LAWS AFFECTING ROADS AROUND WATERBODIES

Do I Need a Permit?

There are three laws that may apply to camp road maintenance the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law, the Natural Resource Protection Act, and the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act (with associated local ordinances). All of these laws require a permit to do some kinds of roadwork so that state and local officials can ensure that our lakes, streams, coastal areas, and wetlands are protected. Read this section, then call the proper agencies to find out if a permit is necessary, and if so, how to obtain one.

The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law

Requires that erosion control devices be installed before any activity begins that will disturb the soil, and that the devices be maintained until the site is permanently stabilized. The law also requires that existing areas eroding into a lake, stream, river or wetland be stabilized by July 1, 2010. If the eroding area is in a watershed of a water body “most at risk” (contact the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your local Soil & Water Conservation District to find out which water bodies these are), it must be stabilized by July 1, 2005. This means you must follow erosion control procedures when your camp road maintenance or construction disturbs the soil, and you must ensure that the disturbed area is permanently stabilized.

The Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA)

Regulates activities in, on, over, or within 100 feet of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, brooks, and wetlands. Regulated activities include filling, disturbing the soil, building permanent structures, removing, or displacing vegetation, dredging, or draining. A permit is required from the DEP before starting any of these activities. Two types of permits are available: a Permit-by Rule (PBR), and a full permit. A Permit-by-Rule only requires that you file notice and follow a set of prescribed standards; a full permit involves a formal project review by the DEP. Most camp road-related activities can be done under the Permit-by-Rule program. Replacing existing culverts does not require a permit, provided the culvert is no longer than 75 feet or no more than 25% longer than the original culvert. Replacing existing bridges is also exempt from the permitting process, provided the new bridge has the same dimensions, does not block fish passage, and does not intrude any further into the water body or wetland than the old bridge.

The Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act (and associated municipal ordinances)

Regulates development along the immediate shorelines of lakes, rivers, tidal areas, wetlands, and some steams. The law requires towns to zone all areas within 250 feet of these resources with the exception of streams, where the zoned area need only be 75 feet. Each town’s ordinance may be different, but the ordinance must be at least as stringent as the state’s minimum guidelines. As a camp road owner, you must check with the Town’s Code enforcement officer to determine if the work you plan for your camp road requires a permit from the town. Generally, maintenance activity on existing roads does not require a permit. However, if you plan to fill, disturb soil material, or widen the road, a permit may be required.

In addition to the above laws, construction of new camp roads may require permits under either the Stormwater Management Law or the Site Location of Development Law. Contact the DEP if your project involves 20,000 square feet or more of road construction.

(Excerpted from “Camp Road Maintenance Manual, A Guide for Landowners”; developed by Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District with assistance from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection; June 2000)