[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"permit-50":3},{"id":4,"acreageLimit":5,"changesFrom2021":6,"code":7,"commonProjects":8,"effectiveDate":15,"environmentalReview":16,"extension":17,"faq":18,"keyConditions":34,"linearFootLimit":41,"meta":42,"name":46,"pcnTrigger":71,"publicComments":52,"purpose":51,"relatedPermits":72,"seo":73,"shortName":47,"sourceDocumentUrl":69,"statutoryAuthority":48,"stem":74,"whoNeedsThis":53,"__hash__":75},"permits/permits/nwp-50.json",0.5,"The 2026 reissuance of NWP 50 does not include any substantive modifications to the permit's terms or conditions compared to the 2021 version. The Corps determined that the existing 1/2-acre limit and mandatory pre-construction notification requirement remain effective at ensuring authorized activities result in no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects.\n\nUpdates were made to the supporting decision document to incorporate the most recent environmental baseline data. This includes results from the 2022 National Lakes Assessment and the 2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment, ensuring that the Corps' cumulative impact analysis is grounded in the latest available ecological science regarding the status of the nation's aquatic resources.","50",[9,10,11,12,13,14],"Construction of mine portal entries and ventilation shafts","Installation of coal preparation and processing plants","Placement of fill for mine facility haul roads and access","Construction of sediment ponds for mine site runoff control","Installation of conveyor systems and support footings","Reclamation of surface areas after underground mining completion","2026-03-15","The Corps determined that the reissuance of NWP 50 results in a 'no effect' finding for federally-listed endangered or threatened species and designated critical habitat. This determination is based on General Condition 18, which mandates project-specific ESA Section 7 consultation for any activity that 'might affect' listed resources; no activity is authorized until that process is finished.\n\nCompliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is ensured through General Condition 20. Because every activity under NWP 50 requires a Pre-Construction Notification, district engineers review every proposal for potential impacts to historic properties. For Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), the Corps found that district engineers can apply regional or activity-specific conditions to ensure that underground mining support facilities do not cause more than minimal adverse effects.","json",[19,22,25,28,31],{"q":20,"a":21},"Is a PCN required for underground coal mining projects under NWP 50?","Yes, a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all activities authorized by NWP 50, regardless of the acreage impact.",{"q":23,"a":24},"What is the maximum acreage limit for NWP 50?","The maximum impact limit is 1/2-acre of loss of non-tidal waters of the United States per single and complete project.",{"q":26,"a":27},"Can I use NWP 50 to construct a valley fill?","No, NWP 50 specifically prohibits the discharge of fill material into the watershed of any stream to create a valley fill or head-of-hollow fill.",{"q":29,"a":30},"Must I have a SMCRA permit before applying for NWP 50?","The activity must be authorized or currently being processed by OSMRE or a state program under Title V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.",{"q":32,"a":33},"Does NWP 50 authorize mining activities in tidal wetlands?","No, NWP 50 is strictly limited to discharges and work in non-tidal waters of the United States.",[35,36,37,38,39,40],"Total loss of non-tidal waters of the U.S. cannot exceed 1/2-acre","Activity must be authorized or in process under SMCRA Title V","Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all activities","No fill material can be used to create valley fills or head-of-hollow fills","Does not authorize activities in tidal waters","Temporary fills must be removed and site restored to original elevations",null,{"path":43,"body":44,"title":70},"/permits/nwp-50",{"id":45,"code":7,"name":46,"shortName":47,"statutoryAuthority":48,"acreageLimit":5,"linearFootLimit":41,"pcnTrigger":49,"effectiveDate":15,"purpose":51,"changesFrom2021":6,"environmentalReview":16,"publicComments":52,"whoNeedsThis":53,"commonProjects":54,"keyConditions":55,"faq":56,"relatedPermits":62,"seo":66,"sourceDocumentUrl":69},"nwp-50","Underground Coal Mining Activities","NWP 50","10/404",{"type":50},"mandatory","Nationwide Permit 50 authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal waters of the United States associated with underground coal mining and reclamation operations. To qualify, activities must be authorized or currently under review by the Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), or by states with approved programs under Title V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).\n\nThe permit covers the construction of mine-related facilities such as portal areas, preparation plants, and support infrastructure, but it is strictly limited to non-tidal waters. It specifically prohibits the discharge of fill material into the watershed of any stream to create a valley fill or head-of-hollow fill. The total loss of non-tidal waters of the United States cannot exceed 1/2-acre for each single and complete project.","During the public comment period, some commenters argued that coal mining activities inherently cause significant environmental degradation and should not be eligible for a nationwide permit. Others expressed concern about the 1/2-acre limit being applied to large-scale mining operations. The Corps responded by stating that the mandatory PCN and the 1/2-acre limit, combined with the oversight of SMCRA authorities, effectively limit impacts to a minimal level.\n\nOther commenters questioned the administrative burden of coordinating between the Corps and SMCRA agencies. The Corps maintained that the current process prevents regulatory duplication while ensuring that specific discharges into jurisdictional waters are properly evaluated under the Clean Water Act. The Corps declined to increase the acreage limit, noting that larger impacts should remain subject to the individual permit process.","Compliance managers and project engineers for underground coal mining operations use this permit. It is required for mining companies that have secured SMCRA authorization and need Section 404/10 clearance for portal entries, preparation plants, and other surface support facilities impacting jurisdictional waters.",[9,10,11,12,13,14],[35,36,37,38,39,40],[57,58,59,60,61],{"q":20,"a":21},{"q":23,"a":24},{"q":26,"a":27},{"q":29,"a":30},{"q":32,"a":33},[63,64,65],"NWP-21","NWP-44","NWP-49",{"title":67,"description":68},"NWP 50: Underground Coal Mining Activities - 2026 Permit Guide","Nationwide Permit 50 (NWP 50) for underground coal mining impacts on wetlands. 1/2-acre limit, valley fill prohibitions, SMCRA coordination, and PCN rules on Course Clear.","https://cdn.courseclear.io/usace/decision_documents/NWP-50-2026-Final-Decision-Document.pdf","Nwp 50",{"type":50},[63,64,65],{"title":67,"description":68},"permits/nwp-50","zQRdDxRGE7JGlbA1FgncvGp2ugi1WIi4ydXhtGVXSic"]