Enforcement in New England
Wetlands Enforcement Program
News Briefs
Massachusetts Cranberry Farmers Agree to Restore 28 Acres of Wetlands and Pay $75,000 Penalty
Useful Information
Wetlands Overview (PDF) (4 pp, 294K, about PDF)
Definition & Identification of Wetlands
Functions and Values of Wetlands (PDF) (2 pp, 127K, about PDF)
EPA-New England enforces against violations of federal
wetland laws found in Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act (CWA). The CWA prohibits the discharge of dredged
and/or fill material into waters of the U.S. (including
most wetlands) without a valid Section 404 permit from
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is responsible
for accepting applications for and issuing or denying
Section 404 permits, while EPA reviews and comments
to the Corps on the applications received. Both agencies,
however, share enforcement responsibilities under the
CWA, which provides administrative and judicial penalties
for violations.
Here at Region 1, we emphasize compliance through outreach and education. We work with businesses and individuals to ensure that they are aware of proper procedures such as those regarding environmentally safe practices and the obtaining of permits. Our Wetlands Enforcement Program responds to tips and complaints from citizens as well as referrals from local, state and other federal agencies.