Rivers and Harbors Act (R&HA)

The Rivers and Harbors Acts address projects and activities in navigable waters and harbor and river improvements. Several of these Acts provide a number of regulatory authorities, the implementation of which has evolved over time. Section 10 of the Act prohibits the unauthorized obstruction or alteration of any navigable water of the United States. This section provides that the construction of any structure in our over any navigable water of the United States, or the accomplishment of any other work affecting the course, location, condition, or physical capacity of such waters is unlawful unless the work has been recommended by the Chief of Engineers and authorized by the Secretary of the Army. The Secretary's approval authority has since been delegated to the Chief of Engineers.