1. Restoration and Regulation Discussion
Joseph P. DaVia
US Army Corps of Engineers-Baltimore
Chief, Maryland Section Northern
March 12, 2013
We are presenting to this interagency group:
To inform the agencies of the future publication of the draft MDSPGP-4 and the proposed changes
And to provide you an opportunity to ask questions and participate in providing us with preliminary input regarding these changes
Ultimately, we would like to have the agencies comment regarding the proposed changes and participate during the development of the MDSPGP-4

2. Presentation Overview
Coordination with MDE
Types of Department of the Army (DA) permits
Issues & Challenges
Actions to Improve the Permit Process

3. Baltimore District Regulatory Boundaries

4. Clean Water Act Section 404
Permit required from the Corps to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the US
Stream restoration, TMDL, or SWM projects in perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams, and jurisdictional wetlands: DA permit required
Corps level of involvement in project review is commensurate with the degree of impact

5. Clean Water Act Section 404
Alternatives analysis is the centerpiece of the 404 review
Identify the practicable alternative which has the least adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem (e.g., wetland/waters)
Practicable means available and capable of being done taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes
Two part test: 404 and Corps public interest review

6. Coordination with MDE Joint Federal/State permit process
Coordinated project reviews
Office/field meetings
Public notice
Joint Evaluation Meetings in Annapolis
Public hearings
Consistent permit decisions and conditions
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

7. Coordination with MDE MDE morning presentations Purpose and need
Alternative analysis
Documentation requirements
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

8. Types of DA Permits Nationwide Permit (NWP)
Department of the Army Maryland State Programmatic General Permit (MDSPGP-4)
Standard Permits

9. NWP 27 - Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Establishment, & Enhancement Activities
No acreage limit, but the terms limit the types of activities authorized
Activities must result in net increase in aquatic resource functions and services
Coordination with NMFS on coastal plain streams (MD)
Coordination with other Agencies is optional (MD)
Other NWP 27 requirements for Pennsylvania

10. NWP 27-Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Establishment, & Enhancement Activities
Applicant must demonstrate/document in the permit application and supporting info how the terms and conditions of the NWP are met, including how the project will achieve a net increase in aquatic resources functions and services over the existing conditions
Applicants required to coordinate w/SHPO, FWS, and appropriate State agency…See Regional Condition 31a.
Functions: physical, chemical, biological processes that occur in aquatic ecosystems

11. NWP 27-Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Establishment, & Enhancement Activities
Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) required for all NWP 27 activities in the Baltimore District
Does not authorize conversion of a stream or wetlands to another aquatic habitat type, stream channelization, or the relocation or conversion of tidal waters, including tidal wetlands to other aquatic uses (e.g., conversion of tidal wetlands into open water impoundments)

12. What is Causing Project Delay?
Incomplete permit applications
No alternatives analysis
Changes to stream hydrology (e.g., sediment transport reach to aggradation reach)
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

13. What is Causing Project Delay?
Projects resulting in a change from palustrine forested wetlands, to palustrine emergent or scrub/shrub
Projects proposing the construction of berms, dams, or weirs across perennial streams, forested floodplains, and adjacent wetlands, to impound/retain water for stormwater management
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

14. Actions
If practicable, move as far upstream in the watershed to avoid impacts to waters of the U.S.
Focus site selection on degraded systems, not on relatively stable streams with mature forested floodplains and adjacent wetlands
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

15. Actions
Corps developed a simple flow chart on the permit application process
Corps is developing an information checklist for applicants seeking NWP 27 authorization
Outreach – such as this “venue”
Joint Federal/State permit application revisions
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

16. Actions
Working with the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office, EPA R3 Regulatory, and MDE to explore options for addressing concerns and improving the permit process
Applicants: Involve the agencies early in the planning process for your restoration project. Agencies are accessible for pre-application consultation
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

17. Pre-Application Consultation
Agencies meet with the applicant in advance of a permit application
Agencies offer input at the planning stages of a project (field/office meeting)
Discuss documentation requirements and alternatives that should be evaluated
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

18. Pre-Application Consultation
We can provide guidance and preliminary feedback regarding the regulatory feasibility, and potential suggestions on alternatives that could make the project more feasible
We can have a pre-app meetings for restoration projects proposed for grant funding
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

19. Pre-Application Consultation
Maryland State Highway Administration TMDL projects
Evaluate potential TMDL projects (e.g., stream restoration) to discuss site selection and the permit process
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

20. Pre-Application Consultation
Expedites the permit process
Cost and time savings to applicants
Before you invest time and resources, contact the Corps and/or MDE to schedule a pre-app meeting (both agencies need to be present)
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons

21. Pre-Application Consultation
Monthly Interagency Joint Evaluation (JE) Meetings in Annapolis, Maryland – 4th Wednesday of the month
Federal/State agencies participate in JE
Recurring meetings with MD counties [e.g., Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Allegany Stormwater Committee]. Your county?
The MDSPGP is a programmatic general permit issued by the Corps for certain activities that are also regulated by MDE.
The SPGP identifies the terms, limits, and conditions under which specific projects that are also regulated by MDE may be authorized with a more efficient and abbreviated review by the Corps.
The MDSGPGP-3 was valid for a five year period between Oct 1, 2006 and Sep 30, It will expire this September.
Since the MDSPGP-3 was issued, several important regulatory program changes have been implemented and we are looking to make improvements in how we currently are doing business.
The Mitigation Rule which became effective June 9, and includes additional requirements for compensatory mitigation for all WOUS, including streams.
The Corps ORM and State databases are no longer talking and there have been difficulties with coordination and reporting.
We will be seeking programmatic consultations with the agencies for ESA, 106, and EFH to ensure compliance. The MDSPGP-4 includes requirement for all actions that may affect these resources to require review by the Corps.
We are looking to improve consistency and compliance with the MDSPGP through activity specific review and condiitons