Posted on September 7, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District announced that it received authority to issue alternative/emergency permitting procedures in response to conditions resulting from Hurricane Idalia.
These alternate procedures will be effective for a six-month period, through March 3, 2024. A Corps-issued public notice announcing these alternative/emergency procedures is available at: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Public-Notices/
Additional information on Emergency Permitting procedures is also available at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/, with direct links to Emergency Permitting information for the Public at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/5821 and an Emergency Permit Request Form at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/5822.
The alternative/emergency procedures are used to authorize actions or work that is considered to be emergency in nature, which may include, but not limited to dredging to restore navigation and relieve flooding; stabilization of eroded shorelines; restoring roads, bridges, utility lines and other infrastructure; repair and replacement of authorized structures including docks and bulkheads; installing water intake structures, and removal and disposal of debris in waters of the U.S.
The Corps of Engineers regulations define an emergency as a situation, which would result in an unacceptable hazard to life, a significant loss of property or an immediate, unforeseen, and significant economic hardship if corrective action requiring a permit is not undertaken within a time period less than the normal time needed to process the application under standard procedures.
A map of Jacksonville District Regulatory Permit Office locations and phone numbers is available at: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Office-Locations/
The President of the United States declared an emergency for the Florida, which can be found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/08/31/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-florida-disaster-declaration-4/#:~:text=Today%2C%20President%20Joseph%20R.%20Biden,27%2C%202023%2C%20and%20continuing
The Jacksonville District, Regulatory Division, has been coordinating with responsible government agencies, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Tribes to establish expedited coordination procedures.
The Corps is neither a proponent nor opponent of any proposed project. The Corps’ mission is to provide the regulated public with fair and reasonable decisions while providing protection of the Nation’s aquatic resources and navigation.
