Wetlands Mitigation Banking: Mitigation banking has the potential to play a significant role in the Section 404 regulatory program by reducing uncertainty and delays, as well as improving the success of wetlands mitigation efforts. Land owners needing to "mitigate" or compensate for authorized impacts to wetlands associated with development activities may have the option of purchasing credits from an approved mitigation bank rather than restoring or creating wetlands on or near the development site.

Status
The EPA Administration supports mitigation banking and is currently develop ing interagency guidance for the establishment and use of mitigation banks. Approximately 100 mitigation banks are in operation or are proposed for construction in 34 States across the country, including the first private entrepreneurial banks. See: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/facts/fact16.html