Corps of Engineers Permits

Nationwide Permits (NWPs) are permits issued by the Corps of Engineers (COE) to everyone in the nation for specific projects under specific conditions. Many of these permits require a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) to the COE which contains specific details and agency comments.

The COE has 30 days to respond to the applicant to ask for additional information. If they do not ask for additional information, it is assumed that the application is complete. The COE has an additional 15 days to respond to the applicant once the application is determined complete. The COE can state that the project qualifies or doesn't qualify for the NWP or whether the impact requires an individual permit.

If there is no response from the COE after this 45 day period, the permit is considered valid for the project along with all of the conditions associated with the permit. We have seen many more permits "issued" by default under these circumstances in the past few months.

If you would like additional information, please contact our Sciences Branch at (302) 737-9335 X1 or by e-mailing todd@jcmenv.com.