This permit is associated with the removal of accumulated silt, sediment, debris and or garbage from a regulated stream, pond, etc., for agricultural purposes on an active farm, which has been approved by and will be performed under the supervision of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and/or local soil conservation district.
For application requirements, procedures, documents, fees, etc., please see N.J.A.C. 7:13-8.1(c) through (e).
The proposed activity must comply with the following, in order to qualify for this general permit:
- Excavation does not extend below the natural bed or alter the natural banks. This general permit does not authorize the straightening or realignment of a channel. Straightening or realignment constitutes channel modification and requires an individual permit pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:13-10.1(c), and does not qualify for this general permit;
- The project does not disturb the channel bank or the riparian zone, unless such disturbance is unavoidable, necessary to gain access to the channel and minimized;
- The project is conducted from only one bank where possible;
- All heavy machinery necessary for the conduct of the project is situated outside the channel. Heavy machinery may reach into the channel to dredge, but cannot be driven into or operated within the channel;
- Vegetation and tree canopy on the more southerly or westerly bank is preserved in order to shade the channel;
- All proposed access points to the water are described in writing and with color photographs;
- All disturbed areas in the riparian zone are replanted with indigenous, non-invasive vegetation upon completion of the project;
- All removed sediment is disposed of in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws. If the removed sediment is to remain in the flood hazard area, it is spread evenly at least 25 feet from any top of bank or edge of water and, if in a floodway, no more than three inches deep; and
- The placement of the removed sediment does not interfere with the positive overland drainage of the receiving area;