A delineation of aquatic resources is often necessary to determine which features in a review area or at a project site meet established criteria for consideration as a waters of the United States.  The aquatic resource delineation, once verified by the Corps, serves as the basis for a jurisdictional determination and, if necessary, in the evaluation of a Department of the Army permit.

To avoid delays, the Sacramento District encourages its customers to engage the services of a qualified professional to conduct a preliminary delineation, especially for large and/or complex areas.  When the preliminary delineation is done, it can be reviewed and verified by the District.  To have a preliminary aquatic resources verified by the Sacramento District, submit it through the Regulatory Request System.

A customer may request the Sacramento District prepare the aquatic resource delineation.  Due to limited staff and resources, the Sacramento District may not be able to respond to the request for several months.