Which activities require a Shoreland Impact Permit?

• A. Adding fill
• B. All of the above
• C. Excavation with mechanized equipment
• D. Constructing new structures

Answer: (B)

Shoreland protection focuses on preventing damage to water quality and shoreline habitats from activities conducted near water bodies. Any land alteration within the shoreland zone that could affect drainage, sedimentation, vegetation, or bank stability needs review through a Shoreland Impact Permit. Placing or adding fill changes the land surface, can increase runoff and sediment entering the water, and may alter shoreline dynamics. Excavating with mechanized equipment disturbs soil, raises turbidity, and can destabilize banks. Constructing new structures adds impervious area, changes drainage patterns, and can impact habitat and vegetation buffers. Because each of these activities has the potential to harm shoreland resources, all of them typically require the Shoreland Impact Permit.