St. Paul District Public Notices

2026 Nationwide Permits (NWP) Background and Updates

Press Operations — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:29:00 GMT

In the June 18, 2025, issue of the Federal Register (90 FR 26100), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) published its proposal to reissue 56 existing NWPs, to issue one new NWP, and not to reissue one NWP. To solicit comments on its proposed regional conditions for these NWPs and proposed revocation of certain NWPs within Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St Paul District issued a public notice on June 18, 2025. The St. Paul District’s public notice sought to solicit comment on the District’s proposal to (re)issue 43 NWPs and associated regional conditions and revoke 14 NWPs within Minnesota and Wisconsin. In the final action published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2026 (91 FR 768), the Corps reissued 56 existing NWPs and issued one new NWP. In that final action, the Corps also reissued the NWP general conditions and definitions. Those NWPs and the NWP general conditions and definitions are effective March 15, 2026. The NWPs will expire on March 15, 2031. After the issuance of the final NWPs, the St. Paul District considered the need for regional conditions for these NWPs. On March 16, 2026, when the 2026 NWPs go into effect, the St. Paul District will authorize activities under the following 2021 NWPs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 51, 52, 53, 54, 59, and 60. The 2026 regional conditions, water quality certifications, and CZMA consistency decisions applicable to these 2026 NWPs are provided in this public notice and are outlined in the enclosures to this document.

2020-00260 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Issues Validated Permit to Enbridge Energy for Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation

Press Operations — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:47:44 GMT

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) St. Paul District has issued a validated permit to Enbridge Energy to cross the White River, permanently discharge fill material into 998 square feet of wetlands, and temporarily discharge dredged and fill materials into 101.1 acres of wetlands and 0.20 acres of non-wetland waters for the construction of the Line 5 Wisconsin segment relocation. The project is located in parts of Bayfield, Ashland and Iron Counties, Wisconsin.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RELEASE OF THE WISCONSIN GUIDELINES VERSION 2

Press Operations — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:41:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Regulatory Division (Corps) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin DNR) are announcing the official release of the Wisconsin Guidelines, Version 2 (Wisconsin Guidelines). The agencies have developed the Wisconsin Guidelines as two documents, one tailored for sponsors titled Procedures for Developing Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Sites in Wisconsin and the second for applicants/permittees titled Procedures for Project Proponents on Compensatory Mitigation Requirements in Wisconsin.

Special Public Notice- Emergency Processing Procedures in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 20:54:00 GMT

The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the United States (U.S.) Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Vally Division has approved the use of special emergency processing procedures by the St. Paul District in accordance with 33 CFR § 325.2(e)(4) for the National Energy Emergency established by Executive Order (EO) 14156, which was issued on January 20, 2025 under the President’s legal authorities, including the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq) and section 301 of title 3, United States code.

Special Public Notice (MNWI SQT release)

Press Operations — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:17:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Regulatory Division (Corps) is announcing the release of version 1.0 of the Minnesota and Wisconsin (MNWI) Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) and Debit Calculator. The MNWI SQT replaces, updates, and merges the Minnesota SQT (MNSQT) version 2.0 and the beta version of Wisconsin SQT (WISQT) to create a single tool for quantifying functional change on streams throughout the two states.

Supplemented Minor Discharges and Utility Regional General Permits in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and Federally Recognized American Indian Reservations

Press Operations — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:30:00 GMT

This notice announces the availability of the Utility and Minor Discharges regional general permits (RGP’s) for use within the Lake Superior Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) previously excluded as part of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401(a)(2) process (401(a)(2) process).

Enbridge Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project Hearing Public Notice

Press Operations — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:07:00 GMT

The Corps will conduct a public hearing on June 4th, 2024. The public hearing will be held at the Northwood Technical College, located at 2100 Beaser Avenue, Ashland, WI 54806 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. CST.

SUPPLEMENTED REGIONAL GENERAL PERMITS IN MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN, AND FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED AMERICAN INDIAN RESERVATIONS

Press Operations — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:59:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: SUPPLEMENTED REGIONAL GENERAL PERMITS IN MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN, AND FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED AMERICAN INDIAN RESERVATIONS - This notice announces the availability of six regional general permits (RGPs) for use within the Lake Superior Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) previously excluded as part of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401(a)(2) process (401(a)(2) process). The six RGPs are now available for use in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and within the exterior boundaries of Federally recognized American Indian reservations in both states without exception.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RELEASE OF WISCONSIN STREAM ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Press Operations — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:25:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Regulatory Division (Corps) is announcing the release of the beta version of the Wisconsin Stream Quantification Tool (WISQT) and Debit Calculator. We are requesting comments on these tools prior to finalizing them and releasing Version 1.0. We expect to collect comments for 60 days and then publish Version 1.0 in late 2023 or early 2024.

