The INDOT Ecology and Waterway Permitting Office (EWPO) is responsible for agency compliance with federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The office has two sections ‒ permitting and storm water. The office reviews documents associated with state projects. It does not review documents associated with Local Public Agency projects but recommends following EWPO guidance to facilitate agency application review.
EWPO responsibilities:
- Signatory on all agency waterway permit applications
- Coordinates with regulatory agencies
- Oversees INDOT compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and agency MOUs
Permit Specialists responsibilities:
- Prepares and reviews Waters of the U.S. reports
- Conducts permit determinations based on project scope and regulated resources present
- Reviews and processes waterway permit applications (404, 401 and Construction in a Floodway)
- Reviews mitigation monitoring plans and oversees monitoring and maintenance activity
- Conducts site visits to monitor for permit compliance
- Advises INDOT construction and maintenance staff on waterway permit compliance issues
- Reviews karst reports
Storm Water Specialist responsibilities:
- Reviews and processes storm water permit applications
- Conducts site visits to monitor for permit compliance
- Assists with storm water training to INDOT staff and contractors
- Supports Permit Specialists and district Erosion and Sediment Control Specialists
- Advises INDOT construction staff on storm water compliance issues
- Assists with compliance with INDOT’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and implementation of the Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SQMP)
- Develops standard specifications, unique special provisions, and design manual updates relating to storm water
Waterway Permit Manual
- Permit Checklists
- Waterway Permit Manual (Complete) (Updated 12/2021)
Ecology and Waterway Links
- Map of Ecology & Waterway Permitting and Stormwater Staff Areas
- Permit Determination Checklist
- Waters Report - Wetland Delineation Checklist
- Stormwater
- Approved List of Wetland Delineators for INDOT Project Contractors
- Volunteer Mitigation Mapping Website
- Mature Mitigation Site Transfer Program
- IN SWMP In-leiu Fee Payment Process
- Bat and Bird Identification
- Swallow Nesting Stages
- INDOT Use of DNR ILF Mitigation
- Ecology and Waterway Permitting Virtual Chats
- Summary Tables for Permit Applications
Ecology Manual
- Waters of the US Documentation
- Appendix A: Glossary and Acronyms
- Appendix B: References
- Appendix C: Soil Identification Resources
- Appendix D: Vegetation Identification Resources
- Appendix E: WOTUS Checklist
- Appendix F: USACE Regulatory Guidance Letters
- Appendix G: Regional Wetland Delineation Data Sheets
- Appendix H: Preliminary and Approved Jurisdiction Determinations
- Appendix I: QHEI/HHEI
- Appendix J: Cowardin Classification
- Appendix K: Soil Documentation
- Appendix L: State Regulated Wetlands (revised 2/18)
Protection of Karst Features
- Protection of Karst Features during Project Development and Construction
- Karst Procedure Agency Distribution Letter
Introduction to Waterway Permitting
Contact Information
Sandra Bowman
Manager-Ecology & Permits
Indiana Department of Transportation
100 N. Senate Ave. IGCN 758-ES
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-416-2509
sbowman@indot.in.gov