heading for Env-Wt 300) #12803, eff 12-15-19
Appendix A: State Statutes
Implemented
Rule |
State Statute(S) Implemented |
Federal Statutes/Regulations Implemented |
Env-Wt 300 (see additional statutes and federal statutes/ regulations
for specific rules below) |
RSA 482-A:1 - 4, 6, 8 - 34 |
Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Chapter 26, Subchapter IV, § 1344 (Permits
for Dredged or Fill Material); 33 CFR Parts 322 & 323; USACE Gen. Permit
No. NAE-2016-02415 |
Env-Wt 305.02;
306.02 intro; 307.08(a); 308.05(a)(2)a.; 308.07 heading; 309.01(b)(2) &
(b)(3)c.; 309.02(i)(6); 309.03(c)(1); 309.04(c)(1); 309.05 [new]; 309.06
intro., (a) intro, (a)(9) & (18) - (20) [renumbered]; 309.07 intro, (a),
(b)(1), (b)(6) & (f) - (i); 309.07 [renumbered]; 309.08(b) & (e)
[renumbered]; 309.09(b) [renumbered]; 310.02; 310.05(a)(1); 310.07(a)(1); 311.04 intro, (a)-(d), (f),
& (g)(13); 311.05(a)(2) & (a)(20); 311.06(b) intro & (f)(1);
311.07(d); 311.08(a)(1)a.; 311.09(c) intro & (5); 311.10(a) intro &
(b)(1); 311.11 intro & (d) (g);
312.04(b)(1); 313.03(b)(9); 313.05(b); 314.06(b)(1); 315.02(b)(2);
315.03(b)(1); 315.05(b)(2) & (c)(1) |
RSA 482-A:1 - 4,
6, 8 - 34 |
Clean Water Act,
33 U.S.C. Ch. 26, Subchapter IV, § 1344 (Permits for Dredged or Fill
Material); 33 CFR Parts 322 & 323; USACE Gen. Permit No. NAE-2016-02415 |
Env-Wt
306.05(a)(1) |
RSA 482-A:1 - 4,
6, 8 - 34; RSA 483-B; RSA
487 |
Clean Water Act,
33 U.S.C. Ch. 26, Subchapter IV, § 1344 (Permits for Dredged or Fill
Material); 33 CFR Parts 322 & 323; USACE Gen. Permit No. NAE-2016-02415 |
Env-Wt
307.03 |
RSA
485-A:8; RSA 485-C |
|
Env-Wt
307.05 |
RSA
487:15 - 16-d |
|
Env-Wt
307.06 |
RSA
212-A; RSA 217-A |
Endangered
Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et seq. |
Env-Wt
307.07 |
RSA
483-B |
|
Env-Wt
307.09 |
RSA
483-B |
|
Env-Wt 308.08(b)
|
RSA 482-A:1 - 4,
6, 8 - 34; RSA
483-B |
Clean Water Act,
33 U.S.C. Ch. 26, Subchapter IV, § 1344 (Permits for Dredged or Fill Material);
33 CFR Parts 322 & 323; USACE Gen. Permit No. NAE-2016-02415 |
Env-Wt 309.06(d) Env-Wt 310.01
intro Env-Wt
311.07(b)(2) Env-Wt
312.02(b)(3) Env-Wt 312.03(a) Env-Wt
513.24 Env-Wt 517.06(b) Env-Wt
610.17(c)(3) |
RSA 482-A:1 - 4,
6, 8 - 34 RSA 483-B; RSA 485-A; RSA 487; RSA 212-A |
Clean Water Act,
33 U.S.C. Ch. 26, Subchapter IV, § 1344 (Permits for Dredged or Fill
Material); 33 CFR Parts 322 & 323; USACE Gen. Permit No. NAE-2016-02415 |
Env-Wt 310.01
intro, (a), (b)(1), (b)(7), & (f) - (i) |
RSA 482-A:11, VI |
Clean Water Act,
33 U.S.C. Ch. 26, Subchapter IV, § 1344 (Permits for Dredged or Fill
Material); 33 CFR Parts 322 & 323; USACE Gen. Permit No. NAE-2016-02415 |
Env-Wt
310.04 |
RSA
12-E |
|
Env-Wt
313.04 |
RSA
483-B |
|
Env-Wt
316 |
RSA 541-A:30 |
|
Env-Wt
316.05 |
RSA 21-O:14 |
|
Appendix B: Incorporated
References
Rule |
Title
(Date) |
Obtain
From: |
Env-Wt 307.03(b)(2)a. Env-Wt 307.10(h) |
New Hampshire
Best Management Practices for Erosion Control on Timber Harvesting Operations
(2016) |
UNH Cooperative Extension Taylor Hall, 59 College Road Durham, NH 03824 Phone: (603)862-1520 Download at no
cost from: https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000247_Rep266.pdf |
Env-Wt 307.03(b)(2)b |
Utility
Maintenance in and Adjacent to Wetlands and Waterbodies in New Hampshire -Best
Management Practices Manual (March 2019) |
NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division
of Forests and Lands Download at no
