I Have a Wetland, Now What?

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Because they involve water, changes to wetlands in North Carolina are regulated by the 401 and Buffer Permitting Branch of the Division of Water Resources (DWR), the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM), and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). One or more of these agencies may require permit applications for proposed changes to a wetland depending on the type and size of the impacts, type and size of the wetland, and the wetland location. The type of legislation, the agency responsible for enforcing the legislation, and regulated activities are summarized in the table below.

(This information focuses primarily on wetlands. Impacts to streams, ponds, lakes, and riparian buffers are also regulated, and similar permitting requirements may apply.)

LegislationResponsible AgencyRegulated Activity
Section 404 Clean Water Act (1972)US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)Discharge of dredged or fill materials into waters (streams, wetlands, and open waters) of the United States
Section 401 Clean Water Act (1972)NC DEQ Division of Water ResourcesAny federally permitted activity that results in discharge to waters of the United States within North Carolina
Isolated and Other non-404 Jurisdictional Wetlands and Water PermitNC DEQ Division of Water ResourcesImpacts to wetlands and waters that the USACE determines are not jurisdictional under Section 404 of CWA
NC Coastal Area Management Act (1974)NC Division of Coastal ManagementDevelopment in designated “Areas of Environmental Concern” in the 20 coastal counties
Division of Coastal Management State Dredge and Fill Act (1969)NC Division of Coastal ManagementFilling or dredging in estuarine waters, tidelands, marshlands, and state-owned lakes
Title XIV: 1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act (Swampbuster)Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation ServicesConversion of wetlands for the purpose of agricultural production

Types of activities that may require one or more of the above permits include:

  • Any disturbance to a wetland
  • Placement of any material within a wetland, stream, or open water, including material that is necessary for construction, culvert installation, causeways, road fills, dams, dikes or artificial islands, property protection, reclamation devices and fill for pipes or utility lines.
  • Temporary impacts including dewatering or dredged material prior to final disposal and temporary fill for access roads, cofferdams, storage, and work areas.
  • Any disturbance to the bottom or sides of a stream.
  • The damming of a stream channel to create a pond or lake.

NC DEQ Division of Water Resources, US Army Corps of Engineers, and NC Division of Coastal management are each responsible for reviewing and issuing permits. They each have well trained staff that are available to help you through the process. Below are links to general permit information, contact information, and permit applications for each of these agencies.

If you have a wetland on your property that you want to protect in its current condition or improve its condition, there are a few options to consider.

Conservation Easements

Land Conservation Groups

Restoration/Enhancement