Executive Summary - wsdot.wa.gov · Web view5/18/2020 · Slope and riverine wetland with hydric soils, supports hydrophytic vegetation, and has soils saturation in August during

DRAFT/FINAL WETLAND AND STREAM ASSESSMENT REPORT

Project Name

Project County, Washington

Work Order:WIN:PIN:

Prepared ByWSDOT XX Region

Office Name

Month Day, Year

Author, 01/03/-1,

If sending for review and the review will not be done in Word Track Changes, you can turn on the line numbering for review reference from the “Layout” tab on the ribbon, then “Line Numbers” dropdown under the “Page Setup” section.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete if streams are not present

Author, 01/03/-1,

All comments are intended as annotated notes to direct your use of the template. Click on each comment to expand it to read the entire text.Delete all comments as they are addressed and before finalizing the report. Address all text highlighted in gray and example text indicated with and “X”. Update or delete these pieces of information with project specific information and remove highlighting before finalizing the report.To change formatting, highlight text to change and select the desired format from the “Styles” options from the “Home” tab on your ribbon. The styles are built into the report template and operate the auto-numbering associated with numbered headers and the table of contents, figures, and appendices etc. Using other formatting options besides the “Styles” (such as from the “Font” option form the “Home” tab, highlighting and right-clicking, or “Format Painter”) may cause formatting problems.

DRAFT/FINAL WETLAND AND STREAM ASSESSMENT REPORT

Project Name

Month Day, Year

Prepared By:Biologist Name, TitlePhone NumberWSDOT Office/Consultant Name

Project Engineer:PE Name, Project EngineerPhone NumberWSDOT Office

Other Contributors and Role:Contributor Name, Title, WSDOT Office/Consultant Name, roleContributor Name, Title, WSDOT Office/Consultant Name, roleContributor Name, Title, WSDOT Office/Consultant Name, roleContributor Name, Title, WSDOT Office/Consultant Name, role

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete if streams are not present

Title VI Notice to Public It is the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OEO’s Title VI Coordinator at (360) 705-7090.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing the Office of Equal Opportunity at [email protected] or by calling toll free, 855-362-4ADA(4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/EqualOpportunity/ADA.htm

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/EqualOpportunity/titlevi.htm

Executive SummaryText

Author, 01/03/-1,

Include:One paragraph on project description, purpose, and location. Complicated projects may require additional information.One paragraph summary of wetland findings including: Number and total area of wetlands within project area. Dominant wetland classifications (HGM, Cowardin, Ecology rating category, local jurisdiction rating category), Brief summary of wetland functions General condition of wetlands and buffers.One paragraph summary of any streams occurring within the project area.One paragraph summary of any jurisdictional ditches within the project area if ditch information is being included in this report.One paragraph on any known sensitive plant, fish, or wildlife currently known to occur within the project corridor. Refer to the Biological Assessment for federally listed threatened or endangered species.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Edit the footer on this page to update all footers in report body. When the project name and report Month/Year is entered into the footer it copies down through Section 3.Repeat footer update on the first page of the Section 4/Appendix A footer which will update all subsequent footers in the appendices. Note appendices do not have page numbers listed to accommodate when PDFed data sheets are inserted into the PDFed report at the end.

Table of Contents1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................1

2. Proposed Project....................................................................................................................1

2.1. Project Location..................................................................................................................1

2.2. Project Purpose and Description........................................................................................3

2.3. Study Area..........................................................................................................................3

3. Methods..................................................................................................................................5

3.1. Wetland Delineation, Classification, Functions, and Buffers..............................................5

3.2. Stream Delineation, Classification, and Buffers..................................................................6

3.3. Wetland and Stream Boundary Documentation.................................................................6

3.4. Ditches................................................................................................................................7

3.5. Species and Habitats of Interest.........................................................................................7

4. Existing Conditions.................................................................................................................8

4.1. Landscape Setting..............................................................................................................8

4.2. Watershed Description.......................................................................................................8

4.3. Climate, Precipitation, and Growing Season......................................................................8

4.3.1. Climate.....................................................................................................................8

4.3.2. Precipitation.............................................................................................................8

4.3.3. Growing Season......................................................................................................8

4.4. Wetlands.............................................................................................................................8

4.4.1. Overview..................................................................................................................8

4.4.2. Vegetation..............................................................................................................10

4.4.3. Soils.......................................................................................................................10

4.4.4. Hydrology...............................................................................................................10

4.4.5. Wetland Functions.................................................................................................11

4.4.6. Wetland Buffers.....................................................................................................11

4.5. Streams.............................................................................................................................13

4.6. Ditches..............................................................................................................................15

4.7. Species and Habitats of Interest.......................................................................................16

5. Recommendations...............................................................................................................16

6. Limitations............................................................................................................................17

7. References...........................................................................................................................18

Author, 01/03/-1,

Right click anywhere on the TOC/Figures/Tables/Appendices lists and click “Update Field/Update entire table” before finalizing. This updates all text and page numbers automatically.

FiguresFigure 1. Vicinity Map....................................................................................................................2

Figure 2. Study area showing approximate wetland and stream locations...................................4

Figure 3. Landscape setting photo taken on date.........................................................................8

Figure 4. Wetland boundaries.......................................................................................................9

Figure 5. Photo of typical wetland in the study area....................................................................10

Figure 6. Photo of typical buffer in the study area.......................................................................11

TablesTable 1. Wetlands within the project corridor................................................................................8

Table 2. Functions and values of wetlands in the study area......................................................11

Table 3. Wetland X summary......................................................................................................12

Table 4. Streams within the project corridor................................................................................13

Table 5. X Creek summary..........................................................................................................14

Table 6. Jurisdictional ditches within the project corridor............................................................15

Table 7. Federal and state listed species within half mile of study area......................................16

Table 8. WDFW priority habitats and species occurring within one mile of the study area.........16

Table 9. Comparison of quantity and quality of wetlands on north and south sides of SR XXX. 16

AppendicesAppendix A. Background Information

Appendix A-1. Comparison of Observed and Normal Precipitation

Appendix A-2. Daily Precipitation for 10 Days Preceding Fieldwork, XXX, Washington

Appendix A-3. USGS Topographic Map

Appendix A-4. National Wetland Inventory Map

Appendix A-5. NRCS Soil Survey Map

Appendix A-6. XX City/XX County Wetland Inventory Map

Appendix A-7. Aerial Photograph of Study Area, Washington 1ft 2017, 4 band, Statewide Imagery

Appendix B. Wetland Delineation Data Sheets

Appendix C. Wetland Rating Summaries and Figures

Appendix D. Wetland Functional Assessment Summaries

Appendix E. Jurisdictional Ditch Field Forms

Author, 01/03/-1,

Update the caption for each Figure/Table/Appendix and “unhighlight” the text in the body of the report. Then right click and update the table of Figures/Tables/Appendices and the gray highlighting will automatically become “unhighlighted.”

