Which regulatory body is responsible for permitting activities in live watercourses?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the regulatory body responsible for permitting activities in live watercourses. This is due to their oversight of the navigation and management of waterways, which includes the regulation of activities that may affect the quality and quantity of water bodies. The Corps administers several sections of the Clean Water Act, specifically Section 404, which deals with the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands and streams.

Engagement with watercourses involves careful consideration of environmental impacts, habitat protection, and flood control, making the Corps essential in ensuring that any activities do not negatively affect these vital ecosystems. Other agencies, while related to environmental protection and land management, do not have the same authority or specific responsibility regarding live watercourses as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.