CAN I BUILD DIKES AND DAMS?
Seek guidance. Consult agency or attorney.
Permits are required prior to any activity that will modify streambanks or divert or obstruct the stream channel flow. Permitting of projects that could influence in-channel flow and stabilization are managed by USACE, ADWR, and locally by your County Floodplain Manager/County Engineer.
Placement of dredged or fill material into the Gila River, tributaries, or wetlands may require a Section 404 Clean Water Act permit. Contact USACE to determine if a permit is required for your project.
Link to list of permitted activities:
www.usace.army.mil/Portals/2/docs/civilworks/nwp/2017/ nwp2017_sumtable_Jan2017.pdf?ver=2017-01-06-091151-173
When endangered species or critical habitat are present, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service permits may also be required:
www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona
602.242.0210
If the project will involve digging, diking, or contact with surface water, but is on such a small scale that in-channel flow may not be influenced, you may be able to conduct the work without federal permits. To discuss specific legal requirements to complete project work it is recommended to first contact ADWR or the Gila Valley Irrigation District: 928.428.4189
To see if your particular watercourse development project may require authorization review Arizona Revised Statute 48-3613.
For More Information, Contact:
Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)
602.771.8649 (Engineering and Permits Division)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
602.230.6900 (Arizona-Nevada Area Office)