Appendix F. Plan Sheets

Acronyms and AbbreviationsAW Arid West

(regional supplement to the USACE wetland delineation manual)BA Biological AssessmentDRGs Digital Raster GraphicsDNR Washington Department of Natural ResourcesEcology Washington State Department of EcologyEEM estuarine emergentESA endangered species actGIS geographic information systemGNSS global navigation satellite systemHGM hydrogeomorphic wetland classificationHTL high tide lineI interstateLRR land resource areaLWD large woody debrisMLRA major land resource areaMP milepostNOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationNRCS Natural Resources Conservation ServiceNWI National Wetlands InventoryOHWM ordinary high water markPEM palustrine emergentPEO project engineer officePFO palustrine forestedPHS priority habits and speciesPSS palustrine scrub-shrubROW right of waySR state routeTES threatened, endangered, and sensitive speciesUSACE U.S. Army Corps of EngineersUSFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceUSGS U.S. Geological SurveyW wetlandWMVC Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast

(regional supplement to the USACE wetland delineation manual)WDFW Washington State Department of Fish and WildlifeWSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete any that do not apply and add any that do apply that are not on the list. Hint, you can highlight an individual acronym/abbreviation, do a “Cntrl + F” to find each one in the report, and then delete any that are not used. This can be a last step after your draft is complete.

WRIA water resource inventory area

1. IntroductionText

Example text: This report was prepared for Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) XXX Region in preparation of a proposed fish barrier removal project on SR 000 between Mile Post (MP) 000.00 and MP 000.00. XXX Creek passes through a culvert at SR 000 MP 000.00 identified as a fish passage barrier (Site ID XXXXXX) by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and WSDOT (WDFW 2020a). Correction of the barrier is necessary according to a federal permanent injunction requiring the State of Washington to accelerate fish barrier corrections for salmon and steelhead streams in the Puget Sound area (Federal Court Injunction 2013) and the WSDOT Fish Passage Performance Report (WSDOT 2019).

The purpose of this report is to identify and describe wetlands, streams, and jurisdictional ditches occurring within the project. This report helps WSDOT:

Avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands and other waters during the project design process and construction.

Document wetland and stream boundary determinations, and jurisdictional ditch locations for review by regulatory authorities.

Delete this - for general transportation projects/delete this bullet if it is a fish passage project: Provide background information for wetland mitigation reports should impacts be unavoidable.

Delete this - for fish passage projects/delete this bullet if not a fish passage project: Describe the projects anticipated aquatic resource increase, a net benefit anticipated to offset minor impacts.

This report provides supporting documentation for potential federal, state, and local permit applications.

All waters identified in this report are assumed to be under US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdiction unless otherwise noted.

2. Proposed Project2.1. Project LocationText

Author, 01/03/-1,

One paragraph identifying the county and state where the project is located. Include nearest town, as well as section, township and range. Identify the SR/I/US route number and mileposts and key landmarks. Note the project land resource region (LRR) and major land resource area (MLRA). Reference Figure1.

Author, 01/03/-1,

If ditches were able to be assessed at the time of the other assessment field work, then include documentation of jurisdictional ditches in the WSAR. Delete if ditches will later be addressed in a separated Jurisdictional Ditch Memo.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Include:One sentence project description.The purpose of this report is to identify and describe wetlands and streams, and to identify possible sensitive plant, fish, and wildlife species in the project corridor. This report facilitates WSDOT efforts to: Avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands and streams during the design process. Document wetland and stream boundary determinations for review by regulatory authorities. Provide early indications to project engineers of sensitive species within the project corridor. Provide background information for wetland mitigation reports.List permits this report is anticipated to support. Be specific if known such as CWA Section 404, Section 401, HPA, etc.).Note that all features documented in this report are assumed jurisdictional features unless otherwise noted (delete the” unless otherwise noted” if there are no isolated/corps non-jurisdictional features documented in the report).

Author, 01/03/-1,

“Right size” your report. Add detail for more complicated projects and simplify for smaller projects or projects with few waters to document.See WSAR report examples (example 1 and example 2) or ask the region biologist for example reports. Notes in comments regarding number of paragraph(s) are just suggested guidelines.

***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***

Figure 1. Vicinity Map.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Use vicinity map from the Project Engineer Office (PEO) or create your own in ArcMap.Make sure your vicinity map is to a scale where the reader can place the project within the context of Washington State. You can assume your reader is familiar with Washington.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete ***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page *** text and replace it with your figure.Crop off extra white space on the edges of the image once inserted and expand the image to the fullest extent before pushing the “Figure 1. Vicinity Map.” caption to the next page. Repeat for each subsequent figure.

2.2. Project Purpose and DescriptionText

2.3. Study AreaText

Author, 01/03/-1,

Verify with the PEO that the entire project site was examined for wetlands, streams, and other waters including all grading, clearing, stormwater facilities, utilities, staging areas, temporary impact areas, etc.One paragraph. Provide a narrative of the study area boundary and reference Figure 2.Clearly show the study area in Figure 2 on the following page. You may need to make additional figures if your study area is a long corridor, or otherwise too large to clearly show in one figure.

Author, 01/03/-1,

One or two paragraphs. Coordinate with the PEO to obtain project purpose and description. Edit it as necessary to add detail, omit extraneous detail, and match writing style to the style of your WSAR. Include major work elements if known such as cut and fill, paving, guardrail installation, vegetation clearing, detour etc. Minor work elements do not need to be included.

