Your project requires disturbing 0.8 acres of wetlands. Which federal agency permit is required?
Correct Answer
B) US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers for any discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, regardless of the acreage involved.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act specifically regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The US Army Corps of Engineers is the federal agency responsible for issuing these permits. Any disturbance to wetlands that involves placing fill material or dredging requires this permit, regardless of the size of the area being disturbed. The 0.8 acres mentioned in the question is irrelevant to the permit requirement - even small wetland disturbances need Section 404 permits.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: EPA Section 402 permit
EPA Section 402 permits are for point source discharges under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which covers wastewater and stormwater discharges, not wetland disturbance or fill activities.
Option C: US Fish and Wildlife Service permit
US Fish and Wildlife Service permits are typically required for activities affecting endangered species or migratory birds, not specifically for wetland disturbance. While they may be consulted during the Section 404 permit process, they don't issue the primary wetland disturbance permit.
Option D: OSHA construction permit
OSHA construction permits relate to worker safety and health standards on construction sites, not environmental protection of wetlands. OSHA has no jurisdiction over wetland disturbance activities.
Memory Technique
Think 'Army Corps guards the water' - the US Army Corps of Engineers protects all waters of the US including wetlands through Section 404 permits.
Reference Hint
Environmental regulations chapter or Clean Water Act section in your reference materials
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass