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<br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />Questions That Are <br />Frequently Asked <br /> <br />Various questions are often asked about the <br />regulatory program, It is hoped that these <br />answers will help you to understand the pro- <br />gram better. <br /> <br />Q. When should J apply for a Corps permit? <br />A, Since two to three months is normally <br />required to process a routine application <br />involving a public notice, you should <br />apply as early as possible to be sure <br />you have all required approvals before <br />your planned commencement date, For <br />a large or complex activity that may take <br />longer, it is often helpful to have a "pre. <br />application consultation" or informal <br />meeting with the Corps during the early <br />planning phase of your project. You may <br />receive helpful information at this point <br />which could prevent delays later, When <br />in doubt as to whether a permit may be <br />required or what you need to do, don't <br />hesitate to call a district regulatory <br />office, <br /> <br />Q. I have obtained permits from local and <br />state governments, Why do I have to get <br />a permit from the Corps of Engineers? <br /> <br />A. It is possible you may not have to obtain <br />an individual permit, depending on the <br />type or location of work, The Corps has <br />many general permits which authorize <br />minor activities without the need for indi- <br />vidual processing, Check with your <br />Corps district regulatory office for infor. <br />mation on general permits, When a gen- <br />eral permit does not apply, you may still <br />be required to obtain an individual <br />permit. <br /> <br />Q, What will happen if I do work without <br />getting a permit from the Corps? <br />A. Performing unauthorized work in waters <br />of the United States or failure to comply <br />with terms of a valid permit can have <br /> <br />serious consequences, You would be in <br />violation of Federal law and could face <br />stiff penalties, including fines and lor <br />requirements to restore the area, <br /> <br />Enforcement is an important part of the <br />Corps regulatory program, Corps surveil. <br />lance and monitoring activities are often <br />aided by various agencies, groups, and <br />individuals, who report suspected viola- <br />tions, When in doubt as to whether a <br />planned activity needs a permit, contact <br />the nearest district regulatory office, It <br />could save a lot of unnecessary trouble <br />later, <br /> <br />Q. How can I obtain further information <br />about permit requirements? <br /> <br />A, Information about the regulatory pro- <br />gram is available from any Corps district <br />regulatory office, Addresses and tele- <br />phone numbers of offices are listed at <br />the back of this pamphlet. Information <br />may also be obtained from the water <br />resource agency in your state, <br /> <br />Q. Why should I waste my time and yours <br />by applying for a permit when you prob- <br />ably won't let me do the work anyway? <br /> <br />A. Nationwide, only three percent of all <br />requests for permits are denied, Those <br />few applicants who have been denied <br />permits usually have refused to change <br />the design, timing, or location of the pro- <br />posed activity, When a permit is denied, <br />an applicant may redesign the project <br />and submit a new application, To avoid <br />unnecessary delays pre.application con. <br />ferences, particularly for applications for <br />major activities, are recommended, The <br />Corps will endeavor to give you helpful <br />information, including factors which will <br />be considered during the public interest <br />review, and alternatives to consider that <br />may prove to be useful in designing a <br />project. <br /> <br />