USACE Revises and Renews Nationwide Permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced revised and renewed nationwide permits (NWPs) necessary for work in streams, wetlands and other waters of the United States.

The new NWPs will take effect March 19, 2017, and replace the existing permits, which expire on March 18, 2017.

“Our nationwide permits are an important tool in encouraging project proponents to avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Jackson, USACE Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations.

USACE is reissuing 50 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 under the NWPs include linear transportation projects, bank stabilization activities, residential development, commercial and industrial developments, aids to navigation and certain maintenance activities.

The two new nationwide permits are NWP 53 and NWP 54. NWP 53 provides an appropriate mechanism for an efficient authorization process for the removal of low-head dams to restore streams and enhance public safety. NWP 54 covers the construction and maintenance of living shorelines to control erosion in coastal areas.