Permitting Basics as per the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Regulatory Guidelines

Lauren Poulos

Projects that impact jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. require a federal permit under the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. While the Army Corps of Engineers is federal the permitting authority, the EPA provides technical review and insight during the permitting process and also maintains veto power over applicable permit decisions. This presentation will provide an outline of the basic regulatory procedures guiding the 404 permitting process, the roles and responsibilities of the different agencies involved, and give an idea of what to expect when applying for a permit.

Presented by Lauren Poulos

With undergraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science degree from the University of Oregon's Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Lauren Poulos has worked in restoration biology since 2008. Currently, her position of Life Scientist at the EPA Region 6 office focuses on implementation of the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines and the technical review and oversight of projects impacting jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. She is the EPA Wetlands program staff liaison to the Tulsa District Army Corps of Engineers and staff technical lead on large water supply projects throughout the Region.