Is Entergy Arkansas, Inc. still permitting boat docks for lakes Hamilton & Catherine?
Yes, and we do so every day. In the past we have increased the amount of frontage required to be eligible for a boat dock (from 45 feet to 75 feet), but any property platted prior to January 1, 2006 still qualifies under the old guideline of 45 feet.

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Does Entergy Arkansas allow floating docks?
Yes. But, several years ago we established a guideline that requires seven feet of water depth at the location of the dock (usually at the end of the ramp) in order to reduce the number of docks that require relocation each year for the drawdown period. Floating docks are also prohibited in Limited Use Zones defined as Fish Spawning and Nursery Areas and wetlands.

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Can my dock be covered with a roof?
Roofs are allowed to be permitted to cover the area of the boat slip/stall and the associated fingers (up to six feet wide). There are only three limits we have pertaining to roofs – #1 Swim decks may not be covered by a roof, #2 Multifamily developments with six slips or more may not cover docks with rooftops and #3 PWC ramps/lifts/stalls/slips may not be covered by a roof.

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If my neighbor will not sign off giving permission, or has negative comments, will Entergy Arkansas still allow me to construct my facility?
Neighbor Comment Forms are just that – Comment Forms not Permission Slips. These forms are a matter of courtesy to your neighbors to allow them a chance to review your facility plans and to provide them with a chance to comment on the proposed facility. If you are not able to personally contact your neighbor, we request that you make every effort to send the forms (including drawings of your proposed facilities) to them via certified mail and send the claim forms to us with your application. While we take into consideration the comments provided by your neighbors, we rely on our guidelines to determine if your request may be approved.

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Can I move a floating dock onto my property while I wait for it to be permitted?
No. Moving a dock from one location to another (excluding relocating for drawdown conditions) requires a permit to be approved before any relocation occurs. Only once a facility has been permitted may it be placed on the property. Floating docks in particular have more limitations on their placement so don’t get caught with a dock you cannot use. Remember to request for a permit before any construction or relocation occurs to avoid any difficulty.

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Can I install a Personal Water Craft (PWC) ramp with out a permit?
No. Only facilities that have been expressly permitted through Entergy Arkansas, Inc. may be placed at a location on the Lakes.

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As long as my dock has a permit tag on it – do I have a permit with Entergy Arkansas?
Just because someone else installed or permitted a facility does not mean that it is properly permitted to you. Permits are only valid if they are in the current owner's name and for the facilities that are present at that location.

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My permit is a couple of years old but I didn’t build it out yet. Is it still good?
No, Permits for installing or constructing new private facilities are good for one year. But, if it was not installed/constructed, the permittee has the option to file for an extension or request a new permit.

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My seawall needs some repair. Do I need a permit?
Most likely the answer is YES your wall work will need a permit. Water and wave action can wear and tear on a wall and the material that makes up the wall is affected differently.

There are a few maintenance activities you can perform without a permit request:

  • You can power wash and/or paint a wall without a permit.
  • If you have a block or rock wall and some of the mortar has gone missing, you can tuck-point the mortar joints without permit. 

But, no matter how long of a section - any wall failures (even if restacking blocks on an existing footer with no lakebed impact), failure at the footing area of the wall, any scope of work that could or will impact to the lakebed - DOES REQUIRE A PERMIT.

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Can I use a bulldozer in the lake bed?
No. Heavy machinery can potentially damage the lake bottom and affect water quality.

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How long does it take to get a Dredging Permit?
Dredging or removing silt from the lake bed can be undertaken only during the winter drawdown. It requires a permit, and that permit can take up to four months to be reviewed by all the agencies involved, so you need to plan ahead.

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Can I add riprap in front of my existing seawall?
Yes. In fact, adding riprap in front of an existing seawall does not require a permit fee. But, a permit request must still be filed with our office.

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My dock keeps floating off. What can I do?
Floating docks located in areas of high flow may need additional stabilization and may require "concrete dead men" and "stiff arms" for anchorage.

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Can I get a Speed Zone or “No Wake” buoy?
No. New buoys are no longer permitted in residential areas. Click here to learn more on the Garland County Ordinance on Buoys.

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