Wetlands are found in the transition zone between land and water. Rivers and streams play an important role in many wetlands systems: many wetlands are replenished by periodic flooding of rivers and streams. Wetlands serve the rivers and streams by filtering pollutants from water, slowing the runoff of water during rain events, and preventing erosion. The well-being of Texas rivers and streams is linked to the protection of wetlands.
Many rivers and streams are considered waters of the US by the Clean Water Act. Often, wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams are also considered jurisdictional because they share a hydrologic connection. The fill or dredging of jurisdictional waters of the US, including wetlands is illegal without a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 404 Permit Program. The upper Texas coast is under the jurisdiction of the USACE Galveston District (SWG). All activities in waters of the US require avoidance of wetlands and sensitive areas, minimization of impacts, and for all but minimal impacts, compensation for unavoidable impacts. Federal regulation of waters of the US, including wetlands is intended to preserve the integrity and valuable services provided by our nation’s waters.
Types of Rivers and Streams
