FORT WORTH, Texas –U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials have posted a Flood Recovery and Repair Activities Public Notice August 25, to provide guidance and a summary of exemptions and permits which may be required for the removal of debris and protection and repair of existing flood damaged structures.
The public notice also provides information for the repair and maintenance of existing facilities, upland areas, bank stabilization, emergency watershed protection and rehabilitation, dredging in and around water intake structures, boat slips, and docks under the authority of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 USC 403) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344).
The immediate needs of clearing and removal of debris, such as tree trunks, limbs, and debris, from around culverts, bridge crossings, boat docks or retaining walls, by hand or through the use of grappling or winching equipment would not require a permit. However, the use of bladed equipment (i.e. dozers) which results in the movement of sediment within the stream channel would likely require some level of Section 404 permitting.
As work progresses from emergency debris removal to repair and reconstruction of facilities and stream channels, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act authorization may be required. Depending on the size and location of proposed work, projects may be authorized by existing permits to expedite this work through the use of the various nationwide permits many of which do not require coordination from the Corps to use. For more complicated or larger projects which require NWP preconstruction notification or use of standard individual permits, applicants will be required to submit an application for review and receive authorization prior to beginning work. Please note that all regional and general conditions, such as compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, still apply. Permits do not authorize any damage to private property, invasion of property rights, or any infringement of federal, state, or local laws or regulations. For work on lakes or flood easements, check with the appropriate federal, state or local reservoir/water authority prior to any activities.
To view the August 25, 2017 public notice, visit http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/1290639/flood-recovery-and-repair-activities-in-the-fort-worth-district/
For more information regarding permitting options, visit our Regulatory website at http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx.
To determine if proposed work may need a permit, use the pre-application form and a project manager will provide additional guidance. The pre-application form is available at http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permitting/ApplicationSubmittalForms.aspx.
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About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico. Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/usacefortworth/