Posted on October 27, 2016
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Regulatory Branch is hosting a webinar on the fifth version of the Maryland State Programmatic General Permit (MDSPGP-5), which became effective Oct. 1, 2016, and will expire Sept. 30, 2021.
The intent of MDSPGP-5 is to provide a streamlined Department of the Army authorization for certain recurring activities (construction, repairs, fill work, dredging, etc.) in Maryland formerly covered by the Nationwide Permits program that are similar in nature, have minimal individual and cumulative adverse effects on the aquatic environment, and satisfy other public interest review factors.
The webinar will cover new activities added to the fifth version of the permit that were not in the fourth; changes to existing activities; how the permit authorization process works; mitigation requirements for activities that affect the aquatic environment; and a Q&A session.
The presentations will take no more than an hour, and the rest of the time will be dedicated to answering questions.
Webinar Details:
Audio:
Call-in number: 877-873-8018
Access Code: 6910396
Security Code: 1234
Web Meeting:
https://www.webmeeting.att.com
Meeting number: 877-873-8018
Access Code: 6910396
When: Nov. 9, 2016, from 10 a.m. – noon
The substantial modifications from MDSPGP-4 to MDSPGP-5 include:
1.) The addition of temporary construction impacts into the description and thresholds for several activities, which reduces the need to use multiple MDSPGP-5 activities for a single project;
2.) An increase to the maximum total (temporary and permanent) acreage impact threshold for general maintenance activity (Category A), which means more projects can be approved by the state without needing to go to the Corps for review;
3.) The addition of two new activities specific to culvert pipe grouting and new stormwater management activities;
4.) The removal of the Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) study area project activity;
5.) A new condition requiring a remediation plan for the inadvertent release of fluids and lubricants during regulated directional drilling activities authorized by the utility line activity;
6.) The clarification of general requirements concerning wetland and stream compensatory mitigation. For unavoidable impacts, compensatory mitigation may be required to replace the loss of wetland, stream, and/or other aquatic resource functions and area. The Corps (or approved state authority) is responsible for determining the appropriate form and amount of compensatory mitigation when a proposed project results in more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects.
Source: US Army Corps of Engineers
