What if a stream doesn exist onsite but is shown on a USGS map or a County Soil Survey?
In some cases, a stream that has been filled or piped may still be shown on one of these maps. This is also common in agricultural areas where mapped ephemeral streams have been plowed over for years so that no linear topographic depression currently exists. If a feature is piped or does not exist due to previous, lawful construction or agricultural activities, then there is no waterway along which to apply the buffer. However, if the Department determines that a person has illegally filled, piped or relocated a stream, it may take enforcement action and require restoration, including the reestablishment of the stream and associated buffer.
