RIBITS User Survey Reveals Desire for Data Reliability and Modernization
A new survey of 41 RIBITS users reveals clear priorities that align well with federal permit modernization goals. Just like the CEQ’s new Permitting Technology Action Plan (PTAP) - data standards, sharing, and interoperability made an appearance. But the theme above all was more timely and reliable data on the current landscape of supply of wetland and stream mitigation. This input can align perfectly with the ticking clock from the PTAP - that agencies adopt and begin implementing CEQ’s data and technology standard and minimum functional requirements by August 28, 2025. This is a valuable opportunity for RIBITS improvements that serve both users and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
What is RIBITS and Why Does It Matter?
RIBITS (Regulatory In-lieu fee and Bank Information Tracking System) is the federal government's primary database for tracking wetland and stream mitigation banking across the United States. When developers need permits that impact wetlands or streams, they must mitigate unavoidable impacts either by purchasing credits from mitigation banks or in-lieu fee programs, or conducting their own restoration projects. RIBITS provides a publicly-available platform (ie., registry) on the location of banks and ILFs, documentation (including instruments and monitoring reports), and credits available for sale and credits sold.
For the $3 billion/yr restoration industry, RIBITS is the go-to resource for finding information about the supply of mitigation, pending projects, and documentation. That's why getting RIBITS right is so important - it's the core infrastructure of a permitting system that has protected 1.3 million acres and 8,000 miles of streams while attempting to ensure no net loss of aquatic resources in the US.
What Do RIBITS Users Want Most? Data Reliability.
EPIC created a survey to identify RIBITS users’ ‘Top 5’ desired improvements for RIBITS to ultimately share with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The survey included checkbox options for changes based on our past research (here and here) as well as an open-response form included for respondents’ thoughts and ideas not covered by the options provided. We received 41 responses - most from for-profit restoration providers (18) and consultants (10), as well as non-profit restoration providers (4), state agency representatives (2), non profits (2), and other respondents (5). Fourteen respondents provided open comments. It should be noted that responses are dominated by external users, rather than USACE regulators who use the system.
Top 10 Most Requested RIBITS Improvements
The clear result from the survey is that what users most desire is reliable information for decision-making:
Over 3/4 of respondents want better credit tracking, including an understanding of what credits are ‘reserved’ (some some open comments agreed but suggested that credit providers, not regulators, update this data)
10 of the open comments mentioned inaccurate data on RIBITS, and indicated a desire to flag &/or correct data
Over half of respondents want better ORM linkages, and 39% want permit data integrated when permits are approved
6 open comments indicated a desire for more data (ILF info, pending banks, cost per credit)
Most of the open comments also indicated nuanced solutions beyond the high level bullets or options provided in the survey.
USACE Can Check Some Boxes for Permitting Technology Requirements and Improve RIBITS at the Same Time
What’s exciting about this particular place in time is that the CEQ is already requiring agencies to modernize to "21st-century environmental review and permitting service delivery," and what CEQ wants aligns well with what RIBITS users want:
Standardized data structures and improved reliability (RIBITS #1 and #5 priorities)
Data integration between agency systems (RIBITS #2 and #4 priorities)
Automated case management and process transparency (RIBITS #3 priority)
APIs for data access (not high on survey results - #9 - but it’s on EPIC’s personal wishlist!)
The CEQ plan calls for agencies to "make maximum use of technology in environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects of all kinds." RIBITS, as the central repository for wetland, stream, and species mitigation that is needed for these projects, should be a part of this modernization effort.
How to Do It
Drafting an action plan for USACE improvements to RIBITS is beyond the scope of this modest blog, but we have some resources, examples to point to, and an offer of support.
EPIC created a worksheet that helps agencies assess their current capabilities against CEQ's August 28, 2025 requirements
Virginia's Permitting Enhancement and Evaluation Platform (PEEP) provides a gold-standard example of automated permit tracking and public transparency
The 2018 report Sample Metrics for Evaluating the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Environmental Permitting Systems offers concrete performance indicators
CEQ's framework creates momentum for improvements that RIBITS users have wanted for years, and it doesn’t require USACE to build something entirely new. It's about enhancing a system that already serves a critical function.
Ready to help bridge CEQ requirements with RIBITS improvements? Contact EPIC - we're here to support both users and agencies in making this system work better for everyone.
