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DEP outlines guidelines for maintaining streams

By KATIE MIKTUK

kmiktuk@timesobserver.com

As the weather is becoming warmer and the streams begin to flow freely without ice, you may feel inclined to start cleaning them up. But wait, there are guidelines to follow when it comes to tending to the streams in the community.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has provided guidelines that encourage Pennsylvania communities to carry out their stream work in a way that is environmentally-responsible, reduces the likelihood of future flooding problems, and complies with regulations. These guidelines are categorized into green lights, yellow lights, and red lights.

Green lights, or go, are activities are those that do not require DEP notification, pre-approval, or additional permits. Green light activities include removing debris, such as woody or manmade, from the streams and banks by hand or using handheld equipment. Heavy equipment can be used to pick up debris from the bank, however the equipment should not enter the stream or dig into the streambed. You can also remove gravel and debris around and close to bridges or culverts.

Yellow lights, or slow down, are activities are those that may require DEP notification, pre-approval, or emergency permits. Yellow light activities include rebuilding roads and bridges across streams and streambank stabilization projects. Also, removing any gravel bars from the stream channel with heavy equipment or repairing or removing a bridge or culvert that is in danger of failing.

Red lights, or stop, are activities are actions that require permits from DEP and possibly from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers among other organizations. These activities include redirecting the flow of a stream by reshaping gravel bars or moving gravel to the streambank. Moving or relocating a stream is also a red light activity. Furthermore, dredging or damming streams, creating dikes, or building a new bridge or culvert are all activities that require DEP notification and permitting.

If you are looking to do a project on a stream and are in doubt of whether you need to notify the DEP or get a permit, call DEP. The regional office is located at 230 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA 16335, or call (814) 332-6945.

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