Army Corps of Engineers Seeks Comments on Nationwide Permit Renewals to Regulate Wetland Work

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants comments on its proposal to renew and revise 50 nationwide permits for wetland activities that are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.

The Corps said Wednesday it also wants to issue two new nationwide permits that cover the removal of low-head dams and the construction and maintenance of living shorelines.

Maj. Gen. Ed Jackson, USACE’s deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations, said the proposed nationwide permits aim to build on efforts to preserve U.S. wetlands and aquatic resources.

The Corps noted many of the permits remain the same from the last time they were authorized in 2012.

After the public consultation period, Corps division commanders may add regional conditions to nationwide permits in a move to protect local aquatic ecosystems, the agency added.

USACE will accept written comments on the proposal until August 1.