Corps Issues Emergency Permit Guidelines

On May 10 the Corps of Engineers New Orleans District announced that emergency dredging permits could be issued under NOD-20 – General Permit Emergency Operations with the New Orleans District for “activities regarding imminent safety and/or environmental hazard loss of property or immediate economic hardship.”

The permits would be issued for activities regarding protection of the Gulf of Mexico coastline from spilled oil from the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig.

Depending on the nature and extent of the emergency immediate verbal authorization may be granted. In other cases a written request explaining the emergency with sketches and maps may be needed to establish qualification for NOD-20.

Three emergency permits had been granted as of May 12.