Transportation
VerifiedNWP 14: Linear Transportation Projects
Activities required for crossings of waters of the United States associated with the construction, expansion, modification, or improvement of linear transportation projects (e.g., roads, highways, railways, trails, driveways, airport runways, and taxiways) in waters of the United States. For linear transportation projects in non-tidal waters, the discharge of dredged or fill material cannot cause the loss of greater than 1/2-acre of waters of the United States.
Acreage limit
The limit NWP 14 applies depends on the water it is applied in.
- Non-tidal waters
- 1/2 acre of permanent loss
- Tidal waters
- 1/3 acre of permanent loss
1/2-acre limit applies in non-tidal waters; a lower 1/3-acre limit applies in tidal waters.
Pre-construction notification: Conditional
PCN required if: (1) the loss of waters of the United States exceeds 1/10-acre; or (2) there is a discharge in a special aquatic site, including wetlands.
If a PCN is required, general condition 32 gives the district engineer 30 calendar days to determine whether it is complete, then up to 45 calendar days from receipt of the complete PCN to respond before the permittee may proceed. Those are two separate clocks, not one.
Source
- Federal Register citation
- 91 FR 768
- Effective date
- March 15, 2026
- Cited text
- 91 FR 768 - Reissuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits (final rule, 8 Jan 2026) Read the rule
What this page does not tell you
- District regional conditions. Any of the 38 USACE districts can narrow NWP 14, add a notification requirement beyond general condition 32, or revoke the permit entirely inside its boundaries. PermitBird holds no compiled regional conditions yet. Check the district.
- State Clean Water Act Section 401 certification. Each of the 54 states and territories must certify, condition, waive or deny use of this permit before it authorises a discharge there. PermitBird holds no compiled certification yet. Check the state.