---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 3822"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "3822"
heading: "Delineation of wetlands; exemptions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/3822"
units:
  - "Chapter 58 — Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation and Reserve Program"
  - "Subchapter III — Wetland Conservation"
---

# §3822. Delineation of wetlands; exemptions

- (a) **Delineation by Secretary—**
  - (1) **In general—** Subject to [subsection (b)](#b) and [paragraph (6)](#a-6), the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall delineate, determine, and certify all [wetlands](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) located on subject land on a farm.
  - (2) **Wetland delineation maps—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall delineate [wetlands](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) on [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) delineation [maps](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1). On the request of a [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19), the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall make a reasonable effort to make an on-site [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) determination prior to delineation.
  - (3) **Certification—** On providing notice to affected [persons](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19), the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall—
    - (A) certify whether a [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) is sufficient for the purpose of making a determination of ineligibility for program benefits under [section 3821 of this title](/usc/16/3821.md); and
    - (B) provide an opportunity to appeal the certification prior to the certification becoming final.
  - (4) **Duration of certification—** A final certification made under [paragraph (3)](#a-3) shall remain valid and in effect as long as the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) is devoted to an agricultural use or until such time as the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) affected by the certification requests review of the certification by the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21).
  - (5) **Review of mapping on appeal—** In the case of an appeal of the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21)’s certification, the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall review and certify the accuracy of the mapping of all land subject to the appeal to ensure that the subject land has been accurately delineated. Prior to rendering a decision on the appeal, the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall conduct an on-site inspection of the subject land on a farm.
  - (6) **Reliance on prior certified delineation—** No [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) shall be adversely affected because of having taken an action based on a previous certified [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) delineation by the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21). The delineation shall not be subject to a subsequent [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) certification or delineation by the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21), unless requested by the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) under [paragraph (4)](#a-4).
- (b) **Exemptions—** No [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) shall become ineligible under [section 3821 of this title](/usc/16/3821.md) for program loans or payments under the following circumstances:
  - (1) As the result of the production of an [agricultural commodity](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-1) on the following lands:
    - (A) A [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A) if the conversion of the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) was commenced before December 23, 1985.
    - (B) Land that is a nontidal drainage or irrigation ditch excavated in upland.
    - (C) A wet [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) created by a water delivery system, irrigation, irrigation system, or application of water for irrigation.
    - (D) A [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) on which the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) or operator of a farm or ranch uses normal cropping or ranching practices to produce an [agricultural commodity](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-1) in a manner that is consistent for the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) where the production is possible as a result of a natural condition, such as drought, and is without action by the producer that destroys a natural [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) characteristic.
    - (E) Land that is an artificial lake or pond created by excavating or diking land (that is not a [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27)) to collect and retain water and that is used primarily for [livestock](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-17) watering, fish production, irrigation, wildlife, fire control, flood control, cranberry growing, or rice production, or as a settling pond.
    - (F) A [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) that is temporarily or incidentally created as a result of adjacent development activity.
    - (G) A [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A) if the original conversion of the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) was commenced before December 23, 1985, and the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) determines the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) characteristics returned after that date as a result of—
      - (i) the lack of maintenance of drainage, dikes, levees, or similar structures;
      - (ii) a lack of management of the lands containing the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27); or
      - (iii) circumstances beyond the control of the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19).
    - (H) A [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A), if—
      - (i) the [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A) was determined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to have been manipulated for the production of an [agricultural commodity](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-1) or forage prior to December 23, 1985, and was returned to [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) conditions through a voluntary restoration, enhancement, or creation action subsequent to that determination;
      - (ii) technical determinations regarding the prior site conditions and the restoration, enhancement, or creation action have been adequately documented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
      - (iii) the proposed conversion action is approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service prior to implementation; and
      - (iv) the extent of the proposed conversion is limited so that the conditions will be at least equivalent to the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) functions and values that existed prior to implementation of the voluntary [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) restoration, enhancement, or creation action.
  - (2) For the conversion of the following:
    - (A) An artificial lake or pond created by excavating or diking land that is not a [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) to collect and retain water and that is used primarily for [livestock](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-17) watering, fish production, irrigation, wildlife, fire control, flood control, cranberry growing, rice production, or as a settling pond.
    - (B) A [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) that is temporarily or incidentally created as a result of adjacent development activity.
    - (C) A [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) on which the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) or operator of a farm or ranch uses normal cropping or ranching practices to produce an [agricultural commodity](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-1) in a manner that is consistent for the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) where the production is possible as a result of a natural condition, such as drought, and is without action by the producer that destroys a natural [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) characteristic.
    - (D) A [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) previously identified as a [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A) (if the original conversion of the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) was commenced before December 23, 1985), but that the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) determines returned to [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) status after that date as a result of—
      - (i) the lack of maintenance of drainage, dikes, levees, or similar structures;
      - (ii) a lack of management of the lands containing the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27); or
      - (iii) circumstances beyond the control of the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19).
    - (E) A [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27), if—
      - (i) the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) was determined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to have been manipulated for the production of an [agricultural commodity](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-1) or forage prior to December 23, 1985, and was returned to [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) conditions through a voluntary restoration, enhancement, or creation action subsequent to that determination;
      - (ii) technical determinations regarding the prior site conditions and the restoration, enhancement, or creation action have been adequately documented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
      - (iii) the proposed conversion action is approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service prior to implementation; and
      - (iv) the extent of the proposed conversion is limited so that the conditions will be at least equivalent to the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) functions and values that existed prior to implementation of the voluntary [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) restoration, enhancement, or creation action.
- (c) **On-site inspection requirement—**
  - (1) **In general—** No program loans, payments, or benefits shall be withheld from a [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) under this subchapter unless the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) has conducted an on-site visit of the subject land, which, except as provided in [paragraph (2)](#c-2), shall be conducted in the presence of the affected [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19).
