• To the maximum extent practicable, minimize unavoidable adverse impacts of the preferred alternative;
• Prepare a compensatory mitigation plan necessary to replace the wetland functions that would be lost as a result of unavoidable adverse impacts.

• Submit conceptual compensatory mitigation plan with permit application.
• Prepare detailed plan that is negotiated with the agencies. Plan must provide in-kind functional replacement for habitat functions lost as a result of unavoidable adverse impacts.

• This is a critical element in USACE evaluation for compliance with the 404 (b)(1) Guidelines of the CWA, and guides the scope of review .

• Identify a single point of contact for purposes of coordinating with the USACE. This will improve communication and
• facilitate the orderly processing of the permit.

• Form a team including certified project manager, various experts and specialists, meetings coordinator, and an attorney.
• The team should be able to address the highly complex concerns and issues raised by public and governmental agencies during permit review.
• Team should include experts on NEPA, 404, WRP, and NHPA.

Record should include

• The permit application and supporting documentation including jurisdictional
• Wetland determinations
• Notice of Intent to prepare EIS for purposes of the Federal Register, or
• Public Notice
• Correspondence
• Written comments during the public interest process
• Responses by the applicant to public interest issues
• Alternatives analysis incorporating the CWA 404 (b)(1), NEPA and NHPA
• Regulations using a scientific and analytical basis for findings
• Agency written comments and reports
• Environmental impact analysis reports addressing the direct, secondary and
• Cumulative impacts by subject matter
• NHPA documentation including Memorandum of Agreements, if required
• Meetings and public hearing reports or transcripts
• Zoning and land use documents
• Letters of certification and permitting issued by other agencies or governmental departments
• Including the Section 401 Water Quality certification
• Mitigation Plan and restrictive covenants if required
• EA and/or EIS
• Technical reports, studies, drawings and computer modeling data
• Other topics as needed.

• Designate a point of contact and a location for purposes of providing information to the public.
• Establish procedures for public viewing of studies and reports. Consider establishing an Internet web site.

• Submit a complete permit application, especially addressing all issues and concerns raised during public scoping and at the preapplication meeting.