The Secretary shall not approve any loan under this chapter to drain, dredge, fill, level, or otherwise manipulate a wetland (as defined in section 3801(a)(16) [1] of title 16), or to engage in any activity that results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation, or reach of water, except in the case of activity related to the maintenance of previously converted wetlands, or in the case of such activity that is already commenced before November 28, 1990 . This section shall not apply to a loan made or guaranteed under this chapter for a utility line. ( Pub. L. 87–128, title III, § 363 , as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XVIII, § 1824 , Nov. 28, 1990 , 104 Stat. 3831 ; amended Pub. L. 102–237, title V, § 501(i) , Dec. 13, 1991 , 105 Stat. 1868 ; Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, § 751 , Apr. 4, 1996 , 110 Stat. 1129 .) [1] See References in Text note below. Editorial Notes References in Text This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this title”, meaning title III of Pub. L. 87–128 , Aug. 8, 1961 , 75 Stat. 307 , known as the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act , which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1921 of this title and Tables. Section 3801(a) of title 16 , referred to in text, was subsequently amended, and section 3801(a)(16) no longer defines the term “wetland”. However, such term is defined elsewhere in that section. Amendments 1996— Pub. L. 104–127 inserted at end “This section shall not apply to a loan made or guaranteed under this chapter for a utility line.” 1991— Pub. L. 102–237 inserted a closing parenthesis after “3801(a)(16) of title 16” and substituted “before November 28, 1990 ” for “prior to the date of enactment of this section”. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date of 1991 Amendment Amendment by Pub. L. 102–237 effective as if included in the provision of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 , Pub. L. 101–624 , to which the amendment relates, see section 1101(b)(3) of Pub. L. 102–237 , set out as a note under section 1421 of this title .