Before filling or draining wetlands, which permit must be obtained?

• A. Nationwide Permit (NWP)
• B. Individual Permit
• C. General Permit
• D. Zoning Permit

Answer: (A)

When you’re filling or draining wetlands, you need formal authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act. A Nationwide Permit is the typical route for many wetland-fill projects because it covers broad categories of activities that have minimal individual impacts, provided you meet the specific conditions and complete any required pre-construction notification. If your project would cause more than minimal adverse effects or doesn’t fit a Nationwide Permit category, you would need an Individual Permit, which involves a more detailed review. General Permits exist in some regions for other minor activities, but they’re not the default path for most wetlands work, and a Zoning Permit is a local land-use permit that doesn’t authorize federal wetland fills. So, the standard best answer is the Nationwide Permit.