CENAO-WRR 17-RP-20

The Norfolk District announces the reissuance with minor revisions to better describe authorized activities of Regional Permit 20 (17-RP-20). The re-issued 17-RP-20 is effective October 16, 2017, and expires October 15, 2022, unless otherwise suspended or revoked. 

17-RP-20 authorizes the creation of artificial reefs (oyster and fish haven) and dredging of old shellfish reefs, when the material, dredge shell or structural, will be used to create new or enhance existing natural or artificial reefs owned, operated or managed by the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).  

Two special conditions were added to insure minimal impact to navigation and other federal projects: 

• Any proposed new artificial reef (oyster or fish haven), shall be coordinated with, and have no objection from USCG Sector Hampton Roads, Waterways Management Chief, and USCG District Five Waterways Management Branch. In addition, there must be a Corps verification, in writing, regarding any need of permission, pursuant to Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, 33 USC 408 (Section 408).  

• If the 17-RP-20 activity also requires permission from the Corps pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 408 because it will alter or temporarily or permanently occupy or use a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) federally authorized Civil Works project (a “USACE project”), the activity that requires section 408 permission is not authorized until the Norfolk District Corps grants the section 408 permission to alter, occupy, or use the USACE project, and the district engineer issues a written 17-RP-20 verification.

One special condition was modified to insure compliance with the Endangered Species Act, and minimal adverse impact to essential fish habitat:
 

• The Corps will coordinate all activities with NOAA Fisheries Service, Protected Species Division and Habitat Conservation Division; and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Virginia Field Office for the purpose of Endangered Species consultation and Essential Fish Habitat assessment. 

The re-issued 17-RP-20 can be found on our web site at:  

http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/RBregional/  

PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY: Comments and information, including the identity of the submitter, submitted in response to this Public Notice may be disclosed, reproduced, and distributed at the discretion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information that is submitted in connection with this Public Notice cannot be maintained as confidential by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Submissions should not include any information that the submitter seeks to preserve as confidential.  

If you have any questions about 17-RP-20 or the permit process, please send email to john.d.evans@usace.army.mil or call him at 757-201-7794.