***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page***

Figure 2. Study area showing approximate wetland and stream locations.

Author, 01/03/-1,

If your project is simple and small enough you could opt to delete this figure and add the study area boundary to “Figure 4. Wetland Boundaries.” If you choose this option make sure to change the Figure 4 caption to “Wetland and study area boundaries”. The figure numbering is automatically built in and will update when you delete this figure caption. The table of contents and table of figures will need to be updated at the end to reflect this change. If your project is more complex or larger, use Figure 2 to show the entire study area. Decide if including the wetlands and streams is useful detail given the scale. If it is too “zoomed out” to show wetland and stream detail, then just show the study area in this figure and adjust the Figure 2 caption text to match.You may need to add additional figures on the subsequent page(s) for long corridor projects.

3. MethodsThe following data sources were reviewed for information on precipitation, topography, drainage patterns, soils, vegetation, and potential or known wetlands and streams in the project vicinity:

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Climate Data for XX County, Station XX, Washington (NRCS 202Xa) (Appendix A-1 and A-2).

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Digital Raster Graphics topographic maps (USGS 202X.) (Appendix A-3).

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps (USFWS 2017; FGDC 2013) (Appendix A-4).

NRCS, Soil Survey of XX County Washington (NRCS 202Xb) and Washington State Hydric Soils (NRCS 202Xc) (Appendix A-5).

XX County/City Wetland Inventory Map (Citation XXXX) (Appendix A-6).

Aerial photograph, Washington 1ft 2017, 4 band, Statewide Imagery (Appendix A-7 OR Figure X).

Scientific plant names in this report are from the USACE National Wetland Plant List, version 3.4 (USACE 2018).

Wetlands, stream, and aquatic resources assessment fieldwork was completed:

Between Month Day, Year, and Month Day, Year.

By WSDOT OR Consultant Firm wetland biologists names.

While walking the extent of the study area.

Wetland and stream assessment and report preparation follows policy and guidance on the WSDOT Wetlands webpage (WSDOT 202X).

3.1. Wetland Delineation, Classification, Functions, and BuffersWetlands were delineated using routine methods described in:

Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987).

Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (Version 2.0) (AW Regional Supplement) (USACE 2008a). OR Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (WMVC Regional Supplement) (USACE 2010).

Wetland boundaries were delineated based on on-site observations of vegetation, soils, and hydrology in conjunction with background information listed above. Some wetlands in the project have boundaries extending beyond the study area.

Wetlands were classified using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) classification system (Cowardin) (USFWS 2017; FGDC 2013) and the hydrogeomorphic classification System (HGM) (Brinson 1993). Wetlands were rated using the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington – 2014 Update (Hruby 2014). The XX Municipal Code (City of XX/XX County 202X) references the 2004 Rating System. Wetland functions were assessed using the Wetland Functions Characterization Tool for Linear Projects (BPJ tool) (Null et al. 2000).

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete this abbreviated reference if this is the only place in the repot that discusses the regional supplement.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Chose the regional supplement that applies to your project and delete the other. Do the same in the References section.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete this abbreviated reference if this is the only place in the report that discusses the regional supplement.

Author, 01/03/-1,

You can install WSDOT’s plant auto-text into your Microsoft Word template to make working with plant names easier and automated. Learn how on our website.

Author, 01/03/-1,

If other figures in the body of the report include aerial photos as background layers, this map may not be necessary and could be deleted. Often the figure showing the wetland boundaries will have an aerial photo as a background. If that is the case then reference a figure here instead of the appendix and delete the place holder for Appendix A-7 in Appendix A.

Author, 01/03/-1,

This map is supplemental if available. Delete from this list and the appendix if not available.

Author, 01/03/-1,

The methods section provides example text for standard methods. Carefully review example text, making sure it applies to your project. Document any deviations by changing the text to match your methods. Update all citations and Appendix references. Identify the method and what it was used for. Avoid explaining details about what the method is or how it is applied. If the reader wants to learn about the method they can access the information from your References section.

City of XX/XX County wetland buffers (City of XX 202X/XX County 202X) were applied to the wetlands in the project, in conjunction with Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) tables for adjusting rating scores (2004 to 2014 versions with July 2018 modifications) (Ecology 2018). Buffer widths range from XX to XXX feet depending on wetland rating and intensity of land use impacts. Buffers were applied based on high intensity land use. Wetland buffer condition within the study area was assessed using the following criteria:

Land use (e.g. agriculture, residential, commercial, industrial).

Buffer vegetation structure (tree, shrub, herb, vine, un-vegetated).

Buffer vegetation community (dominant plant species per strata, native vs. non-native dominants, and description of invasive species or noxious weeds).

3.2. Stream Delineation, Classification, and BuffersThe ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of each stream was delineated using USACE guidance for OHWM identification (USACE 2005; USACE 2008a OR USACE 2014). AND/OR The high tide line (HTL) was used to delineate tidally-influenced streams in the study area. Biologists coordinated with USACE liaisons on date to determine HTL. AND/OR An OHWM was not delineated for stream reaches completely contained within the wetland boundary and with vegetated channels. These areas are included in the wetland delineation when the three factors are present.

Fish presence was determined based on available WDFW Fish Passage Inventory (WDFW 202Xa) and Fish Distribution data (WDFW 202Xc).

City of XX/XX County stream buffers (City of XX 202X/XX County 202X) were applied to streams in the project, in conjunction with Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices Rules, water type classifications (DNR 202Xa). Buffer widths range from XX to XXX feet depending on water type (City of XX 202X/XX County 202X). When wetland and stream buffers overlap, they are treated only as wetland buffer (Appendix F).

3.3. Wetland and Stream Boundary DocumentationBoundaries of wetlands and streams were documented using WSDOT Sensitive Areas Naming & Flagging Conventions (WSDOT 202X). Wetland sample point locations and boundaries of wetlands and streams were marked with alphanumeric characters on pink flags. The portions of boundaries occurring within the study area were subsequently surveyed OR Wetland sample point locations and boundaries of wetlands and streams and were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipped Panasonic Toughpad paired with a Trimble R2 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver mapping grade unit.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Choose the method that applies to your project and delete the other. If the latter applies replace gray highlighted text with equipment used.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete this reference and others in this paragraph if there are no streams in your project.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete if there are no streams in your project

Author, 01/03/-1,

2008a = Arid West Region2014 = Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast RegionDelete the reference that does not apply here and in the References section.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete this section if streams do not occur in your project. Update the Table of Contents, Figures, and Tables after removing all stream related information in the template.

