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CAN I MODIFY, CLEAR, OR STABILIZE THE RIVER CHANNEL?

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Seek guidance. Consult agency or attorney.

Permits from USACE are required for any project that will modify the river bed or banks, including the clearing of debris from the channel or stabilizing the streambank. For work taking place in the floodplain, also contact your County Floodplain Manager/County Engineer.

USACE regulations will also require that any silt and soil dredged along and in the river channel must be removed from the site and hauled to a disposal location. Soils cannot be piled into the river channel, as it can impede or influence flow and potentially increase flooding risk downstream. Projects that involve the transfer or clearing of soils and vegetation may also require USFWS permits if the area contains habitat critical to endangered species.

For more information on identifying “critical lands”, see the section on “Do I have Critical Habitat on my Land?”

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