FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division announced the release of the regional conditions for Alaska, and Hawaii and the Pacific Area to the 50 nationwide permits (NWPs) issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The NWPs with the regional conditions streamline the permitting process used by the general public and businesses when working in waters of the United States. The regional conditions are necessary to tailor the NWPs in consideration of the unique environments in the Asia-Pacific and Alaska Regions.
Today’s announcement culminates an in-depth evaluation that included an extensive public review and consultation in coordination with federal and state agencies, stakeholders and interested members of the public. The NWPs are reissued every 5 years and were last done in 2007. The reissuance re-evaluated and updated the NWPs and the regional conditions to minimize the effects on local aquatic ecosystems associated with waters of the US.
“These regional conditions will encourage innovation and ensure consistency and predictability in meeting the challenges of protecting our wetlands and aquatic resources while allowing reasonable development within our region.” said Thom Lichte, the Regulatory Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division.
Additional information about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program can be found at the following U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters Web page,
http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatoryProgramandPermits.aspx.
Release no. 12-019