CLEARFIELD – A new service offered by the Clearfield County Conservation District will help speed up the permitting process for activities in and near streams and wetlands.
At Tuesday’s Clearfield County Commissioner’s work session, Fred Berry of the Clearfield County Conservation District said the district will now have the ability to issue permits for various projects involving streams and wetlands.
Berry said that under the state’s Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, a permit is required for projects involving the construction, modification, or relocation of any dam, water obstruction, or encroachment.
Projects requiring a permit include:
· Fish Habitat Enhancement Structures
· Small docks and boat launch ramps
· Bank rehabilitation, stabilization and gravel bar removal
· Intake or outfall structures, such as a dry hydrant or clean water outfall
· Utility line stream crossings
· Agricultural crossings and ramps
· Minor road crossings
· Temporary road crossings
· Agricultural activities
· Abandoned mine reclamation
Berry said anyone in Clearfield County who needed permits for these activities in the past had to travel to Williamsport. He said with the conservation district taking on the permits, he is hopeful the process can be streamlined, and the permits can be processed faster. He said the district staff can assist residents in filling out the permit applications and allow these projects to get off the ground in a timely manner.