Regulatory Sourcebook

Official source for permitting policies, guidelines, regulations and procedures of the Baltimore District Regulatory Branch.  

Enforcement/Compliance

Performing work in waters of the United States without authorization by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a valid permit is a violation of federal law and can have serious repercussions. Work can include clearing vegetation or placing fill in waters of the U.S. (including wetlands) and/or work (such as digging and dredging) or construction of a structure in navigable waters.

The Baltimore District works diligently to ensure that work in jurisdictional waters and wetlands are authorized with appropriate permits and that work complies with the conditions of those permits. We also investigate reports of activities that are being conducted in jurisdictional waters and wetlands are authorized with appropriate permits and that work complies with the conditions of those permits. We also investigate reports of activities that are being conducted in jurisdictional waters and wetlands that may not have received proper permits prior to conducting the work.

If you suspect an unauthorized activity in an area subject to the Corps' regulatory authority under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, please either complete the online reporting form or send in a completed violation complaint form. We will use the information provided in the form to initiate an investigation. You may remain anonymous, if desired. Please complete as much of the form as possible and include maps, photographs and any other pertinent information available. A map locating the site or contact information for the landowner or contractor doing the work is required for us to open an investigation.

The Corps appreciates and encourages the public -- in addition to other local, state, and Federal agencies -- to report possible violations to help us find and resolve these issues.