New Submission Requirements Effective October 1, 2014
Effective October 1, 2014, the submission requirements for some watercourse alterations have changed from applications for approval to notifications. Watercourse alterations refer to activities that alter the bed or bank of a fresh water body, such as installing a crossing. Activities that do not alter the bed or bank of a watercourse will not require any submission to Nova Scotia Environment.
While approvals will still be required for some watercourse activities, notifications can now be submitted for others. A notification is a way to inform NSE you are carrying out a watercourse alteration activity. Unlike an approval, NSE does not review your submission—you simply notify the department five days before you wish to begin your activity. You must receive a receipt from NSE indicating the department has received your completed notification before you can start work.
Please take a moment to read over the below information related to the new watercourse alteration program.
Regulatory Requirements
- Activities Designation Regulations
- UPDATED - Watercourse Alterations Standard
(PDF:174k) - NEW - Updates to the NS Watercourse Alterations Standard (PDF:101k)
Forms
- Notification Form (PDF:298k)
- How to Complete a Notification Form (PDF:910k)
- Water Approval Application (PDF:376k)
- Submission Checklist for Watercourse Alteration (PDF:477k)
- Certified Individuals - form to update your information with NSE (PDF:686k)
Guidance Materials
- Certification Manual for Watercourse Alteration Installers (PDF:10.6mb)
- Certification Manual for Watercourse Alteration Sizers (PDF:6.1mb)
- Guidelines for the design of fish passage for culverts in Nova Scotia
- What are the new regulatory submission requirements? (PDF:187k)
- What are the qualifications? Quick Reference (PDF:122k)
- Questions and Answers: Changes to the Watercourse Alteration Program
- Timeline for new program (PDF:92k)
- Guide to Altering Watercourses (PDF:1.1mb)