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 It has been amended several times since its adoption increasing the potential for project applicants to receive outdated information.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