On Nov. 16, ABC submitted comments as part of the Waters Advocacy Coalition to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Army Corps of Engineers on its proposal to reissue and revise the agency’s nationwide permits under the Clean Water Act. WAC expressed support for the proposed rule, which would continue to carry out Congress’ intent to allow more streamlined permitting for activities that have minimal adverse environmental effects and encouraged the Corps to ensure consistency with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule in the final rulemaking.

Officially titled Proposal to Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits, the notice reissues the current NWPs, which authorize certain activities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, for another five-year cycle. The current NWPs are set to expire on March 18, 2022.

Additionally, the Corps is proposing to issue five new NWPs to simplify and clarify the permit processes and reduce burdens on the regulated public.

More information on the proposal and NWPs can be found on the Corps website.