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Section 404 of the Clean Water Act: Permitting Discharges of Dredge or Fill Material

slide 1 of 4 * ## Laws and Regulations Congress passes laws that authorize EPA and other federal agencies to write rules and regulations that explain the critical details needed to implement environmental laws. Learn about the Clean Water Act and other laws and regulations. * ## Jurisdiction EPA and the Department of the Army have revised the definition of “waters of the United States.” Learn more about the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. * ## Permitting The Army Corps of Engineers issues permits that are needed for any work, including construction and dredging, in the nation’s navigable waters. Learn about the CWA Section 404 permit program. * ## Mitigation Wetlands and streams provide important environmental functions including protecting and improving water quality and providing habitat to fish and wildlife. Learn about mitigation projects that offset adverse environmental impacts. * ## Laws and Regulations Congress passes laws that authorize EPA and other federal agencies to write rules and regulations that explain the critical details needed to implement environmental laws. Learn about the Clean Water Act and other laws and regulations.

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Laws and Regulations

* Laws, regulations, and executive orders * Policy and guidance * Scientific documents * Regulatory Guidance LettersExit EPA’s Website (Army Corps) * Dispute resolution under CWA 404(q) * Veto authority under CWA 404(c)

Jurisdiction

* What is a “Water of the U.S.”? * What is a wetland? * How are wetlands defined and identified? * Learn about streams

Permitting

* Who manages the 404 permit program? * How can I get a permit?Exit EPA’s Website (Army Corps) * What projects are exempt from needing a permit? * Landowners interested in wetlands protection

Mitigation

* How do you avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts to wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources? * What is compensatory mitgation? * What is the Compensatory Mitigation Rule?

Enforcement

* CWA Section 404 enforcement * How do I report a suspected violation? * How do enforcement actions protect wetlands? * EPA's enforcement website

Contacts * CWA Section 404 Contacts in EPA Regional Offices * U.S. Army Corps of Engineers DivisionsExit EPA’s Website * Association of State Wetland ManagersExit EPA’s Website * Association of Clean Water Act AdministratorsExit EPA’s Website

Related Topics * Dredged and Fill Permitting (CWA §404)Exit EPA’s Website (Army Corps) * Waters of the United States * Frequent Questions on Removal of Obsolete Dams

Wetland News Clean Water Act Jurisdictional Determinations EPA provides increased transparency regarding Clean Water Act jurisdictional determinations. Contact Us About Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. Last updated on May 1, 2026 Welcome! Please share your feedback on how we can make www.epa.gov work better for you. A red asterisk (*) indicates a required field.

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