Regulations and Permitting

In 2010, a new regulatory package was finalized that included significant changes to the program. Most notably, the threshold for activities requiring a permit was lowered to 1 acre. In addition to lowering the permitting threshold for development, the Department codified PCSM requirements and included mandatory riparian buffers for specific categories of watersheds.   

Various types of activities are regulated including; earthmoving, timber harvests, road maintenance, oil and gas site development and some agricultural activities. The size and type of activity define whether a permit is needed and the type of permit required.

Applications and information are available on the Department of Environmental Protection’s eLibrary website and watershed classification information may be accessed on eMapPa. Links to the Department’s website can be found in the Education Section of our website.

The District should be contacted with questions regarding what types of activities necessitate permitting.