Analysis of Direct and Indirect Impact Costs Attributed to the Wetlands Regulatory Programs of the Local, State and Federal Governments of the United States

The objective of this Master of Engineering Report is to evaluate the direct and indirect impact costs attributed to the wetlands regulatory programs of the local, state, and federal governments. These costs are investigated for several housing related projects in the Pennsylvania area to determine the extent of these costs and to determine the changes that are necessary to reduce these costs. Additionally, this report provides an insight into the current problems associated with wetland area construction such as delineation the identification of the wetland boundaries, mitigation the construction of new wetlands to replace wetlands that are filled and the permitting process. This report does not argue that wetland protection is not vital or important to society. it merely addresses the concerns of developers and owners as to the cost, in both time and money required. to develop within the confines of wetlands. It is hoped that by better understanding the requirements for wetland protection and development, less wetland areas will be mistakenly destroyed.