FLOOD01919

• County: Statewide
• Title: Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program
• Date: 10/1/1977
• Prepared By: US Army Corps of Engineers
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Educational/Technical/Reference Information

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Q. What is a wetland and what is its value?

A, Wetlands are areas that are periodically
or permanently inundated by surface or
ground water and support vegetation
adapted for life in saturated soil, Wet-
lands include swamps, marshes, bogs
and similar areas, A significant natural
resource, wetlands serve important func-
tions relating to fish and wildlife; food
chain production; habitat; nesting;
spawning; rearing and resting sites for
aquatic and land species; protection of
other areas from wave action and ero.
sion; storage areas for storm and flood
waters; natural recharge areas where
ground and surface water are intercon.
nected; and natural water filtration and
purification functions,

Although individual alterations of wet-
lands may constitute a minor change,
the cumulative effect of numerous
changes often results in major damage
to wetland resources, The review of
applications for alteration of wetlands
will include consideration of whether the
proposed activity is dependent upon
being located in an aquatic environment.

Q. How can I design my project to elim.
inate the need for a Corps permit?
A. If your activity is located in an area of
tidal waters, the best way to avoid the
need for a permit is to select a site that
is above the high tide line and avoids
wetlands or other waterbodies, In the
vicinity of fresh water, stay above ordin-
ary high water and avoid wetlands adja.
cent to the stream or lake, Also, it is
possible that your activity is exempt and
does not need a Corps permit or that it
has been authorized by a nationwide or
regional general permit. So, before you
build, dredge or fill, contact the Corps
district regulatory office in your area for
specific information about location,
exemptions, and regional and nation.
wide general permits,