Army Corps Seeks Ideas to Simplify Water Impact Permits
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants your ideas to make nationwide permits easier and faster to use. These permits affect anyone doing work that impacts U.S. waters, like construction or land changes near rivers and wetlands. Share your thoughts by May 15, 2026, to help shape future rules that could save time and money for businesses and communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Nationwide Permits Speed Up Authorizations
Nationwide permits (NWPs) give a faster, simpler way to get Army Corps authorization for work that affects U.S. waters, such as dredging, fill, or building in navigable waters. The Corps says NWPs are designed to reduce paperwork and provide timely authorizations while protecting aquatic resources.
45-Day Silence-to-Proceed Rule (With Exceptions)
If a pre-construction notification (PCN) is required, an applicant can usually begin the activity if the Corps district does not respond within 45 days of receiving a complete PCN. However, you must wait for written verification before starting when certain conditions apply: general conditions 16, 18, 20, or 31; NWP 49 (Coal Remining Activities); or when a waiver is needed to exceed NWP limits.
2026 NWPs Are In Effect Through 2031
The Corps published the final 2026 nationwide permits on January 8, 2026; they went into effect on March 15, 2026 and will expire on March 15, 2031 unless modified or reissued earlier. These NWPs authorize categories of activities under Section 404, Section 10, and related statutes during that period.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-20402, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2026-16359, Danger Zone: Pacific Ocean at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Island of Oahu, Hawaii
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is amending its regulations for an existing danger zone at the U.S. Marine Corps Ulupau Crater Weapons Training Range in the vicinity of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The Marine Corps requested a change to the current hours that weapons firing may be conducted. This amendment is necessary in order to ensure public safety.
2026-16357, Restricted Area: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to update the restricted area rules at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in California. This change follows a big project that moved a public boating channel and added a new ammo pier, aiming to keep people safe and protect Navy operations. If you have thoughts, send your comments by September 10, 2026—no costs or fees involved!
2026-11786, Danger Zone; Waters of Carr Creek and Whitehall Bay in the Vicinity of the Naval Support Activity Annapolis
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is setting up three new danger zones in Carr Creek and Whitehall Bay near the Naval Support Activity Annapolis to keep everyone safe during Naval Academy firing range training. These zones will protect Sailors, Midshipmen, law enforcement, and boaters by restricting access when the range is active. The new rules kick in 30 days after being published, with no extra costs for the public.
2026-11283, Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Dakota Access Pipeline, Lake Oahe Crossing, North Dakota
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially decided to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, but with extra safety rules. This affects local communities, the environment, and the pipeline company, ensuring the project moves forward carefully. The decision is now public, so everyone knows the plan and what comes next.
2026-08591, Proposals by Non-Federal Interests for Inclusion in the Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking communities and groups outside the federal government to send in ideas for new water projects or changes to existing ones by September 1, 2026. These proposals could lead to new studies or updates to water resources projects that help with things like flood control and environmental protection. This is a chance to get Congress’s attention and possibly secure funding for future water improvements.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05049, Notice of Intended Repatriation: The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
The Field Museum in Chicago plans to return 270 cultural items, like pottery and jewelry, to the Hopi Tribe in Arizona starting April 15, 2026. These items were collected over 120 years ago and are important to the Hopi people. This repatriation respects Native American heritage and shows the museum’s commitment to doing the right thing.
Next: 2026-05055, Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a plan to collect info from states about how they spend money managing school meal programs. This update affects state agencies that handle programs like school lunches and breakfasts, aiming to make reporting clearer and easier. Comments are open until April 15, 2026, so states and others can share their thoughts before the plan moves forward.