Vermont Water Quality Permits

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Act 250 Permits

Protection of water resources - lakes, streams, and wetlands - is considered during Act 250 reviews. Water Quality Division staff review all Act 250 permit applications and make recommendations to the District Environmental Commissions and the Environmental Board to protect these resources. The Act 250 criteria most frequently involved are:

Criterion 1 - Water Pollution:

Lakes, stream, and wetlands often function as systems. Specific concerns are the quantity and quality of both ground and surface waters.

Criterion 1(A) - Headwaters:

Effects in headwater areas are magnified downstream and these areas often experience heightened climatic influences. Because of this, headwater areas are often afforded a higher level of protection.

Criterion 1(B) - Waste Disposal:

Potential ground and surface water contaminants are closely reviewed under Act 250.

Criterion 1(D) - Floodways:

Lakes, streams, and wetlands all experience flooding throughout the year. Appropriate riparian buffers are recommended to help reduce peak flows, delay flood crests, reduce flooding, and minimize property loss.

Criterion 1(E) - Streams:

Streams, both intermittent and perennial, are protected under Act 250. The natural condition of the stream must be maintained. To this end, riparian buffers are required on streams.

Criterion 1(F) - Shorelines:

Projects involving lakes and rivers must include appropriate riparian buffers or corridors to protect water quality, maintain aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and to protect against the risk of flooding.

Criterion 1(G) - Wetlands:

Wetlands are protected under the Wetland Rules (pdf, 84 KB) and under Act 250. Appropriate riparian buffers are recommended to protect our wetland resources.

Criterion 4 - Soil Erosion:

An important component of an Act 250 permit is a site specific erosion and sediment control plan that helps to minimize sediment transport and maximize erosion control.

Criterion 8 - Rare and Irreplaceable Natural Areas and Aesthetics:

Certain wetlands and natural areas, such as gorges, warrant protection under Act 250. These areas contribute to the open space character and overall beauty of the landscape. Their protection allows the enjoyment by all.

Criterion 8(A) - Necessary Wildlife Habitat:

Lakes, streams, and wetlands provide a wide diversity of terrestrial and aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife. The Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program work closely with the Water Quality Division to make recommendations under this criterion.

Criterion 9(K) - Public Investments:

Lakes, streams, and wetlands represent public investments by providing important recreational, educational, research, and economic opportunities to the public.

Updated: February 2002

Permits
		Act 250

		Aquatic Nuisance Control

		Corps of Engineers

		Mineral Prospecting (Gold Sluicing)

		Section 1272 Order

		Shoreland Encroachment

		Stormwater

		Stream Alteration

		Stream Crossing Structures

		Stream Obstruction

		Water Quality Certification (401)

		Water Withdrawals

		Wetland Regulation

		Recently Issued Permits

	WQD Section Pages:

	Biomonitoring & Aquatic Studies

	Lakes & Ponds

	Planning

	River Management

	Stormwater

	Wetlands