Author, 01/03/-1,

WSDOT defaults to the widest buffers, including fish passage projects, if the CAO gives a range of buffer widths based on level of impact/land use (common CAO language “high intensity land use” or “major new development”)Make sure you document which CAO buffer widths were applied in this section and the wetland summary Table 1 footnote “e”.

3.4. DitchesPotentially impacted ditch sections were identified by the XXX Project Engineer Office (PEO). Biologists evaluated those ditch sections to determine if they meet USACE criteria for jurisdictional features. This report provides the USACE with the information necessary to make jurisdictional ditch determinations. Jurisdictional ditch recommendations were based on:

Background information including as-built plans, information provided by the PEO, and topographic maps to determine flow direction, connectivity, and ditch functions.

Field investigations to determine presence of relatively permanent water as indicated by OHWM indicators (USACE 2005; USACE 2008a OR USACE 2014), and connection to downstream traditional navigable waters.

The most current regulations, methods, and guidance established by the USACE.

Best professional judgement.

Ditch assessment fieldwork was completed:

Between Month Day, Year, and Month Day, Year.

By WSDOT OR Consultant Firm wetland biologists names.

While walking the extent of the potentially impacted ditch sections in study area.

Ditch centerlines were surveyed OR were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipped Panasonic Toughpad paired with a Trimble R2 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver mapping grade unit. Both non-jurisdictional and jurisdictional ditch centerlines are shown in plan sheets in Appendix F.

Jurisdictional ditch recommendation forms for each ditch section identified as USACE jurisdictional are provided (Appendix E). If a ditch is not included in Appendix E, the ditch was either determined a USACE non-jurisdictional feature or is not planned to be impacted. Documentation on non-jurisdictional features decisions may be provided on request.

3.5. Species and Habitats of InterestA separate Biological Assessment (BA) will address impacts to Endangered Species Act (ESA) federally listed threatened or endangered wildlife species and proposed and designated critical habitat. This report includes preliminary information regarding potential ESA species and habitat, Washington State threatened, endangered, or sensitive species, and habitats of interest that may occur in the project. The following data sources were reviewed for information on federally and state listed threatened, endangered, candidate, sensitive species, and species of concern (TES), as well as habitats of interest:

The XX Project Biological Assessment (BA).

Federally listed threatened, endangered, or candidate wildlife species (WDFW 202Xd) and proposed and designated critical habitat (NOAA 202X).

Washington State threatened, endangered, and sensitive plants (DNR 202Xb).

Wetlands of High Conservation Value (DNR 202Xc).

WDFW Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) (WDFW 202Xb).

Author, 01/03/-1,

Double check with the PEO or permit coordinator to make sure this is true. Coordinate with the BA author to make sure information between the WSAR and BA are consistent.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Choose the method that applies to your project and delete the other. If the latter applies replace gray highlighted text with equipment used.

Author, 01/03/-1,

2008a = Arid West Region2014 = Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast RegionDelete the reference that does not apply here and in the References section.

Author, 01/03/-1,

WSDOT liaisons for the Corps and Ecology have requested that WSDOT include jurisdictional ditch evaluations in the WSAR. If the PEO can provide the biologist the potentially impacted ditch sections for evaluation in the same time frame as the wetland and stream assessment is happening, then the ditch information can be included in the WSAR. If the project is a relatively small footprint, the biologist can evaluate all ditches in the project regardless if the PEO has identified potentially impacted ditch sections and include the ditch information in the WSAR. If that level of design information is not available at the time of the wetland and stream assessment work, then delete the ditch methods discussion and indicate in this section instead that ditches will be evaluated as a separate task at a later time and before permitting, when design can identify potentially impacted ditch sections needing evaluation. A separated Jurisdictional ditch memo will be prepared.

4. Existing Conditions4.1. Landscape SettingText

4.2. Watershed DescriptionText

***Insert Figure Here***

Figure 3. Landscape setting photo taken on date

4.3. Climate, Precipitation, and Growing Season4.3.1. ClimateText

4.3.2. PrecipitationThe Regional Delineation Supplement Version 2.0 (USACE 2008 OR 2010) recommends using methods described in Chapter 19 in Engineering Field Handbook (NRCS 2015) to determine if precipitation occurring in the three full months prior to the site visit was normal, drier than normal, or wetter than normal. Actual rainfall is compared to the normal range of the 30-year average. When considering the three prior months as a whole, normal, drier than normal, or wetter than normal precipitation conditions were present prior to field work. X of the three months prior to field work were within the normal range with the second prior month drier than normal (Appendix A-1).

No, light, moderate, or heavy precipitation was recorded in the ten days preceding field work (Appendix A-2).

4.3.3. Growing SeasonText

4.4. Wetlands4.4.1. OverviewText. Delineation data sheets (Appendix B), wetland rating forms (Appendix C), functional assessment summaries (Appendix D), and plan sheets showing wetland locations are provided(Appendix F).

Table 1. Wetlands within the project corridor.

Wetlanda

Wetland Classification Wetland Size

(acre)

Buffer Width (feet)eCowardinb HGM Ecologyc Local

Jurisdictiond

Author, 01/03/-1,

Add or delete rows for projects with more or less than three wetlands.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Provide brief overview of existing wetland conditions (less than one page). Include wetlands by categories: Ecology rating, local rating, HGM, and Cowardin. Make generalized statement about typical functions provided by the wetlands in the project or any unique functions or wetlands.Reference Tables 1, 2, all your wetland summary tables (Tables 3 - . . .), and Figures 4 and 5.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Use WETS table information and field observations to help determine if field work occurred during the growing season. List field observations of growing season indicators on specific plants species or types of plants (trees, shrubs, or herbaceous) such as bud break, new leaf emergence, in flower, new vegetative growth on herbaceous plants, or leaves remain on trees and shrubs, etc.

