Stream
Current and recent program updates, news, and other important information related to DEP’s Water Obstruction and Encroachment Program, Chapter 105, Chapter 106, 401 Water Quality Certification, and PASPGP will be posted on this webpage. Information that is no longer relevant will be removed from the webpage.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adds Information Planning and Consultation (IPaC) Screening Service for Pennsylvania
On June 2025, The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) rolled out its IPAC system in Pennsylvania. This tool is in addition to existing Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) search tool. PNDI remains the first stop for threatened, endangered, and special concern species searches for Chapter 105 permit submissions. However, now the PNDI system may now direct users to also submit an IPAC Search. The USFWS conducted an online session explaining IPAC in June, 2025 which is available for viewing online. The USFWS also has general guidelines available and detailed instructions for their project review process.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have released a flow chart as an accompanying document to the Pennsylvania State Programmatic General Permit 6 (PASPGP-6) which outlines what each IPAC result means in terms of permit review and reporting of federal permits to the Army Corps.
ANNOUNCEMENT – Availability of Ch. 105 Pilot Program for Individual Joint Permit Applications
DEP is announcing the availability of a Ch. 105 Pilot Program for Individual Joint Applications to improve the quality of applications and make decisions faster, starting September 1, 2024. This program is available statewide at all six DEP regional offices and the Regional Permit Coordination Office.
Availability of Trenchless Technology Guidance – February 24, 2024
On February 24, 2024 DEP published its Final Trenchless Technology Guidance Document (310-2100-003) in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Additional information is available on the Trenchless Technologies Resource page. This guidance: outlines the steps and options to consider, and implement as appropriate, when proposing to use a trenchless technology installation method on any portion of a project; has been prepared to provide information to project proponents that may help to prevent environmental issues, improve project planning, permitting and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements; establishes a common, complete and consistent level of understanding of the information the Department may request to adequately review permit applications proposing trenchless technology; was drafted in concurrence with the existing regulations. Trenchless technology use is not specifically referenced in any Department regulation; however, the environmental issues that can result from unplanned failures of this construction method can have regulatory implications. This guidance provides specific recommendations to meet relevant Department regulations for this construction methodology and to anticipate, monitor for and respond to failures in a manner that avoids, minimizes and mitigates environmental issues that may arise during construction.
New PA DEP Bridge & Culvert Maintenance and Repair Tool Launched Online – October 19, 2023
DEP’s Bridge and Culvert Maintenance & Repair Tool is an online interactive tool designed to assist bridge and culvert owners in determining what, if any, permit and notification requirements are needed for bridge and culvert maintenance and repair. By answering questions about the bridge and culvert, the nature of the proposed work, and to avoid delays the tool will direct you on how to move forward with your project.
Recorded Webinar on New Alternatives Analysis Guidance Available - October 13, 2023
DEP held a public training webinar on its new Guidance for Developing a Chapter 105 Alternatives Analysis on September 29, 2023. This webinar recording is now available for viewing anytime on PA DEP’s Clean Water Academy
PIESCES Revised Interim Wetland Credit Fees – Effective October 1, 2023
The Interim Wetland Function Based Credit Fees increased October 1, 2023. Due to a recent programmatic review, adjustments to the interim fee schedule were necessary to ensure sufficient fees to cover the costs of providing compensatory mitigation. Additional details can be found on the PIESCES Fees and Processing page.
August 5, 2023: Final Technical Guidance Available – Guidance for Developing a Chapter 105 Alternatives Analysis
DEP’s Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands (BWEW) has published the Final technical guidance document, Guidance for Developing a Chapter 105 Alternatives Analysis Document # 310-2100-002, in the PA Bulletin. The technical guidance provides guidance on the preparation of a Chapter 105 alternatives analysis. This TGD consolidates existing guidance and expands upon that guidance.
Notice of Availability of the Technical Guidance was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on August 5, 2023 at 53 Pa.B. 4501. The guidance provides Chapter 105 permit applicants with a comprehensive understanding of what DEP is looking for in a Chapter 105 alternatives analysis and highlights some of the major elements of the analysis at various scales for a proposed project. This guidance will improve permitting efficiency by minimizing, if not eliminating, the lack of guidelines and understanding of the various regulatory concepts which apply to the alternatives analysis requirements in Chapter 105. By following this guidance document, permit applicants should be able to avoid common deficiencies.
A public webinar will be held on September 29, 2023. You can register for this event online. Afterwards, this webinar will be recorded and placed on DEP’s Clean Water Academy.
July 31, 2023: Now Available-Best Management Practices for Timber Harvest Operations
DEP’s Bureau of Clean Water and Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands have completed the Best Management Practices for timber Harvest Operations, Document # 3850-BK-DEP5577. This publication replaces an older version titled Timber Harvest Operations Field Guide for Waterways, Wetlands and Erosion Control.