You can copy from here when filling out the rest of the page.
SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: This public notice is to inform the public of the St. Paul District’s (District) intent to develop regional general permits for work in waters of the U.S. associated with utility line, linear transportation and minor activities not already authorized by nationwide permits. The regional general permits are proposed to be developed for use in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Federally-recognized American Indian reservations. The regional general permits would be used to authorize work in waters of the U.S. that would result in no more than minimal adverse effects, individually and cumulatively.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE: This public notice is to inform the public of the St. Paul District’s (District) intent to develop regional general permits for work in waters of the U.S. associated with utility line, linear transportation and minor activities not already authorized by nationwide permits. The regional general permits are proposed to be developed for use in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Federally-recognized American Indian reservations. The regional general permits would be used to authorize work in waters of the U.S. that would result in no more than minimal adverse effects, individually and cumulatively.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Date: July 11, 2017
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTENT TO DEVELOP NEW REGIONAL GENERAL PERMITS
SUMMARY: This public notice is to inform the public of the St. Paul District's (District) intent to develop regional
general permits for work in waters of the U.S. associated with utility line, linear transportation and minor activities not
already authorized by nationwide permits. The regional general permits are proposed to be developed for use in
Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Federally-recognized American Indian reservations. The regional general permits
would be used to authorize work in waters of the U.S. that would result in no more than minimal adverse effects,
individually and cumulatively.
BACKGROUND: On April 24, 2017, the District issued 42 nationwide general permits for use in Minnesota and
Wisconsin. The District decided at that time not to utilize the nationwide permits to authorize work in waters of the U.S.
associated with linear utility and linear transportation activities. Those projects are currently evaluated through existing
regional general permits or via an individual permit process. New regional general permits will be developed to authorize
work in waters of the U.S. associated with utility, transportation and various minor activities. The District's goals for this
effort is threefold: 1) increase the utility of the regional general permits for the work in waters of the U.S. described
above, 2) develop permit terms and conditions that are protective of the aquatic environment and public interest factors,
and 3) have new regional general permits in place prior to the expiration of existing reginal general permits in 2017 and
2018.
DRAFT PROPOSAL: Details on the content of the proposed regional general permits will be published as a draft in fall
2017 with a 30-day public comment period. The District is proposing to start using the permits in January 2018, provided
all necessary agency, tribal, and public consultation and coordination has been completed. All activities authorized by the
regional general permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act will require 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC)
from the applicable state agency, tribe or the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For each reginal
general permit, the applicable agency or tribe may issue the WQC with no conditions, issue the WQC with conditions,
deny the WQC, or waive the WQC.
FUTURE UPDATES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMENT: If you are interested in future updates on the
development these regional general permits, please send an email to colleen.a.whaley@usace.army.mil with the
subject line of "RGP emails." You may also call Colleen Whaley at 651-290-5361 to be added to the email list serve. At
the most, two emails a month will be sent to interested parties and email addresses will only be used for this expressed
purpose.
All other questions concerning development of the regional general permits should be directed to the following
main contacts.
Work in waters of the U.S. associated with:
Utility Line Activities: Rebecca Graser 651-290-5728 rebecca.m.graser@usace.army.mil
Linear Transportation Activities: Jill Bathke 651-290-5697 jill.c.bathke@usace.army.mil
Minor Activities not covered by Nationwide Permits: Kyle Zibung 651-290-5877 kyle.d.zibung@usace.army.mil
To sign up for other public notices, including on specific project or mitigation proposals, please go to:
http://mvp-extstp.mvp.usace.army.mil/list_server.
NOTICE TO EDITORS: This notice is provided as background information for your use in formatting news stories. This notice is not a contract for classified display
advertising. For more information call the St. Paul District Public Affairs Office, 651-290-5807.