Telecommunications Distribution Lines

The purpose of this Web page is to simplify and streamline the permit process for telecommunication and underground utility distribution projects [PDF 20KB].

In order for the Office of Energy (OE) to turn around decisions quickly, the quality and completeness of the information you provide is critical. Please provide all of the information outlined in the What To Submit With Your Application section. Any missing items will delay the OE review for your project.

Wetlands can be identified by obtaining the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory (WWI) maps from the WDNR. You can purchase these wetland maps online or contact the Wetlands Inventory Coordinator at (608) 266-8852. Please note that the maps are organized by County townships, so maps will have to be purchased for the entire area you cover.

The maps come in either paper copies or digital. The inventory does not include all wetlands, but it will provide you and the Department with a location and guide to where wetlands are located along your project. Please note that unless you have hired a wetland delineator, or have staff that is trained in wetland identification, the WWI is the best tool available to locate wetlands. As such, the information listed below depends upon having the WWI and access to topographic maps.

Any submittal to the Department, should also be sent to the United States Army Corps of Engineers [exit DNR].

Permitting Determination

The following lists describes the potential for permitting for three different types of activities.

Crossing a Waterway

1. Vibratory plow
1. If you plan on vibratory plowing through a waterway that shows as either permanent or intermittent on the USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad, go to the Utility Dredging page and complete the appropriate application form (Individual [PDF 28KB] or General Permit [PDF 93KB]).
2. Directional Bore
1. If you plan on directional boring under a waterway on the USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad, the entry and exit pit should be located outside of wetlands. If wetlands are present, you will need to complete the water quality certification form [PDF 35KB].
3. Trenching
1. If you plan on trenching through a waterway on the USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad, the Utility Dredging information tells you how to complete the appropriate application (Individual [PDF 28KB]form or General Permit[PDF 93KB]).

Crossing Wetlands

1. Vibratory plow
1. If you plan on vibratory plowing through any wetland (on the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory or field verified), a permit from the DNR is not required. Additional information is available under Wetlands.
2. Directional Bore
1. If you plan on directional boring under a field verified wetland or those listed on the WWI, the entry and exit pit should be located outside of the wetlands. If wetlands are present, you will need to complete the water quality certification [PDF 35KB] form.
3. Trenching
1. If you plan on trenching through a wetland (on the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory or field verified), you need to complete the water quality certification [PDF 35KB] form.

Wetlands with pedestals

1. If you plan on constructing a new pedestal in a wetland (on the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory or field verified), a permit from the DNR is required. On the Wetland information you will need to complete the water quality certification [PDF 35KB] form.
2. If you plan on excavating at a pedestal located within a wetland (on the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory or field verified), show the location on the plans with a portion of the narrative describing the erosion control and restoration.

Directional Bore Waterways and Wetlands

If you are directionally boring all wetlands and waterways, your plans should include:

1. Clearly indicate the location of the utility, wetlands and waterways
2. Bored wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a color
3. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology
4. Scale
5. Distance of the bore
6. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
7. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland
8. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project?
9. Maps:
1. Copy of WWI or incorporate it into your plans
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map.)

Directional Bore Waterways and Wetlands, Pedestals Present

If you are directionally boring all wetlands and waterways, but pedestals will be built or excavated for removal or access in wetlands, your plans should include:

1. Clearly indicate the location of the utility, wetlands and waterways
2. Bored wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a color
3. Location of new pedestals in wetlands
4. Location of old pedestals in wetlands that are being excavated for access
5. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology
6. Scale
7. Distance of the bore
8. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
9. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland
10. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project?
11. Maps:
1. Copy of WWI or incorporate it into your plans
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map.)

Directional bore waterways and trench wetlands

If you are directionally boring waterways and trenching through wetlands, your plans should include:

1. Clearly indicate the location of the utility (including pedestals), wetlands and waterways
2. Plowed wetlands should be clearly marked, preferably with a highlighter
3. Bored waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a different color highlighter
4. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology
5. Scale
6. Distance of the bore
7. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
8. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland
9. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project?
10. Maps:
1. Copy of WWI or incorporate it into your plans
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map).

Directional Bore Waterways and Some Wetlands, Trench Some Wetlands

If you are directionally boring all waterways and some wetlands, and trenching in some wetlands your plans should include:

1. Clearly indicate the location of the utility, wetlands and waterways
2. Plowed wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a highlighter
3. Bored wetlands/waterways should be clearly marked, preferably with a different color highlighter
4. Location of new pedestals in wetlands
5. Location of old pedestals in wetlands that are being excavated for access
6. Legend/key to nomenclature/symbology
7. Scale
8. Distance of the bore
9. Brief narrative describing the project. State whether it is a new project or a maintenance or minor move. Indicate when construction is ideally going to begin and end.
10. Describe restoration methods, including erosion control used to protect soil from eroding into waterway and/or wetland
11. Describe if the ROW is mowed or not and if not how often and whether or not trees will be cleared for the project?
12. Maps:
1. Copy of WWI or incorporate it into your plans
2. USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad
3. Overview of project scope (map showing entire project route on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Recommend using a road map/atlas or plat map).

Trenching Waterways and Wetlands

If you are trenching through waterways and wetlands, you will need to complete the appropriate dredging application.