Norfolk District Wetland Attribute Form

CENAO-WRR
May 8, 2020

FEDERAL PUBLIC NOTICE
NORFOLK DISTRICT WETLAND ATTRIBUTE FORM

The Norfolk District Regulatory Branch has developed the Norfolk District Wetland Attribute Form (Form). This Form provides a detailed, rapid, and qualitative description of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of wetlands being evaluated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permitting process. The Form will provide additional supporting documentation regarding the condition of areas proposed to be impacted. This Form does not take the place of a function/values assessment, and is not meant to determine compensatory mitigation ratios.

We have found that we and/or reviewing Agencies often need to request additional information to complete necessary reviews. By supporting clear and consistent presentation of commonly required information, completion of this form will facilitate more accurate and efficient analysis during the Public Interest Review and 404(b)(1) Guidelines Analysis, and lead to more efficient and informed permit decisions.

We intend to test the effectiveness of this Form for a period of six (6) months from the date of this notice. During this period, we recommend applicants complete the Form as a component of all permit applications that propose wetland impacts equal to or greater than one (1) acre. We also appreciate any feedback regarding the Form’s use and effectiveness. At the end of the six (6) month period, the Norfolk District Regulatory Branch will evaluate all comments received and determine if any changes to the Form are necessary.

You can find the Form and its associated Instruction Manual here: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/NAO-Wetland-Attribute-Form/.

Please provide all written comments to Jeanne Richardson at Jeanne.C.Richardson@usace.army.mil or:

USACE-Lynchburg Field Office
PO Box 3160, Lynchburg, VA 24503.