Permits, Environmental & Compliance

Wetland Delineation and Section 404 Permitting

Wetland delineations and Army Corps Section 404 and state permits for filling or crossing wetlands and streams. Typical US fees run $2,000 to $50,000, and most projects take Weeks for nationwide permits; often many months for individual permits. Our drawings, calculations and reports are sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the state where your project is located, ready for permit submission.

Typical US fee$2,000 to $50,000

Typical timelineWeeks for nationwide permits; often many months for individual permits

Permit drawingsSealed by a PE

What the work involves

Placing fill in waters of the United States, including many wetlands, requires a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers, plus state water quality certification. A wetland scientist delineates boundaries, and civil engineers design crossings and site layouts to avoid and minimize impacts, prepare permit drawings, and design mitigation where needed.

When you need it

Site has wet areas, streams or ponds
Road, driveway or utility must cross a stream or wetland
Lender or buyer due diligence
Corps or state agency enforcement letter

What you receive

Wetland delineation report
Permit drawings
Avoidance and minimization analysis
Mitigation plan

What drives the cost

Estimate. Simple delineations cost a few thousand dollars; individual permits with mitigation are much more.

Frequently asked questions

How much does wetland Delineation and Section 404 Permitting cost?

Across the US, wetland Delineation and Section 404 Permitting usually costs $2,000 to $50,000. Estimate. Simple delineations cost a few thousand dollars; individual permits with mitigation are much more.

How long does wetland Delineation and Section 404 Permitting take?

Plan on Weeks for nationwide permits; often many months for individual permits from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Do I need a licensed PE for wetland Delineation and Section 404 Permitting?

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Will I also need a wetland scientist?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, wetland Delineation and Section 404 Permitting can also involve a wetland scientist, environmental consultant or land use attorney. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide wetland Delineation and Section 404 Permitting for?

Most of our clients for this service are developers, homeowners, municipalitys and business owners. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Do I need a federal permit to fill a wetland on my land?

Possibly. Whether a wetland is regulated under the Clean Water Act depends on current federal rules and site specifics, and states may regulate additional wetlands.

What is a nationwide permit?

A general Corps permit for common activities with minimal impacts, which is faster than an individual permit. Some nationwide permits require notifying the Corps before starting.

Who delineates wetlands?

Typically a wetland scientist using the Corps delineation manual and regional supplements. The Corps can issue a jurisdictional determination confirming the boundary.

What is mitigation?

Compensation for unavoidable impacts, often through mitigation bank credits or restoration. Avoiding and minimizing impacts comes first under the rules.