Wetlands and Subaqueous Lands Section
The Wetlands and Subaqueous Lands Section provides permitting services for activities in Delaware’s wetlands, bays, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and other waterways that might require a permit pursuant to Delaware law.
These activities include marina construction and operation, as well as the construction of docks and piers, shoreline stabilization projects, dredging, filling, bridge or culvert construction, utility crossings of streams, and a myriad of other projects that could affect Delaware’s waters and wetlands.
There are three primary regulations that guide these activities and they can be viewed via the following links:
For more information about Delaware’s Laws relating to wetlands and water and to view our State-Regulated Wetland Maps click here: What is Regulated and Where is it Regulated? or call (302)739-9943.
Important notice to homeowners
Yard Waste
All yards produce waste from pruning, lawn mowing and other routine plant care activities. But if you have a stream or wetlands on your property, be careful where you put your yard waste. Yard waste is considered fill and it is illegal to place yard waste on stream banks or in waterways or wetlands without a Permit. Composting is a good alternative for disposal. Composting reduces yard waste volume by as much as 75 percent, saves landfill space and recycles nutrients back into the soil. Many Delaware communities also offer yard waste drop off or pick up. For more information please visit DNREC’s yard waste page:
Boat Lifts, Personal Watercraft (PWC) Lifts and Modular Floating Docks
Boat lifts, PWC lifts and floating docks provide many benefits. They reduce leaching of bottom paint into the water, protect the boats from damage, and reduce the need for maintenance. However, adding these types of structures to your dock, pier or bulkhead requires a Permit from this office. All information regarding Permits can be found on our Permitting information page:
For questions or more information about our program please contact our office at (302) 739-9943 and ask for the contact person of the day.
About Wetlands: Why Should We Protect Them?
In the United States, both public and private wetlands are protected by federal and state laws because of their exceptional value to society and the recognition that maintaining wetland functions is essential to protecting the public interest. Wetlands serve a variety of functions beneficial to the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Some of the functions that wetlands provide include: flood storage and control, water quality protection, wildlife habitat, habitat for endangered animal and plant species, educational resources, aesthetics and open space, recreation, biomass production, fisheries habitat, and erosion control. While the degree to which a wetland serves these functions varies from wetland to wetland, each wetland works in combination with other wetlands as part of a complex integrated system. Check out the State-Regulated Wetland Map Index to see if you have Wetlands that are regulated by the State and our page explaining the difference between State and Federally regulated Wetlands.
NEW! State-Regulated Wetland Map Index
Section Manager: Laura M. Herr
Phone: 302-739-9943
Email: Laura.Herr@state.de.us
Related links:
