Definition
Wetlands include marshes, wet meadows, swamps, bogs, wooded swamps and similar areas.
Wetlands in Illinois are most common on floodplains along rivers and streams (riparian wetlands), in isolated depressions surrounded by dry land, along the margins of lakes and ponds, and in other low-lying areas where the groundwater intercepts the soil surface or where precipitation sufficiently saturates the soil (vernal pools and bogs).
For regulatory purposes under the Clean Water Act, the term wetlands means "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas." (EPA Regulations listed at 40 CFR 230.3(t))
Three factors are used to determine the presence of wetlands (according to the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers Delineation Manual):
- Hydric Soils - Soils which present certain characteristics when saturated.
- Hydrophytic vegetation – Plants which grow in water or saturated soils.
- Hydrology - Saturation of soils with water.
U.S. EPA definitions and information about wetlands
Benefits
Wetlands provide a multitude of ecological, economic and social benefits. They provide habitat for fish, wildlife and a variety of plants. Wetlands are nurseries for many fish and shellfish. Wetlands are also important landscape features because they hold and slowly release flood water and snow melt, recharge groundwater, act as filters to cleanse water of impurities, recycle nutrients, and provide recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Regulations
Wetlands are protected by both federal and local regulations, governed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DuPage County Stormwater Management and Floodplain Ordinance adopted by the City of Warrenville (Stormwater Ordinance).
Proposed development plans must first attempt to avoid and then minimize direct or indirect impacts to a wetland. If avoidance is impracticable, the loss of the wetland and buffer must be mitigated/replaced. Supporting documnetation must be provided to the City along with the Stormwater Permit Submittal in accordance with the Stormwater Ordiancne.
Permits
The following work within wetlands or wetland buffer requires a Stormwater Management Permit:
- Building structures, including fences, retaining walls, sheds
- Disturbing the ground or grading
- Removal of vegetation
- Creating brush/landscape waste or refuse piles
- Mowing in a natural area
- Planting non-native vegetation
- Any activity that negatively affects the flow or absorption of water
For more information about City of Warrenville wetland regulations or to set up a pre-application meeting with the City Engineer, please call 630-393-9050.
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