Regulatory Alert: Fast-track General Permits for Utility Maintenance and Repair within Wetlands and Streams

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has recently issued new General Permits for electric and natural gas utilities to speed up the permitting process for maintenance and repair activities in state-regulated freshwater wetlands and adjacent areas, tidal wetland adjacent areas, protected streams, and navigable waters.

• GP-0-25-005 is the new permit for Electric Utility Right-of-Way Maintenance and Repair.
• GP-0-25-009 is the new permit for Natural Gas Utility Right-of-Way Maintenance and Repair.

They both took effect on September 24, 2025, and expire on September 23, 2030. The permits cover activities for routine maintenance and repair, temporary access and work areas, and vegetation management, including mechanical removal and pesticide/surfactant applications.

Based on the type of proposed activity and the proposed area of impact, work will fall into one of three categories of review timelines:

• Category A requests have a 15-day turnaround time.
• Category B requests have a 45-day turnaround time.
• Category C requests are reserved for emergency actions (Category C actions can start immediately but require written notification to the NYSDEC within 24 hours).

CHA has already been applying these fast-turnaround General Permits for our utility clients and is familiar with the process. Information on the NYSDEC’s website is located here: Utility Right of Way (ROW) General Permits, GP-0-25-005 and GP-0-25-009 - NYSDEC.