Wetlands
According to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas that are saturated by surface or groundwater and supports vegetation adapted for life in saturated conditions. They provide important functions including groundwater recharge, erosion control, shoreline stabilization, and fish and wildlife food and habitat.
Two Categories of Wetlands
- Jurisdictional wetlands contain surface waters that have a connection to “Waters of the US”
- Non-Jurisdictional wetlands do not have a connection to “Waters of the US”
ITD’s policy is to avoid any activities that adversely affect wetlands during the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation projects. Appropriate action is taken to minimize and mitigate impacts that cannot be avoided.
A Section 404 Permit is required for discharging, dredging, or placing fill material within “Waters of the US” including wetlands to prevent quality degradation and overall loss of wetlands. Administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Regulations and Guidance
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Federal regulation
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State regulation
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Regulatory Division
Sole Source Aquifers
EPA defines a sole source aquifer (SSA) as one where the aquifer supplies at least 50 percent of the drinking water for its service area and there are no reasonably available alternative drinking water sources should the aquifer become contaminated. Idaho has three sole source aquifers.