§ 143-214.9. Ecosystem Enhancement Program: purposes. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 143‑214.9.  Ecosystem Enhancement Program:purposes.

The purposes of the program are as follows:

(1)        To restore wetlands functions and values across the State toreplace critical functions lost through historic wetlands conversion andthrough current and future permitted impacts. It is not the policy of the Stateto destroy upland habitats unless it would further the purposes of the WetlandsRestoration Program.

(2)        To provide a consistent and simplified approach to addressmitigation requirements associated with permits or authorizations issued by theUnited States Army Corps of Engineers under 33 U.S.C. § 1344.

(3)        To streamline the wetlands permitting process, minimizedelays in permit decisions, and decrease the burden of permit applicants ofplanning and performing compensatory mitigation for wetlands losses.

(4)        To increase the ecological effectiveness of compensatorymitigation.

(5)        To achieve a net increase in wetland acres, functions, andvalues in each major river basin.

(6)        To foster a comprehensive approach to environmentalprotection. (1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c.18, s. 27.4(a); 2005‑386, s. 3.2.)