Regulatory Program: Other Regulations

Other Regulations refer to Stream Crossing and Watercourse Determinations.


Stream Crossing Determinations

The DWR is responsible for performing “stream crossing determinations” if requested by certain political subdivisions or landowners. Stream Crossing Standards, which are outlined in NDAC 89-14-01-02, were developed in the early 2000s by a cooperative effort between the DWR and ND Department of Transportation to ensure reasonable road design requirements for all road authorities regarding stream crossings. Stream Crossing Standards attempted to balance upstream, downstream, and road authority interests with proper roadway design. Stream Crossing Standards were also developed to provide liability protection for road authorities, their contractors, subcontractors, or agents and any individual firm, corporation, or limited liability company that install stream crossings and comply with Stream Crossing Standards.

Stream Crossing Determination Fact Sheet


Watercourse Determinations

The DWR is responsible for performing “watercourse determinations” if requested by a water resource district. Whether or not a “watercourse” as defined in NDCC 61-01-06 is constituted has certain jurisdictional and legal implications.


Program Rules & Guidance

North Dakota Administrative Code - Link to Article 89-14 "Public Highway Stream Crossings”

North Dakota Century Code - Link to Title 61 "Waters”

North Dakota Century Code - Link Title 24 "Highways, Bridges, and Ferries”


Applications

Stream Crossing Determination Request (SFN 61885)

Watercourse Determination Request (under construction)


Additional Resources

Other Potential Local, State, and Federal Water Regulations and Considerations

USGS Regression Report

USGS StreamStats

NDDOT Design Manual – Chapter V Hydraulics Studies and Drainage Design


Information

North Dakota Water Resource Districts

Regulatory Engineer Project Area Map

For more information on Drainage & Water Management, please contact Matthew Lindsay, Water Resource Engineer Manager at (701) 328-4949 or e-mail.