Which agency is the lead for granting section 404 permits?

Which agency is the lead for granting section 404 permits?

• A. Corps
• B. NRCS
• C. EPA
• D. FWS

Answer: (A)

Under the Clean Water Act, permits for discharging dredged or fill material into waters of the United States are issued by the Army Corps of Engineers. This agency has the regulatory authority to review proposed dredge or fill activities, ensure they meet environmental standards, and grant either individual permits or nationwide permits after evaluating alternatives, mitigation, and public comment. The Environmental Protection Agency sets the overarching guidelines (the 404(b)(1) guidelines) and can object to or veto permits that don’t meet those standards, but the actual permitting decision rests with the Corps. Other agencies, like NRCS or FWS, contribute expert input on soils, hydrology, and wildlife (including endangered species), but they are not the lead permitting authority.

Under the Clean Water Act, permits for discharging dredged or fill material into waters of the United States are issued by the Army Corps of Engineers. This agency has the regulatory authority to review proposed dredge or fill activities, ensure they meet environmental standards, and grant either individual permits or nationwide permits after evaluating alternatives, mitigation, and public comment. The Environmental Protection Agency sets the overarching guidelines (the 404(b)(1) guidelines) and can object to or veto permits that don’t meet those standards, but the actual permitting decision rests with the Corps. Other agencies, like NRCS or FWS, contribute expert input on soils, hydrology, and wildlife (including endangered species), but they are not the lead permitting authority.