Don’t Get Stuck in the Ditch!

Jurisdiction & 404-105 Permitting of Roadside Ditches

Tom JohnstonSkelly and Loy, Inc.

Streams, Wetlands & Water BodiesAre Regulated by:

PA DEP- Chapter 105Waters of the Commonwealth (WOC)

USACE – Section 404Waters of the United States (WOTUS)

CAN include Roadside Ditches

But NOT ALL Roadside Ditches

Categories of Roadside Ditches

1.Non-Regulated Drainage Features2.Waiver (No Permit Required) Water3.Regulated WatersWaters of the Commonwealth (WOC)Waters of the United States (WOTUS)

Jurisdiction of Roadside Ditches

Bridge-Culvert ReplacementGo From GP 11 to JPA

Roadway WideningGo From No Permit to JPA

Recent History of WOTUS

2007 Rapanos Rule2014 EPA Rule (Clean Water Act Rule)2017 E.O. Vacating EPA Rule

Return to Rapanos2018 Injunction Staying the 2017 E.O.

Return to EPA Rule

EPA WOTUS Rule

1.Provided More Certain Guidance2.Expanded Jurisdiction (but not in PA) 3.Provides “Clear” Guidance for DitchesWaters of the United States (WOTUS)

EPA Rule Ditch Guidance

Following Ditches Are NOT WOTUS*1.Constructed in Uplands2.Do Not have Perennial Flow3.Not Relocated Streams 4.Not Connected to Wetlands

*Some conditions apply !

PA DEP Chapter 105

WOC Include:1.Natural and Manmade WatercoursesPerennial or Intermittent Flow

2.Water Bodies (include Wetlands) 3.Floodways

PA DEP Chapter 105 Waiver #6

(105.12 a 6)Impacts to Stormwater Management Features DO NOT need 105 Permit.

BUTDEP has Discretionary Authority

PA DEP Chapter 105 Waiver #6

Waived Impacts to Roadside Ditchesare

Non-Reporting under PA SPGP #5(Avoids Federal Review)

Where does the water come from?

Management Recommendation

Questions About Roadside Ditches1.Continuous OHWM ?2.Connect to Upstream Tributary ? 3.Connect to Upstream Wetlands ?4.What Flow Regime ?

Management RecommendationWhat Flow Regime ?

EPA Rule less emphasis on FlowDitches with true perennial flow still regulatedNo More Rapanos RPWGroundwater originating in the Ditch does not

automatically make it regulated.

DEP does not regulate Ephemeral Flows

PERENNIAL

INTERMITTENT

ROCKLINEDROADSIDE DITCH

PERENNIAL

INTERMITTENT

INTERMITTENT

ROCKLINEDROADSIDE DITCH

PERENNIAL

INTERMITTENT

EPHEMERAL SWALE

INTERMITTENT

ROCKLINEDROADSIDE DITCH

PERENNIAL

INTERMITTENT

EPHEMERAL SWALE

REGULATED

INTERMITTENT

NON-REGULATED

ROCKLINEDROADSIDE DITCH

Management Recommendation

Applicant Needs to be ProactiveAnd Challenge Jurisdiction

1.Is the Ditch a WOTUS and/or WOC ?2.Is the Ditch Eligible for Waiver #6 ?

Request JD Field View

Management Recommendation

Applicant Needs to be ProactiveAnd Challenge Jurisdiction

USACE & DEP are reluctant to make a call, but generally agree with well documented “Non-Jurisdictional” case.

Most Famous Ditch in Central PA.I-83 Eisenhower Interchange - Ditch #1

Questions ?

Tom JohnstonSkelly and Loy, Inc.

717-576-3877tjohnston@skellyloy.com