These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. Rather, what is prohibited is the “point source discharge‘ of “dredged or fill material.” Thus, it is of paramount importance how these terms are defined, and the definitions have an impact on development and mining operations from Appalachia to Alaska. It is even not illegal under the Clean Water Act to drain a wetland. It is not illegal under the Clean Water Act to excavate or dredge wetlands. It is not illegal under the Clean Water Act to remove wetland vegetation.

The statute, which is the federal government’s strongest regulatory tool to protect wetlands, does not prohibit all activities that harm wetlands. Washington, D.C., is also a prime location for oddities, and the Clean Water Act is a leading example. The land of the midnight sun is not the only place where strange things are done. The allure of gold has long caused misjudgments and madness, so perhaps it is no surprise that today’s regulation of mining activities is a bit peculiar as well.

Meaning of dredged