Aquatic Resources

EPA Region 10's Aquatic Resources Program

Our Vision: To restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of our aquatic resources and associated ecosystems to conserve their natural values and sustain the quality of our environment.

The Aquatic Resources Unit uses assessment, monitoring, and partnering with others to promote protection and restoration of aquatic resources and an integrated approach to sediment management. The Unit also uses enforcement to rectify and deter illegal fills, to restore degraded sites, and to create incentives for compliance.

Key Statutes

• Clean Water Act, section 404 - regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the U.S., including wetlands
• Clean Water Act, section 401 - requires certification that discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. comply with water quality standards
• Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) requlates ocean disposal
• Clean Water Act, section 312 - regulates discharge of sewage from vessels

• Promote effective implementation of EPA’s section 404 and MPRSA responsibilities, including enforcement, and section 401 responsibilities for projects exclusively under federal jurisdiction, including tribal lands and national parks.
• Support state, tribal, corporate and local aquatic restoration planning and implementation.
• Promote environmental stewardship by teaching people about watershed and aquatic resource health.
• Support research projects to understand and address effects of human activities on the health of aquatic resources.
• Provide training so that staff are knowledgeable advocates for aquatic resource protection and sediment management.

• Commenting on high priority section 404 public notices; directly permitting or commenting on public notices for disposal in ocean waters; assisting Superfund in implementing section 404;
• commenting on priority environmental impact statements; representing EPA on the NEPA/404 merger transportation agreements; and participating in mitigation banking
• Taking appropriate enforcement actions to rectify unpermitted fills or discharges of dredged material into waters of the U.S., and to address MPRSA violations
• Collaborating with other agencies to designate, monitor, and manage sites for dredged material and contaminated sediments, and promoting beneficial uses of dredged material to help control pollutants, and improve habitat
• Providing funding, education, technical assistance, and training for aquatic resources research, conservation planning, sediment management, and restoration projects

EPA Region 10 Wetland Grant Contacts

Sediment Information

Link to EPA Headquarters Wetlands Page

Publications