Applications and Instructions

Iowa
*Use the following website to submit a permit application for projects within the State of Iowa:  https://programs.iowadnr.gov/permt

(This will forward the application to both USACE and Iowa DNR)

*To submit questions via email please send to: iowaregulatory@usace.army.mil

Illinois
Application (Illinois)
Permit Requirements (Illinois)

*To submit application via email please send to: illinoismoregulatory@usace.army.mil

Missouri
Application (Missouri)
Instructions (Missouri)

*To submit application via email please send to: illinoismoregulatory@usace.army.mil

Obtaining a USACE Permit

What should I do if my project will impact wetlands or other waters of the United States?

First, any proposed project or other activity should be designed to avoid and minimize any disturbance to the wetland, stream, or other aquatic area, as much as is practicable before applying for a permit from the Corps. Avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands or other aquatic areas can include locating any activity away from the wetland area, establishing buffer zones and protecting the quality of the water that may be discharged into wetlands. If impacts to wetlands or any other water of the United States are proposed, apply for a permit.

Corps Permits

Applications for proposed projects submitted to the Corps will generally fall under one of 3 types of application processes: 

  • Nationwide Permits are a streamlined series of general permits issued by the Corps throughout the US for minor projects in certain areas. All nationwide permits have general conditions which must be met in order for a project to qualify under the nationwide permit program. Some nationwide permits also require pre-construction notification to the Corps prior to the initiation of any activities.
     
  • Regional Permits are a type of general permit as defined in 33 CFR 322.2(f) and 33 CFR 323.2(n). Regional permits are district and state specific and most require pre-construction notification to the Corps. Regional Permits expand general permitting options for certain areas, work types, and applicants under special conditions.
     
  • Individual Permits are required for projects which do not fall under the criteria for a general permit. Individual permits require the completion of the Public Notice process, Individual 401 Water Quality Certification, alternatives analysis, and avoidance and minimization considerations. For individual permits, the Corps will issue a Public Notice advising all interested parties of the proposed activity. This Public Notice process helps the Corps to evaluate the probable impact of the project as part of the public interest review.

What should I do if I have questions about which permit my project will fall under?

Set up a Pre-Application Consultation with our office through the Regulatory Request System (RRS) or email. Include your project location, description, and any questions you may have. This consultation can help clear up what the permitting process will look like for your specific project.

Nationwide Permits

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 General
 Illinois

1) For NWP 12, 57 and 58: Pre-Construction Notification is required in accordance with General Condition 32 for the following activities; (a) activities that involve mechanized land clearing in a forested wetland for the utility line right-of-way; (b) utility lines placed within, and parallel to or along a jurisdictional stream bed.

2) For Nationwide Permit 14: All proposed projects that result in the loss of greater than 300 linear feet of streambed located within Waters of the U.S., requires a Pre-Construction Notice in accordance with General Condition No. 32.

3) Any bank stabilization activity involving a method that protrudes from the bank contours, such as jetties, stream barbs and/or weirs, will require a Pre-Construction Notification in accordance with General Condition 32.

 Iowa

1) Side slopes of a newly constructed channel will be no steeper than 2:1 and planted to permanent, perennial, native vegetation if not armored.

2) For projects that impact an Outstanding National Resource Water, Outstanding Iowa Water, fens, bogs, seeps or sedge meadows, a Pre-Construction Notice in accordance with General Condition No. 32 and an Individual Section 401 Water Quality Certification will be required.

3) Any bank stabilization activity involving a method that protrudes from the bank contour, such as jetties, stream barbs and/or weirs, will require a Pre-Construction Notice in accordance with General Condition No. 32.

4) Beyond what is described in General Condition #6, suitable fill material shall consist of clean materials, free from debris, trash and other deleterious materials. If broken concrete is used as riprap, all reinforcing rods must be cut flush with the surface of the concrete, and individual pieces of concrete shall be appropriately graded and not exceed 3 feet in any dimension. Asphalt, car bodies and broken concrete containing asphalt, and liquid concrete are specifically excluded.

5) No non-native, invasive or other plant species included on the Corps “Excluded Plant List” shall be planted for re-vegetation or stabilization purposes, with the exception of any species that hold particular cultural or traditional significance to the Meskwaki Nation (the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa). The plant list can be found above. To prevent the spread of non-native and/or invasive plant species, the permittee shall ensure that equipment to be utilized in Waters of the United States is cleaned before arriving on site. Wash water shall not be discharged into any wetland, waterway or any other surface water conveyances.

6) All authorizations requested by applicants other than the Tribal Authority for use within lands under the jurisdiction of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa require Pre-Construction Notification to the District Engineer and coordination with the Tribal Authority.

7) For Nationwide Permit 14, all proposed projects that result in the loss of greater than 300 linear feet of streambed located within Waters of the U.S., as defined in the definitions contained in the Nationwide Permits, require a Pre-Construction Notice in accordance with General Condition No. 32 to the District Engineer.
 

 Missouri

New! Regulatory Automated Permit Application System

Exciting news! USACE is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Regulatory Request System (RRS). This new web-based platform will streamline the submission process for permit applications and jurisdictional determinations, making it easier and more efficient for the public to interact with our program.

The RRS is currently in development and is projected to go live in Spring 2024. Once launched, users will be able to electronically submit their applications and other necessary information, reducing the need for paper-based submissions.

The RRS was developed to improve the overall experience for those engaging with the Regulatory Program and we are committed to providing support and guidance during the transition period.

Stay tuned for updates and more information as we approach the release date. We can't wait for you to experience the benefits of this new platform!

Regulatory Request System