WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today the publication in the
Federal Register of the 2021 Nationwide Permits (NWPs). The 12
reissued and four new 2021 NWPs in the rule are necessary for work
in streams, wetlands and other waters of the United States under Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1899.
The NWPs in this rule take effect March
15, 2021. The 12 reissued NWPs replace the 2017 versions of
those permits, which now expire March 14,
2021. All activities authorized by the remaining 40 NWPs
from 2017 remain authorized until the March
18, 2022, expiration date of those NWPs.
The 2021 nationwide permits have been published in today's
Federal Register at
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/13/2021-00102/reissuance-and-modification-of-nationwide-permits,
and will be posted to the USACE Web site at
http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatoryProgramandPermits/NationwidePermits.aspx.
"Our goals in updating, developing and authorizing these 16
nationwide permits are to enhance regulatory efficiency and provide
clarity for the regulated public without decreasing environmental
protection," said Maj. Gen. William "Butch" Graham, USACE Deputy
Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations. "Our
nationwide permits are an important tool in encouraging project
proponents to avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands, streams, and
other aquatic resources."
The updated permits streamline the requirements of the Clean
Water Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, and are informed
by extensive feedback from the public and other key
stakeholders.
All nationwide permits provide expedited review of projects that
have no more than minimal impact on the aquatic environment.
Categories of activities that may be covered under these NWPs
include residential developments, agricultural activities,
stormwater management facilities, land-based renewable energy
generation facilities, commercial and industrial developments, and
recreational facilities.
The four new nationwide permits are NWPs 55, 56, 57, and
58. NWP 55 provides an appropriate mechanism for an efficient
authorization process to authorize structures in navigable waters
for seaweed mariculture activities. Similarly, NWP 56
provides the same appropriate efficient
Army Corps of Engineers announces publication of 2021
Nationwide Permits/2-2-2
authorization process to authorize structures in navigable
waters for finfish mariculture activities. Both of these NWPs also
enable project proponents to obtain authorization, as appropriate,
to grow multiple species on or in the same structure.
NWP 57 covers the discharges of dredged or fill material and
structures and work in regulated waters associated with the
construction of electric utility lines and telecommunications
activities. Finally, NWP 58 provides authorization for activities
in waters of the United States
associated with the construction of utility lines for water and
other substances.
Notification requirements and impact limits have been revised
for some permits to provide greater national consistency and foster
timely decision-making for the regulated community without reducing
environmental protection. All improvements, additions, and
revisions to the package are consistent with the USACE commitment
to evaluate minor activities efficiently while ensuring appropriate
environmental protection for our nation's aquatic resources.
The nationwide permits announced today have no major changes
from 2017, the last time the nationwide permits were authorized in
accordance with the law.
USACE division commanders may add, after public review and
consultation, regional conditions to nationwide permits in order to
protect local aquatic ecosystems such as fens or bottomland
hardwoods, or to minimize adverse effects on fish or shellfish
spawning, wildlife nesting or other ecologically critical
areas.
Division and district commanders are also charged with ensuring
appropriate coordination and consultation occurs with federally
recognized American Indian and Alaska Native governments.
Additionally, NWP 26 has not been assigned since 2000, and NWP
47 was in effect for only one five-year cycle (2007 to 2012).
Additional information about the USACE Regulatory Program can be
found at
http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/.
View original
content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/army-corps-of-engineers-announces-publication-of-2021-nationwide-permits-301207831.html
SOURCE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers