We have already mentioned that the wetlands are productive ecosystems. Moreover, they play host to the diversity of species, including birds, fish and mammals. Wetlands vary depending on the climate, geological factors and quantity of water. Wetlands are different in a place for example, between Alaska and Florida. Most, however, provide a large amount of food for many animals. They also help worldwide temperate climates. Given the importance of wetlands, the United States Government has enacted laws that regulate wetlands.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) creates a program to regulate the dumping of dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States, including wetlands. Activities in the waters of the United States is regulated under the programme include fill for development, water resources projects (such as dams and levees), infrastructure (such as roads and airports) and mining projects. Section 404 requires permission before dredged or fill material can be discharged waters of the United States, unless the activity is exempt from Section 404 rules (for example, some farms and forestry).
The The main premise is that the program does not perform dredged or fill material can be resolved if: (1) there is little alternative, less harmful to the aquatic environment, or (2) nation will be significantly degraded water. In other words, when you are applying for a permit, you must show that you have, wherever possible:
steps to avoid the impact of wetlands;
Minimizing the potential impact on wetlands; and
provided compensation for any remaining inevitable consequences.
Proposed activities are regulated by permit review process. Individual permits required for potentially important implications. Individual permits are considered U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which evaluates applications in accordance with the public interest review, as well as environmental criteria set out in the CWA Section 404 (b) (1) Guidelines. However, for most discharges, which would have only minimal adverse effects, the general permit may be appropriate. General permits are issued at the national, regional or state basis for specific activities. The total excludes the authorization process and allows the individual review of certain activities to operate virtually without delay, provided that the general or special conditions for general permits are met.
Builders and developers to enlist the services of a typical state license, registered Landscape Architects to assist in this process. Landscape Architects can develop site plans for the protection of wetlands or the possible relocation of wetlands and assistance in obtaining the necessary permits.
Landscape Architects must have a license to the State in which they practice and, usually, members of the American Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA . Landscape architecture includes analysis, planning, design, administration and management of natural and urban environment. ASLA full members have graduated from accredited landscape architecture program, which 7 years of training and / or professional experience and are in a state license. In Michigan, as well as all other States, three (3) day LARE examination administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards should be allocated for public licensure.
Landscape professional designers do not have these powers. Many state and local governments require designs to be stamped with the state registered landscape architect& 39;s seal, especially if it wetlands involved.
As registered landscape architect in the state of Michigan and the principle architect with Sexton Ennett Design, LC, the landscape architectural firm southeast Michigan, I am especially aware of the need to protect wetlands. See: http://www.sexton-ennett.com
I am also breeder of champion Oldenburg warmblood sport horses, and I am particularly sensitive to issues of wetlands in the territory of equestrian facilities. See: http://www.markimfarms.com
Understand importance of wetlands and protect them.
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