Marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens are the four general categories of wetlands found in the United States. Generally, swamps have mostly woody plants, while marshes are dominated by soft-stemmed vegetation. Freshwater wetlands formed in old glacial lakes are called bogs and are distinguished by porous peat deposits, evergreen trees and shrubs, and a floor covered by a dense carpet of sphagnum moss. Freshwater peat-forming wetlands, surrounded by grasses, sedges, reeds, and wildflowers, are called fens.
Wetlands are often called “nurseries of life” since they provide habitat for thousands of aquatic and terrestrial species. The wetland ecosystems are essential habitats for waterfowl, fish, and mammals. Namely, birds migrating across the continent use wetlands as nesting sites during the spring and fall. Along with providing habitat for various plants and animals, wetlands also offer myriad benefits to humans. Wetlands can control floods by absorbing slow floodwaters when rivers overflow. This ability is beneficial in alleviating property damage and can even save lives. Additionally, wetlands can absorb excess nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants before reaching water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, etc. Wetlands also provide numerous recreational activities, such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, or having a picnic with family and friends.
As announced at the Ramsar Convention, scientific estimates are that 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900. Annually, the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands. The loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems has been the leading cause of extinction for many species and puts fragile ecosystems at risk.
EPA’s Role in Wetland Protection
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters.
The EPA has a wide range of programs for conservation, restoration, and monitoring wetlands in the U.S. Together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), EPA defines and organizes the environmental permit standards for any discharges that affect wetlands, such as residential development, roads, and levees. After considering public comments, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Corps issues permits in accordance with the EPA. With joint forces and close cooperation, EPA intends to improve, increase and restore the wetlands over the next decade.
EPA works closely with states, tribes, local governments, the private sector, and citizen organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. EPA partners with many public organizations like the Association of State Wetland Managers, the National Association of Counties, local watershed associations, schools, and universities to advance conservation and restoration programs. Through partnerships, this organization carefully monitors, protects, and restores wetlands in the U.S.
Additionally, the EPA is developing national guidance on wetland restoration. The EPA’s Five-Star Restoration Program offers grants and exchanges valuable information through community-based education and restoration projects.
Superfund Emergency Response Program
The EPA’s Superfund Emergency Response Program provides quick response and services at sites where hazardous materials have been released, and pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment. The EPA’s On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) are in charge of directing response actions by collaborating with local first responders and state agencies to combine resources in emergency and non-emergency situations. The EPA also organizes the removal of hazardous substances and ensures that the party responsible for release is held accountable.
The EPA responds to oil spills, chemical, biological, radiological releases, and large-scale national emergencies that threaten human health and the environment. Natural and man-made disasters, whether caused intentionally or unintentionally, can result in contamination that may escalate quickly, hence the need for emergency response. Additionally, EPA provides support and assistance when the state and local first responder capabilities have been exhausted.
Emergency incidents include transportation accidents (e.g., automobiles, trucks, trains, boats, airplanes), chemical fires, and groundwater contamination in private and municipal wells. Once the local responders (e.g., fire and police personnel), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and EPA receive a report for hazardous release, the staff responds within hours.
Non-Emergency Situations and Time-Critical Removals
Non-emergency situations and time-critical removals include closed or abandoned facilities with drums or vats of chemicals; or areas that contain drums, lagoons, pits, contaminated soils, asbestos, or lead paint. Once local, state, and federal personnel receive notice of hazardous release, the staff responds within six months, depending on the severity of the situation.
DNR’s Federal Removals Coordinator (FRC) receives non-emergency situations and time-critical removals requests. After screening for minimum removal requirements, DNR refers the requests to EPA for assistance. Additionally, FRC is responsible for addressing state concerns and identifying remaining issues to solve.
Furthermore, the EPA staff evaluates the site and determines the responsible party (eg. current property owner, former property owner, or the operator of previous business). The purpose is to discover the individual or group of people responsible in the abandonment or disposal of hazardous materials. However, in some cases and depending on the situation, after the removal action is completed, an additional investigation or clean-up may be required.