Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Permitting is the ‘long pole’: HDR consultant outlines Corps, NEPA and mitigation risks for Allens Creek
Summary
HDR and the consultant team told the BRA committee that Corps 404/Section 10 jurisdiction, evolving 'waters of the United States' definitions and NEPA procedures are the primary schedule and cost risks; early engagement with the Corps, EPA and state agencies is essential to avoid rework and litigation.
Permitting, consultants told the Brazos River Authority committee, is the primary driver of time and cost for the Allens Creek reservoir. James Thomas of HDR Engineering summarized federal and state authorities the project must satisfy and urged early, well‑documented engagement to reduce the risk of rework and litigation.
"The Brazos River is designated as section 10 water, a navigable in fact water," James Thomas said, explaining that any in‑channel work or intake excavation will require Section 10 authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He added that the Clean Water Act’s Section 404 program governs placement of fill into waters and wetland features; for this project Allens Creek “is most likely…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
