Aiming to making its existing regulations more effective and less burdensome, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Nov. 16 provided notice to the public that it is seeking comments on its Clean Water Act Section 404 general wetlands permits, nationwide permits and related requirements.

The Corps’ effort to review its regulations stems from an Executive Order signed by President Obama on Jan. 18 on “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review." 

The order directed federal agencies to review their regulations to identify any that could be modified, streamlined, expanded or repealed to make their regulatory program more effective. 

As a result of the presidential initiative and a public hearing by the Environmental Protection Agency on reviewing its regulations, NAHB in April submitted detailed suggestions on how the agency could improve its stormwater program, its lead paint remediation program and wetlands permitting, which it administers along with the Corps.

NAHB has also submitted comments to the Department of the Interior and comments to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve the requirements at both agencies dealing with protecting endangered species.

The Corps is asking for public comments on its regulatory programs to be sent in electronically by Jan. 17 to docket number COE-2011-0028 or by mail to the address given in the notice.

The notice contains eight general questions that are meant to guide responses from the public.

NAHB is currently in the process of writing a response and welcomes any suggestions from association members on how the Corps can improve its regulations.

To provide comments or for more information, email Glynn Rountree at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8662.