BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Water Resources announced Thursday it has received critical federal authorizations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Northwest Area Water Supply project’s permanent intake structure. Approvals are required under the Clean Water Act and Rivers and Harbors Act.

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, according to the Department of Water Resources (DWR).

“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, DWR director. “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 under the Clean Water Act ensures 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.

Authorization under Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Act is required for any project that may alter or utilize federal water infrastructure. The Corps’ approval under this provision affirms the NAWS project will not impair the functionality, safety or integrity of any existing Corps 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 states it will continue to engage with stakeholders, contractors and the public as the project progresses.