Section 401 WQC

Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC)

2022 Blanket Section 401 WQC1092 (expires on March 14, 2026)

2025 Blanket Section 401 WQC1100 (effective on March 15, 2026)

Vessel General Permit (VGP)

Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP)

Pre-Filing Meeting Request Form

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  When Do I Need a Section 401 Water Quality Certification?

A:  A Section 401 WQC is required if your project/activity:

  1. Requires a federal permit, license, certificate, approval, registration, or statutory exemption, and
  2. May result in any discharge of a pollutant into State waters.

 

Q:  I have received a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers that says no permit is required. Do I need a Section 401 WQC?

 

A:  Maybe. It depends on the reason the Army Corps of Engineers determined that their permit was not necessary. See the following document to help determine whether you need a WQC.
Army Corps of Engineers No Permit Determinations