Wetland Conservation Act
The Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 is a complex law that regulates the filling, draining and excavation of wetlands. It has been amended several times since its adoption increasing the potential for project applicants to receive outdated information. ACD staff provide assistance to project applicants to ensure that their projects complies with the WCA in a way that minimizes wetland degradation. Fees are charged for some of these services and are itemized in ACD's fee schedule.
- WCA compliance/exemption determinations - involve the review of projects in the context of the WCA to determine if they comply with the law and whether or not sufficient information has been provided to warrant an exemption. Fees are charged for this service.
- Wetland delineations - involve the identification and demarcation of wetland boundaries in accordance with state approved methodologies. Delineations require the analysis and documentation of soils, hydrology and vegetation characteristics. Classification of wetland type is also completed as part of delineations. Fees are charged for this service.
- Delineation reviews - involve review of delineations conducted by others to ensure proper techniques are used and the resulting delineation is satisfactory. This service is typically requested by municipalities. Fees are charged for this service.
- Replacement plan preparation - involves development of replacement plans to mitigate wetland impact. The WCA itemizes many mandatory replacement plan components, making them difficult for applicants to complete without the assistance of wetland professionals. Fees are charged for this service.
- Wetland monitoring - involves the monitoring of replacement wetlands to ensure that hydrology and vegetation are established according to approved plans. Monitoring replacement wetlands and preparing an annual report of findings is required of project applications that create or restore wetland to offset wetland impacts associated with their project. Fees are charged for this service.
- Certification of completion - involves a single post completion inspection and report to verify the successful construction of a replacement wetland. Fees are charged for this service.
Related Information on ANR.com: Wetlands
ACD Contact : Dennis Rodacker 763/434-2030 ext. 14