31 January 2024 - USACE launches new Regulatory Request System
USACE announces the launch of its new Regulatory Request System (RRS). RRS is designed to make the review of permit requests a transparent and efficient process for the public. RRS, currently in a beta version, provides general information on the Regulatory Program and allows the public to submit pre-application meeting requests and jurisdictional determination requests.
Additional capability is scheduled in Spring 2024. This added capability will allow users the ability to electronically submit individual and general permit applications and other necessary information, saving time and reducing the need for paper-based submissions.
RRS will streamline the permit application process and underscores USACE commitment to modernizing our application process, meeting user expectations, and providing a transparent, straightforward process for the timely review of permit requests.
Stay tuned for further updates on the full release of the RRS. Please click on the following link to access RRS: rrs.usace.army.mil
For additional information on or to provide feedback on RRS, please contact the rrs@usace.army.mil.
8 September 2023 - Amendment to the "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'"
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army amended the Code of Federal Regulations to conform the definition of "waters of the United States" published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2023, with the 2023 Supreme Court decision. The conforming 2023 Rule has been published in the Federal Register and is now in effect for 23 of the 27 states as shown on the Operative Definition Map of "Waters of the United States".
*It is important to note that Texas and Louisiana remain enjoined in the Southern District of Texas concerning the January 2023 Rule and that the conforming 2023 Rule does not change that. Accordingly, Fort Worth District will continue to operate under the pre-2015 Regulatory Regime until matters with the Southern District of Texas are resolved.
33 CFR Part 328 Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States"; Conforming
26 May 2023 - Supreme Court Ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the agencies) are in receipt of the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 25, 2023 decision in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. In light of this decision, the agencies will interpret the phrase “waters of the United States” consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett. The agencies continue to review the decision to determine next steps.
12 April 2023 - Notice of Availability of the Beta Streamflow Duration Assessment Method (SDAM) for the Northeast and Southeast
On 12 April, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a joint public notice regarding the availability of the beta SDAM for the Northeast and Southeast. The purpose of this rapid assessment tool is to help distinguish between ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streamflow at the reach scale for the Northeast and Southeast SDAM Regions. Practitioners are encouraged to comment on their experience using the beta SDAM during the year long beta timeframe. Comments can be sent to the USACE email or physical address located in the public notice.
Joint Public Notice for the Beta SDAM for the Northeast and Southeast Regions
19 March 2023 - 2023 Rule Status Update
On March 19, 2023, a district court judge for the Southern District of Texas issued an order preliminarily enjoining in Idaho and Texas the rule issued by EPA and the Department of the Army defining “waters of the United States.” In light of the preliminary injunction, the agencies are interpreting “waters of the United States” consistent with the pre-2015 regulatory regime in Idaho and Texas until further notice.
Special Notices Continued