Summary: Each year, the Omaha District receives numerous requests from private, public, tribal, and other federal entities to alter federally-constructed civil works projects. When requests are received, they are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the proposed alteration would impair the usefulness of the project or negatively impact the public interest. Engineering Circular (EC) 1165-2-216, titled Policy and Procedural Guidance for Processing Requests to Alter US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects Pursuant to 33 USC 408, provides guidance to process requests, also called Section 408 requests. EC 1165-2-216 also states that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts can develop categorical permissions to cover potential alterations that are similar in nature and have minor to negligible impacts. By categorically permitting certain activities, such as installing relief wells, repairing pump stations, and replacing drainage structures, a detailed environmental impact analysis would not need to be performed, thus expediting the Section 408 review process.
Geographic Scope: Bowman, Slope and Morton Counties, North Dakota
Impacts: None
Decision/Date: Finding of No Significant Impact / March 3. 2017