Identification and permitting for water recharge on certain Federal lands

(a) Review and identification Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall review lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to identify parcels of such lands that are hydrologically and geologically well-suited for water recharge efforts, including aquifer recharge, surface water infiltration, or managed aquifer recharge projects, taking into consideration factors such as soil permeability, proximity to water sources, and minimal environmental impact. (b) Streamlined permitting process The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and each relevant State water resource agency, shall— (1) establish clear and simple permitting processes for water recharge projects on parcels of land identified by the Secretary under subsection (a), including a process to facilitate (to the extent practicable)— (A) the actions of the Secretary under section 17 applicable to such projects; and (B) the expedited issuance of a permit under section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), as amended by this Act, relating to such projects; and (2) ensure, to the extent practicable, that each process established under paragraph (1) minimizes regulatory burdens, provides for categorical exclusions or streamlined environmental assessments, and promotes collaboration with State and local entities to expand water recharge efforts. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report detailing the parcels identified under subsection (a) and each permitting process established under subsection (b).