Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Permitting Changes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Task force opens dialogue on permit changes to lower dredging costs and allow reuse methods
Summary
Regulatory staff said DES and the Army Corps are open to discussions about permitting language and methods (vegetation thresholds and allowable excavation techniques) that could permit thin-layer placement of dredged materials and reduce costs for outfall work.
Task-force staff relayed that state and federal permitting offices reviewed multiple 'general permits' since 2022 and that agencies are willing to engage on possible language changes that could lower costs and expand allowable maintenance techniques. "To date, right now, it says you can't disturb more than 0.1 of an acre and it can't be more than 51% vegetated," a staff presenter said while describing current constraints and potential adjustments to vegetated-percentage thresholds and methods.
Officials noted the Army Corps and DES have suggested some federal-level reuse goals by 2030 that may create opportunities to thin-cast dredged material back onto marsh areas rather than landfill disposal. Staff said such changes could substantially reduce the high unit costs of hydro-excavation and dredging, and they committed to schedule follow-up meetings with permitting agencies to map next steps and timelines.
