Alaska's Wetlands

The State of Alaska includes 63% of the nation's wetland ecosystems (Hall et al. 1994). Estimates place the total acreage at approximately 130 million acres or about one-third of the State. These wetlands help maintain water quality by slowly filtering excess nutrients, sediments, and pollutants before water seeps into rivers, streams and underground aquifers. They also offer a breeding ground and/or habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants.

The objective of the department's wetlands program is to maintain and minimize impacts to water quality associated with construction projects through the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 water quality certifcation process. The 401 certification provides "reasonable assurance" that a project will meet State Water Quality Standards, and may require Best Management Practices to be followed concerning fill materials, erosion control, drainage control, and habitat protection. Although there are numerous federal and state laws that affect wetlands, the CWA is the main authority and regulatory tool used by the state. The DEC wetlands program also provides technical assistance to local government and industry with wetland permitting and functional assessment using the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach.