Telecommunications Distribution Lines - DNR Permiting

Updated: March 31, 2009

The purpose of this web page is to simplify and streamline the permit process for telecommunication and underground utility distribution projects. Printer friendly version of this guidance [PDF 22 KB].

In order for the Office of Energy (OE) to turn around decisions quickly, the quality and completeness of the information that you provide is critical.  Please provide all of the information outlined in the “What to Submit with Your Application” section below.  Any missing items will delay the OE review for your project.

Wetland Identification:  Wetlands are not always obvious. Wisconsin has more than a dozen different types and some may be dry for most or all of the year. But all wetlands are protected by law and permits may be required before you construct your project through wetlands or otherwise affect them. The best way to accurately identify wetlands is to have a wetland delineation performed by a qualified wetland professional. You can utilize the following web site to help you determine whether or not wetlands could be present in your project area:  http://dnr.wi.gov/wetlands/locating.html.

Permitting Determination

The following lists describes the potential for permitting for three different types of activities.

Crossing a Waterway

1. Vibratory plow: If you plan on vibratory plowing through a waterway that shows as either permanent or intermittent on the USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad, go to the Utility Dredging page and complete the appropriate application form (Individual [PDF 28 KB] or General Permit [PDF 93KB]).
2. Directional Bore: If you plan on directional boring under a waterway on the USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad, the entry and exit pit should be located outside of wetlands. If bore pits are located in wetlands, you will need to complete the water quality certification form (WQC) [PDF 35 KB].
3. Trenching: If you plan on trenching through a waterway on the USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad, the Utility Dredging information tells you how to complete the appropriate application (Individual [PDF 28 KB] form or General Permit [PDF 93 KB]).

Crossing Wetlands

1. Vibratory plow: If you plan on vibratory plowing through an entire wetland, and the work does not involve wetland bore pits or pedestals, a permit from the DNR is not required.
2. Directional Bore: If you plan on directional boring under a wetland, and the work does not involve wetland bore pits or pedestals, a permit for the DNR is not required.
3. Trenching: If you plan on trenching through a wetland, you need to complete the water quality certification [PDF 35 KB] form.

Wetlands with pedestals

1. New pedestals: If you plan on constructing a new pedestal in a wetland, a permit from the DNR is required. You will need to complete the water quality certification [PDF 35 KB] form.
2. Excavations: If you plan on excavating at a pedestal located within a wetland, show the pedestal location on the plans with a portion of the narrative describing the erosion control and restoration.

Directional Bore Waterways and Wetlands

If you are directionally boring all wetlands and waterways, your plans should include:

1. Clearly indicate the location of the utility, wetlands and waterways.
2. Bored wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a color.
3. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology.
4. Scale.
5. Distance of the bore.
6. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
7. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland.
8. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project.
9. Maps:
1. Copy of wetland maps (delineation or WWI and wetland indicators) or incorporate it into your plans.
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad.
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map).

Directional Bore Waterways, Bore Pits or Pedestals Present in Wetlands

If you are directionally boring all waterways, but bore pits or pedestals will be built in wetlands, your plans should include:

1. WQC application.
2. Clearly indicate the location of the utility, wetlands and waterways.
3. Bored wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a color.
4. Location of new pedestals in wetlands.
5. Location of old pedestals in wetlands that are being excavated for access.
6. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology.
7. Scale.
8. Distance of the bore and location of bore pits.
9. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
10. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland.
11. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project.
12. Maps:
1. Copy of wetland maps (delineation or WWI and wetland indicators) or incorporate it into your plans.
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad.
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map).

Directional bore waterways and trench wetlands

If you are directionally boring waterways and trenching through wetlands, your plans should include:

1. WQC application.
2. Clearly indicate the location of the utility (including pedestals), wetlands and waterways.
3. Plowed wetlands should be clearly marked, preferably with a highlighter.
4. Bored waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a different color highlighter.
5. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology.
6. Scale.
7. Distance of the bore.
8. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
9. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland.
10. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project.
11. Maps:
1. Copy of wetland maps (delineation or WWI and wetland indicators) or incorporate it into your plans.
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad.
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map).

Directional Bore Waterways and Some Wetlands, Trench Some Wetlands

If you are directionally boring all waterways and some wetlands, and trenching in some wetlands your plans should include:

1. WQC application
2. Clearly indicate the location of the utility, wetlands and waterways.
3. Plowed wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a highlighter.
4. Bored wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a different color highlighter.
5. Location of new pedestals in wetlands.
6. Location of old pedestals in wetlands that are being excavated for access.
7. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology.
8. Scale.
9. Distance of the bore.
10. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
11. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland.
12. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project.
13. Maps:
1. Copy of wetland maps (delineation or WWI and wetland indicators) or incorporate it into your plans.
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad.
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map).

Trenching Waterways and Wetlands

If you are trenching through waterways and wetlands, you will need to complete the appropriate dredging application.