CRS-81 



the prevalence of salt or brackish water vegetation capable of growth and 

 reproduction." 96 / Freshwater wetlands were defined as "areas that are peri- 

 odically Inundated and that are normally characterized by the prevalence of 

 vegetation that requires saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduc- 

 tion." 97/ 



The extent of Federal jurisdiction for Inland waters was also defined. 

 In addition, the Corps retained the discretion to require a permit In other 

 waters (such as areas less frequently inundated), if necessary for water 

 quality protection. The Corps also announced that in the future it would 

 utilize a vegetative Index, rather than reference to the ordinary or mean high 

 water mark, of inland waters, as one indicator of the characteristics of areas 

 within its jurisdiction. 



The regulations enumerated several factors that would be considered in 



evaluating dredge and fill permit applications because they are recognized 



functions important to the public interest. They include the following: 



(i) Wetlands which serve important natural biological func- 

 tions, Including food chain production, general habitat, and 

 rearing and nesting, spawning, resting sites for aquatic or land 

 species; 



(ii) Wetlands set aside for study of the aquatic environment 

 or as sanctuaries or refuges; 



(ill) Wetlands. . .the destruction or alteration of which would 

 affect detrimentally the natural drainage characteristics, sedimen- 

 tation patterns, salinity distribution, flushing characteristics, 

 current patterns, or other environmental characteristics; 



(Iv) Wetlands which are significant in shielding other areas 

 from wave action, erosion, or storm damage. Such wetlands are 

 often Include with barrier beaches, islands, reefs and bars; 



(v) Wetlands which serve as valuable storage areas for storm 

 and flood waters; and 



96/ Ibid., p. 31324. 



97/ Ibid., p. 31324-31325. 



