NHDES Wetlands Bureau - Concord, NH

About the NHDES Wetlands Bureau

The Wetlands Bureau is a key regulatory division within the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). Located at the NHDES headquarters on Hazen Drive, the Bureau is tasked with protecting the state's valuable freshwater and tidal wetlands, which play a crucial role in flood control, water quality filtration, and wildlife habitat. The Bureau administers the state's dredge and fill laws, ensuring that development and construction projects comply with environmental standards to minimize ecological impact.

Permitting and Regulation

The primary function of the Wetlands Bureau is the review and issuance of Wetlands Permits for activities that impact jurisdictional areas, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and surface waters. This includes permitting for docks, retaining walls, culverts, and shoreline structures. The Bureau categorizes projects by impact level (Minimum, Minor, and Major) and offers a ”Permit-by-Notification” process for specific low-impact activities. They also oversee the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act, regulating vegetation removal and excavation near protected water bodies.

• Permit Review: Evaluation of dredge and fill applications.
• Shoreland Protection: Management of the protected shoreland buffer zone.
• Compliance: Investigation of unpermitted wetland impacts and enforcement.

Public Assistance

The Wetlands Bureau provides technical assistance to property owners, contractors, and municipalities. An ”Inspector of the Day” is typically available to answer questions regarding rules and application procedures by phone or email. While the office is open to the public for dropping off applications or reviewing files, appointments are recommended for detailed consultations with technical staff. The NHDES headquarters is a secure facility, and visitors must sign in at the front desk upon arrival.