U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspends Programmatic General Permits

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Due to the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has suspended three programmatic general permits in the state of Florida, effective immediately. The suspension applies to a wide variety of activities covered by:

• State Programmatic General Permit (SPGP IV R-1) (http://1.usa.gov/1ajfouI)
• SAJ-42, Miami-Dade County, Fla. (http://1.usa.gov/1a7Yz4o)
• SAJ-91, City of Cape Coral, Lee County, Fla. (http://1.usa.gov/19eMspb)

Previously authorized work is not affected by the suspension. The suspended programmatic general permits were initially issued to simplify and expedite the processing of Department of the Army permits. They are issued by the Corps and administered by other government entities on the Corps’ behalf, avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort, provided the environmental impacts of the action are individually and cumulatively minimal and not contrary to the overall public interest.

Because of the federal government shutdown, the Corps is unable to oversee administration of the programmatic general permits or to consult with other federal resource agencies to ensure compliance with appropriate laws and authorities, including the Rivers and Harbors Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

“Despite the federal government shutdown and the resulting limitations on our ability to protect aquatic resources and endangered species, we have no choice but to temporarily suspend these permits until we can provide the proper oversight,” said Donnie Kinard, chief, Regulatory Division. “We take our responsibilities under the law and to the citizens of the state of Florida very seriously, and we are hopeful for a brief suspension and quick resolution that allows us to return to the business of balancing the needs of people and the environment.”  

Upon resolution of the shutdown, and once the Corps determines that reinstatement of the programmatic general permits is not contrary to the overall public interest, the Corps will notify the administering entities to resume administration of these permits.
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