Client Alert: PA DEP Releases New Chapter 105 Waterways Permitting Forms

Close behind sweeping changes to its Environmental Assessment procedures in 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has now released updated versions of the permitting forms for its Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment General Permit Registrations under the new State Programmatic General Permit 5 (PASPGP-5).  The changes include a simplification of the Permit instructions, the elimination of certain unnecessary and redundant forms, and an easier-to-use aquatic resource summary table.

DEP’s improvements continue a process that began over three years ago, with the release of the draft Pennsylvania Aquatic Resource Compensation Protocol and its associated Level 2 Rapid Assessment Protocols.  These guides introduced an entirely new process by which wetlands and waterways are evaluated and mitigated during land development. When the draft protocols became DEP policy in 2017, Liberty was among the first to successfully implement the protocols and obtain Joint Permit approvals using the new methods at multiple warehouse and logistics development projects in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

For questions or assistance with Chapter 105 Permit Registrations, please call David Coyne or Teresa Amitrone at (800) 305.6019 or via email at info@libertyenviro.com.