Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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Dam Permitting

Individual Permit
A Dam Safety Individual Permit is required prior to initiating substantial repairs, alterations, or removals of dams. This permit process is used to authorize large scale projects. For smaller scale projects, a general permit may provide authorization through a faster process. Be sure to read the Permit Application Guidance below when preparing an individual permit application.  Download all the Dam Safety Individual Permit Materials (application forms, instructions, and supporting attachment information) for an individual dam safety permit application.

Permit Application Guidance
This document provides guidance for the Dam Safety individual permit application process.

General Permits
Three Dam Safety General Permits were signed on October 16, 2015 and are currently available. These permits provide quick process authorization for many dam-related minor activities which have only minimal environmental impacts.

The General Permit Authorization Table provides a quick view of the three general permits.
Download the permits, filing forms, the notice form, and fact sheets - Dam Safety General Permits GP-014, GP-015, and GP-016

Fishway DeterminationA determination of the need for a fishway is necessary for any work that requires a DEEP Dam Safety individual or general permit: Request for Determination of Need for Fishway - Word Form, PDF

Permit applicants must submit the completed form to the DEEP Inland Fisheries Division and submit the determination response with the final Dam Safety permit application.

Stream Flow Release Determination
Certain dams, primarily large impoundments with consumptive withdrawals such as drinking water supply reservoirs, will be required to make releases in accordance with Connecticut Stream Flow Standards and Regulations.  All water supply reservoir companies must request a determination of the need to perform stream flow releases whenever applying for a DEEP Dam Safety individual permit, and submit the determination with the final Dam Safety permit application.   

Further information about stream flow releases may be found by contacting the DEEP Water Quantity section in the Water Planning & Management Division at deep.streamflowclass@ct.gov. 

Fish Screening
Triploid (sterile) grass carp are one option for the control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.  Applicants considering the installation of a screening device on any dam or spillway must contact the DEEP Dam Safety Regulatory Program at DEEP.DamSafety@ct.gov so that we may determine if the screen will require a Dam Safety Individual Permit.

Dam Removal
Links to websites with dam removal information: (leave DEEP website)
Links to videos on dam removal projects: (leave DEEP website)
For further information contact the DEEP Dam Safety Regulatory Program at (860) 424-3706 or by email at  DEEP.DamSafety@ct.gov
 

 

Content last edited February 2020