cost from: https://www.nhdfl.org/DRED/media/Documents/New_Final_Utility_BMP_Manual_3_8_19.pdf |
Env-Wt 307.03(b)(2)c. |
Best Management
Practices for Erosion Control During NH Trail Maintenance and Construction
(2017) |
NH Department of Resources & Economic Development, Division of Parks
& Recreation; Bureau of Trails Email: nhtrails@dncr.nh.gov Download
at no cost from: https://www.nhstateparks.org/getmedia/3c45de00-e174-4df0-b678-4670b254290d/Best-Management-Practices-For-Erosion-Control-During-Trail-Maintenance-and-Construction.pdf |
Env-Wt
307.03(b)(2)d. Env-Wt 307.13(e)(2) |
Best Management
Practices for Routine Roadway Maintenance Activities in New Hampshire (2019) |
NH Department of Transportation PO Box 483 7 Hazen Drive Email: info@dot.nh.gov Download at no cost from: |
Env-Wt 307.05(e) |
Best Management
Practices For the Control of Invasive and Noxious Plant Species (2018) |
NH Department of
Transportation PO Box 483 7 Hazen Drive Email: info@dot.nh.gov Download at no
cost from: |
Env-Wt 307.13(e)(2) |
Best Management
Practices for Routine Roadway Maintenance Activities in New Hampshire (2019) |
NH Department of Transportation PO Box 483 7 Hazen Drive Email: info@dot.nh.gov Download at no cost from: |
Env-Wt 311.07(b)(3) Env-Wt 313.03(a) |
Wetlands Best
Management Practice Techniques for
Avoidance, Minimization (2019) |
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control
Commission Wannalancit Mills 650 Suffolk Street, Suite 410 Lowell, MA 01854 Phone: (978) 323-7929 Fax: (978) 323-7919 General Email: mail@neiwpcc.org Download at no cost from: http://neiwpcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Wetlands-BMP-Manual-2019.pdf |
Env-Wt 311.10(a)(2)b. |
The
Highway Methodology Workbook (1993) New England
District Highway Methodology Workbook Supplement (1999) |
US
Army Corps of Engineers New England District 696 Virginia
Road Concord, MA
01742-2751 (978) 318-8338 Download
at no charge from: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Portals/74/docs/regulatory/Forms/HighwayMethodBook.pdf https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Portals/74/docs/regulatory/Forms/HighwaySupplement6Apr2015.pdf
|
Env-Wt
311.12(a)(1) |
Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Northcentral
and Northeast Region, Version 2.0 (January 2012) |
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District 696 Virginia Road Concord, MA 01742-2751 (978)318-8338 Download at no charge from: https://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/Portals/38/docs/USACE%2087%20Wetland%20Delineation%20Manual.pdf |
Appendix C: Other Statutory
Provisions
RSA 482-A:3:
I. …
(d) At the time the applicant
files the application with the department, the applicant shall provide written
notice of the proposed project to:
(1) All abutters, as defined in the rules of the
department, unless exempted in such rules, which shall be provided by certified
mail or other delivery method that provides proof of receipt. The applicant
shall retain such receipts and provide copies to the department upon request.
The department shall have no obligation to verify the identity of abutters or
their receipt of notice. Any abutter who has actual notice of the filing of an
application shall have no cause to challenge the application based on failure
to receive written notice. Nothing in this subparagraph shall prevent the
department from taking appropriate action in the event an applicant fails to
provide the required notice or provides false information.
