2 Feb 2015

Withdrawal for Interpretive Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (Army) are announcing the withdrawal of an interpretive rule addressing the exemption from permitting provided under section 404(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The agencies want to make clear that the statutory exemption of 404(f)(1)(A) still remains available for use when applicable for discharges of dredged and/or fill material associated with normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities that are part of an established operation and that do not have as their purpose bringing an area of waters of the U.S. into a use to which it was not previously subject, where the flow or circulation of the waters of the U.S. may be impaired or the reach of such waters be reduced (see 33 CFR 323.4 for more information). On March 25, 2014, the Agencies signed an interpretive rule, “Interpretive Rule Regarding Applicability of the Exemption from Permitting under Section 404(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act to Certain Agricultural Conservation Practices,” that addressed applicability of the permitting exemption provided under section 404(f)(1)(A) of the CWA to discharges of dredged or fill material associated with certain agricultural conservation practices. Congress subsequently directed the agencies to withdraw this interpretive rule. See, Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriation Act, 2015, Division D, section 112, Pub. L. No. 113-235. On January 29, 2015, the agencies signed a memorandum withdrawing the interpretive rule and this action is effective immediately. The Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 25, 2014, by EPA, Army, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, concerning the interpretive rule is also withdrawn.

23 Apr 2014

Interpretive rule for NRCS exemptions

Expiration date: 6/5/2014

Although the interpretive rule was effective on April 03, 2014, the Federal Register notice provides the public opportunity to become familiar with the interpretive rule and understand what has become effective. The agencies recognize the importance and value of receiving public input on the implementation of this interpretive rule; input which may inform future revisions to the list of activities included under the interpretive rule. Comments on the interpretive rule are to be provided on or before June 05, 2014.

20 Dec 2013

Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

Expiration date: 2/15/2014

nterested parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for the Middle Mississippi River Regulating Works Project. The Middle Mississippi River is defined as that portion of the Mississippi River that lies between the confluences of the Ohio and Missouri rivers. The original environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Project was finalized in 1976. USACE has determined that there is sufficient significant new information regarding the potential impacts of the project on the human environment to warrant the preparation of a SEIS. Public Scoping Open Workshops will be held to obtain comments and to receive feed-back from the public on the Draft SEIS and are identified in the Public Notice.

28 May 2013

Mo Stream Mitigation Method

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Districts within the State of Missouri (Kansas City, Little Rock, Memphis, Rock Island, St. Louis) in coordination with Federal and State agencies have completed their comprehensive evaluation and modifications to the Missouri Stream Mitigation Method (MSMM). The attached public notice announces the implementation of the 2013 version of the MSMM. The MSMM will serve as the preferred method for quantifying unavoidable stream impacts associated with the review of permit applications submitted for Department of the Army permit authorization. The MSMM will also serve as a tool for determining the amount of stream credits that a proposed mitigation project will generate based on its mitigation plan prepared for Stream Mitigation Banks, Individual In-Lieu Fee Stream Project Approvals, or Permittee-Responsible Mitigation Sites within the State of Missouri.