Compensating for Wetland Losses Under the Clean Water Act


Book Description

Recognizing the importance of wetland protection, the Bush administration in 1988 endorsed the goal of "no net loss" of wetlands. Specifically, it directed that filling of wetlands should be avoided, and minimized when it cannot be avoided. When filling is permitted, compensatory mitigation must be undertaken; that is, wetlands must be restored, created, enhanced, and, in exceptional cases, preserved, to replace the permitted loss of wetland area and function, such as water quality improvement within the watershed. After more than a dozen years, the national commitment to "no net loss" of wetlands has been evaluated. This new book explores the adequacy of science and technology for replacing wetland function and the effectiveness of the federal program of compensatory mitigation in accomplishing the nation's goal of clean water. It examines the regulatory framework for permitting wetland filling and requiring mitigation, compares the mitigation institutions that are in use, and addresses the problems that agencies face in ensuring sustainability of mitigated wetlands over the long term. Gleaning lessons from the mixed results of mitigation efforts to date, the book offers 10 practical guidelines for establishing and monitoring mitigated wetlands. It also recommends that federal, state, and local agencies undertake specific institutional reforms. This book will be important to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the "no net loss" issue: policy makers, regulators, environmental scientists, educators, and wetland advocates.







Water Code


Book Description




Wetlands


Book Description

"Wetlands" has become a hot word in the current environmental debate. But what does it signify? In 1991, proposed changes in the legal definities of wetlands stirred controversy and focused attention on the scientific and economic aspects of their management. This volume explores how to define wetlands. The committee--whose members were drawn from academia, government, business, and the environmental community--builds a rational, scientific basis for delineating wetlands in the landscape and offers recommendations for further action. Wetlands also discusses the diverse hydrological and ecological functions of wetlands, and makes recommendations concerning so-called controversial areas such as permafrost wetlands, riparian ecosystems, irregularly flooded sites, and agricultural wetlands. It presents criteria for identifying wetlands and explores the problems of applying those criteria when there are seasonal changes in water levels. This comprehensive and practical volume will be of interest to environmental scientists and advocates, hydrologists, policymakers, regulators, faculty, researchers, and students of environmental studies.










Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams


Book Description

Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams: Ecology and Management takes an internationally broad approach, seeking to compare and contrast findings across multiple continents, climates, flow regimes, and land uses to provide a complete and integrated perspective on the ecology of these ecosystems. Coupled with this, users will find a discussion of management approaches applicable in different regions that are illustrated with relevant case studies. In a readable and technically accurate style, the book utilizes logically framed chapters authored by experts in the field, allowing managers and policymakers to readily grasp ecological concepts and their application to specific situations. - Provides up-to-date reviews of research findings and management strategies using international examples - Explores themes and parallels across diverse sub-disciplines in ecology and water resource management utilizing a multidisciplinary and integrative approach - Reveals the relevance of this scientific understanding to managers and policymakers




Ocean and Coastal Resources Law


Book Description

Ocean and Coastal Resources Law is a topical and up-to-date resource for those interested in marine law and policy and the land uses near marine areas, and how they interact. Ocean and Coastal Resources Law, 4e, provides an interdisciplinary approach that combines cases and materials with key sources from science, economics, and business. Ocean and Coastal Resources Law prepares students for practice as lawyers in a variety of fields, such as conservation and marine protection, oil and gas and renewable energy development, coastal land use, real estate, development, and work in nongovernmental organizations and federal and state regulatory agencies. The Fourth Edition adds updated materials related to the rapidly developing law of climate adaptation, e.g., fisheries regulation as fish populations relocate, and the regulation of coastal structure protection as sea levels rise. New to the Fourth Edition: Coverage of domestic and international ocean law, protected marine species, and off-shore industrial development Updated materials on renewable energy and aquaculture In-depth treatment of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. A holistic view of how activities on the seas affect coastal land activities, and vice versa Updates throughout Coastal Law chapters through 2023 New points for discussion Refreshed problem exercises Professors and students will benefit from: Coverage of domestic and international ocean law—richly illustrated and accessibly written The back-to-back organization of Ocean Law and Coastal Law chapters may be easily adapted to syllabi on Ocean Law, Coastal Law, or Ocean and Coastal Law courses Interdisciplinary materials from law, science, economics, and business inform and add perspective to a range of subjects—such as conservation, land use, and industry regulation—preparing students for careers as lawyers in a variety of fields Points for discussion highlight connections between cases and topics and raise questions that encourage students to articulate a response to issues of law and policy




Hearing on Federal Wetlands Regulations


Book Description