New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Ec-Wet - Wetlands Council \

21 Jun 2025 --
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Ec-Wet — Wetlands Council (New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules)

1. Purpose

The Ec-Wet rules were created to:

Protect and manage wetlands in New Hampshire.

Ensure sustainable use of wetland resources while balancing development needs.

Provide a regulatory framework for activities affecting wetlands, including filling, draining, or altering wetlands.

Establish procedures for permitting, oversight, and enforcement by the Wetlands Council and other agencies.

2. Scope

Ec-Wet applies to:

All wetlands within New Hampshire, including freshwater marshes, swamps, bogs, and riverine wetlands.

Activities such as:

Filling, dredging, or draining wetlands

Construction or development within wetland buffers

Alterations that may affect hydrology, wildlife, or plant communities

Both public and private lands.

Key points:

Activities within 100 feet of wetlands are often regulated to prevent indirect impacts.

Projects require review and approval by the Wetlands Council or delegated authorities.

3. Key Provisions

A. Permit Requirements

Any activity that alters the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a wetland generally requires a permit.

Permit applications must include:

Site plans and maps

Description of proposed activity

Assessment of environmental impact

Mitigation plan if wetlands are affected

The Council or delegated municipal boards evaluate the necessity, environmental impact, and compliance before approval.

B. Wetland Buffer Zones

The rules establish buffer zones around wetlands to protect ecological function.

Construction or land clearing in buffer zones may be restricted or require additional mitigation.

Buffers help:

Maintain water quality

Provide wildlife habitat

Reduce flood risks

C. Enforcement and Compliance

The Wetlands Council or designated authorities can:

Inspect sites for compliance

Issue cease-and-desist orders

Impose fines or penalties for violations

Require restoration of damaged wetlands

Violations may include unauthorized filling, draining, or vegetation removal.

D. Public Involvement

Ec-Wet rules often require public notice and hearings for certain permit applications.

Stakeholders, including neighboring landowners, environmental groups, and municipalities, can provide input.

Public participation helps ensure transparency and balance between development and conservation.

E. Mitigation and Restoration

If wetland alteration is approved, the applicant may be required to:

Create replacement wetlands

Restore degraded areas

Implement long-term management plans

This ensures no net loss of wetland function, which is a central goal of the Ec-Wet rules.

4. Practical Implications

Developers must check for wetlands and buffers before starting construction.

Unauthorized alteration can lead to legal action, fines, or mandatory restoration.

Landowners and municipalities must follow permitting procedures for any wetland-related activity.

Environmental consultants often assist with site assessment, permit applications, and mitigation planning.

5. Summary Table

Aspect	Ec-Wet — Wetlands Council (NH)
Purpose	Protect wetlands, regulate alterations, ensure sustainable use
Scope	All wetlands in NH, plus buffer zones
Permit Requirements	Needed for filling, draining, or altering wetlands
Buffer Zones	Regulated to protect water quality, wildlife, and flood control
Enforcement	Inspections, fines, restoration, cease-and-desist orders
Public Participation	Hearings, notices, stakeholder input
Mitigation	Replacement, restoration, or management plans required for approved impacts