  - (2) **Exception—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) may conduct an on-site visit under [paragraph (1)](#c-1) without the affected [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) present if the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) has made a reasonable effort to include the presence of the affected [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) at the on-site visit.
- (d) **Identification of minimal effect exemptions—** For purposes of applying the minimal effect exemption under [subsection (f)(1)](#f-1), the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall identify by regulation categorical minimal effect exemptions on a regional basis to assist [persons](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) in avoiding a [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) of the ineligibility provisions of [section 3821 of this title](/usc/16/3821.md). The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall ensure that employees of the Department of Agriculture who administer this subchapter receive appropriate training to properly apply the minimal effect exemptions determined by the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21).
- (e) **Nonwetlands—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall exempt from the ineligibility provisions of [section 3821 of this title](/usc/16/3821.md) any action by a [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) upon lands in any case in which the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) determines that any one of the following does not apply with respect to such lands:
  - (1) Such lands have a predominance of [hydric soils](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-12).
  - (2) Such lands are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of [hydrophytic vegetation](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-13) typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
  - (3) Such lands, under normal circumstances, support a prevalence of such vegetation.
- (f) **Minimal effect; mitigation—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall exempt a [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) from the ineligibility provisions of [section 3821 of this title](/usc/16/3821.md) for any action associated with the production of an [agricultural commodity](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-1) on a [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A), or the conversion of a [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27), if 1 or more of the following conditions apply, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21):
  - (1) The action, individually and in connection with all other similar actions authorized by the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) in the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), will have a minimal effect on the functional hydrological and biological value of the [wetlands](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) in the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), including the value to waterfowl and wildlife.
  - (2) The [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) and the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) values, acreage, and functions are mitigated by the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) through the restoration of a [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A), the enhancement of an existing [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27), or the creation of a new [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27), and the restoration, enhancement, or creation is—
    - (A) in accordance with a [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) [conservation plan](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-3);
    - (B) in advance of, or concurrent with, the action;
    - (C) not at the expense of the Federal Government;
    - (D) in the case of enhancement or restoration of [wetlands](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27), on not greater than a 1-for-1 acreage basis unless more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) conversion to be mitigated;
    - (E) in the case of creation of [wetlands](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27), on greater than a 1-for-1 acreage basis if more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) conversion that is mitigated;
    - (F) on lands in the same general [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of the local watershed as the [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A); and
    - (G) with respect to the restored, enhanced, or created [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27), made subject to an easement that—
      - (i) is recorded on public land records;
      - (ii) remains in force for as long as the [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A) for which the restoration, enhancement, or creation to be mitigated remains in agricultural use or is not returned to its original [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) classification with equivalent functions and values; and
      - (iii) prohibits making alterations to the restored, enhanced, or created [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) that lower the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27)’s functions and values.
  - (3) The [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) was converted after December 23, 1985, but before November 28, 1990, and the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) values, acreage, and functions are mitigated by the producer through the requirements of subparagraphs [(A)](#f-2-A), [(B)](#f-2-B), [(C)](#f-2-C), [(D)](#f-2-D), [(F)](#f-2-F), and [(G)](#f-2-G) of paragraph (2).
  - (4) The action was authorized by a permit issued under [section 1344 of title 33](/usc/33/1344.md) and the [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) values, acreage, and functions of the [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A) were adequately mitigated for the purposes of this subchapter.
- (g) **Mitigation appeals—** A [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) shall be afforded the right to appeal, under [section 3843](/usc/16/3843.md)[^1] of this title, the imposition of a mitigation agreement requiring greater than one-to-one acreage mitigation to which the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) is subject.
- (h) **Good faith exemption—**
  - (1) **Exemption described—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) may waive a [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19)’s ineligibility under [section 3821 of this title](/usc/16/3821.md) for program loans, payments, and benefits as the result of the conversion of a [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) subsequent to November 28, 1990, or the production of an [agricultural commodity](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-1) on a [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A), if the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) determines that the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) has acted in good faith and without intent to violate this subchapter.
  - (2) **Eligible reviewers—** A determination of the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21), or a designee of the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21), under [paragraph (1)](#h-1) shall be reviewed by the applicable—
    - (A) [State](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-24) Executive Director, with the technical concurrence of the [State](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-24) Conservationist; or
    - (B) district director, with the technical concurrence of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) conservationist.
  - (3) **Period for compliance—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall provide a [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) who the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) determines has acted in good faith and without intent to violate this subchapter with a reasonable period, but not to exceed 1 year, during which to implement the measures and practices necessary to be considered to be actively restoring the subject [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27).
- (i) **Restoration—** Any [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) who is determined to be ineligible for program benefits under [section 3821 of this title](/usc/16/3821.md) for any crop year shall not be ineligible for such program benefits under such section for any subsequent crop year if, prior to the beginning of such subsequent crop year, the [person](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) has fully restored the characteristics of the [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A) to its prior [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) [state](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-24) or has otherwise mitigated for the loss of [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) values, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21), through the restoration, enhancement, or creation of [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) values in the same general [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of the local watershed as the [converted wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-7-A).
- (j) **Determinations; restoration and mitigation plans; monitoring activities—** Technical determinations, the development of restoration and mitigation plans, and monitoring activities under this section shall be made by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
- (k) **Mitigation banking—**
  - (1) **Mitigation banking program—**
    - (A) **In general—** Using authorities available to the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21), the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall operate a program or work with third parties to establish mitigation banks to assist [persons](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) in complying with the provisions of this section while mitigating any loss of [wetland](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-27) values and functions.
    - (B) **Authorization of appropriations—** There is authorized to be appropriated to the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) to carry out this paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
  - (2) **Applicability—** [Subsection (f)(2)(C)](#f-2-C) shall not apply to this subsection.
  - (3) **Policy and criteria—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) shall develop the appropriate policy and criteria that will allow willing [persons](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-19) to access existing mitigation banks, under this section or any other authority, that will serve the purposes of this section without requiring the [Secretary](/usc/16/3801.md?p=a-21) to hold an easement, in whole or in part, in a mitigation bank.

