Effective September 2, 2025, the process for submitting joint permit applications affecting aquatic resources in the Commonwealth of Virginia will change.

Beginning on this date, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will assume responsibility as the central clearinghouse for joint permit applications requiring review by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), and the USACE. Accordingly, the VMRC will no longer serve in this role as of the effective date.

Applicants should submit requests to the USACE using one of the following methods:

• Preferred: Through the web-based Regulatory Request System (RRS), available at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs
• Alternate: cenao.reg_rod@usace.army.mil
   

The RRS is a user-friendly platform designed to streamline the permit review process and ensure timely coordination among agencies. Once submitted, applications will be distributed to all three agencies by the following business day. Applicants will receive an email confirmation and will have access to real-time status updates via their personal dashboard on the RRS platform.

Please note: While the legacy Joint Permit Application (PDF) may still be submitted via email for the time being, use of this method is strongly discouraged as it may significantly delay permit processing. The use of RRS is strongly encouraged for all future submissions.

Point of Contact:
Ms. Kimberly Prisco-Baggett, kimberly.a.prisco-baggett@usace.army.mil

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has prepared its proposal to renew and revise 56 of 57 existing nationwide permits for work in wetlands and other waters that are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. USACE will propose not to reissue one nationwide permit authorizing activities associated with finfish mariculture.

 For the full release: click here.

8 May 2025 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages use of Regulatory Request System for an improved permitting experience

Last year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers introduced its new Regulatory Request System (RRS), an online application portal that allows the public to submit permit applications and other information when requesting permission to dredge, fill or conduct activities in jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S.

RRS is accessible at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs.

RRS users can submit individual permit applications, general permit pre-construction notifications, jurisdictional determination requests, and other information needed during the permit evaluation process using easy-to-follow online submission forms. Applicants can also track the status of their requests using a user-friendly dashboard.

RRS benefits the applicant by eliminating the burden associated with the preparation and mailing of paper applications. It also reduces some of the effort associated with processing applications and data entry making the permitting process more efficient. Click here to learn more about the benefits of RRS (RRS Testimonial Video).

For more information on the USACE Regulatory Program visit https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/.

For further details or to provide feedback about the RRS, please contact USACE at rrs@usace.army.mil.

Waters of the United States Updates

For additional information, please visit the EPA website here. 

December 1, 2022, USACE and EPA announced the availability of the Interim Draft of the National Ordinary High Water Mark Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams (National OHWM Manual) and its accompanying data sheet. Please click here to view the public notice, the Interim Draft of the National OHWM Manual, and additional information on the research supporting OHWM identification and delineation.