Clean Water Act Section 404

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. It requires permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that activities like construction or development do not harm water quality or aquatic ecosystems. The goal is to balance economic development with environmental protection by reviewing projects and, when approved, often requiring mitigation to compensate for wetlands or waters impacted. This helps safeguard the health of rivers, lakes, and wetlands that are vital for ecosystems and human use.