Industry concerns and complaints about environmental compliance often arise due to project delays resulting from the permitting process. This important study aggregated data from the US Army Corps of Engineers' received under FOIA for fiscal years 2011-2015. The data was analyzed to determine the average number of days required to obtain various permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act using different forms of mitigation.
Interactive Chart shows average number of days to permit for different forms of mitigation (MB = Mitigation Bank; PRM OFF = Offsite Permittee Responsible Mitigation; PRM ON = Onsite Permittee Responsible Mitigation) and by permit types (LOP = Letter of Permission; NWP = Nationwide Permit; PGP = Programmatic General Permit; RGP = Regional General Permit; SP = Standard Permit)
In summary, credits from a mitigation bank typically offer the most timely solution for those seeking permits from the agency when environmental impacts cannot be further avoided or minimized. This is especially true for larger projects which may require Standard Permits and can cut permitting timelines by as much as 50%.
Mitigation banking is often discussed in terms of credits—wetland credits, stream credits, or other units used to compensate for unavoidable environmental impacts. But the value of a mitigation bank extends far beyond the regulatory credit itself. Well-designed mitigation banks can provide a broad range of ecosystem services that benefit watersheds, wildlife, communities, and taxpayers.Cleaner Water •
Read MoreThe National Environmental Banking Association is proud to honor this year’s award recipients—leaders who exemplify innovation, integrity, and excellence in advancing mitigation banking and ecological restoration. These individuals and organizations are setting new standards for environmental outcomes, strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, and inspiring the next generation of restoration professionals.2026 Award WinnersAward for
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