[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"permit-4":3},{"id":4,"acreageLimit":5,"changesFrom2021":6,"code":7,"commonProjects":8,"effectiveDate":15,"environmentalReview":16,"extension":17,"faq":18,"keyConditions":34,"linearFootLimit":5,"meta":41,"name":45,"pcnTrigger":5,"publicComments":49,"purpose":48,"relatedPermits":67,"seo":68,"shortName":46,"sourceDocumentUrl":65,"statutoryAuthority":47,"stem":69,"whoNeedsThis":50,"__hash__":70},"permits/permits/nwp-04.json",null,"The 2026 reissuance of NWP 4 contains no substantive changes to its terms and conditions when compared to the 2021 version. The Corps reevaluated the permit and determined that the existing qualitative and quantitative limitations are sufficient to ensure that authorized activities result in no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects.\n\nDuring the rulemaking process, the Corps considered adding requirements to notify the U.S. Coast Guard or National Ocean Service for temporary structures authorized by this permit. However, the Corps declined to add these notes, concluding it was impractical to require such notifications for structures and devices that are temporary in nature and do not represent the same level of navigational hazard as permanent artificial reefs.","4",[9,10,11,12,13,14],"Installation of commercial crab traps and lobster pots","Construction of duck blinds in fringe wetlands","Shellfish seeding and manual oyster digging","Placement of fish aggregating devices (FADs) or sea kites","Harvesting activities using pound nets or eel pots","Small-scale fish attraction for research or recreation","2026-03-15","The Corps determined that the reissuance of NWP 4 has 'no effect' on federally-listed endangered or threatened species or their critical habitat. This is because General Condition 18 requires project-specific Section 7 consultation for any activity that 'might affect' these resources; no activity is authorized until that process is complete. \n\nSimilarly, compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act is ensured through General Condition 20, requiring a pre-construction notification if an activity has the potential to affect historic properties. For Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), the Corps found that district engineers can add regional or activity-specific conditions to ensure that harvesting or attraction activities do not cause more than minimal adverse effects.","json",[19,22,25,28,31],{"q":20,"a":21},"Do I need to submit a PCN to use NWP 4?","No, the national terms of NWP 4 do not require a pre-construction notification. However, you must still submit a PCN if your activity might affect endangered species or historic properties as per General Conditions 18 and 20.",{"q":23,"a":24},"Can I use NWP 4 to build an oyster reef?","No, NWP 4 specifically does not authorize artificial reefs. Construction of oyster habitat, including reefs, is typically authorized under NWP 27.",{"q":26,"a":27},"Is there an acreage limit for NWP 4 projects?","There is no specific numeric acreage limit in the text of NWP 4, as the authorized activities are inherently small-scale. However, all activities must result in no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse effects.",{"q":29,"a":30},"Does this permit allow me to trap lobsters in a contained area?","NWP 4 authorizes lobster traps, but it does not authorize the creation of impoundments or semi-impoundments for the culture or holding of motile species like lobster.",{"q":32,"a":33},"Can I use covered trays for my oyster project under NWP 4?","No, the use of covered oyster trays or clam racks is specifically excluded from authorization under this Nationwide Permit.",[35,36,37,38,39,40],"Does not authorize the construction of artificial reefs","Prohibits impoundments or semi-impoundments for culturing motile species","Prohibits the use of covered oyster trays or clam racks","Must comply with General Condition 1 regarding navigational safety","Activities in spawning areas during spawning seasons must be avoided to the maximum extent practicable","Must not substantially disrupt the movement of indigenous aquatic species",{"path":42,"body":43,"title":66},"/permits/nwp-04",{"id":44,"code":7,"name":45,"shortName":46,"statutoryAuthority":47,"acreageLimit":5,"linearFootLimit":5,"pcnTrigger":5,"effectiveDate":15,"purpose":48,"changesFrom2021":6,"environmentalReview":16,"publicComments":49,"whoNeedsThis":50,"commonProjects":51,"keyConditions":52,"faq":53,"relatedPermits":59,"seo":62,"sourceDocumentUrl":65},"nwp-4","Fish and Wildlife Harvesting, Enhancement, and Attraction Devices and Activities","NWP 4","10/404","Nationwide Permit 4 authorizes the installation of devices and the conduct of activities related to the harvesting, enhancement, and attraction of fish and wildlife. This includes traditional harvesting equipment such as pound nets, crab traps, eel pots, lobster traps, and duck blinds. It also covers enhancement activities like clam and oyster digging, as well as the placement of fish aggregating and attraction devices such as open water fish concentrators (e.g., sea kites).\n\nThe permit applies to both Section 10 navigable waters and Section 404 discharges of dredged or fill material. However, it specifically excludes the authorization of artificial reefs, the creation of impoundments for culturing motile species, or the use of covered oyster trays and clam racks. The permit is intended to cover activities with minimal environmental impacts that support local fishing and wildlife management.","Public comments generally supported the reissuance of the permit, though some commenters suggested that all activities under NWP 4 should require a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) due to concerns about flow disruption and harmful sedimentation. The Corps responded by clarifying that the permit only authorizes activities with minimal impacts and does not cover Section 404 discharges requiring larger-scale environmental review.\n\nOther commenters objected to the potential for the permit to allow navigational obstructions. The Corps noted that all activities must comply with General Condition 1, which prohibits any activity that causes more than minimal adverse effects on navigation. The Corps declined to add mandatory reporting to the Coast Guard for these typically small or temporary harvesting devices.","Commercial and recreational fishermen, watermen, and wildlife managers typically use this permit. It is essential for individuals or organizations installing traps, nets, or duck blinds in jurisdictional waters, as well as those performing shellfish seeding or using fish attraction devices.",[9,10,11,12,13,14],[35,36,37,38,39,40],[54,55,56,57,58],{"q":20,"a":21},{"q":23,"a":24},{"q":26,"a":27},{"q":29,"a":30},{"q":32,"a":33},[60,61],"NWP-27","NWP-48",{"title":63,"description":64},"NWP 4: Fish & Wildlife Harvesting Devices - 2026 Permit Guide","Nationwide Permit 4 (NWP 4) for fish and wildlife harvesting and attraction devices. Section 10/404 authority, exclusions, and 2026 PCN rules on Course Clear.","https://cdn.courseclear.io/usace/decision_documents/NWP-04-2026-Final-Decision-Document.pdf","Nwp 04",[60,61],{"title":63,"description":64},"permits/nwp-04","gAk_VWGE5DXQw-vCojfBtf3A6knE7_8MXlMnj3lnzyc"]