Enabling Legislation

Legislation Governing Ecological Services' Consultation Role

 

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the voice for our nation's fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. We work with Federal construction agencies during project planning, permitting, and construction to ensure that impacts to our natural resources are avoided, minimized, and mitigated. We also consult with federal agencies to ensure that their actons do not jeopardize the existence of threatened and endangered species.

 

The role of the Service in consulting with other Federal Agencies is governed by various administrative rules and Acts of Congress.  The most common are:

 

• Endangered Species Act

• Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958

• Migratory Bird Treaty Act

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

 

We provide review and comment on Pre-Construction Notices and Individual Permit Notices that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposes for authorization under the following authories:

 

• Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and
• Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act

 

"Superfund" toxic waste cleanup law (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act [CERCLA])

 

The EPA, through Superfund, seeks to clean up sites where toxic and hazardous wastes have been deposited or spilled. The Service's Division of Environmental Contaminants provides information, data, and guidance to the EPA to ensure that the cleanups protect migratory birds, anadromous fish, marine mammals, and threatened and endangered species.

 

 

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