UPDATE OF THE JOINT 2013 GUIDELINES FOR WETLAND COMPENSATORY MITIGATION IN WISCONSIN

Press Operations — Wed, 24 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (Corps) recently began an update of the joint 2013 Guidelines for Wetland Compensatory Mitigation in Wisconsin. We have developed draft outlines for the next version and are seeking public input on the outlines as well as additional information we should consider addressing in the next version. To facilitate meaningful comment, we are also seeking individuals who are currently active in the development or use of compensatory mitigation in Wisconsin who are interested in participating in a listening session. We will host the session July 6, 2023, and determine exact time and location based on interest. We are currently considering making this a virtual session. The session will aim to gather feedback from the mitigation community on crucial mitigation issues that need our clarification, with a specific focus on topics to include in the outlines and information needs or gaps that existed in the 2013 version of the Guidelines. If you are interested in the session, please register in advance by sending your name, organization, contact information, and whether you are primarily a mitigation provider or mitigation purchaser to Leslie Day (leslie.e.day@usace.army.mil) on or before June 23, 2023.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RELEASE OF STREAM MITIGATION PROCEDURES

Press Operations — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:07:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Regulatory Division (Corps) is announcing the release of its Stream Mitigation Procedures, Version 1.0 (Stream Procedures), applicable in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Corps will host an online outreach event on May 10, 2023, to review contents of the Stream Procedures and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions about implementation of this document. The target audience is stakeholders, consultants, potential stream bankers, and other agencies. If you are interested in participating in this outreach event, please reach out to stpaulsqt@usace.army.mil to receive a calendar invitation. Please let us know if you are interested in attending, but unable to make the May session. We will hold additional outreach events later in the summer if there is demand.

EFFECTIVE DATE FOR EIGHT REGIONAL GENERAL PERMITS IN MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, AND FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED AMERICAN INDIAN RESERVATIONS

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Special Public Notice: This notice announces the effective date, February 20, 2023, for the eight regional general permits (RGPs) now available for use in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and within the exterior boundaries of American Indian reservations, subject to the Lake Superior basin exclusions described within each RGP. Regulated activities are described in each RGP pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (Section 404) and Section10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (Section 10) as applicable.

REGIONAL GENERAL PERMITS IN THE STATES OF MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN, AND FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED AMERICAN INDIAN RESERVATIONS

Press Operations — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 20:13:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: REGIONAL GENERAL PERMITS IN THE STATES OF MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN, AND FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED AMERICAN INDIAN RESERVATIONS - This notice announces eight regional general permits (RGPs) for use in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and within the exterior boundaries of Federally recognized American Indian reservations in both states, subject to the Lake Superior basin exclusions shown in Table 1. The eight RGPs will be available to authorize regulated activities which meet the terms and conditions of the RGP beginning on February 20, 2023. Regulated activities are described in each RGP pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (Section 404) and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (Section 10).

Joint Public Notice - Beta Streamflow Duration Assessment Method for the Great Plains

Press Operations — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:23:00 GMT

Joint Public Notice - Beta Streamflow Duration Assessment Method for the Great Plains - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Albuquerque, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Worth, Galveston, Kansas City, Omaha, Rock Island, St. Louis, St. Paul, and Tulsa Districts, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Regions 5, 6, 7, and 8, jointly announce the availability of the Beta Streamflow Duration Assessment Method (SDAM) for the Great Plains (dated September 2022). The method is a rapid assessment tool to help distinguish between ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streamflow at the reach scale for the Northern and Southern Great Plains SDAM Regions. The beta SDAM may help provide technical guidance for identifying waters that may be subject to regulatory jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act; however, this method does not alter or change the definition of “Waters of the U.S.”

Automated Wetland Determination Data Sheets

Press Operations — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 11:04:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Release of Automated Wetland Determination Data Sheet (ADS) - On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), announced the release of ENG Forms 6116 (1-9), Automated Wetland Determination Data Sheet (ADS), and the associated “User Guide for Automated Wetland Determination Data Sheets” (User Guide). These documents are available at the USACE Regulatory Headquarters website in both Portable Document Format (PDF) and Microsoft Excel (Excel) file formats.

Update on the NWP's for MN and WI

Press Operations — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 21:26:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: On March 1, 2022, the EPA provided a modification to their October 15, 2021, WQC decision that was applicable to the 34 NWPs (86 FR 73522, 27 DEC 2021) that went into effect on February 25, 2022, in St. Paul District. This modification clarifies the intent of the WQC’s Condition 2. Special Aquatic Sites and is applicable to NWPs 7, 13, and 27. The EPA’s October 15, 2021, Water Quality Certification decision and its March 1, 2022, modification are enclosed with this public notice.

UPDATE on St. Paul District Public Notice on NWPs, Regional Conditions, WQC, and CZMA

Press Operations — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:02:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Update on the Regional Conditions, Water Quality Certification (WQC) Decisions, and Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Consistency Decisions for the 2021 NWPs in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE - 2021 Nationwide Permits - Federal Register Notice for 41 NWPs - St. Paul District

Press Operations — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 17:49:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: PUBLIC NOTICE FOR FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ANNOUNCING THE REISSUANCE OF THE NATIONWIDE PERMITS - On December 27, 2021, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) published a final rule in the Federal Register (86 FR 73522) announcing the reissuance of 40 existing nationwide permits (NWPs) and one new NWP. These 41 NWPs will go into effect on February 25, 2022, and they will expire on March 14, 2026.

Credit Release Schedule Flexibility for Mitigation Bank and In-Lieu Fee Sites

Press Operations — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:26:00 GMT

SPECIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District (Corps) is sharing information to describe the flexibility related to credit releases associated with meeting hydrology performance standards at mitigation bank and in-lieu fee (ILF) sites.

2020 National Wetland Plant List (NWPL) Update

Press Operations — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 14:53:00 GMT

National Wetland Plant List (NWPL) Update: On November 2, 2021, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), as part of an interagency effort with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), published a final rule in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the 2020 NWPL.