• The Regulatory Request System is a web-based platform designed to help individuals navigate the USACE permitting process. Learn more at www.rrs.usace.army.mil. About the Regulatory Request System
  • Learn about the USACE Regulatory Program and it's role in balancing the needs of our nation, with the needs of the environment. Importance to the Public
  • Video talking about the regulatory permitting process Navigating Regulatory Permits

Savannah District Regulatory Division

Georgia

The South Atlantic Division's Savannah District Regulatory Office is committed to protecting Georgia’s aquatic resources and navigable waters across its 159 counties through a dynamic, transparent, and timely permitting program. Our interdisciplinary team delivers balanced decisions, fosters public trust, and upholds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ mission to safeguard waters of the United States, including wetlands, while providing exceptional public service.

Regulatory Announcements

Emergency, Special, Joint, and routine public notices can be found in this section along with general announcements, news, events, and public meetings.

https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs/public-notices is the primary location for all Regulatory Public Notices issued across USACE.


RRS Public Notices
July 23, 2025

In the Savannah District, a Delineation Concurrence (DC), previously referred to as an “aquatic resource delineation review”, is a great option in lieu of a jurisdictional determination. A DC is a written notification from the Corps concurring or commenting on the aquatic resource (i.e. wetland, stream, creek, river, pond, etc.) boundaries, geographic limits and size delineated on a property. A DC does not address if the Corps does or does not have jurisdiction over these resources; therefore, one less step. This allows the applicant to design a project to avoid these areas or utilize the DC to apply for a permit.

To apply for a Delineation Concurrence, please go to https://rrs.usace.army.mil, “Start a Request”, Sign In or Create an Account, then fill out the “Start a New Request” page and click “Next”. Select “Submit an Aquatic Resource Delineation Report” and select “Next”. Fill out the requested information with the most accurate information. Once you get to the “Supporting Information” page, please fill out and attach the following Appendix entitled, SAS APPENDIX 1: Request for Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination (JD) and/or Delineation Concurrence. This will help expedite your project.

Permitting


Savannah District Regional General Permits (RGP)
Issued for similar activities with minimal impact. They reduce duplication of state and federal review while streamlining the permit process.
Savannah District 2021 Nationwide Permit (NWP) Regional Conditions
Activities authorized by Nationwide Permits in Georgia.
Letters of Permission (LOP)
Authorizes minor projects with no significant environmental impacts or opposition. Examples: small community or private docks. Typically processed in 120 days.

Endangered Species and Critical Habitat

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects federally listed species and their critical habitats, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) plays a key role in ensuring compliance through its permit programs. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act directs all federal agencies to use their existing authorities to conserve threatened and endangered species and, in consultation with the Service, to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat.

In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), USACE reviews applications using the best available data to assess potential impacts on endangered species and designated habitats, while also relying on applicants to self-report possible effects.


Online Resources

IPaC Planning Tool provides project site screening for species and habitat proximity.


Effects Determination Guidance for Endangered & Threatened Species (EDGES)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Savannah District and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Georgia Ecological Services office (FWS-GA) jointly developed Effect Determination Guidance for Endangered and Threatened Species (EDGES) to streamline and improve coordination on projects that may affect species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). To date there are 15 USACE/FWS-GA EDGES that cover 41 listed species. Please be aware that this document and the species-specific EDGES are living documents and may be altered at any time.

Additional Regulatory Requirements

  • Coastal Zone Management (CZM): Prior to the Savannah District Corps of Engineers making a final permit decision on an application within the 11 Coastal Counties, the project must be certified by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division, to be consistent with applicable provisions of the State of Georgia Coastal Management Program (15 CFR 930). More information and permitting procedures can be found at https://coastalgadnr.org/MarshShore.
  • Water Quality Certification (401 WQC): Prior to the Savannah District Corps of Engineers making a final permit decision on an application, the project may require certification by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, to be consistent with applicable provisions of the state’s water quality requirements (40 CFR 121). Detailed information regarding Water Quality Certification can be found at https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-quality-certification.
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Submit Electronically

Submit applications, request jurisdictional determinations, request pre-application meetings, track status, learn about the Regulatory Program, and more!

Resources

Get Notified

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