Tighter Rules on Wetlands Are in Works

Under pressure from the White House and environmentalists, the Army Corps of Engineers has decided to phase out federal permits that have allowed the development of thousands of acres of wetlands.

The move, which is to be formally announced next week, is the most significant tightening of wetlands regulations in at least a decade, and comes just a year after congressional Republicans tried unsuccessfully to weaken laws protecting millions of acres of swamps, marshes and fens.

Environmentalists say the change could help stem a steady erosion of the nation’s wetlands, now vanishing at a rate of 70,000 acres a year. Wetlands are natural filters that help purify water supplies, prevent floods and protect endangered animals and plants.

But builders, farmers and other groups that develop wetlands say the tightened standards will mean additional costs, red tape and delays that could tie up projects for months or even years.

According to officials familiar with the new standards, the corps will impose restrictions on a class of general permits called “nationwides,” which give landowners authorization to drain up to 10 acres of wetlands without agency review. Under the new guidelines the permits would apply only to projects that affect less than three acres. And landowners would be required to give notice of plans.