Title from p.1 screen (GAO, viewed Mar. 23, 2010).

"February 19, 2010."

When cities, counties, or other nonfederal public entities propose public works projects that could degrade or damage federally regulated waters and wetlands, such as road construction and sewer line construction or maintenance, they must obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) before proceeding. In our May 2007 report, we reviewed Corps permitting activities using the WRDA section 214 authority. As a result of this review, we recommended that the Secretary of the Army direct the Corps of Engineers to take the following four actions: 1. clarify the guidance that the districts must follow when evaluating permit applications under the section 214 authority, 2. clarify the documentation that district officials must include in project files to justify and support their decisions, 3. provide training to district officials to ensure that they are aware of the requirements that apply to permits processed under the section 214 authority, and 4. develop an effective oversight approach that will ensure that the districts are following all the appropriate requirements when evaluating projects under the section 214 authority. To assess the Corps' efforts to implement our recommendations, we reviewed the agency's policy and guidance documents, fiscal year 2008 and 2009 annual reports submitted to Corps headquarters by Corps districts that are using this authority, and recommendation status updates provided by the Corps to the DOD Inspector General. In addition, we interviewed Corp regulatory program managers about steps taken to refine guidance, train district officials, and oversee participating districts' implementation of the WRDA section 214 authority.

"GAO-10-385R."

Status of United States Army Corps of Engineers efforts to implement Government Accountability Office's 2007 recommendations regarding its Section 214 authority

Water and wetland permitting

United States. Army. Corps of Engineers > Rules and practice > Evaluation.

Environmental permits > United States.