To the maximum extent possible, activities will be processed pursuant to the New Orleans District Regional General Permits (RGP) and Programmatic General Permits (PGP) that are currently in effect and the Nationwide Permits (NWP) program. For those activities that cannot reasonably be processed under a RGP, PGP, or NWP, the following evaluation procedures will be utilized:
a. If a proposed activity is judged to be an emergency and a RGP, PGP, or NWP does not apply, a description of the activity, project location, and the approximate amount of waters and/or wetlands to be impacted will be transmitted via telephone, fax, or email to representatives of the Federal and State permit review and certifying agencies.
b. The Corps will coordinate all activities with Federal agencies via e-mail or telephone to assure them that their referral prerogatives detailed in agreements entered into pursuant to Section 404( q) remain in full force and effect and will be honored.
c. A Corps representative will discuss proposed activities with Federal and State agency representatives by telephone, if necessary. Comments will be taken by telephone if agreeable to the agency, and will be immediately documented by notes. Telephone comments will be followed by faxed or mailed written comments to the maximum possible extent.
d. Agency comments, including Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and Coastal Management CZMA certifications, will be requested within 12 hours of the notification and if possible, a permit decision will be made within 24-48 hours of the request.