Shawn, I read the case you posted and it's a case of stupidity. The land owner applied for a 404 and was denied. He proceeded to rip with a dozer anyway, and "obliterated", "completely filled" wetland areas. The Gov't let him off when he restored a section of wetlands, then proceeded to rip again, the Gov't made him stop, then ISSUED him a permit to rip in 40+ acres...he then tore up 4000+ acres !!! He admitted blame. The poor SOB did it all for the greed of money. That's why the 404 is in place, he wasn't a pond lover, he was a crook who would do anything to make a dollar. It's easy to blame big brother for everything...but the line has to be drawn somewhere. Good reference Shawn, it was an eye opener. Jersey...surely you can convince the people in charge of your jurisdictional wetlands that your project is either "not related to wetland areas", or "not intrusive to the surroundings" It seems like the only real reason that you could be denied is that the land strata being disturbed will fill downstream wetlands. I would get some get core samples tested to strengthen your case for the permit.
