Federal RequirementsHandbook Page

Federal Requirements

Permits:

401 Water Quality Certification: Applying for a federal permit or license to conduct any activity that might result in a discharge of dredge or fill material into water or non-isolated wetlands or excavation in water or non-isolated wetlands.

Bridge Permit (Section 9 Permit): Construction or modification of bridges over certain navigable waters.

Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Certification: Federal activity, projects requiring a federal license or permit and Federal Assistance Programs proposed within any of Washington's 15 coastal counties. (see notes)

Discharge of Dredge or Fill Material Into Water (Section 404 Permit): If you plan to discharge dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States, including special aquatic sites such as wetlands, you must get a Section 404 permit. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) can authorize activities by a standard individual permit, nationwide permit, or regional permit. The Corps will make the determination on what type of permit is needed. If you have general questions on the permitting process, you should contact your county's Corps Project manager. The Corps recommends a pre-application meeting for major projects. This meeting is between you, Corps district staff, interested resource agencies, and the interested public. If you would like to set up a pre-application meeting, you should contact your county's Corps Project manager.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License: See Permit Description for details.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): NEPA applies to all major federal actions; federal projects, any project requiring a federal permit, receiving federal funding, or located on federal land. Application of categorical exclusions is determined by the federal agency.

Permit For Work in Navigable Waters (Section 10 Permit): If you plan to do any work in, over, or under navigable waters of the United States you must apply for a Section 10 Permit. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) can authorize activities by a standard individual permit, letter-of-permission, nationwide permit, or regional permit. The Corps will make the determination on what type of permit is needed. If you have general questions on the permitting process, you should contact your county�s Corps Project manager.

Private Aids to Navigation (PATON) (Non-Bridge Projects): Installation of a fixed structure or floating object within the waters of the United States.