Chesapeake Bay TMDL

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TMDL Regional General Permit

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting applications for projects being undertaken in waters of the U.S., including wetlands, to meet Chesapeake Bay TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) goals within the State of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer, and the Pentagon in Virginia that are eligible for authorization under the TMDL RGP. The application used to apply for permits depends on the State in which the work is to be accomplished. All applications for regulated activities under the TMDL RGP shall be completed using the established Corps permit applications procedures for Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. To determine the appropriate application to apply for authorization, please go to the applicable state page.

Maryland
District of Columbia
Virginia 

An application must be submitted in accordance with the established Corps permit application procedures for all proposed activities under the TMDL RGP.

Activities previous authorized under the expired Bay TMDL RGP (i.e., grandfathered activities and re-verification under the TMDL RGP):  Activities authorized under the Bay TMDL RGP (effective from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020) that have commenced or are under contract to commence the work in reliance upon this authorization, will have twelve months from June 30, 2020 to complete the activity under the terms and conditions of the Bay TMDL RGP.  The permittee must be able to document to the Corps satisfaction that the project was under construction or contract by the appropriate date.  Other projects previously authorized under the Bay TMDL RGP and not grandfather for one year by being under contract or construction on June 30, 2020 must reapply for authorization under the TMDL RGP.  Please refer to the self-verification and Corps verification sections and corresponding appendices below and/or contact a Corps representative for additional information.

Self-Verifying TMDL RGP Activities: Proposed activities that qualify for self-verification in accordance with the terms and conditions of the TMDL RGP may proceed without written verification from the Corps after the applicant has:

  1. Confirmed that the activity will be conducted in compliance with the activity specific limits, requirements, and conditions of this TMDL RGP, which may include consultation with the Corps and/or outside relevant Federal and State agencies.
     
  2. Submitted completed permit applicant, Self-Verification Form (Appendix 2 of the TMDL RGP), and coordination letters from USFWS and State SHPO Office.
     
  3. Obtained all required State and local authorizations.

Corps-Verified TMDL RGP Activities: Proposed activities that do not qualify for self-verification or where otherwise required by the terms of the TMDL RGP must obtain written verification from the Corps before starting work in waters of the U.S., including wetlands. An applicant must submit a permit application and a completed Corps Verification Form (Appendix 3 of the TMDL RGP) for project-specific review and verification by the Corps.

The Baltimore District issued The Total Maximum Daily Load Regional General Permit (TMDL RGP) for projects undertaken to meet TMDL goals for a five year period on September 1, 2020. The TMDL RGP is applicable to non-tidal wetlands and streams within the State of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer, and the Pentagon in Virginia under regulatory control of the Baltimore District. For additional information on the processing of permits visits the Permits Types and Process page.

Additional Resources