[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"permit-51":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":72,"publicComments":52,"purpose":51,"relatedPermits":73,"seo":74,"shortName":47,"sourceDocumentUrl":70,"statutoryAuthority":48,"stem":75,"whoNeedsThis":53,"__hash__":76},"permits/permits/nwp-51.json",0.5,"The 2026 reissuance of NWP 51 maintains the core terms and conditions from the 2021 version, including the 1/2-acre acreage limit and the mandatory pre-construction notification requirement for all projects. The Corps reevaluated the permit's impact thresholds and determined they remain appropriate to ensure authorized activities result in no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects.\n\nWhile the regulatory text is unchanged, the supporting decision document has been updated with the latest environmental baseline data. This includes results from the 2022 National Lakes Assessment and the 2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment, ensuring that the cumulative impact analysis for the renewable energy sector reflects the most current available ecological science.","51",[9,10,11,12,13,14],"Construction of a photovoltaic solar array on a leveled site","Installation of wind turbine foundations and internal access roads","Building a biomass energy generation plant with support facilities","Development of a geothermal energy collection facility","Installation of internal utility lines for a renewable energy complex","Construction of stormwater basins for a large solar farm site","2026-03-15","The Corps determined that the reissuance of NWP 51 results in a 'no effect' finding for federally-listed endangered or threatened species and designated critical habitat. This finding is supported by General Condition 18, which prohibits any activity that 'might affect' listed resources from proceeding until a project-specific Section 7 consultation is completed. Because every project under NWP 51 requires a notification, the district engineer reviews each one for potential impacts to these species.\n\nCompliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is ensured through General Condition 20. The mandatory notification process allows the Corps to evaluate every proposed renewable energy facility for potential effects on historic properties. For Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), district engineers can apply regional conditions or conduct project-specific consultations to ensure that facility construction does not cause more than minimal adverse effects on sensitive aquatic environments.","json",[19,22,25,28,31],{"q":20,"a":21},"What is the maximum acreage limit for NWP 51?","The maximum impact limit is 1/2-acre of loss of non-tidal waters of the United States for each single and complete project.",{"q":23,"a":24},"Is a PCN always required for renewable energy facilities?","Yes, a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all construction, expansion, or modification activities authorized by NWP 51.",{"q":26,"a":27},"Can I use NWP 51 to build a solar farm in tidal wetlands?","No, NWP 51 is strictly limited to non-tidal waters and specifically excludes non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters.",{"q":29,"a":30},"Does this permit cover the transmission lines connecting to the power grid?","NWP 51 covers internal lines within the facility. Transmission lines to distant markets are generally authorized under separate permits, such as NWP 57 (Electric Utility Line and Telecommunications Activities).",{"q":32,"a":33},"Can I combine NWP 51 with other NWPs to get a higher acreage limit?","No, General Condition 28 ensures that when multiple NWPs are used for a single project, the total loss cannot exceed the limit of the permit with the highest specified threshold (typically 1/2-acre).",[35,36,37,38,39,40],"Total loss of non-tidal waters of the U.S. cannot exceed 1/2-acre","Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all activities","Does not authorize discharges into non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters","Must be part of a single and complete project","Does not authorize utility lines for energy transmission to distant markets","Temporary fills must be removed and the site restored to pre-construction elevations",null,{"path":43,"body":44,"title":71},"/permits/nwp-51",{"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":67,"sourceDocumentUrl":70},"nwp-51","Land-Based Renewable Energy Generation Facilities","NWP 51","10/404",{"type":50},"mandatory","Nationwide Permit 51 authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material into non-tidal waters of the United States for the construction, expansion, or modification of land-based renewable energy production facilities. This includes infrastructure designed to collect energy from solar (concentrating solar power and photovoltaic), wind, biomass, or geothermal sources. \n\nThe permit covers both the main energy generation structures and necessary attendant features required for the facility's operation. These features include roads, parking lots, utility lines, and stormwater management facilities located within the facility site. The permit is restricted to non-tidal waters and specifically excludes non-tidal wetlands adjacent to tidal waters.","During the public comment period, some commenters suggested increasing the acreage limit to 1 acre to facilitate larger renewable energy projects essential for climate goals. Others argued the limit should be strictly maintained at 1/2-acre to protect sensitive headwater streams and wetlands. The Corps maintained the 1/2-acre limit, stating it provides a balanced approach that supports renewable energy development while ensuring individual and cumulative environmental impacts remain minimal.\n\nOther feedback focused on the definition of attendant features, particularly roads and utility lines. The Corps clarified that while these features are authorized under NWP 51 when located within the facility site, utility lines and access roads connecting the facility to external grids or markets may be authorized under separate permits such as NWP 57 or NWP 14, depending on the project configuration.","Compliance managers, developers, and civil engineers in the renewable energy sector use this permit. It is the primary authorization for solar farms, wind farms, and geothermal facilities that require minor filling of non-tidal wetlands or streams for foundations or site infrastructure.",[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},[63,64,65,66],"NWP-12","NWP-14","NWP-39","NWP-57",{"title":68,"description":69},"NWP 51: Land-Based Renewable Energy Projects - 2026 Permit Guide","Nationwide Permit 51 (NWP 51) for solar farms, wind energy, and geothermal projects. 1/2-acre limit, mandatory PCN, and Section 10/404 compliance on Course Clear.","https://cdn.courseclear.io/usace/decision_documents/NWP-51-2026-Final-Decision-Document.pdf","Nwp 51",{"type":50},[63,64,65,66],{"title":68,"description":69},"permits/nwp-51","Fa0w7xB-for-yXbNI39Yeudhniz8USoBBjqrckamrzQ"]