The Army Corps of Engineers lacks sufficient policies to ensure private companies compensate for environmental damages after building over wetlands and streams, according to a government watchdog report.
The report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office advises the agency to develop guidance to guarantee federal environmental requirements are followed across the Army Corps’ 38 district offices. Without such guidance, there is a risk that companies are not following through on commitments to restore wetlands and streams critical for flood protection and wildlife, GAO said.
“[Districts] may continue to interpret Corps regulations differently, undermining the agency’s ability to ensure mitigation projects achieve their intended environmental outcomes,” states the report, released April 30.
The Army Corps manages permitting for activities that can alter or destroy federally protected waters. The goal is to allow economic activities — from housing developments to pipelines, highways and data centers — to move forward while minimizing adverse effects on rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands.
