SWQPA

What is the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (SWQPA)?

The SWQPA (RSA 483-B), originally named the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) was enacted by the 1991 session of the Legislature. The act established minimum standards for the subdivision, use and development of the shorelands along the state’s larger waterbodies. In April and July of 2008, the act was amended and several changes took effect including limitations on impervious surfaces, revised vegetation maintenance requirements and the establishment of a permit requirement for many, but not all, construction, excavation and filling activities within the protected shoreland. During the 2011 legislative session, the CSPA was renamed the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act and changes were made to the vegetation requirements within the natural woodland and waterfront buffers, the impervious surface limitations and a new shoreland permit by notification process was established.

For more information visit  NHDES Protected Shoreland website