Wetlands
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is charged with protecting the wetlands of the state of Tennessee. The Division of Water Resources carries out this mission by requiring any activity that may alter a wetland to obtain an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit (ARAP). In addition to presiding over the regulation of wetlands in the state of Tennessee, TDEC also maintains a number of technical resources, conducts educational opportunities relating to wetlands, and offers a variety of voluntary wetland protection resources.
During the 113th General Assembly, the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee voted to send SB631 on wetlands regulations to a summer study session. As a part of this summer study, TDEC was charged with facilitating stakeholder engagement to inform the development of a framework with policy options for wetlands regulations in Tennessee. TDEC developed a report summarizing the process and results of the stakeholder engagement and providing Commissioner-level recommendations to the Senate for consideration.
For more information, please email water.permits@tn.gov
This Page Last Updated: September 11, 2024 at 3:23 PM