Purpose: Approved jurisdictional determinations (AJDs) and preliminary JDs (PJDs) are tools used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to help implement Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Sections 9 and 10 of the River and Harbors Act of 1899 (RHA). Both types of JDs specify what geographic areas will be treated as subject to regulation by the Corps under one or both statutes.
Public Notice for RGL 16-01
Questions and Answers for RGL 16-01
Quick Reference Chart for RGL 16-01
Request for Corps Jurisdictional Determination (JD) Form
Clean Water Act regulatory programs address “navigable waters,” defined in the statute as “the waters of the United States (WOTUS), including the territorial seas.” However, the Clean Water Act does not define WOTUS; as Congress left further clarification to the agencies. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) have defined WOTUS by regulation since the 1970s.
Navigable waters of the United States
Navigable waters of the U.S. (definition found at 33 CFR Part 329.4) are those waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or are presently used, or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce. A determination of navigability, once made, applies laterally over the entire surface of the waterbody, and is not extinguished by later actions or events which impede or destroy navigable capacity. The several factors which must be examined when making a determination whether a waterbody is a navigable water of the U.S. are listed below. Generally, the following conditions must be satisfied:
1. Past, present, or potential presence of interstate or foreign commerce;
2. Physical capabilities for use by commerce as in paragraph (a) of this section; and
3. Defined geographic limits of the waterbody.
Waters Of The U.S. Rule Status and Guidance
Jurisdictional Determination Information
To request a JD, contact your area Regulatory office.
Additional resources: