Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Project development

Environmental process | Environmental review

Stream or Water Body Modification

Purpose

Evaluating proposed stream or water body modifications can help prevent impacts to fish and wildlife and problems such as erosion, bank instability, aesthetic intrusion, flooding, and impediments to navigation.

When to use this subject

Consider stream and water body impacts on projects that involve channel relocation, channel excavation, culvert installation or extension, bridge pier work, or any other activity that changes the course, current, or cross section of a stream or water body. This guidance does not need to be used for work on centerline or entrance culverts that primarily convey storm water within highway right of way.

How this subject fits into the overall project development process

During the scoping of phase of project development and the environmental process, assess the need for stream or other water body channel modification and the associated permits. Always consider alternatives that avoid channel changes and adverse impacts. Discuss mitigation measures to the extent possible.

During preliminary design, refine the design concept(s) and avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures developed earlier.  It is also important to assess whether the project requires a Section 404/Section 10 permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and/or a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) Public Waters permit, and if so, whether the project is expected to qualify for general permits or require individual permits. Projects requiring Section 404 permits should also be assessed for whether an individual Section 401 water quality certification is expected to be needed from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or tribe.

During final design, ensure that permanent construction features that reduce or eliminate adverse impacts are incorporated into project design. This is also typically the time to obtain required permits. Excerpts from the final design plans may be used within the permit applications to demonstrate to permitting agencies any special mitigation features that are part of the project. Final design must also ensure that the plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) package includes all mitigation measures.

Organizations involved