Those looking to complete certain projects within the watershed will now have a clear picture of how the permitting process through the Cedar River Watershed District will operate.

At its monthly meeting, the CRWD’s board of managers established a fee/fine schedule regarding permits, which are required through the CRWD for certain projects, such as cleaning a ditch (public or private) or altering or filling land below the projected 100-year high-water elevation of a waterbody or detention area.

All government entities in the watershed district, though, are exempt from a permit fee in accordance with state statutes. As part of the fee/fine schedule, CRWD board members voted to set a $1,000 fine for any project undertaken without a required permit. That fine will be split equally by the project’s landowner and contractor.

CRWD board members approved the new rules in July, following nearly two years of work. The rules became effective Dec. 1 after the 2011 construction season. They cover areas related to stormwater, flood plains, water body alterations, erosion control and enforcement. The rules intend to fill gaps in existing federal, state and local regulations, not duplicate them. All watershed districts are required by state law to implement rules to accomplish their purpose.

Following state statute, the CRWD notified the public and certain agencies about the rules and permitting program. CRWD staff also conducted an educational campaign on the approved rules after doing a similar effort for the draft rules.

Copies of the CRWD’s rules are at the Mower County Soil & Water Conservation District office in Austin and online at www.cedarriverwd.org, which also explains which projects will require permit applications.

CRWD board set the following fee/fine schedule:

•Permit fee: $10.

•After-the-fact permit fine: $1,000 ($500 each for landowner and contractor).

•Permit inspection fee: First inspection — no charge; additional inspections — $50.

•The potential need for assistance from the district’s engineers, legal consulting fees and site inspections will be discussed at a scoping meeting with the CRWD staff.