State, Tribal, Local, and Regional Roles in Wetlands Protection
States, Tribes, regional,
and local governments are becoming more interested and active in comprehensive
wetlands protection through the authorities granted to them in existing
legislation. This fact sheet discusses how these governments can be involved
in wetlands protection.
"Assuming" Permitting Authority
One of the ways State and Tribal governments can strengthen their roles
in wetlands protection is to "assume" permitting authority under the Clean
Water Act, Section 404 program. This means that States or Tribes have
the authority to issue Section 404 permits. This program regulates the
discharge of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters. To
date, Michigan and New Jersey have assumed such authority, and several
States and Tribes are working toward this end. EPA will work with any
government interested in assuming such authority.
Other Options
Other options available to States and Tribes to strengthen their roles
in wetlands protection include-
· undertaking comprehensive State Wetland Conservation Plans
· obtaining State Program General Permits from the Corps for dis charges
of dredged and fill material in wetlands
· developing wetland water quality standards
· applying the Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certifi cation
program more specifically to wetlands
· incorporating wetlands protection into other State and Tribal water
programs.
Regional and local participation in wetland protection can also be strengthened
through comprehensive resource planning that targets specific geographic
areas. Examples of such areas are river corridors for which governments
and communities have identified many objectives for their use. Regional
and local governments can also protect watersheds (a water shed is the
area in which all water, sediments, and dissolved materials flow or drain
from the land into a common body of water) and identify in advance suitable
and unsuitable sites for discharges.
EPA Assistance Available
EPA helps by providing information and program guidance and by sponsor
ing national forums on State program development. Financial assistance
may also be available from EPA to pursue some of these activities through
EPA's State Wetlands Protection Grants Program.
All levels of government must work together to determine how to best
protect wetland resources and what the appropriate roles and programs
are for each type of government. EPA supports the strengthening of State,
Tribal, and local roles in wetlands protection.
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