• Learn about the USACE Regulatory Program and it's role in balancing the needs of our nation, with the needs of the environment. Importance to the Public
  • The regulatory program is committed to protecting the nation's aquatic resources and navigation capacity, while allowing reasonable development through fair and balanced decisions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers evaluates permit applications for essentially all construction activities that occur in the nation's waters, including wetlands. Navigating Regulatory Permits
  • The Regulatory Request System is a web-based platform designed to help individuals navigate the USACE permitting process. Learn more at www.rrs.usace.army.mil. About the Regulatory Request System

Nashville District Regulatory Division

Jurisdiction - Virginia

The Nashville District holds regulatory authority over South Holston Lake in southwestern Virginia.

To verify jurisdiction based on watershed and project location, please visit the About Jurisdiction page.

The Nashville District Corps of Engineers exercises regulatory jurisdiction over the entire Cumberland River and portions of the Tennessee River watershed areas.  A complete list of all streams subject to Corps regulatory authority is not available.  However, listed below are all navigable waters of the United States over which the Nashville District currently exercises regulatory jurisdiction under the authority of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.  Inquiries concerning Department of the Army Permit requirements on tributary streams not listed below should be submitted on a case-by case basis to the Regulatory Branch.  Regulatory jurisdiction for the portions of the Tennessee River watershed in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia is administered by the Norfolk, Wilmington, and Savannah Corps Districts, respectively.

Cumberland River and Tributaries
Tennessee River and Tributaries

Conasauga River (The Conasauga River in Polk County, Tennessee, is considered navigable entirely within the state of Tennessee.)

Permit Types

The Nashville District issues Department of the Army permits in Virginia's South Holson Lake. Permit types include:

Nationwide Permits (NWPs)

Public Notice for Federal Register Notice Announcing the Reissuance of the Nationwide Permits

Regional General Permits (RGPs)

20-RGP-01 (new link coming for reauthorized RGP)

24-RGP-01

Programmatic General Permits (PGPs)

23-PGP-01

To explore the differences between permit types and find guidance, refer to the RRS Permitting Overview.

Apply

The Nashville District requires permit applications in its Virginia jurisdiction to be submitted through the Regulatory Request System (RRS). RRS will guide applicants through confirming if a permit is required and how to submit all necessary documentation.

Begin Your Application in RRS

TVA Joint Application Requirement

Projects located within the Tennessee River Basin may require a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Section 26a permit. In these cases, applicants must complete a DA/TVA Joint Application Form and submit it, along with all required materials, directly to TVA.

For more information and to access the joint application form, visit the TVA Permits Page .

Important Notices

Performing work in waters of the United States without the required permits may result in enforcement actions under the Clean Water Act or the Rivers and Harbors Act. To avoid delays, fines, or project interruptions, applicants are strongly encouraged to coordinate early with their local USACE Regulatory office.

View Regulatory Public Notices on the RRS Portal
The RRS (Regulatory Request System) is the centralized source for all USACE-issued public notices nationwide.


Coordination Requirements

In addition to Corps authorization, projects may require coordination with multiple state or federal partners, depending on type and location within the Tennessee Valley watershed.

TVA – Section 26a Permits

The Tennessee Valley Authority manages dams and reservoirs in this region and issues Section 26a permits for any work affecting TVA-managed waterways or infrastructure.

State and Federal Coordination

  • Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): Water Quality Certification (401) reviews.
  • Virginia Department of Historic Resources (formerly SHPO): Historic properties Section 106 consultation.
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Southeast Region: ESA coordination for listed species.
  • U.S. EPA Region 3: Oversight of Clean Water Act compliance.
  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Hydrologic data and reference support (as applicable).

Section 408 Review

Projects potentially altering Corps infrastructure may need separate authorization under Section 408. For more details, see the Section 408 Program page.

Mitigation

Compensatory mitigation may be required for unavoidable impacts to waters-us. Please visit the About Mitigation page for guidance.

Mitigation Guidance

Mitigation Fact Sheets

Contact

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District, Regulatory
3701 Bell Rd.
Nashville, TN  37214

(615) 369-7500
Please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.

NashvilleRegulatory@usace.army.mil

Norfolk District Regulatory Division

Virginia

Permitting

Visit Rock Island District's regulatory webpage for support in this jurisdiction.

Baltimore District Regulatory Division

Virginia

 

Permitting

Visit St. Louis District's regulatory webpage for support in this jurisdiction.

Submit Electronically

Submit applications, request jurisdictional determinations, request pre-application meetings, track status, learn about the Regulatory Program, and more!

Resources