The Corps of Engineers is charged with the responsibility of preserving the natural environment while fostering economic growth. Thoughtful planning is necessary to keep such a balance.

In the Detroit District, biologists, chemists, geologists, archaeologists, and other experts are responsible for investigating the environmental effects of our projects. They work directly with project planners, coordinating with other federal and state agencies, and the interested public to ensure that environmental values and needs will be considered equally with economic, engineering, and social factors. They also prepare the documents required for compliance with environmental protection statutes, including Environmental Impact Statements when needed.

One of the District's primary environmental concerns is protection of existing wetlands, and encouragement of the creation of new wetlands. One way the Corps does this is through our Regulatory Program. A Corps Section 10 and/or Section 404 permit is required if you plan to construct, or dump fill material along, or in the Great Lakes, connecting channels aor adjacent waterways.

Before submitting an application for a Corps permit, it is advisable to contact this District's Regulatory Functions Branch for information and guidance on the type of activity you plan.

Another environmental concern of the District is the clean- up of hazardous substances from the environment. We currently participate in a program for the removal of harmful materials such as abandoned transformers and fuel tanks from inactive military installations.

The extensive shipping industry which exists on the Great Lakes brings with it the possibility of an accident that could result in an oil or chemical spill. The Corps is preparing plans in conjunction with the Coast Guard, state and other agencies, to respond to such an emergency. The District has participated in oil spill recovery exercises to train personnel in response activities, enabling them to effectively respond when accidents occur.