Federal Approvals Secured for NAWS Project

The Northwest Area Water Supply project has cleared two key federal hurdles, receiving long-awaited approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With Section 404 and Section 408 authorizations now secured, the state is set to move forward on a permanent intake structure—bringing north-central North Dakota, including Minot, one step closer to long-term water security. Full details from the Department of Water Resources follow.

— News Release, ND Dept. of Water Resources —

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced today that it has received critical federal authorizations under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Act from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) project permanent intake structure.

These certifications represent major milestones in the continued advancement of the NAWS project, which is designed to deliver a long-term, reliable source of quality drinking water to communities in north-central North Dakota, including the City of Minot.

“These historic approvals are the result of rigorous coordination, technical review, and environmental planning that has been in the works for the last 23 years,” said Reice Haase, Director of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources. “They allow us to continue making meaningful progress on a project that is vital to the long-term water security of north-central North Dakota. We are grateful for the Corps’ partnership on this monumental project.”

Section 404 approval ensures that the project complies with federal regulations governing the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. This authorization confirms that environmental impacts have been minimized and that appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.

Section 408 authorization is required for any project that may alter or utilize federal water infrastructure. The Corps’ approval under this provision affirms that the NAWS project will not impair the functionality, safety, or integrity of any existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects in the area.

With these certifications in place, the DWR is prepared to move forward with the next phases of construction and implementation. The agency will continue to engage with stakeholders, contractors, and the public as the project progresses.

For more information on the Northwest Area Water Supply project, visit our website.