Clean Water Act Section 404: Nationwide and Other Specialized Permits
Understand and comply with requirements of the most widely used set of permits for projects in wetlands and other waters of the U.S. under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which requires projects to first obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the placement of dredged or fill materials in U.S. waters. Through the Corps' Nationwide Permit Program (NWP), general permits may be issued on a nationwide basis for activities that have minimal effects on the aquatic environment.
Study the current Nationwide Permits, including general and specific regional conditions. Gain a thorough understanding of the NWP program and the latest information from the Corps as well as other state and federal agencies. Review verification and pre- and post-construction notification processes and discuss requirements for notification contents. Further your understanding of:
- Activities covered by NWPs
- Region-specific conditions
- Use of multiple NWPs
- Special aquatic sites
- Mitigation requirements
- 401 certification
- ESA/EFH compliance
- NHPA Section 106 compliance
- Local Corps district policies
Course Format and Pacing
This is an online remote learning course delivered through UC Davis CPE’s learning management system, Canvas, with supplemental live sessions hosted on Zoom. The course consists of approximately 6.5 hours of content, combining pre-recorded lectures with a mandatory live Zoom session led by the instructor(s).
Section Notes
Access to your course in Canvas will be available 7 days before the course start date. Please note that course start and end dates, as well as live sessions (if applicable), are subject to change.
Enrollment Policies
Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $50 processing fee, if the request is received before the refund deadline. Click here to view complete enrollment policy information including details on withdrawals and transfers.
Refund Deadline: 9/14/2026. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date.
Students enrolling after the first day of class are expected to reach out to their instructor to make sure they receive all content and are on track with the course.
Technical Requirements
Discounts
CAAA Member Discount
CAAA Member Discount
Current members of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) and other UC alumni associations receive 10% off the course fee of one course per quarter, not to exceed $100. If you don't have your discount code, contact CAAA at [email protected] to request it.