The following general criteria from Section 404(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act will be considered in the evaluation of every application:
The relative extent of the public and private need for the proposed activity;
The practicability of using reasonable alternative locations and methods to accomplish the objective of the proposed activity; and
The extent and permanence of the beneficial and/or detrimental effects which the proposed activity is likely to have on the public and private uses to which the area is suited
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Below is an outline of the basic application process, based on submission of a typical and complete application:
Pre-application consultation – optional
Applicant submits Joint Application for Permit to appropriate office
Application is received* and assigned to a Project Manger
Incomplete applications are returned for correction/completeness
Application is reviewed** and assigned an identification number
If activities fall within nationwide or regional permit guidelines/categories, permit issued
If activities qualify for an abbreviated permit processing, a letter of permission is required
If activities require a public notice, within 15 days of receiving all information - Federal, state, local agencies, special interest groups, the general public, etc. are notified via Public Notice Announcement
Corps considers all comments received
Other federal agencies are consulted, if appropriate
Corps may ask applicant for additional information
Public hearing held, if needed
Corps makes a final decision
Permit issued or denied – applicant advised of reason(s)
All applications undergo an evaluation based on a public interest review. This review assesses the balance between the proposed activity’s need and expected benefits against the probable impacts of the activity/project, taking into consideration all comments received and any other relevant factors.
Benefits and detriments are balanced by considering effects on items such as: