高效的湿地允许

像发条一样，北方州北方州的较温暖的天气发作即将起来的施工季节。承包商正在积极挖掘和移动污垢，在某些情况下，活动会影响湿地。无论季节还是区域设置，我有几个技巧，帮助成功地识别和管理对湿地和其他水机构的影响以及如何在建筑项目中获得随后的湿地许可。

To begin with, if there is a chance that wetlands may be affected, I recommend early communication with regulatory agencies. This includes the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) who administer wetland permits nationally (清水法的第404条), and, in some areas, state and local agencies who administer state wetland-protection statutes and local ordinances.

In many cases of development or construction, it is wise to engage a wetland professional to help identify and delineate wetlands. Wetland delineation is a technical process that evaluates vegetation, soils and hydrology to document positive indicators of wetlands, determine the location of the wetland/upland boundary and describe the distribution and extent of a wetland. This step is typically followed by requesting a jurisdictional determination from the USACE and relevant state agencies. The wetland delineation must be completed在不断增长的季节when vegetation is living and soils are not frozen.

Federal law restricts dredge and fill activities in wetlands or water bodies. When development will encroach on a wetland, a USACE permit is required. Permitting can be a frustrating and time-consuming process if not managed properly. The permitting process can result in delays affecting project schedules and budgets. To facilitate efficient and successful wetland permitting, I recommend the following steps:

1.确定所需的湿地许可证类型

USACE提供了几种不同的许可证，所需的确切许可证取决于几个因素，如地点，活动类型，湿地的影响程度。国家法律有时适用，可以调节湿地的填充，挖掘或排水。当地条例适用时，它们通常定义湿地周围的缓冲区，并规范这些缓冲区内允许的行动以及实际的湿地。

2. Determine if special studies are needed

In addition to a wetland delineation, other studies may be necessary for full regulatory compliance. Federal actions, such as when the USACE issues a wetland permit, must comply with the Endangered Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. This may require desktop or field evaluation for the presence of protected species, habitat, historic structures, or archaeological sites. In some circumstances, a detailed evaluation of wetland functions and values is needed to help define project impacts. Finally, some state and localities have regulations covering rare or unique ecosystems that may be associated with wetlands. In any of these circumstances, additional studies and approval may be needed before a wetland permit can be issued.

3.确定是否需要环境评估（EA）或环境影响声明（EIS）

对于复杂或大型项目，国家和联邦环境审查法规可以适用，并要求详细评估影响。这些影响不仅限于EA或EIS中的湿地，而且包括对物理，化学，生态和人类环境的广泛影响。对于相对适度的影响，发出大多数湿地许可证，不需要更广泛地评估EA或EIS。然而，在开始避免惊喜的湿地之前，最好了解这一点。

4.完成测序和替代分析

This step represents the most common avoidable mistake for wetland permitting for most developers. Sequencing refers to exploring ways to minimize and avoid wetland impacts during project planning. Some think that simply buying mitigation credits precludes the need for sequencing or otherwise considering alternatives. However, replacement mitigation is defined as the last step in sequencing, not the first step. Numerous wetland permit applications have been returned or rejected because the applicants did not demonstrate adequate efforts to avoid or minimize wetland impacts.

现场规划和设计应首先考虑并记录避免湿地对可能影响的替代方案。这可以包括替代站点，或可能或替代网站布局或项目设计。如果湿地的影响是不可避免的，则排序的下一步是最小化影响。这可以包括调节巴塞尔斯的斜率，以减少湿地的覆盖物或使用在湿地运行的设备的建筑垫的占地面积。排序的最后一步是创造或购买补偿性缓解。这种缓解在野外位置取代了丢失的湿地，目标是取代与失落湿地场地的湿地替换相同类型的湿地，以将湿地功能和价值恢复到该地区。

5. Submit a complete application

这应该是显而易见的，但有些项目经历了不必要的延误，因为许可证申请缺乏对细节的关注。完整的湿地许可申请可能包括若干项目，包括签署的许可证申请，湿地描绘报告，详细的项目描述，地图和数字，量化影响，测序和替代方案的演示，对何湿地影响为什么不可避免的和补偿缓解。如果缺少任何部件，则申请将被拒绝或延迟，直到提交所有信息。应仔细遵循应用程序说明，​​并按申请要求的顺序提供的信息。

6.留出时间进行应用程序处理和审查

在某些情况下，监管机构可以在批准湿地描绘和/或湿地允许申请之前要求网站访问。主要代理机构还可能需要在批准申请之前咨询其他机构或收到其投入。最后，原子能机构必须为行政记录准备书面许可证，并列举适用于该项目的允许条件。再次，细节根据情况而变化，但申请人应在规划项目时间表时意识到这些时间限制。

Once the permit is issued, the conditions should be carefully reviewed. All wetland permits have standard conditions included that prescribe Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize wetland impacts, preserve downstream water quality and restore temporary alterations. Sometimes, site-specific or project-specific conditions may apply that can affect construction techniques or schedules.

The steps outlined here are meant to optimize the chances for a smooth and efficient wetland permitting process free of surprises or unexpected delays. Every project is unique, so each may unfold differently, but these suggestions are based on our long experience in assisting clients and obtaining wetland permits. At all stages of development of a project that impacts wetlands, it may be advisable to engage a wetland professional who is familiar with delineation, mitigation and wetland permitting.

帮助您指导您的下一个湿地项目，下载我们的允许清单或者看看我们的网络研讨会在湿地上。有关更多信息，请联系Daniel Dejoode查看我们如何帮助您。