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Water Quality and 401 Certification

Water Quality Standards for Wetlands

Water quality standards are an effective tool available to States to protect the overall health of their wetlands resources and the valuable functions they provide, including shoreline stabilization, nonpoint source runoff filtration, wildlife habitat, and erosion control, which directly benefit adjacent and downstream waters. Water quality standards, including designated uses, criteria, and an antidegradation policy can provide a sound legal basis for protecting wetland resources through State water quality management programs.

National Guidance: Water Quality Standards for Wetlands Document to assist States in applying their water quality standards regulations to wetlands.

Water Quality Criteria and Standards Program Information related to water quality, biological, aquatic, and wildlife criteria and state water quality standards. Includes five Watershed Ecological Risk Assessment case studies.

Wetlands & Section 401 Water Quality Certification

Wetlands & Section 401 Certification Fact Sheet

Section 401 of the Clean Water Act

About the Wetlands Program | Helpline | Publications | Espanol

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