Constructing a bridge over a stream can be a dream come true for many homeowners who desire a serene and picturesque home. However, building a bridge is not a simple task, as it involves navigating through several regulatory requirements and working closely with government agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this blog post, we will discuss the necessary steps to take to ensure a safe and compliant bridge-building process. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of building a bridge that can support fire apparatus, ensuring the safety and protection of your property.

Step 1: Understanding Regulatory Requirements

Before starting your bridge construction project, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the various regulations and permits required. These regulations help protect the environment, ensuring that your bridge construction does not cause any harm to the stream, the surrounding area, or the ecosystem. Some of the key regulations you should be aware of include:

1. Clean Water Act (CWA): Administered by the EPA, the CWA aims to protect the nation’s waters by regulating the discharge of pollutants and setting water quality standards.
2. Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA): This federal law, overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, governs the construction of structures in or over navigable waters.
3. State-level regulations: Each state may have its own set of rules and guidelines for bridge construction. Check with your local DES office for specific regulations.

Step 2: Obtaining Necessary Permits

To ensure compliance with these regulations, you will need to obtain the necessary permits before starting construction. The permitting process typically involves:

1. Submitting an application: Complete the required permit application forms and submit them to the relevant agencies, such as your local DES office and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
2. Providing detailed plans: Along with your application, you must submit detailed plans for your bridge construction project. These plans should include information on the bridge’s design, materials, and construction methods.
3. Completing environmental assessments: Depending on the size and scope of your project, you may need to complete an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. These documents evaluate the potential effects of your project on the environment and help regulators determine if your bridge construction project should proceed.
4. Attending public hearings: In some cases, you may need to participate in public hearings to address any concerns or objections from the community or other stakeholders.

Step 3: Collaborating with the DES and EPA

Throughout the permitting process, it’s essential to work closely with the DES and EPA to ensure that your bridge construction project is in compliance with all regulations. Here are a few tips to facilitate this collaboration:

1. Maintain open communication: Keep the lines of communication open with the relevant agencies and respond promptly to any requests for information or clarification.
2. Seek guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the DES and EPA on best practices, design considerations, and other aspects of your project.
3. Be proactive: Address potential issues and concerns before they become problems by staying informed about the latest regulatory changes and updates.

Step 4: Ensuring Fire Apparatus Access

When designing and constructing your bridge, it’s crucial to ensure that it can support the weight and size of fire apparatus, such as fire trucks and emergency vehicles. This is not only a matter of safety but also a requirement by many fire codes. To meet these requirements, consider the following factors:

1. Load-bearing capacity: Your bridge should be strong enough to support the weight of fire apparatus, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
2. Width and clearance: The bridge should be wide enough to accommodate fire apparatus, with a minimum width of 20 feet, and provide adequate vertical clearance to ensure unobstructed passage.
3. Surface and materials: The bridge’s surface should be slip-resistant, durable, and able to withstand the load and wear of heavy vehicles. Choose materials that meet these requirements, such as steel or reinforced concrete.
4. Accessibility: Ensure that the bridge’s approach and exit points are easily accessible for fire apparatus, taking into consideration turning radii and potential obstacles.
5. Consultation with local fire authorities: Collaborate with your local fire department to confirm that your bridge’s design meets their requirements and any applicable fire codes.

Conclusion

Building a bridge over a stream to access your dream home requires careful consideration of regulatory requirements and collaboration with agencies such as the DES and EPA. By understanding these requirements, obtaining the necessary permits, and ensuring that your bridge is safe and capable of supporting fire apparatus, you can create a beautiful and secure access point to your property. With proper planning and adherence to regulations, your bridge construction project can be a successful and rewarding endeavor.

Resources

DES: Article on Stream Crossings

Environmental Fact Sheet “Stream Crossing Design:
Building Structures that are Compatible with People, Streams and Wildlife”

DES: NH Stream Crossing Initiative