Author, 01/03/-1,

See our Writing the Wetland Hydrology section on our Hydrology page to learn what to include in this section and how to fill out Appendix A-1 and A-2.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Provide a paragraph describing the general climate of the area. If your project occurred in a location where taking a close look at which supplement to use, Arid West vs. Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Regions, you can describe you rationale for using the supplement you chose in this section.

Author, 01/03/-1,

This section is for fish passage projects and allows for additional watershed information including habitat gain anticipated from the fish passage project. If this is a non-fish passage transportation project, delete this section and add pertinent watershed info into the Landscape Setting section above.Describe in a couple paragraphs WRIA and Watershed name/number (USGS 5th HUC), describe general streams in the watershed, e.g. Headwater streams originate east of the project before meeting their confluence with Big River two miles west of the project. List the lineal instream habitat gain anticipated after the fish passage project is constructed. May access that information from the WSDOT Fish Passage Annual Report Appendix https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/FishPassage/default.htm.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Describe in a few paragraphs the topography, geological features, major water bodies, where the project occurs in the watershed, surface water flow, vegetation climax community, existing vegetation, current land use and major historical disturbances, such as logging, mining and farming etc. Include LRR, MLRA. If not including the following Watershed Description section, then include in this section WRIA and Watershed name/number (USGS 5th HUC).Reference Figure 3 (note figure number may be different if above figures from the template were deleted or added).

Totala Wetland identifierb NWI Class based on vegetation: PFO = palustrine forested, PSS = palustrine scrub-shrub, PEM = palustrine emergent (Cowardin et al. 1979).

c Ecology rating (Hruby 2014)d X County/City wetland rating (City of XX 202X/XX County 202X)e X County/City wetland buffer width based on wetland category and high intensity land use (City of XX 202X/XX County 202X)

f Non-Corps jurisdictional wetlands, formerly referred to as “isolated wetlands” – Washington State Department of Ecology jurisdiction only.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Add a column to the table to identify any non-Corps jurisdictional features and reference footnote f. Edit footnote f to list fit your project needs.Delete footnote f if non jurisdictional features are not present. Note some types of non-jurisdictional feature include wetlands formerly called “isolated wetlands” and prior converted crop lands.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Only list applicable types included in your table. Delete or add NWI types as applicable.

***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***

Figure 4. Wetland boundaries.

Author, 01/03/-1,

You may need to add additional figures on the subsequent page(s) for long corridor projects (note figure number may be different if above figures from the template were deleted or added).

4.4.2. VegetationText

***Insert Photo of Typical Wetland Vegetation and Size to Fit With Text and Page Format ***

Figure 5. Photo of typical wetland in the study area.

4.4.3. SoilsText

4.4.4. HydrologyText

Author, 01/03/-1,

Provide one paragraph explaining typical hydrologic sources for wetlands in the project, e.g. most wetlands in the project are supported by a seasonal high water table and several riverine wetland receive occasional overbank flooding from the adjacent unnamed tributary.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Provide one paragraph describing the mapped soil series in the project and if any of the mapped soils are listed as hydric. Describe soil porosity, e.g. well drained or poorly drained and the type of material the soils formed in, e.g. glacial outwash or alluvium. See the Soils part of our web page for access to WSS and official soil series descriptions etc.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Provide one paragraph characterizing the general vegetation community types and dominant species across typical wetlands in the project. If there are wetlands with unique vegetation include that information.Reference Figure 5 (note figure number may be different if above figures from the template were deleted or added).

4.4.5. Wetland FunctionsText

Table 2. Functions and values of wetlands in the study area.

Function/Valuea Wetland

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Water Quality Functions

Sediment Removal

Nutrient and Toxicant Removal

Hydrologic Functions

Flood Flow Alteration

Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization

Habitat Functions

Production & Export of Organic Matter

General Habitat Suitability

Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates

Habitat for Amphibians

Habitat for Wetland-Associated Mammals

Habitat for Wetland-Associated Birds

General Fish Habitat

Native Plant Richness

Special Characteristics

Educational or Scientific Value

Uniqueness and Heritagea “-“ indicates that the function is not present“X” indicates the function is present“X*” indicates a principal function of the wetland

4.4.6. Wetland BuffersText

***Insert Figure Here***

Figure 6. Photo of typical buffer in the study area.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Summarize the following characteristics of wetland buffers in a paragraph: Dominant buffer vegetation type (tree, shrub, herb, vine, un-vegetated). Estimated percent cover of invasive plants and dominant species. Dominant land use (e.g. agriculture, residential, commercial, industrial). Buffering functions (e.g. provides screening and shading, wildlife habitat connectivity, or some water quality functions as stormwater flows through dense herbaceous vegetation and fine textured soils before entering the wetland) Reference Figure 6 (note figure number may be different if above figures from the template were deleted or added). Note buffer widths are already discussed in the methods section and listed in Table 1 and the wetland summary tables, so they do not need to be discussed here. This is more about the character and functions the buffer provides.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete unneeded cells and then drag the right edge of the table to the left for projects with less than 11 wetlands. For projects with greater than 11 wetlands, copy the table to a subsequent page and rename the wetland columns accordingly.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Provide one to two paragraphs discussing functions in broad terms, lumping most wetlands together. You may call out a specific wetlands with unique functions setting them apart from the rest. Leave the details for Table 2 and Appendix E. Reference both in the text.E.g. Wetlands in the project generally provide low to moderate hydrologic and water quality functions. Habitat functions are moderate to high. Wetlands 2 and 4 both have PEM communities with seasonally ponded areas providing amphibian habitat and Wetland 7 is adjacent to an unnamed tributary and provides fish habitat.

Table 3. Wetland X summaryWETLAND X – INFORMATION SUMMARY

Location: West of SR 000, north of XXX Blvd, and south of XXX Creek

***Delete this Text, then Insert Photo***

Local Jurisdiction City of XX/XX CountyEcology Rating (2014)Local RatingCity of XX/XX CountyBuffer Width XX feet

Wetland Size XX.XX acresCowardin ClassHGM Class

Wetland Data Sheet(s) Appendix B; Sampling Point W1-SP1

Upland Data Sheet(s) Appendix B; Sampling Point W1-SP2

Wetland Delineation

Dominant Vegetation

Trees – Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)Shrubs – hardhack (Spiraea douglasii)Herbaceous – small-fruited bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus), slough sedge (Carex obnupta)

Soils Soil matrices of 10YR 3/2 with redoximorphic concentrations were observed throughout the upper 16 inches of the soil surface. Indicator Redox Dark Surface (F6) met.

