What Does
Navigable Water Mean?
Navigable waters are waters that may be used to transport interstate or foreign commerce. This is a legal definition in the U.S., as codified by the U.S. Corps of Engineers under 33 CFR 329. The term is also important within the regulatory framework of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Those involved in trenchless construction must maintain compliance with all government rules and regulations regarding navigable waters.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Navigable Water
The obvious definition for navigable waters would have to do with any flow or body of water that a boat or ship could safely traverse. But what constitutes navigable waters is of vital importance in a variety of legal and governmental settings. Whether a body of water is navigable can affect interstate commerce, deeds and title transactions, environmental protection authority and much more.
Part of the preparation for trenchless construction operations is to assess legal requirements related to any stream, lake, bay, or any other waters that might be affected. Trenchless tunneling beneath these waters must meet the requirements of local, state and federal authorities.