SPA 124 PERMIT (Stream Protection Act)
An agency of state government, county, municipality or other subdivision of the State of Montana, except irrigation districts, must obtain a Stream Protection Act permit before beginning a project that may alter the bed or banks of any stream or river in Montana.
AGENCY: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
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WHO NEEDS AN SPA 124 PERMIT?
SPA 124 applies to governmental entities planning work in a stream.
This may include:
City
County
State agency
Federal agency
Private individuals do not apply for an SPA 124 Permit directly. Contractors may perform the work on behalf of the governmental entity.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN SPA 124 PERMIT
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BEFORE YOU START:
See what information, photos, plans and project details may be helpful to have ready. You can start your application and return anytime.
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1. COMPLETE THE JOINT APPLICATION FORM IN GILLY
Create an account and begin your application.
Gilly guides you through the project information and any additional questions required for the permit.
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2. DOWNLOAD & SUBMIT TO MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS
After completing the Joint Application Form in Gilly, download your completed application.
Submit it directly to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks along with preliminary plans or sketches of the proposed project.
SPA 124 applications are not submitted through Gilly.
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REVIEW:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reviews the application and may contact the responsible governmental entity for additional information or project details.
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REVIEW TIME:
Up to 30 days
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FEE:
No application fee.
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ADDITIONAL PERMITS NEEDED:
Other permits or agency approvals may also be required depending on the project.
SPA 124 PROJECT EXAMPLES MAY INCLUDE:
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Infrastructure & Transportation Projects:
Bridge Work: Construction, structural repairs, or full replacements of public highway and county road bridges.
Roadway Culverts: Installing, cleaning, or completely removing road culverts that cross moving water
Utility Line Crossings: Boring or trenching beneath a streambed to install public sewer, water, or electric lines.
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Habitat & Water Resource Management:
Stream Restoration: Large-scale projects by the U.S. Forest Service to fix historical bank erosion.
Water Treatment Intakes: Renovating or expanding municipal drinking water intake structures situated within a river bank.
Irrigation Diversions: Modifying public or irrigation district headgates that alter natural stream flow
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Recreation Projects:
Public Boat Ramps: Minor excavation of a river bank to lay geotextile fabric and gravel aggregate for new Fishing Access Site (FAS) boat launches.
Retaining Walls: Constructing rock riprap walls to protect public parks or county fairgrounds from active flooding