SMETHPORT — With spring comes time to work on the land, build, create driveways and conduct other land-clearing activities.

The McKean County Conservation District reminds landowners and contractors that certain activities may require permits or erosion and sedimentation plans. When planning any work near a stream or waterway it is especially critical to acquire permits and check regulations, the district notes.

A stream in Pennsylvania is a waterway with a bed and banks, even if water does not flow year round. If a project requires work in a stocked trout stream, the permit application must include request for a waiver from the state’s Fish & Boat Commission for work between March 1 and June 15.

Before beginning a project, the district advises checking with the municipality and county planning office regarding requirements and building-permit information. Also, check with the district about requirements for erosion and sedimentation and work near waterways.

Here are a few guidelines when planning a project:

If a project will have less than 5,000 square feet of earth disturbance, it is not necessary to have a written plan on site, but erosion- and sediment-control best management practices are still required.

Projects with more than 5,000 square feet of earth disturbance require a written E&S plan to be on site and implemented.

Projects with more than 1 acre of earth disturbance and not in a special protection (exceptional-value, high-quality) watershed, a General NPDES Permit is required to be submitted for approval to the district. Before any earth disturbance activity can occur the plan must be approved and an official kept on site.

In the case of more than 1 acre of earth disturbance in a special protection watershed, an Individual NPDES Permit is required to be submitted for approval to the district. Before any earth disturbance activity can occur the plan must be approved and an official copy on site.

With timber harvesting or road maintenance involving 25 acres (10 hectares) or more of earth disturbance, an E&S Permit is required to be submitted for approval to the district. Again, a copy of the approved stamped, signed and dated plan must be kept on site.

Contact the district at 887-4001 or conservation@mckeancountypa.org, or visit www.mckeanconservation.com, for more information and permitting requirements.