Hydrology

Hillside seeps are the primary hydrology source for this wetland. The lowest area of the wetland abutting XXX Creek receives occasional overbank flows and regular hyporheic flow. Shallow inundation to three inches was observed small depressional areas nearest the creek. Indicators Inundation (A1) and Saturation (A3) met.

Rationale for Delineation

Slope and riverine wetland with hydric soils, supports hydrophytic vegetation, and has soils saturation in August during a drier part of the growing season. Hydric soils were helpful in determining the wetland boundary. Wetland soils had matrices of chroma 2. Upland areas directly adjacent had soil matrices of chroma 3.

Wetland Rating and Functions

Rationale for Local Rating

The XXX County Municipal Code classifies wetlands based on the Washington State Wetland Rating System and on land use intensity (XXX County 2020). Wetland X rates as a Category XX.

FunctionsIn general water quality and hydrologic functions are lacking or of low quality. The wetland provides moderate to high habitat functions. Functions summaries provided in Table 2 and Appendix D.

Wetland Buffers

Buffer Condition

Buffer ranges from forested areas dominated by native conifers to mowed and managed grasslands. Forested buffer provides screening and habitat functions. Mowed areas of the buffer provided little buffering function.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete or amend qualifiers from the local code as they apply to your project.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Copy and paste this table on subsequent pages so that each wetland has its own wetland summary table.Tip: before copying and pasting, fill out all of the information in the table that applies to all wetlands in the project and delete the “insert photo prompt”.Replace “X” with wetland number/letter identifier and repeat throughout the table. Replace all “X’s” and example text in lower portion of the table with wetland specific information.

4.5. StreamsText

Table 4. Streams within the project corridor.

Stream Name DNR Water TypeaXX City OR XX Countyb

Buffer Width (feet)

a DNR Water Types: Type S = shorelines of the state, Type F = fish bearing or with physical criteria to support potential fish use, Type Np = non-fish bearing perennial, Type Ns = non-fish bearing seasonal (WDNR 202Xa)

b XX City/County buffers applied (XX City/XX County 202X)

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete the Water Type explanations that do not apply to your project.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Change the title of this column to match the local jurisdiction(s) in your project.

Author, 01/03/-1,

In one or two paragraphs provide a summary of each stream within the project limits. Note the watershed name and location of stream(s) within the watershed, where they flows from/to, where stream(s) is located relative to the project corridor. Note if they are perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral. Note documented fish use form data sources (contact project BA author to assure consistency between BA and wetland document).If a fish passage project, include the WDFW Fish Passage Inventory, Site ID Number.Reference the tables in this section - “Streams within the project corridor” and “X Creek Summary”.

Table 5. X Creek summary.STREAM NAME - INFORMATION SUMMARY

***Delete this Text, then Insert Photo***

Stream Name Long./Lat. ID NumberWRIA Name/Stream #WDFW Site IDLocal JurisdictionDNR Water TypeLocal Stream RatingBuffer Width XXX feetDocumented Fish Usea list species

Location of Stream Relative to Project Corridor

The creek parallels the entire project, and crosses the project twice, once near the beginning and end.

Connectivity Flows south from Turtle Peak to the Eagle River near SR 000Fish Habitat Documented use by bull trout (WDFW 2008).

Riparian/Buffer Condition

The existing buffer west of the creek is in good condition with mature forest. The east buffer is in fair condition near the highway. Vegetation in the riparian buffer is a combination of Sitka alder and serviceberry. SR 000 borders some of the riparian areas within the project.

a Documented fish species known to occur in the stream from available data sources (WDFW 202Xa; WDFW 202Xc).

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete entire row if local stream rating is not applicable.

Author, 01/03/-1,

This is for fish passage projects. Delete entire row for non-fish passage projects. This is the “Site ID” number assigned by WDFW and is available from the ArcGIS workbench or in the appendix of the most current WSDOT Fish Passage Performance Report accessed from the Stream restoration page.

Author, 01/03/-1,

If WRIA 1-24 a stream number is often available. Find information on our Stream and tidal waters assessment part of our webpage.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Copy and paste this table on subsequent pages so that each stream has its own stream summary table.Insert stream name.Replace all “X’s” and example text in lower portion of the table with stream specific information.For help gathering information for this table review the stream information on our Wetland and stream reconnaissance and assessment page.

4.6. DitchesText

Jurisdictional ditch recommendation forms for each ditch section identified as USACE jurisdictional are provided (Appendix E).

Table 6. Jurisdictional ditches within the project corridor.

Ditch Name Ditch Section Length (feet)

Ditch Section Width (inches)

Ditch Section Volume(cubic feet)

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete this section if ditches will be evaluated at a later time than the wetland and stream assessment field work and if a separate jurisdictional ditch memo is planned to document ditches.Include a summary paragraph indicating how many jurisdictional ditches were identified and their general location in relation to the project. Indicate flow pattern (generally where they flow from and to). Indicate how they function. e.g., Ditches in the project function to convey stormwater runoff from the roadway surface down gradient. Some ditches flow to stormwater ponds, others flow north and to XXX Creek.Note if USACE non-jurisdictional ditch features were observed.e.g., USACE non-jurisdictional ditch features were observed. They were excavated in uplands, drain uplands, and do not have an apparent connection to downstream waters. Water does not have relatively permanent flow, as the ditches are vegetated and lack OHWM indicators. Water apparently infiltrates.

4.7. Species and Habitats of InterestText

Table 7. Federal and state listed species within half mile of study area

Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status State Status

Table 8. WDFW priority habitats and species occurring within one mile of the study area.

Common Name Scientific Name Location in Relation to Project

5. RecommendationsField investigations in the proposed project area reveal that wetland area on the north and south sides of SR 000 is relatively equal. However, the north side of SR 000 contains a greater number of high quality wetlands than the south side (Table 9).

