The U.S. Army and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently teamed up to determine exactly how projects that could impact endangered species are evaluated. 

The Army’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and the NOAA administrator signed a joint resolution memorandum laying out how the impact of projects that involve existing structures, such as piers or bulkheads, are reviewed for potential impact on the habitat deemed critical by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a Jan. 6 NOAA press release said.

“In a whole-of-government effort, the Army and NOAA Fisheries have worked together to clarify our authorities and regulations regarding consultation under the Endangered Species Act to facilitate collaboration between our agencies,” Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael L. Connor said in the release. “This effort furthers our commitment to both environmental protection and resilient infrastructure, allowing important construction work to proceed while ensuring the protection of listed species and their critical habitat.” 

According to the news release, the White House Council on Environmental Quality aided in the development of the joint resolution.

The Army Corps of Engineers is required by ESA to consult with NOAA Fisheries before starting any work or approving any permits for structure maintenance that could impact any ESA-protected habitats or wildlife, the release said.

Ultimately, it is hoped that the memorandum will streamline the permit process, leading to more efficient procedures, the release said.