Developing In A Wetland - Oregon Coast

I wanted to put together a brief overview of the steps to develop in a wetland, here are some of the basic steps that you might come across as you work through this process.

Determine Wetland Status

• Check if the site is officially classified as a wetland using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) or consult the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL).

• A wetland delineation study by a qualified consultant may be required to confirm the boundaries.

  https://www.oregon.gov/dsl/wetlands-waters/pages/delineation-resources.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Obtain Required Permits

• State Removal-Fill Permit (Oregon DSL): Any fill or removal of material in a wetland over 50 cubic yards requires a permit. https://www.oregon.gov/dsl/wetlands-waters/pages/removal-fill.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Federal Section 404 Permit (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers): If your project impacts wetlands, you’ll need a permit under the Clean Water Act. https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Apply/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Section 401 Water Quality Certification (Oregon DEQ): If a 404 permit is required, DEQ must certify the project will not violate state water quality standards.

• Local Land Use Approvals: Check with the county or city for zoning requirements, conditional use permits, and road development standards.

Mitigation and Environmental Review

• Many wetland disturbances require mitigation, such as restoring or creating wetlands elsewhere.

• An environmental impact assessment may be needed if the road affects endangered species, waterways, or public lands.

Engineering and Construction Plans

• Design the road to minimize wetland impact using best management practices (BMPs), such as culverts or elevated roadways.

• Submit detailed engineering plans to the relevant agencies.

Public Notice & Comment (If Required)

• Some permits require a public notice period where stakeholders can provide input or challenge the project.

Approval & Compliance Monitoring

• Once permits are issued, follow construction best practices to prevent erosion, sedimentation, or unintended wetland damage.

• Agencies may require monitoring and reporting post-construction.