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Board staff, VMRC flag changes as Army Corps takes over permit submissions via RRS on Sept. 1
Summary
Lancaster County Wetlands Board staff and VMRC told members that, effective Sept. 1, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will become the central clearinghouse for joint permit submissions in Virginia through the Regulatory Request System (RRS); staff warned of interim workflow issues and advised directing questions to Corps contacts.
Lancaster County Wetlands Board staff and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) representatives told the board that, effective Sept. 1, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will centralize receipt of joint permit applications and revisions through the Army Corps' Regulatory Request System (RRS).
"Effective 09/01/2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will become the central point of receipts of all requests in the Commonwealth of Virginia instead of the VMRC as a result of a federal mandate," a VMRC staff member said during the board's other-business discussion. The VMRC representative said the RRS will be "the only way to submit your application and any revisions to all three of the permitting agencies — the Corps, the DEQ and the VMRC — and to your local wetlands board."
Board staff and VMRC described likely short-term workflow problems as the new system is introduced. VMRC staff said localities may initially receive applications that are not limited to their jurisdiction because the Corps' distribution process is being refined; board staffers and VMRC agreed that questions about the RRS should be directed to the Army Corps of Engineers' designated contacts.
The transcript records additional operational concerns raised by board members and staff, including advertising and permit-numbering practices. Board members noted that the current VMRC process supplies a VMRC number that is easy to reference when advertising a local hearing; VMRC staff said VMRC will continue to maintain its database and assign VMRC numbers but that the Corps will now be the first point of submission. VMRC staff acknowledged there are "growing pains" and advised boards to share questions with Corps contact Kim Prisco Baggot; staff also said Jamie Longo is currently listed as the Corps contact covering the local area.
Board members asked whether the Corps would send a representative to speak with local boards; VMRC said it might be worth requesting a Corps representative to meet locally but made no firm commitment. VMRC staff emphasized they will continue to assist local boards and maintain their database even after the Corps takes over the initial submission role.
Why it matters
The change alters operational workflow for how applicants, agents and wetlands boards submit and receive permit materials in Virginia. While jurisdictions and review roles are not changing, the Corps' new central role may affect how quickly local boards receive application materials and how those materials are advertised to the public.
Next steps
VMRC staff said it will post guidance and a link to the RRS on its website and pass along any additional information it receives. Board members were encouraged to direct technical or systems questions to the Corps contacts named in the meeting; VMRC will remain the local liaison for board staff and will continue to maintain its permit database.
