For each project action involving a wetland, State agencies shall follow a multi-step process to avoid and minimize adverse wetland impacts as the preferred course of action. An agency must document that no other feasible alternative exists before adverse impacts are considered.
In order of priority, these steps shall include:
(1) The avoidance of adverse wetland impacts;(2) Minimal alteration with compensation on the site of the proposed project;(3) Significant alteration with compensation on the site of the proposed project;(4) Wetland destruction with compensation on the site of the proposed project;(5) Wetland destruction with compensation off the site of the proposed project but within the same drainage basin; and(6) Wetland destruction with compensation both off the site of the proposed project and out of the drainage basin.