Federal agency

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Permits work in wetlands, streams, and other waters of the United States. The agency that decides whether a wetland can be filled.

Official Source · Federal

Best use cases

When this agency is the right first call.

Asking whether a Section 404 permit was issued for a specific site
Requesting a Jurisdictional Determination
Reporting suspected unpermitted fill in a wetland or stream

What to expect after you contact them

Permit and JD questions route through the District office that covers your watershed. Written responses typically take weeks; public-notice comment periods are time-bound and posted online.

What they handle

Section 404 wetland fill permits
Section 10 work in navigable waters
Levees and flood-control structures

What they don't handle

Stormwater quality (usually state)
Drinking water quality
Pure private property disputes

Common permits

Nationwide Permit (NWP)
Individual Section 404 permit
Section 10 permit

Common complaints

Unpermitted wetland fill
Stream channelization without permit
Construction in floodway

Common documents

Jurisdictional Determinations
Public Notices for permits
Mitigation plans

Questions to ask

Has a Section 404 permit been issued for this site?
Was a Jurisdictional Determination done?
Is there an open public-comment period?
What is the mitigation requirement?