Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permits
All projects requiring a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration permit (i.e., alterations in or within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland) can be applied for using the online application program. The online application program was developed to help guide you to the proper permit application through a series of questions. As a user, you will have the option to enter the application program as a guest or by creating an account. If you are a frequent user, it is recommended that you create an account. By doing so, your contact information is saved, and you will not need to re-enter this information each time you return for more applications. The online application program is designed for new permit applications, as well as renewal and revision requests.
Permits are typically granted to the person planning the project (i.e., landowner). If someone is applying on this person’s behalf, a consent form must be included with the application. You can download a sample form here.
What you will need for the application
- Project location - You will be able to use a map interface, but a Property Identification Number (PID) or coordinates will help in zooming in on your project location. You can find your PID on your property tax bill.
- Full description of the project
- Drawings/sketches (fully dimensioned)
- Photos of the project area
- Letter of consent from the property owner (if you are not the legal owner)
- Method of payment (debit or credit card)*
*If you are unable to submit payment using one of these methods, please contact us to arrange for payments at the office.
If you have printed photos, maps, letters, or other documents to support your application and are not able to submit (upload) them electronically, you may mail or deliver them in person to your regional office, quoting your application reference number that you will receive at the end of the application process.
What you need to know
- An application can be made by any person intending to do work (construction, demolition, clearing land, landscaping, etc.) within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland.
- No alteration may be made until a permit has been received.
- If you are applying for a permit for an alteration on lands that you are not the owner of, you require a letter of consent from the property owner. You may also be required to obtain the consent of owners of land that may be affected by the alteration.
- If the alteration is to take place on land owned by the Crown in the right of the Province of New Brunswick, you must obtain the approval of the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, Crown Lands Branch, and submit proof of such before a permit can be issued.
- If the alteration is to take place within an incorporated municipality and/or within the boundaries of a Regional Service Commission, you must obtain the necessary approvals and comply with municipal and/or planning by-laws.
- The issuance of a permit does not exempt you from the provisions of any other applicable federal, provincial, or municipal laws.
- The Minister of Environment and Climate Change may request any plans, documents, and information the Minister considers necessary in reviewing the application for a permit.
- A permit shall not be assigned or transferred.
- You accept responsibility for each alteration for which the permit has been issued, including any damages or injury which may occur as a result of the alteration.
- The issuance of the permit places no liability or responsibility upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, or the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government.
- Upon the issuance of a permit, you agree that the alteration will be carried out in a reasonable and diligent manner and in compliance with the Clean Water Act, the Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Regulation and the terms and conditions of the permit.
- The Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Regulation provides that the names of all parties applying for a permit and a copy of each permit issued is available for public inspection.