The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the responsibility for regulating work in waters of the United States, including wetlands. The goals of this program are to protect the aquatic environment, enhance the efficiency of decisions, and ensure fair and reasonable decisions.

There are three major U.S. Army Corps of Engineer authorities that establish permit requirements:

• Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972 prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, without a Department of the Army permit.
• Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 prohibits the obstruction or alteration of navigable waters of the United Sates without a Department of the Army permit.
• Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 prohibits the transportation of dredged material for ocean dumping without a Department of the Army permit.

Regulatory responsibilities are carried out by the seven Districts.  Applicants may appeal standard permit denials and permit conditions, and jurisdictional determinations under an administrative appeal process managed by the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division.

More information is available on the Regulatory Appeal Process, Federal Register Announcement, other Corps Division Appeal Programs and how to get appeal forms.