Army Corps of Engineers Revises, Renews Nationwide Permits to Protect U.S. Waters

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced revised and renewed nationwide permits (NWPs) necessary for work in streams, wetlands and other waters of the U.S. under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The permits are necessary to replace existing permits, which expire March 18. The new NWPs will take effect March 19.

The new permits will be published in the Federal Register on or about Feb. 21 and have been posted to the USACE website.

"Our goal in developing and authorizing nationwide permits every five years is to update them, and provide clarity and certainty for the regulated public while protecting the aquatic environment. Our [NWP] procedures will save the regulated community and the government time and cost on proposals with no more than minimal environmental effects," said Maj. Gen. Michael J. Walsh, deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations at USACE.

The announced updated permits streamline the requirements of the CWA and are informed by extensive feedback from the public and key stakeholders. USACE is reissuing 48 permits and adding two new ones. These permits provide expedited review of projects that have minimal impact on the aquatic environment. Categories of activities that may be covered include linear transportation projects, bank stabilization activities, residential development, commercial and industrial developments, aids to navigation and certain maintenance activities.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers