A State Programmatic General Permit (SPGP) is a type of permit that is administered by a state agency and designed to eliminate duplication of effort between Corps districts and states, as well as to make the permitting process more efficient with flexibility as to the geographic region covered and whether nationwide permits are revoked.

Because SPGPs are designed to continue to authorize certain activities previously covered by the Nationwide Permit (NWP) program, the Corps of Engineers has suspended many of the NWPs which are applicable to activities qualifying for SPGP authorization. The Corps' Regulatory process is streamlined and eliminates redundancy through joint administration and integration with state processes.

If a SPGP becomes void, enjoined, revoked, or removed from effect for any reason, the Corps will consider reissuance of some or all of the suspended NWPs. State Programmatic General Permits (SPGPs) are issued by the District Engineer for a general category of activities when the following conditions are met:

• The activities are similar in nature and cause minimal environmental impact (both individually and cumulatively), and
• The regional permit reduces duplication of regulatory control by state and Federal agencies. 

Section 404(e) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 United States Code [U.S.C.] Section [§] 1344) allows for the issuance of general permits on a statewide basis, which operate in conjunction with a State regulatory program that protects the aquatic environment in a manner equivalent to the Department of the Army regulatory program, provided that the activities permitted under each category of such general permits are similar in nature and result in no more than minimal individual or cumulative adverse effects on the aquatic environment. This Pennsylvania State Programmatic General Permit # 5 (PASPGP-5) is issued pursuant to Section 404(e) and is based on and consistent with the requirements of the CWA 404(b)(1) Guidelines.

Application Materials

• Joint Permit - application and instruction
• General permit - registration applications
• List of Bog Turtle Qualified Surveyors 

• Public Notice Announcing New Jersey SPGP-17 (January 2023)
• New Jersey SPGP-17 (January 2023)
• New Jersey SPGP Notification of Work Commencing Form (January 2023)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

 This general permit authorizes the construction of structures; performance of work and the discharge of dredged and fill material in substantially developed artificial tidal lagoons and their access channel. The terms "structure" and "work" are defined in Federal regulations contained in 33 CFR 322.2[b] & [c]. The terms “discharge of dredged material”, “fill material” and “discharge of fill material” are defined in Federal regulations contained in 33 CFR 323.2[d], [e] & [f]. “Substantially developed” artificial tidal lagoons are those where the surrounding lands are uplands and do not support wetlands other than a narrow band of fringe wetlands along the waterline. Lagoons are defined as artificially created linear waterways sometimes branched, ending in a dead end with no significant upland drainage. A natural waterway, which is altered by activities including, but not limited to, filling, channelizing, or bulkheading shall not be considered a lagoon. A bulkheaded boat slip shall not be considered a lagoon.

PROJECT LOCATION:

This general permit is applicable to Waters of the United States in the State of New Jersey located in substantially developed artificial tidal lagoons and their access channel within the geographic boundaries of both the Philadelphia District and the New York District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• New Jersey SPGP 19 (December 31, 2019)
• Public Notice for SPGP 19 (January 2020)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Construction of proposed and maintenance of existing non-commercial piers, docks, gangway/ramps, stairs/ladders, mooring piles, boat lifts, breakwaters, the replacement of existing serviceable bulkheads and minor maintenance dredging of mooring slips. This general permit also authorizes the discharge of fill material between existing and proposed bulkheads as well as legalization of previously existing structures provided the structures meet all terms and conditions of this permit.

PROJECT LOCATION:

Navigable waters of the United States in the State of New Jersey. This general permit is applicable to navigable waters located within the geographic boundaries of both the Philadelphia District and the New York District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• Public Notice Announcing Issuance of Delaware SPGP-18 (February 2023)
• Delaware SPGP-18 (February 2023)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This general permit has been developed for certain categories of structures and work and the discharge of dredged and fill material in waters of the U.S. that require Department of the Army and State of Delaware authorizations. Activities typically authorized by SPGP-18 include work and structures such as bulkheads, breakwaters, piers, docks, pilings, rip-rap, dredging and filling, etc. The revalidation and extension of SPGP-18 was coordinated with other interested Federal agencies, the State of Delaware, and the general public

PROJECT LOCATION: 

This general permit is applicable to navigable waters of the United States located in substantially developed artificial tidal lagoons and their access channels within the geographic boundaries of the State of Delaware. 

• Final Public Notice Announcing Issuance of Revised Delaware SPGP 20 (January 2020)
• Delaware SPGP 20 (January 2020)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This general permit authorizes the construction of proposed and maintenance of existing piers, docks, gangways/ramps, stairs/ladders, mooring piles, boat lifts, modular floating platforms for jet skis and larger vessels, breakwaters and the replacement of existing serviceable bulkheads.

PROJECT LOCATION: 

This general permit is applicable to navigable waters of the United States located within the State of Delaware except as noted in the terms of authorization.