Table 9. Comparison of quantity and quality of wetlands on north and south sides of SR XXX

Category I Category II Category III Category IV Total Number of Wetlands

Total Wetland Acreage

North Side of SR 000

South Side of SR 000

Consequently, the most effective wetland impact avoidance and minimization strategy may include focusing the proposed roadway widening improvements away from the north side of the roadway where high category wetlands occur. Additionally, it is recommended that the project avoid impacts to Wetlands W1, W3, and W8 to the greatest extent possible since they are Category 1 irreplaceable resources.

Author, 01/03/-1,

This section is optional and may not be applicable. Delete if not necessary.This is a section to consider adding to the report if there are clearly wetlands of higher quality that are worth calling attention, to help the project explore design solutions to avoid and minimize impacts.This section could also be used to identify sensitive aquatic resources outside the study area.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Note that a separate Biological Assessment will be prepared to address federally listed threatened or endangered species and any applicable proposed or designated critical habitat. Use background information and available data to note if federally listed species or critical habitat are in or near the project. Note if any state listed species including rare or sensitive plants, PHS, or wetlands of high conservation value are known to occur in or adjacent to the project.Reference the tables in this section or delete them if they do not apply to this project.

6. LimitationsThis wetland and stream assessment report documents the investigation, best professional judgment, and conclusions of WSDOT based on the site conditions encountered at the time of this study. The wetland and stream delineation was performed in compliance with accepted standards for professional wetland biologists and applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and WSDOT policies and guidance. The information contained in this report is correct and complete to the best of our knowledge. It should be considered a preliminary jurisdictional determination of wetlands and other waters until it has been reviewed and approved in writing by the appropriate jurisdictional authorities. The final determination of the wetland boundary, classification, and required setback and buffer will be made by local, state, and federal jurisdictions.

7. ReferencesBrinson MM. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands. Vicksburg (MS): US Army

Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Technical Report WRP-DE-4.

City of XXX. 20XX. XXX Municipal Code. Chapter XXX Critical Areas and Resource Lands, Section XXX Wetlands, and Section XXX Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas. [cited Month Day, 202X]. Available from: add link

Cowardin LM, Carter V, Golet FC, LaRoe ET. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. Washington (DC): US Fish and Wildlife Service. FWS/OBS-79/31.

[DNR] Washington State Department of Natural Resources. 202Xa. Forest Practices Water Typing. Available at: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/forest-practices-water-typing. Forest Practices Application Mapping Tool. [cited Month Day, 202X]. Available at: https://fpamt.dnr.wa.gov/default.aspx

[DNR] Washington State Department of Natural Resources. 202Xb. Washington Natural Heritage (Current Precise). Olympia (WA). Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X. Available at: http://data-wadnr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/washington-natural-heritage-program-element-occurrences-current

[DNR] Washington State Department of Natural Resources. 202Xc. WA Wetlands of High Conservation Value Map Viewer. [cited Month Day, 202X]. Available from: http://wadnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5cf9e5b22f584ad7a4e2aebc63c47bda

[Ecology] Washington State department of Ecology. 202X. Tables for adjusting rating scores (2004 to 2014 versions with July 2018 modifications). Available from: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Tools-resources/Rating-systems

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Vicksburg (MS): US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Technical Report Y-87-1. Available from: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p266001coll1/id/4532/

[FGDC] Federal Geographic Data Committee. 2013. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. Adapted from Cowardin, Carter, Golet, and LaRoe (1997). FGDC-STD-004-2013. Second Edition. Wetlands Subcommitee, Federal Geographic Data Committee and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington D.C. Available from: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/wetlands/nwcs-2013

Hruby, T. 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Eastern Washington: 2014 Update. (Publication #14-06-030). Olympia, WA: Washington Department of Ecology. Available from: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Tools-resources/Rating-systems

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete if you did not need to use this resource for your project.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete any references that were not used in your report, add any additional applicable references, double check dates and links and update as needed.

https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Tools-resources/Rating-systems

https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/wetlands/nwcs-2013

https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p266001coll1/id/4532/


http://wadnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5cf9e5b22f584ad7a4e2aebc63c47bda

http://wadnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5cf9e5b22f584ad7a4e2aebc63c47bda

http://data-wadnr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/washington-natural-heritage-program-element-occurrences-current



https://fpamt.dnr.wa.gov/default.aspx

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/forest-practices-water-typing

Hruby, T. 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update. (Publication #14-06-029). Olympia, WA: Washington Department of Ecology. Available from: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Tools-resources/Rating-systems

[NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. 202X. West Coast Region. Endangered Species Act Critical Habitat. [cited Month Day, 202X]. Available from. https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/maps_data/endangered_species_act_critical_habitat.html and maps of critical habitat available at: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=75e5f6b4387f4809b5a6b1f251e38bda#

[NRCS] Natural Resource Conservation Service. 2015. Hydrology Tools for Wetland Identification and Analysis. Chapter 19 in Part 650 Engineering Field Handbook. Pages 19-85 through 19-89. US. Department of Agriculture, NRCS. Available from: https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21429

[NRCS] Natural Resources Conservation Service. 202Xa. Field Office Technical Guide. US Department of Agriculture. Climate Data for XX County, Station XX, Washington 45XXXX. [cited Month Day, 202X]. Available at: http://agacis.rcc-acis.org/

[NRCS] Natural Resource Conservation Service. 202Xb. Web Soil Survey for XX County, Washington. US Department of Agriculture. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X. Available at: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm

[NRCS] Natural Resources Conservation Service. 202Xc. Hydric Soils List: XXX County (WA). Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X. Available from: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcseprd1316619.html

Null WS, Skinner G, Leonard W. 2000. Wetland functions characterization tool for linear projects. Olympia (WA): Washington State Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Office. Available from: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2017/08/29/Env-Wet-FunctionCharacterTool.pdf

[USACE] US Army Corps of Engineers. 2005. Regulatory Guidance Letter 05-05 Ordinary High Water Mark Identification. Available at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/Guidance-Letters/

[USACE] US Army Corps of Engineers. 2008a. A Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the Western United States. Lichvar RW, McColley SM. US Army Corps of Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH. ERDC/CRREL TR-08-12. Available at: https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Portals/17/docs/regulatory/JD/FinalOHWMManual_2008.pdf

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete if streams were not identified in your project.ORDelete if streams are present and your project occurs in the Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region.

