[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"permit-54":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-54.json",null,"The 2026 reissuance of NWP 54 maintains the core standards established in the 2021 version, including the 500-linear-foot limit and the requirement for a mandatory pre-construction notification (PCN). The Corps reevaluated the permit and determined that these existing thresholds effectively ensure that nature-based stabilization projects result in no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects.\n\nWhile the national terms remain unchanged, the supporting decision document was updated with the latest environmental baseline information. This includes data from the 2022 National Lakes Assessment and the 2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment, supporting the Corps' finding that living shorelines generally provide superior ecological outcomes compared to traditional shore armoring methods.","54",[9,10,11,12,13,14],"Construction of a marsh sill using oyster shells and native plantings","Installation of a low-profile rock sill to protect a new fringe wetland","Placement of sand and vegetation to restore an eroding coastal bank","Construction of a breakwater to reduce wave energy for a living shoreline","Maintenance of existing bio-logs and coir fiber rolls for stabilization","Large-scale community shoreline restoration using nature-based solutions","2026-03-15","The Corps determined that the reissuance of NWP 54 results in a 'no effect' finding for federally-listed endangered or threatened species and designated critical habitat. This finding is maintained by General Condition 18, which requires project-specific ESA Section 7 consultation if an activity 'might affect' listed resources. Living shorelines often enhance habitat for coastal species, but the PCN process ensures that construction does not interfere with sensitive life stages or habitats like Essential Fish Habitat (EFH).\n\nCompliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is ensured through General Condition 20. Because every project under NWP 54 requires a PCN, district engineers are able to review each proposal for potential impacts to historic properties along the coastline. The permit encourages the use of natural materials that are less likely to disrupt the visual or physical integrity of historic coastal landscapes.","json",[19,22,25,28,31],{"q":20,"a":21},"Do I need to submit a PCN for a living shoreline?","Yes, a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all activities authorized by NWP 54 before you can begin construction.",{"q":23,"a":24},"What is the maximum length allowed for a living shoreline?","The national limit is 500 linear feet along the bank, but the district engineer can waive this limit in writing if they determine the impacts are minimal.",{"q":26,"a":27},"Can I use NWP 54 to build a bulkhead or seawall?","No, NWP 54 is for nature-based living shorelines. Traditional hard armoring like bulkheads or seawalls is typically authorized under NWP 13 (Bank Stabilization).",{"q":29,"a":30},"Do I have to use native plants?","Yes, the permit requires the use of native material and the incorporation of vegetation or other living, natural elements.",{"q":32,"a":33},"Does this permit apply to the Great Lakes?","Yes, NWP 54 specifically includes the Great Lakes as coastal waters where living shorelines may be authorized.",[35,36,37,38,39,40],"Structures must not exceed 500 linear feet along the bank unless waived","Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) is mandatory for all activities","The living shoreline must incorporate native materials and vegetation","Structures like sills must be the minimum size necessary to protect the plants","Must be located in low-to-mid energy wave environments","Temporary fills must be removed and the site restored","500 feet",{"path":43,"body":44,"title":70},"/permits/nwp-54",{"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-54","Living Shorelines","NWP 54","10/404",{"type":50},"mandatory","Nationwide Permit 54 authorizes the construction and maintenance of living shorelines for bank stabilization in coastal waters, including the Great Lakes. Unlike traditional 'hard' armoring like bulkheads, living shorelines prioritize native materials and natural elements such as vegetation, oyster shells, and sand to provide protection from low-to-mid energy waves while maintaining ecological connectivity between the land and water.\n\nThe scope of this permit includes the placement of sills, breakwaters, and other structures necessary to protect the living shoreline's biological components. These structures must be designed to allow for the natural movement of water and aquatic organisms. The permit is restricted to areas with small fetch and gentle slopes, ensuring that these nature-based solutions are used in environments where they are most likely to succeed and provide environmental benefits.","Public comments for NWP 54 were generally very positive, with many groups advocating for the expanded use of living shorelines as a resilient alternative to bulkheads. Some commenters requested increasing the 500-linear-foot limit to accommodate larger community-scale restoration projects. The Corps declined to increase the limit nationally, stating that the current limit is appropriate for a general permit and that larger projects can still be authorized if a district engineer waives the limit in writing.\n\nOther commenters expressed concerns about the potential for sills or breakwaters to become navigational hazards. The Corps responded that the mandatory PCN allows for a case-by-case review of structure placement to ensure that stabilization features do not interfere with safe navigation in coastal waters or the Great Lakes.","Coastal property owners, homeowners' associations, municipal governments, and conservation organizations use this permit. It is the go-to authorization for projects seeking to stop erosion using 'soft' engineering techniques like marsh plantings and oyster reef structures.",[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-3","NWP-13","NWP-27",{"title":67,"description":68},"NWP 54: Living Shorelines - 2026 Permit Guide","Nationwide Permit 54 (NWP 54) for nature-based shoreline stabilization. 500-foot limits, mandatory PCN, erosion control with natural materials, and 10/404 rules on Course Clear.","https://cdn.courseclear.io/usace/decision_documents/NWP-54-2026-Final-Decision-Document.pdf","Nwp 54",{"type":50},[63,64,65],{"title":67,"description":68},"permits/nwp-54","7XSEKoYNxfcFLKSYLc8PmrMl0URuuEO75ejz1w2IpNg"]