Digging Out: Wetland Permitting for Dam and Stormwater Pond Dredging
Sediment and debris commonly collect within drainage infrastructure including stormwater pond and dam structures that require periodic removal to ensure the adequacy of designed function. Federal, State, and some local agencies and some neighborhood-level organizations commonly regulate or oversee these features under variable regulatory frameworks, and often under surface and/or stormwater management or wetland regulations. This presentation will highlight the steps required to comply with Virginia state and federal wetland regulations or existing conditional exemptions while conducting maintenance dredging activities and projects. We will also highlight recent changes to related regulations and administrative policies or guidance that may affect other project objectives including threatened and endangered species, water quality certification, and changes to the Construction General Permit (CGP) administered through the Virginia DEQ.
Author Bio
Karen is a Senior Environmental Scientist with WSSI and a Professional Wetland Delineator, Virginia State Surface Water Delineator, and Certified Ecologist. She routinely works with localities and private entities to conduct tidal and non-tidal wetland delineations and obtain wetland permits from local, state, and federal agencies for dredging and development projects. She has extensive project experience in Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Peninsula. Robert is a Senior Associate Regulatory Specialist at WSSI with nearly 40 years of project experience in natural and water resources infrastructure project planning and permitting throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. He holds multiple professional credentials and specialty authorizations and holds licensures in Virginia for Certified Professional Wetland Delineator and State Surface Waters Delineator.