(2) The local river management advisory committee
if the project is within a river corridor as defined in RSA 483:4, XVIII, or a
river segment designated in RSA 483:15. Such notice shall be sent by certified
mail or other delivery method that provides proof of receipt. The applicant
shall retain such receipts and provide copies to the department upon request.
The local river management advisory committee shall, under RSA 483:8-a,
III(a)-(b), advise the commissioner and consider and comment on the permit application.
…
XIV. (a) In
processing an application for permits under this chapter, except for a permit
by notification, the department shall:
(1) Within 14 days of receipt by the department,
issue a notice of administrative completeness or send notice to the applicant,
at the address provided on the application, identifying any additional
information required to make the application administratively complete and
providing the applicant with the name and telephone number of the department
employee to whom all correspondence shall be directed by the designated
department employee regarding incompleteness of the application. Each receipt
of additional information in response to any notice shall re-commence the
14-day period until the department issues a notice of administrative
completeness. Any notice of incompleteness sent under this subparagraph shall
specify that the applicant or authorized agent shall submit such information as
soon as practicable and shall notify the applicant or authorized agent that if
the requested information is not received within 60 days of the notice, the
department shall deny the application.
(2)
Within 75 days of the issuance of a notice of administrative completeness for
projects where the applicant proposes under one acre of jurisdictional impact
and 105 days for all other projects, request any additional information that
the department is permitted by law to require to complete its evaluation of the
application, together with any written technical comments the department deems
necessary. Such request and technical comments may be sent by electronic means
if the applicant or authorized agent has indicated an agreement to accept
communications by electronic means, either by so indicating on the application
or by a signed statement from the applicant or authorized agent that
communicating by electronic means is acceptable. Any request for additional
information under this subparagraph shall specify that the applicant submit
such information as soon as practicable and shall notify the applicant that if
the requested information is not received within 60 days of the request, the
department shall deny the application. The department may grant an extension of
this 60-day time period upon request of the applicant.
(3)
Where the department requests additional information pursuant to subparagraph
(a)(2), within 30 days of the department's receipt of a complete response to
the department's information request:
(A)
Approve the application, in whole or in part, and issue a permit; or
(B)
Deny the application and issue written findings in support of the denial; or
(C)
Schedule a public hearing in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted by
the commissioner; or
(D)
Extend the time for rendering a decision on the application for good cause and
with the written agreement of the applicant; or
(4)
Where no request for additional information is made pursuant to subparagraph
(a)(2), within 75 days from the issuance of the notice of administrative
completeness for proposed projects under one acre of jurisdictional impact, or
105 days for all others:
(A)
Approve the application, in whole or in part, and issue a permit; or
(B)
Deny the application and issue written findings in support of the denial; or
(C)
Schedule a public hearing in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted by
the commissioner; or
(D) Extend the time for
rendering a decision on the application for good cause and with the written
agreement of the applicant.
(5)
Where the department has held a public hearing on an application filed under
this chapter, within 60 days following the closure of the hearing record,
approve the application in whole or in part, and issue a permit or deny the
application and issue written findings in support of the denial.
…
(e) Any request for a significant amendment to a
pending application or an existing permit which changes the footprint of the
permitted fill or dredge area shall be deemed a new application subject to the
provisions of RSA 482-A:3, I and the time limits prescribed by this paragraph.
“Significant amendment” means an amendment which changes the proposed or
previously approved acreage of the permitted fill or dredge area by 20 percent
or more, relocates the proposed footprint of the permitted fill or dredge area,
includes a prime wetland or surface waters of the state, includes a wetland of
a different classification as classified by the department, or includes
non-wetland areas requiring permits for filling and dredging. This meaning of
“significant amendment” shall not apply to an application amendment that is in
response to a request from the department.
