State rules protect safety, resources

Pennsylvania has regulations governing waterways, known as Chapter 105.

These rules and regulations were created to protect health, safety, welfare and property; and to protect natural resources and water quality.

Chapter 105 is primarily administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection. However, the Butler County Conservation District has been delegated to administer parts of the Chapter 105 program by providing information and distributing certain types of permits for activities that encroach on or obstruct waterways.

Activities and structures in or near a regulated stream or its adjacent floodway fall under this program. A regulated stream is any channel with defined bed and banks that can convey water.

It can be natural or man-made, perennial or intermittent. In most cases, a permit is required before starting any activity which alters, expands or diminishes the course, current or cross-section of a stream, floodway or body of water.

Activities that are typically permitted include driveway culverts, highway bridges, utility line stream crossings, stream bank stabilization projects, boat docks, etc.

The Butler County Conservation District will be handling the following types of permits:

• GP-l fish habitat enhancement structures. This permit authorizes the installation of fish habitat structures that have been approved by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

• GP-2 small docks and boat launching ramps. This permit is for the construction of docks on lakes and rivers.

• GP-3 bank rehabilitation, bank stabilization and gravel bar removal. This permit authorizes projects that involve bank stabilization or gravel bar removal along and in streams.

• GP-4 intake and outfall structures. This permit is used for projects involving the installation of pipes or channels to convey water from a stream or body of water and for pipes or channels to discharge stormwater or waste water into a stream or body of water.

• GP-5 utility line stream crossings. The GP-5 applies to any utility line that crosses under or over a stream or wetlands. This includes gas, oil, water, electric and sewer lines.

• GP-6 agricultural crossings and ramps. This permit is to be used when crossings and ramps are installed for agricultural purposes.

• GP-7 minor road crossings. This permit can be used when establishing a permanent road crossing through a stream or wetland using a bridge or culvert.

• GP-8 temporary road crossings. This permit is used to establish a temporary culvert or bridge crossing. The structure must be removed within a year.

• GP-9 agricultural activities. This permit authorizes agricultural activities such as grassed waterways, terraces, diversions, manure storage facilities and spring developments that encroach into streams or their flood ways. A current conservation plan is required for this permit.

Contact the Butler County Conservation District for more information on Chapter 105 permits or for information on what permits apply to your specific project.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.