A new online guide on altering rivers, streams, lakes and ponds can help property owners and construction and forestry workers follow new rules to protect them.

The Guide to Altering Watercourses explains when to call in experts, requirements for work with a higher risk to the environment and how to lessen damage to waterways and aquatic life.

Examples of altering watercourse beds or banks include installing a culvert or bridge, or stabilizing banks. Many jobs that can be completed between June 1 and Sept. 30 now only require notifying the department, rather than a more costly and time-consuming approval.

The guide explains the process and new rules that came into effect last October.

For the guide and more information, go to http://novascotia.ca/nse/watercourse-alteration/ .

Source: Release