Wetlands State Resource Locator

Note: Most states have enacted laws and regulations to protect wetlands. In many cases, these rules are established to define the state's role in the "404 permit/401 certification process." This process involves the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and your state environmental agency. To learn more about the wetlands permitting process go to the CICA /Permit page.

Primary State Wetlands Web Page. This web page should explain the state wetlands program and provide links to various wetlands resources.

Construction Permit Process - State Rules

• How Are Wetlands Activities Regulated by Nevada? The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Quality Planning oversees wetlands under the state's water quality certification authority under § 401 of the Clean Water Act.

• Mitigation Measures. "The board of county commissioners of a county may by ordinance establish, use and operate a wetlands mitigation bank in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Federal Guidance for the Establishment, Use and Operation of Mitigation Banks, as issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, National Resources Conservation Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service."

Regulatory Definitions

• Wetlands. Wetlands are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and which under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and other similar areas.

• Wetland Categories.

• Regulated Wetland Activities. The discharge of dredged or fill material is regulated. In addition, persons cannot construct a new municipal solid waste landfill or a lateral expansion in wetlands unless they demonstrate the project will not cause or contribute to violations of any applicable state water quality standards; violate any applicable toxic effluent standard or prohibition; jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species; violate any requirement set forth in the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act; and cause or contribute to any significant degradation of the wetlands.

• Exempt Wetland Activities.

• US EPA - Wetlands Protection and Restoration.
• Description of Nevada's wetlands program prepared by the ELI (Environmental Law Institute).
• National Association of Wetlands Managers' links to Nevada programs and points of contacts.

Organizations/Non-Government Programs

• Water Environment Federation. The WEF Web site provides access to a wetlands related technical discussion area, as well as publications and other information on wetlands.

• Wetlands Regulation Center. The Wetlands Regulation Center Web site contains information on laws, policies and regulations concerning activities regulated under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act.

• The National Association of Wetland Managers. The National Association of Wetland Managers web site provides information on wetlands news and events, including new regulations/legislation, upcoming conferences and events, publications, and more.

• Society of Wetland Scientists. The Society of Wetland Scientists Web site provides access to on-line scientific wetlands journals and a wetlands discussion forum, as well as information on upcoming wetlands conferences and events.