Appendix E: Summary of
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Term |
Meaning |
Agriculture
BMWPs |
“Best
Management Wetlands Practices for Agriculture” dated 2019, published by the
NH Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food |
A/M
BMPs |
“Wetlands
Best Management Practice Techniques For Avoidance and Minimization” dated 2019, published by the
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission |
CPESC
specialist |
Certified
Professional Erosion and Sediment Control specialist - an individual
certified by EnviroCert International, Inc.® as competent to develop and
implement erosion and sediment control practices |
CY |
Cubic
Yard |
Federal
classification method |
Method
established in “Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the
United States”, adapted from Cowardin, Carter, Golet and LaRoe (1979), August
2013, FGDC- STD-004-2013 |
Federal
delineation method |
Method
established in “Wetlands Delineation Manual”, Technical Report Y-87-1, Corps
of Engineers, January 1987, and “Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region”,
Version 2.0, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, January 2012 |
Forestry
BMPs |
“New
Hampshire Best Management Practices for Erosion Control on Timber Harvesting
Operations” dated 2016, published by the University of New Hampshire
Cooperative Extension |
HOTL |
Highest
Observable Tide Line |
Invasive
Plant BMPs |
“Best
Management Practices For the Control of Invasive and Noxious Plant Species”
dated 2018, published by the NHDOT |
Marina
BMPs |
“Best
Management Practices For New Hampshire Marinas” dated 2001, published by the
NHDES Pollution Prevention Program |
LAC |
Local
[River] Advisory Committee |
LiDAR |
Light
Detection and Ranging - A surveying method that measures distance to a target
by illuminating the target with pulsed laser light and measuring the
reflected pulses with a sensor, with the differences in laser return times
and wavelengths then being used to make digital 3-D representations of the
target. |
LF |
Linear
Foot |
NH
Method |
“Method
for Inventorying and Evaluating Freshwater Wetlands in New Hampshire” dated
2013 and revised 2015 and 2016, available at https://nhmethod.org/ |
NHB |
Natural
Heritage Bureau of the NH DNCR |
NH
DNCR |
NH
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources |
NHF&G
|
NH
Fish and Game Department |
NHDOT |
NH
Department of Transportation |
NRCS |
Natural
Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture |
PBN |
Permit-by-Notification
(created in the rules) |
PRA |
Priority
Resource Area - a jurisdictional area that: (a) Has
documented occurrences of protected species or habitat; (b) Is
a bog; (c) Is
a floodplain wetlands contiguous to a tier 3 or higher watercourse; (d) Is
a designated prime wetland or a duly-established 100-foot buffer zone; (e) Is
a sand dune, tidal wetland, tidal water, or undeveloped tidal buffer zone; or (f) Is
any combination of (a) through (e), above. |
Professional
engineer |
RSA 310-A:2, II. “Professional engineer” means a
person who by reason of advanced knowledge of mathematics and the physical
sciences, acquired by professional education and practical experience, is
technically and legally qualified to practice engineering, and who is licensed by the board or
otherwise authorized by this subdivision to engage in the practice of
engineering. |
Routine
Roadway BMPs |
“Best Management Practices for Routine
Roadway Maintenance Activities in New Hampshire” dated 2019, published by the
NHDOT |
SF |
Square
Foot |
SPN |
Statutory
Permit-by-Notification (established in RSA 482-A) |
Subject
property |
(a) For projects in surface water for which any
kind of permit is required, the parcel(s) of land adjacent to and associated
with the area in which the project will occur or has occurred; or (b) For all other projects for which any kind
of permit is required, the parcel(s) of land on which the project will occur
or has occurred. |
Trail
BMPs |
“New
Hampshire Best Management Practices for Erosion Control During Trail
Maintenance and Construction” dated 2017, published by the NH DNCR |
US
ACE |
U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers |
USGS |
United
States Geological Survey |
Utility
BMPs |
“Best
Management Practices Manual, Utility Maintenance in and Adjacent to Wetlands
and Waterbodies in New Hampshire” dated 2019, published by the NH DNCR |
WAP |
Wildlife
Action Plan prepared and published by NHF&G |
Water
Quality BMPs |
Recommended
practices for minimizing or preventing the direct or indirect discharge of
sediment or other pollutants into surface waters and wetlands, including
those listed in Env-Wt 307 and the Agriculture BMPs, Forestry BMPs, Marina
BMPs, Invasive Plant BMPs, Roadway Maintenance BMPs, Trail BMPs, and Utility
BMPs, as applicable |
WPPT |
Wetlands
Permit Planning Tool - a GIS tool that provides access to data for planning
projects near or in jurisdictional areas, available at https://nhdeswppt.unh.edu |