Environmental

Federal Regulatory Information Overview:

The objective of the Clean Water Act (CWA) is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation?s waters.  Section 404 of the CWA specifically prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. (including wetlands, surface water bodies, and drainage channels) without USACE authorization.  The discharge of soil and other fill materials, riprap, backfill, dredged material, or other such material into jurisdictional areas required a permit pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA.

 An integral part of the USACE regulatory program is the concept of general permits for minor activities within waters of the United States, including wetlands.  The General permits are designed to relieve some of the administrative burden associated with permit processing for both the applicant and regulatory agencies.  These permits are based on site-specific activity and/or project location.  Nationwide Permits (NWPs) are a form of general permit issued by the USACE and are commonly used throughout the United States.  If conditions that qualify an activity for authorization under one of the several NWPs are met, the specified activity may by able to proceed without a complex Individual Section 404 Permit (IP) or Regional Permit (RP).

 For NWPs, Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is required.  The PCN process requires the applicant to submit project information to the USACE, including a delineation of jurisdictional boundaries for wetland and other waters of the U.S., amount of jurisdictional area to be impacted, and background information.  The PCN process is designed to be a 45-day review and natural resources agency comment solicitation period.  After the review period, a response as to whether the permit is granted or denied is issued by the USACE.

 TOOMER ROAD:  Delineated and permitted wetland disturbances associated with the construction of a new bridge and temporary run-around road.

OLD PERRY ROAD:  Delineated and permitted wetland disturbances associated with the design and construction of 3 miles of road widening.

BIG INDIAN CREEK:  Jurisdictional Wetland / Water Delineation: Delineated and permitted wetlands associated with the construction of recreational walking trails along Big Indian Creek in Perry, GA. Stream Buffer Encroachment Variance: Delineated stream banks according to state and federal regulations. Prepared and submitted stream buffer encroachment variance for walking trail overlooks and bridge crossings.

THE FARM PHASE II:  Delineated and permitted wetland disturbances associated with a 100 acre residential subdivision.