Stream alteration permits regulate activities that take place in or along streams. The permit program is intended to prevent the creation of flood hazards, protect against damages to aquatic life, and protect the rights of neighboring landowners. The types of activities that are regulated include streambank stabilization, gold dredging, road improvements that encroach on streams, bridge construction or repair, and utility crossings under streambeds.

The program is authorized in 10 V.S.A. Chapter 41. A permit is required for movement, excavation or fill involving 10 or more cubic yards annually in any watercourse with a drainage area greater than 10 square miles or in any designated outstanding resource water.

The statute also prohibits the removal of gravel from any watercourse, regardless of size, primarily for construction or sale. There is an exemption for 50 cubic yards annually for riparian landowners, but the gravel must be used only on the landowner's property, and the Agency must be notified at least 72 hours prior to the excavation.

Emergency protective measures taken by municipalities to preserve life or protect property are exempt from the permit requirements, but the measures taken must be the minimum necessary to protect life and property. The measures must be approved by a member of the municipal legislative body and must be reported to the Agency within 72 hours.

• Contact a Stream Alteration Engineer.
• Stream Alteration Permit Application (pdf, 51 KB)
• Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Guidelines, Culvert Screening Tool and AOP Workshop Presentations

Updated: January 2004