NORFOLK, Va. – Regulators with the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers here forwarded an initial proffered permit to Henry County Industrial Development Authority officials today, crossing an important milestone in the federal permitting process for the proposed Commonwealth Crossing Business Center in Henry County, Va.
Henry County Industrial Development Authority officials may accept the initial proffered permit or ask the district engineer to modify conditions, said Tom Walker, chief of the Norfolk District’s regulatory branch.
“We’ve worked closely with the applicant on the project, including several conversations this week,” Walker said. “We believe we’ve developed a permit that’s acceptable for all parties.”
The Commonwealth Crossing project requires a federal permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. According to the Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for jurisdictional determinations and making individual permit decisions.
“This initial proffered permit is an important step toward full approval and demonstrates our commitment to balance our passion to build with our responsibility to sustain our natural resources,” said Col. Paul Olsen, Norfolk District commander.
When all parties agree on the conditions, Olsen will finalize the permit and authorize the project.