To the maximum extent possible, activities will be processed pursuant to the New Orleans District Regional General Permits (RGP) and Programmatic General Permits (PGP) that are currently in effect and the Nationwide Permits (NWP) program. For those activities that cannot reasonably be processed under a RGP, PGP, or NWP, the following evaluation procedures will be utilized:

 a. Emergency permit requestors will provide a basic description of the specific situation, proposed work, location, and the approximate amount of waters and/or wetland to be impacted, via telephone, fax, or email to the New Orleans District Regulatory Branch.

b. Emergency permit requests will be carefully screened by the appropriate Regulatory Section Chief, who will determine if the proposed activity is an emergency situation that cannot await the time necessary for processing a standard individual permit.

c. Upon verification that the proposed activity is eligible for emergency permitting procedures, the Regulatory Project manager will forward project information to the representatives of the Federal and State permit review and certifying agencies.

d. The District will coordinate all activities with State and Federal agencies via e-mail or telephone to establish a file record.  Comments will be taken by telephone if agreeable to the agency, and will be immediately documented by notes.

e. Agency comments will be requested within 12 hours of the notification.  Accelerated review and issuance of Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and CZMA Coastal Use Permits will be requested as appropriate.  If possible, an emergency permit decision will be made by the New Orleans District within 24-48 hours of the request.

f.  An emergency permit granted will be considered a temporary authorization that will be conditioned to require the permittees to submit a site restoration plan or permit application with plans to maintain the work within 30 days of emergency approval or once the imminent threat has diminished.