The potential for cumulative impacts is much greater when adjacent wetlands are included. The proposals include 6 brand new NWPs and expansion of several existing NWPs. Although some of the proposals meet the statutory requirements of similar activities, most do not. Under the new permits, major portions of the shoreline of a river system or lake could be developed, one parcel at a time, with no individual review or notice to the public. The projects authorized by these new NWPs could have severe consequences for the quality of water and habitat in many trout streams.
Wetlands play a critical role in filtering run off, making it both cleaner and cooler.
Certain wetlands can play a role as breading or nursery habitat for many insects or even fish on which trout feed. The Corps is making the claim that the new NWPs will have less environmental impacts than the old NWP 26 because of an increased emphasis on regional conditioning. Corps districts have always had the option of placing additional restrictions on the use of any nationwide permits. As part of the new package of NWPs, however, the Corps is mandating that its districts impose regional conditions tailored to the aquatic resources of each state. Every state has a designated lead Corps district.