Final answer:
When filling a wetland, both a federal and state permit will likely be needed. The permits ensure that potential impacts are assessed and mitigated.
Step-by-step explanation:
When filling a wetland, it is very likely that both a federal and state permit will be needed. In the United States, wetlands are protected by several federal laws, including the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. These laws require that certain activities, such as filling or dredging a wetland, obtain permits from the appropriate agencies.
The federal permit is typically issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, while the state permit is issued by the state's environmental agency. The permits ensure that any potential impacts to the wetland, such as loss of habitat or water quality degradation, are adequately assessed and mitigated.
Obtaining these permits involves a thorough review process, including evaluation of the project's purpose and need, consideration of alternative sites or actions, and the preparation of an environmental assessment or impact statement. Public input is often solicited during this process to ensure that all perspectives are taken into account.