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, § 1222, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1508; Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, § 1422, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3573; Pub. L. 104–127, title III, § 322, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 987; Pub. L. 110–234, title II, § 2003, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1028; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title II, § 2003, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1756; Pub. L. 113–79, title II, § 2609, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 761; Pub. L. 115–334, title II, §§ 2102, 2103, 2821(b), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4530, 4602.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 3843 of this title, referred to in subsec. (g), was omitted and a new section 3843 was added in the general amendment of subchapter V of this chapter by Pub. L. 104–127, title III, § 341, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1008. The new section 3843, which did not relate to appeal procedures, was subsequently repealed by Pub. L. 113–79, title II, § 2710(a), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 770.

### Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

### Amendments

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–334, § 2102, designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, inserted “, which, except as provided in paragraph (2), shall be conducted in the presence of the affected person” before period at end, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 115–334, § 2821(b), substituted “Natural Resources Conservation Service” for “National Resources Conservation Service”.

Subsec. (k)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, § 2103, amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $10,000,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out this paragraph.”

2014—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 113–79 amended subsec. (k) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Using authorities available to the Secretary, the Secretary may operate a pilot program for mitigation banking of wetlands to assist persons to increase the efficiency of agricultural operations while protecting wetland functions and values. Subsection (f)(2)(C) of this section shall not apply to this subsection.”

2008—Subsec. (h)(2), (3). Pub. L. 110–246, § 2003, added par. (2), redesignated former par. (2) as (3), and inserted “be” before “actively”.

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(a), added subsec. (a) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (a). Text consisted of pars. (1) to (4) relating to delineation of wetlands.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(b), added subsec. (b) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (b). Text consisted of pars. (1)(A) to (D) and (2)(A) and (B) relating to exemptions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(c), added subsec. (d) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (d). Text read as follows: “Section 3821 of this title shall not apply to a loan described in section 3821 of this title made before December 23, 1985.”

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(d), added subsec. (f) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (f). Text consisted of pars. (1) to (3) relating to minimal effect and mitigation exemptions.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(e), which directed substitution of “person” for “producer”, was executed by making the substitution in two places.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(f), added subsec. (h) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (h). Text consisted of pars. (1) to (3) relating to good faith exemptions to ineligibility under section 3821 of this title and graduated sanctions.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(g), inserted before period at end “or has otherwise mitigated for the loss of wetland values, as determined by the Secretary, through the restoration, enhancement, or creation of wetland values in the same general area of the local watershed as the converted wetland”.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(h), added subsec. (j) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (j). Text provided that technical determinations and the development of restoration and mitigation plans be made through agreement of local representative of Soil Conservation Service and representative of the Fish and Wildlife Service and required reporting of determinations and monitoring.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 104–127, § 322(i), added subsec. (k).

1990—Pub. L. 101–624 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions relating to eligibility for program benefits in connection with production of crops on certain wetlands, making program ineligibility inapplicable to pre-Dec. 23, 1985, section 3821 loans, and providing for personal exemptions from program ineligibility for actions associated with production of commodities having minimal wetland effect.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

### Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–127 effective 90 days after Apr. 4, 1996, see section 326 of Pub. L. 104–127, set out as a note under section 3821 of this title.