General Information:
The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (SWQPA) (originally called the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act) was enacted into law in 1991. The act established minimum standards for land use along the states larger water bodies. In 2008, the act was amended and several changes took effect including limitations on impervious surfaces, vegetation maintenance requirements, and the establishment of a permit requirement for most construction, excavation, and filling activities within 250' of a protected water body. The SWQPA includes all lakes, ponds, and impoundments greater than 10 acres, all 4th order and greater streams and rivers, all designated rivers and river segments under RSA 483, and all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide.
The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (SWQPA) (originally called the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act) was enacted into law in 1991. The act established minimum standards for land use along the states larger water bodies. In 2008, the act was amended and several changes took effect including limitations on impervious surfaces, vegetation maintenance requirements, and the establishment of a permit requirement for most construction, excavation, and filling activities within 250' of a protected water body. The SWQPA includes all lakes, ponds, and impoundments greater than 10 acres, all 4th order and greater streams and rivers, all designated rivers and river segments under RSA 483, and all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide.
Shoreland Protection
Existing Conditions Survey:
Many home owners (as well as some businesses) who own property within the protected shoreland have been concerned about the constantly changing regulations that control what they can do on their property. If you currently own or are in the process of purchasing waterfront property (or any property within 250' of a protected water body) an existing conditions survey is a good investment. AEC will survey locate all of the important features on your property within the protected shoreland. This includes any structures, impervious surfaces (driveways, walkways, decks, patios, etc), landscaped areas, areas in a "natural state", trees & saplings within the 50' waterfront buffer, etc. All of this information will then be put together on an existing conditions plan. If you decide to add an addition, build a patio or deck, expand your driveway, or anything else that requires a permit in the future, just give us a call and we can get started right away since we already have your information on file. If you ever have a question about adding landscaping, erosion control issues, or how many trees you can cut, just give us a call and we will open your file and review everything with you. As you develop your property we can note any changes in your file, and if you are ever called into question by a regulatory agency you can show them your plan and explain what you have done (and if that is not enough, we can step in and help you).
Waivers & Variances:
Sometimes due to unique circumstances your project is environmentally sound, does not negatively impact the public, but just doesn't fit into the rules and regulations. Maybe you want to make improvements to an existing developed property that already doesn't meet the new regulations. No matter what the situation is, if your project meets the intent of the SWQPA we will help you make your case for a waiver or variance.
Stormwater Management:
Stormwater management has been recognized by the federal, state, and many local governments as a major issue that needs to be addressed. Not only can stormwater cause significant damage to your property, but it can contaminate any nearby surface water. Sometimes our Clients are required to have a stormwater management plan designed in order to obtain a permit from the NH Department of Environmental Services or a local community. However, we have also been contacted many times to simply help a home owner fix a stormwater issue they are having. This could include redirecting stormwater into a detention pond, building rain gardens, installing permeable pavement or walkways, building infiltration trenches, etc. There are many options to just about every stormwater problem, and we can help you determine what will work best for your project and how they will fit into your budget.
Many home owners (as well as some businesses) who own property within the protected shoreland have been concerned about the constantly changing regulations that control what they can do on their property. If you currently own or are in the process of purchasing waterfront property (or any property within 250' of a protected water body) an existing conditions survey is a good investment. AEC will survey locate all of the important features on your property within the protected shoreland. This includes any structures, impervious surfaces (driveways, walkways, decks, patios, etc), landscaped areas, areas in a "natural state", trees & saplings within the 50' waterfront buffer, etc. All of this information will then be put together on an existing conditions plan. If you decide to add an addition, build a patio or deck, expand your driveway, or anything else that requires a permit in the future, just give us a call and we can get started right away since we already have your information on file. If you ever have a question about adding landscaping, erosion control issues, or how many trees you can cut, just give us a call and we will open your file and review everything with you. As you develop your property we can note any changes in your file, and if you are ever called into question by a regulatory agency you can show them your plan and explain what you have done (and if that is not enough, we can step in and help you).
Waivers & Variances:
Sometimes due to unique circumstances your project is environmentally sound, does not negatively impact the public, but just doesn't fit into the rules and regulations. Maybe you want to make improvements to an existing developed property that already doesn't meet the new regulations. No matter what the situation is, if your project meets the intent of the SWQPA we will help you make your case for a waiver or variance.
Stormwater Management:
Stormwater management has been recognized by the federal, state, and many local governments as a major issue that needs to be addressed. Not only can stormwater cause significant damage to your property, but it can contaminate any nearby surface water. Sometimes our Clients are required to have a stormwater management plan designed in order to obtain a permit from the NH Department of Environmental Services or a local community. However, we have also been contacted many times to simply help a home owner fix a stormwater issue they are having. This could include redirecting stormwater into a detention pond, building rain gardens, installing permeable pavement or walkways, building infiltration trenches, etc. There are many options to just about every stormwater problem, and we can help you determine what will work best for your project and how they will fit into your budget.