Discharge of Dredge or Fill Material Into Water

(Section 404 Permit)

What is the Purpose of this Permit?

To prohibit the discharge of dredge or fill material into waters of the United States, including special aquatic sites such as wetlands.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch issues Section 404 permits.

Who issues this Permit?

US Army Corps of Engineers

What Activities Require this 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.

How Much Will this Permit Cost?

The cost for this permit will depend on your project. If a standard individual permit is required the cost will be $100. There is no cost for a letter-of permission, nationwide permit or regional permit.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?

The application which is called 'Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) form', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.epermitting.wa.gov/site/alias__resourcecenter/jarpa/9983/jarpa.aspx.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

You should include detailed drawings which clearly shows the scope and size of your project and the location of your project in relation to wetlands, creeks, rivers, or other waterbodies. When completing your drawings, please use the drawing specifications to ensure that the drawings have all of the information necessary for the Corps to understand your project. Please do not use the drawing guidance attached to the JARPA.

Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

If your project might affect threatened or endangered species or their designated critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act, the Corps must consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before they make a permit decision and you will be required to submit a Biological Evaluation.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Where do I Submit my Application?

Submit your application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Statewide Contact address below.

Schematic:

schematic

How Long is my Permit Valid?

The "expiration" date of a permit is the date the work must be completed by. Regional Permit:5 years or the expiration date of the regional permit; Nationwide Permit:2 years or the exp. date of the nationwide permit; Letter of Permission:3 years; Standard Individual permit:3 years, but can be issued for a period up to 10 years for maintenance dredging projects.

What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?

Only Standard Individual Permits can be appealed and they can only be appealed by the applicant. The division engineer must receive the appeal within 60 days of the permit decision date.

Notes / Comments:

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