For Landowners + Homeowners
1. What Erosion & Sediment Control permits are needed when building a home?
ALL earth disturbance activities require the installation of adequate Erosion & Sediment Control Best Management Practices (BMPs). Any earth disturbance over 5,000 square feet requires an Erosion & Sediment Control Plan & it must be available on site.
If the disturbance is 1 acre or more, an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit is required.
2. What permits are needed to cross a stream with a driveway or utility line?
The PADEP requires permits for driveway or utility line crossings based on the drainage area to the crossing location. Contact the District for help calculating the drainage area and determining if a permit is needed.
3. What permits are needed to place fill on my property?
ALL earth disturbance activities require the installation of adequate Erosion & Sediment Control Best Management Practices (BMPs). If your activity will be closer than 50’ to a stream or wetland, a stream encroachment permit will be required by the PADEP.
Any earth disturbance over 5,000 square feet requires an Erosion & Sediment Control Plan & it must be available on site.
If the disturbance is 1 acre or more, an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit is required.
For Developers + Design Professionals
1. What is the status of my plan?
You can check your plan status here on our website.
2. What fees are associated with a plan review?
Most plan fees are based on the area of disturbance. Some entities may be exempt. WCD’s fee schedule can be found here on our website.
3. How do I determine if changes to my permit are considered a major or minor amendment?
This is best described by PADEP’s FAQ titled Chapter 102 Permit Amendments which can be found here.
4. Does WCD do pre-application meetings?
Yes. There is no fee for this service. Contact WCD to set up a meeting.
5. Does WCD do expedited reviews?
No. However, the District does have a process called the Assisted Plan Consistency Check (APCC). This is a meeting where you will be provided with technical feedback and a completeness review. There is a fee for this service.
Please visit our website for more information on the APCC, or contact us to set up a meeting.
For Municipalities
1. What is a Conservation Partnership Agreement (CPA)?
A CPA states that the District and Municipal representatives will work together, to the best of their abilities, to protect all water resources and conserve the natural resources of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within the municipality.
Municipalities that have a CPA are waived of District review fees (this includes E&S review fee, SW review fee, & 105 review fee).
A sample Conservation Partnership Agreement can be found on our website here.
A listing of municipalities that currently have a Conservation Partnership Agreement is available on our website here.
