(a) The purpose of these procedures is to integrate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps) decision-making processes for evaluating applications from other, non-Corps entities for authorization by the Corps. Specifically, the procedures: describe the process by which a District or Division Engineer determines what actions are subject to NEPA's procedural requirements and the applicable level of NEPA review; ensure that relevant environmental information is identified and considered early in the process in order to ensure informed decision making; enable District Engineers to conduct coordinated, consistent, predictable and timely environmental reviews; reduce unnecessary burdens and delays; and implement NEPA's mandates regarding lead and cooperating agency roles, page and time limits, and sponsor preparation of environmental documents.

(b) This part sets forth the Corps procedures and practices for implementing NEPA when considering Department of the Army permit applications under 33 U.S.C. 1344 (Clean Water Act, section 404); 33 U.S.C. 401 (Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, section 9); 33 U.S.C. 403 (Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, section 10); and 33 U.S.C. 1413 (Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, section 103) and requests for permission under 33 U.S.C. 408 (Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, section 14). The Regulatory Program of the Corps implements 33 U.S.C. 1344,33.S.C. 401, and 33 U.S.C. 1413 and references to the Regulatory Program in this part refer to the processing of permit applications under those authorities. As used in this part, “permit” means an authorization under any of the authorities in this paragraph, and “application” means any request for authorization under any of the above identified authorities. This part further explains the Corps' interpretation of certain key terms in NEPA. It does not, nor does it intend to, govern the rights and obligations of any party outside the government. It does, however, establish the procedures under which Corps District Engineers will typically fulfill requirements under NEPA for decisions under the authorities in this paragraph. The responsibilities of the District Engineer, as described in this part, may be elevated to a higher authority consistent with existing delegations and authorities and in such cases the role of the District Engineer described in the part will be assumed by the entity with decision making authority.

(c) Consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality (“CEQ”). In addition to the process for establishing or revising categorical exclusions set forth in § 333.14(b) and (d), the Corps will consult with CEQ while developing or revising their proposed NEPA implementing procedures, in accord with NEPA section 102(2)(B), 42 U.S.C. 4332(B).