In an emergency situation it is possible to obtain authorization from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to conduct work prior to receiving a wetlands impact permit. The Department will issue authorization in situations which threaten public health and safety or which threaten significant damage to private property provided that the event which caused the emergency has occurred within the last 5 days. Examples of emergencies include: undermining of bridge abutments; weakening of dam structures; or washouts of roadways by flood waters.

Should an emergency arise you should contact the DES Wetlands Bureau at (603)271-2147. Either the Bureau Adminstrator or the regional inspector will request the owner's name and address, the contractor's name and address, the affected waterbody, town and a brief description of the work that will be done in order to complete the Emergency Authorization Verification form. A copy of this form will be faxed or mailed to the applicant or if the applicant chooses they may pick up a copy at the Wetlands Bureau office in Concord. A copy of the Authorization must be posted at the work site while the work is being conducted.

Emergency Authorizations only cover that work which is necessary to temporarily stabilize the threatened area. A standard application form will be sent to the applicant along with the Emergency Authorization form. The standard application must be completed and submitted to the Wetlands Bureau office by the date listed on Verification form. The standard application should include any work that was done under the Emergency Authorization and any additional permanent repairs and improvements that the applicant would like to make.

If an emergency should occur at a time when the State Offices are closed the affected individual should notify their local Conservation Commission and/or Selectman of the work prior to stabilizing the threatened area and notify the Department during the next working day.