What is the requirement called for replacing filled or altered wetlands in terms of functions and values?

The requirement for replacing filled or altered wetlands in terms of their functions and values is referred to as mitigation. This concept is integral to environmental protection policies and regulations, particularly under the Clean Water Act in the United States. Mitigation aims to compensate for the loss of wetland areas by creating, restoring, or enhancing other wetland sites to provide the same ecological benefits.

Mitigation involves assessing the specific functions and services that the original wetlands provided and ensuring that any new or restored wetlands can deliver comparable ecological functions. This may include considerations for water quality improvement, habitat for wildlife, flood storage, and other watershed services.

The concept of mitigation is essential in helping to balance developmental activities with the need to preserve natural ecosystems. By requiring developers to engage in mitigation, policies aim to minimize overall impacts on wetlands and ensure that they are conserved for future environmental health and biodiversity.