Over the years, however, approximately half of North Carolina s wetlands have been lost to development, farming and forestry practices. Wetlands now only cover about 25 percent of the state s land area. A federal court ruling in June 1998, though, overturned the authority of the Corps of Engineers to require permitting for wetlands draining. DWQ has developed and will begin implementing a wetlands draining policy on March 1, 1999. This policy does not represent any new regulation.
Wetlands draining activities include both ditching and installation of ground pumping systems.
When DWQ discovers any such draining activities, it will notify the landowner in writing that their activity has or is likely to violate the state s wetlands standards. The landowner will then be given an opportunity to refute the finding. The Army Corps of Engineers has informed DWQ that in some instances, the filling of ditches may require the issuance of a federal 404 wetlands fill permit. Both the Corps and DWQ will work diligently to issue any required permits in a timely manner to help restore the area s natural wetland hydrology. Ditch maintenance is allowed as long as written documentation can be provided on the ditch s original height and width dimensions.