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 fills involving 10 or more cubic yards annually in any perennial stream.  See program Guidance for the Identification of Perennial Streams.  The Program has issued a general permit pursuant to 10 V.S.A. §7501 for stream alteration activities.  The purpose of this general permit is to ensure that all stream alteration activities are regulated efficiently and effectively in accordance with the requirements of 10 V.S.A. Chapter 41

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Introduction to Stream Alteration General Permit Program

The statute 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 River Management Engineer

Regulations and Permits

• Stream Alteration General Permit
• Stream Alteration GP Reporting Activity Application
• Stream Alteration Individual Permit Application (pdf, 60 KB)

Jurisdictional Guidance

• Act 110 expands State Rivers Program
• Guidance for the Identification of Perennial Streams
• General Permit Jurisdictional Summary

Technical Guidance

          General

• River Dynamics 101
• Introduction to Dynamic Equilibrium
• Introduction to Channel Evolution

          Stream Measurement

• Identification of Bankfull Stage
• Vermont Hydraulic Geometry Curves
• Sediment Particle Entrainment and Transport

          Activity Specific

• Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Guidelines, Culvert Screening Tool and AOP Workshop Presentations
• Gravel Extraction

Updated: April 2011