Water & Sewer Forms

Drilling and Excavation

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NYC Title 15, Chapter 57: Rules Concerning Drilling and Excavation protects water tunnels and shafts in the five boroughs of New York City from potential damage due to drilling or excavation.

These rules define a corridor within the City of New York and require pre-application and permit applications to be submitted for assessment and review for any proposed drilling or excavation within the corridor. No person may drill or excavate in a corridor within the City of New York, to a depth greater than fifty (50) feet below ground surface in the Bronx or north of 135th Street in Manhattan; or greater than 100 feet in Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island or south of 135th Street in Manhattan or to any depth within 200 feet horizontal distance of a water tunnel shaft, without obtaining a permit. There are areas around the critical infrastructure where no drilling shall occur called “no drill” zones.

Download the Applicant Instructions: Obtaining a Permit/Variance for guidance on submitting a drilling and excavation application.

Drilling and Excavation Permit Application Forms:

To schedule a preliminary meeting, please submit a Drilling and Excavation Pre-Application Form (or inquiry) to: drillingdata@dep.nyc.gov.