Public Comment Period: July 7, 2025 – August 8, 2025.
The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has issued a DRAFT Conditional Section 401 Water Quality Certification in response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) June 18, 2025 reissuance of Nationwide Permits (NWPs) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
As a federally recognized Tribe with Treatment-as-a-State (TAS) authority, the Band has reviewed the proposed NWPs for potential impacts to Reservation waters. The Grand Portage Environmental Resources Board determined that, with specific conditions in place, the permits will not violate Grand Portage Water Quality Standards.
These additional conditions are necessary to protect:
- Public health and welfare of Band members and Reservation residents
- Fish, wildlife, and aquatic life
- Cultural, recreational, and traditional uses of water
- Water quality for present and future generations
The Board’s certification includes special protections for sensitive areas, such as a no-discharge zone in Lake Superior designated as Outstanding Resource Value Waters.
All applicants seeking coverage under a Nationwide Permit for activities within the Reservation must follow the Grand Portage-specific requirements, including pre-construction notification and compliance with local water quality regulations.
A full copy of the Conditional Certification and list of applicable conditions is available for download below.
📄 Download: Grand Portage Conditional Certification of USACE Nationwide Permits (PDF)
Questions may be directed to:
Grand Portage Environmental Resources Board
P.O. Box 428, Grand Portage, MN 55605
Email: mwatkins@grandportage.com