The Categorical Permission (CP) for Section 408 Requests can be used to expedite and streamline the review and decisions of requests that are similar in nature and have similar impacts to the USACE project and environment. For an alteration to be approved under this CP, the proposed design, construction, or replacement must meet the predetermined alteration descriptions (see below), have no disqualifying circumstances, and adhere to applicable standard engineering and environmental conditions. Click here to view the full Categorical Permission document.

Click on an alteration type below to view the respective alteration description and checklist. Please note, the checklists are for planning purposes only and reflect information USACE will look for when considering a Section 408 request.

Categorical Permission Alteration Types: 

1. Agriculture and Landscaping

3. Soil Investigations, Borings, Explorations, and Instrumentation

4. Borrow Areas

5. Bridges

6. Buildings and Structures

7. Ditches and Canals

8. Docks

9. Environmental Restoration

10. Erosion Control 

11. Fences, Gates and Signage

12. Fiber Optic and Dry Utility Pipes

13. Fish Screens

14. Gravity Pipes

15. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

16. Landside Pump Stations

17. Pressurized Pipes

18. Research and Monitoring

20. Seepage and Stability Berms 

21. Stairs and Handrails

22. Swimming Pools

23. Trails, Roads and Ramps

24. Utility Poles

25. Water Side Pump Stations

26. Wells

The alterations described in the CP could be stacked. A single proposed project could combine multiple categories of alterations (for example, a utility pole, a fence, and a maintenance shed) and still fit under the CP. Each individual alteration type contained within the overall project must adhere to the size limitations for that specific type of alteration. The total area associated with the overall project must not exceed the largest alteration size limit.

In order to address the potential environmental impacts of implementing this CP, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), SPD has prepared a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). Click here to view.