The issues discussed in this handbook were identified through discussions with 

 State 401 certification program personnel and through a workshop held in December 

 1987 with many of the States who actively apply 401 certification to wetlands. The " 

 handbook includes examples of how some States have successfully approached the 

 ipues discussed. Because the water quality certification process is continually evolving, 

 we do not attempt to address aU the issues here. This handbook is a first step towards 

 darifying how 401 certification applies to wetlands, and helping States use this tool 

 more effectively. 



EPA would like to work with the States to ensure that their authority imder 

 Section 401 is exercised in a manner that achieves the goals of the Qean Water Act 

 and reflects the State role at the forefront in administering water quality programs. 

 Qearly, the integrity of waters of the UJS. cannot be protected by an exclusive focus on 

 wastewater effluents in open waters. While the federal Section 404 program addresses 

 many discharges into wetlands, and other federal agencies have environmental review 

 programs which benefit wetlands, these do not substitute for a State's responsibilities 

 under Section 40L A State's authority under Secticm 401 includes consideration of a 

 broad range of chemical, physical, and biological impacts. The State's responsibility 

 includes acting upon the recognition that wetlands are critical components of healthy, 

 functioning aquatic systems. 



To help States implement the guidance provided in this handbook and to foster 

 communication on 401 issues, you will find a list of State 401 certification contacts and 

 fiederal EPA contacts in Appendix A In order to keep this and other wetland contact 

 Qtts current, EPA has asked the G)uncfl of State Governments to establish a 

 Gamputerized database of State wetland programs and contacts (See Appendix A for 

 cietails.) EPA is also refining a list of Tribal contacts to foster communication with 

 mterested Tribes. 



