The Corps has issued RGPs for specific activities in Colorado. Similar to NWPs, Regional General Permits are a more streamlined process for projects that fit within certain criteria. The two RGPs that are most likely to be used by landowners within the Lefthand, St. Vrain, Big Thompson and Little Thompson watersheds are:
RGP 12 – Aquatic Habitat Improvements for Stream Channels in Colorado
Authorizes certain fish habitat improvements as long as no more than 0.5 acre of wetlands is impacted. Habitat improvements include constructing boulder or log weirs, woody debris and other structures, as described online here. The Corps must be notified before construction of these devices and the RGP is effective until October 21, 2021.
RGP 96 – Natural Disaster Mitigation and Flood-Related Activities in Colorado
For flood and other natural disasters, this RGP can generally be used within one year of the event. This RGP can be used to repair certain existing structures, stabilize streambanks and conduct other activities. Pre-construction notification is required for this RGP. As discussed throughout this Handbook, always consider upstream and downstream affects of any work you do. The ‘Post-Flood Evaluation’ in Chapter 1 provides questions to ask yourself after a large flood in order to evaluate what work needs to be done immediately.
RGP 96 – Stream Stabilization Projects in Colorado
This RGP will become effective October 2, 2017 and authorizes stream stabilization activities necessary for erosion control or prevention. This includes a wide range of project types such as vegetative stabilization, bioengineering and sills, as well as others. The RGP limits the activity based on lineal feet of streambank impacts, as well as wetland impacts and impacts below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM). The RGP is also only available for streams with a measured width of no less than 20 feet at OHWM.
Visit the Corps webpage dedicated to Post-Flood Permitting