Restoration
VerifiedNWP 53: Removal of Low-Head Dams
Structures and work in navigable waters of the United States and discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States associated with the removal of low- head dams. For the purposes of this NWP, the term ``low-head dam'' is generally defined as a dam or weir built across a stream to pass flows from upstream over all, or nearly all, of the width of the dam crest and does not have a separate spillway or spillway gates, but it may have an uncontrolled spillway.
Acreage limit
The 2026 rule states no acreage limit for NWP 53. Eligibility turns on the activity description in the rule text and the general conditions that apply, not on a numeric cap.
Does not authorise discharges or work to restore the stream in the vicinity of the low-head dam, including the former impoundment area.
Pre-construction notification: Always required
Every use of NWP 53 requires a pre-construction notification to the district engineer before work begins. There is no minimum-impact threshold that exempts a project from this requirement.
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 53, 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.