In 1990, Jones pleaded guilty to illegally filling protected wetlands on his estate, and paid a $2 million settlement.

It was a retreat with access to the ducks and waterfowl that filled the lagoons and wetlands in the area.

Until now, builders who obtain permits to fill wetlands have generally been required to create an equivalent amount of wetlands elsewhere.

From 1977 to 1997, the Corps of Engineers granted 34 permits for filling and developing wetlands in the region.

Next, Mr. Mills filled valuable wetlands on this property without obtaining the necessary Federal permits.

Prosecutions for filling wetlands were rarer still.

Put another way, "the right to fill wetlands was not part of the title he acquired."

In developing the lots, Lucas filled wetlands for the construction of driveways and septic systems.

Rapanos was convicted of two felonies for filling wetlands in violation of law in 1995.

If an applicant can demonstrate that he or she has no alternative but to fill wetlands, a permit will be issued.