Wetland Permitting

**Wetland Permitting (Section 404) — $575 ($525 early registration)**

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into “waters of the United States,” including wetlands. Common regulated activities include development fill, water resource projects (dams/levees), infrastructure (roads/airports), and mining. Unless an activity is exempt (e.g., certain farming or forestry practices), a permit is required before any discharge occurs.

This practical, step-by-step class is designed to help you confidently navigate the wetland permitting process for projects where wetland impacts are anticipated. We cover how permits are evaluated, including the key requirements that a project cannot be permitted if a practicable, less-damaging alternative exists or if it would significantly degrade aquatic resources. You’ll learn how to demonstrate avoidance, minimization, and compensation for unavoidable impacts.

**What you’ll learn**

- Program background and regulatory overview

- Jurisdictional determinations (is it regulated, and what is the extent?)

- The permit application process and required documentation

- The 404(b)(1) Guidelines and alternatives analysis (avoidance/minimization)

- Compensatory mitigation options, typical costs, and monitoring expectations

- Individual permits vs. general permits, including current Nationwide Permits

- Section 401 water quality certifications (individual and general) and state roles

- Public interest review, agency coordination, and managing public involvement

- Compliance, enforcement, and common pitfalls

- Section 10 (Rivers and Harbors Act) permitting for impacts to navigable waters

- Exemptions, categorical exclusions, and appeals for denied permits

- Cooperative state programs with joint permitting procedures

**Completion certificate**

Participants who attend and participate in all lecture sessions receive a **Certificate of Training** documenting **15 Professional Development Hours** and **1.6 CEUs**.