WWE has a proven track record in coordinating wetland delineations and 404 permitting with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service.

Wetland Delineation

WWE has performed wetland delineation services for over thirty years. WWE has conducted hundreds of delineations of wetlands and other potential waters of the U.S. throughout the U.S. (Midwest, West, and Territory of Guam). These delineations were completed using the Corps of Engineers accepted methodology and standards. Complex situations, including irrigation dependent wetlands, wetland mosaics, reservoir fringe wetlands, and fens are routinely dealt with. WWE’s breadth of experience with wetland delineations facilitates fast and accurate delineations of both small and large study areas.

Functional Assessment of Wetlands

WWE is trained and experienced in conducting functional wetland assessments for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act individual permits using the latest methodology in Colorado and other states. Even when not required by the Corps of Engineers, functional assessments can provide useful data with respect to establishing baseline conditions, designing habitat enhancement projects, and monitoring created wetland areas.

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act Permitting and Investigation

Under the Clean Water Act, a party must obtain a Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) before discharging a dredged or fill material into “waters of the United States.” This typically means that a permit must be obtained before construction or other work is performed within waters of the United States.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues two types of Section 404 permits—general permits and individual permits. A proposed project’s impacts to waters of the United States will determine what type of permit is required.

General permits are issued on a nationwide or regional basis for particular categories of activities that have minimal impact on the aquatic environment. There are three types of general permits–nationwide permits, regional general permits, and programmatic general permits. Depending on the terms of the general permit, a prospective permittee must notify the Corps by submitting a pre-construction notification. In some instances, a pre-construction notification is not required and work may begin without notifying the local Corps office. The general permit program is designed to expedite the Corps review process, providing an efficient and cost-effective permitting avenue. 

When a proposed project does not meet the terms and conditions of a general permit, an individual permit is required. To be eligible for an individual permit, the proposed project must be the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative; impacts must be avoided, minimized, or compensated for (often through the use of compensatory programs such as mitigation banks or in-lieu fee programs); and the activity must not be contrary to the public interest. This process is more detailed and costly than the general permit process.

Local and State Wetland Permitting

State, county, and municipal governments frequently adopt wetland and environmental permitting regulations that go beyond federal rules. WWE works with local governments throughout the U.S. to help projects maintain conformity to all wetland rules and regulations. Identifying these additional constraints up front can help avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Wetland Mitigation Services

WWE routinely designs wetland mitigation and restoration projects to satisfy permitting requirements and environmental enhancement goals. Past projects include large wetland meadows, riparian woodland, stream corridors, and marshes. Wetland mitigation design is a multi-disciplinary endeavor and requires expertise in biology, hydrology, and geology. WWE has some of the very best experts in each of these fields on staff and has an exceptional track record in this area of work.

Wetland Design

WWE routinely designs wetland mitigation and restoration projects to satisfy a wide variety of  permitting requirements and environmental enhancement goals. Past projects include large wetland meadows, riparian woodland, stream corridors, and marshes. Wetland mitigation design is a multi-disciplinary endeavor and requires expertise in biology, hydrology, and geology. WWE has staff with expertise in each of these fields and has an exceptional track record in this area of work.