Author, 01/03/-1,

This is the Coop Station ID number. Access this form the “Station Information” button on the bottom of the list for the station you chose from the NRCS FOTG website.

https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Portals/17/docs/regulatory/JD/FinalOHWMManual_2008.pdf

https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Portals/17/docs/regulatory/JD/FinalOHWMManual_2008.pdf

https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/Guidance-Letters/

https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/Guidance-Letters/

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2017/08/29/Env-Wet-FunctionCharacterTool.pdf

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2017/08/29/Env-Wet-FunctionCharacterTool.pdf

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcseprd1316619.html

https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm

http://agacis.rcc-acis.org/

https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21429

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=75e5f6b4387f4809b5a6b1f251e38bda

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=75e5f6b4387f4809b5a6b1f251e38bda

https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/maps_data/endangered_species_act_critical_habitat.html%20

https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/maps_data/endangered_species_act_critical_habitat.html%20


[USACE] US Army Corps of Engineers. 2008b. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (Version 2.0), ed. Wakeley JS, Lichvar RW, Noble CV, editors. US Army Corps of Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, Vicksburg, MS. ERDC/EL TR-08-28. Available at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/reg_supp/

[USACE] US Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0), ed. Wakeley JS, Lichvar RW, Noble CV, editors. US Army Corps of Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, Vicksburg, MS. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. Available at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/reg_supp/

[USACE] US Army Corps of Engineers. 2014. A Guide to Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Delineation for Non-Perennial Streams in the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region of the United States. Mersel MK, Lichvar RW. US Army Corps of Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH. ERDC/CRREL TR-14-13. Available at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/reg_supp/

[USACE] US Army Corps of Engineers. 2018. National Wetland Plant List, version 3.4. US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH. Available at: http://wetland-plants.usace.army.mil/nwpl_static/v33/home/home.html

[USFWS] US Fish and Wildlife Service. 202X. Environmental Conservation Online System. Listed Species believed to or known to occur in Washington. [cited Month Day, 202X]. Available at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/reports/species-listed-by-state-report?state=WA&status=listed

[USFWS] US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. National Wetland Inventory (NWI). US Department of the Interior. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X. Available at: https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/

[USGS] US Geological Survey. 202X. Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs) from the United States Geological Survey. Topographic Map. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X. Available at: https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-geospatial-program/us-topo-maps-america?qt-science_support_page_related_con=0#qt-science_support_page_related_con

[WDFW] Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2020Xa. Habitat Program, Fish Passage Division. Fish Passage Inventory. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X.

[WDFW] Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. 202Xb. Priority Habitats and Species Program. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X. Available at: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/phs/list

https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/phs/list

https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-geospatial-program/us-topo-maps-america?qt-science_support_page_related_con=0#qt-science_support_page_related_con



https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/reports/species-listed-by-state-report?state=WA&status=listed

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/reports/species-listed-by-state-report?state=WA&status=listed

http://wetland-plants.usace.army.mil/nwpl_static/v33/home/home.html

http://wetland-plants.usace.army.mil/nwpl_static/v33/home/home.html

https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/reg_supp/






[WDFW] Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. 202Xc. Salmonid Stock Inventory. Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Statewide Integrated Fish Distribution. These two data sets combine into a WSDOT accessed GIS layer titled Fish Species of Interest. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X.

[WDFW] Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. 202Xd. Wildlife Occurrence Points. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X.

[WDFW] Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2003. StreamNet. Accessed form ArcGIS 10.6.1 WSDOT Environmental Workbench Month Day, 202X.

[WSDOT] Washington State Department of Transportation. 2019. WSDOT Fish Passage Performance Report. WSDOT Environmental Services Office. Appendix I, p. XX, Appendix III, p. XX . Accessed from the internet Month Day, 202X. Available here: https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019/09/20/Env-StrRest-FishPassageAnnualReport.pdf

[WSDOT] Washington State Department of Transportation. 202X. WSDOT Wetlands Webpage. Available at: https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/environment/technical/disciplines/wetlands

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/environment/technical/disciplines/wetlands

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019/09/20/Env-StrRest-FishPassageAnnualReport.pdf

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019/09/20/Env-StrRest-FishPassageAnnualReport.pdf

Appendix A. Background InformationAppendix A includes the following sub-appendices:

A-1 Comparison of Observed and Normal Precipitation for XXX, Washington

A-2 Daily Precipitation for 10 Days Preceding Fieldwork, XXX, Washington

A-3 USGS Topographic Map

A-4 National Wetland Inventory Map

A-5 NRCS Soil Survey Map

A-6 XXX County/City Wetland Inventory Map

A-7 Aerial photograph, Washington 1ft 2017, 4 band, Statewide Imagery

Author, 01/03/-1,

If other figures in the body of the report include aerial photos as background layers, this map may not be necessary and could be deleted.

Author, 01/03/-1,

This map is optional. Delete from this list if unavailable or not applicable.

Author, 01/03/-1,

“Right-size” your report. Delete any that are not applicable to your project or add additional project-specific maps.Check that all in-text references to appendices are correctly identified. Tip: after your report is drafted do a search (Ctrl + F) for the word “appendix” to check all references cited in the document.

Appendix A-1. Comparison of Observed and Normal PrecipitationThe Regional Delineation Supplement Version 2.0 (USACE 2008 OR 2010) recommends using methods described in Chapter 19 in Engineering Field Handbook (NRCS 2015) to determine if precipitation occurring in the three full months prior to the site visit was normal, drier than normal, or wetter than normal. Actual rainfall is compared to the normal range of the 30-year average. The following table shows this information.

Monthly precipitation data for XXX, Washington.

Long-term rainfall recordsa

Month3 yrs. in 10 less

thanAverage

3 yrs. in 10 more

thanRain falla

Condition dry, wet, normalb

Condition Value

Month weight value

Product of previous two

columns

1st prior month 3

2nd prior month 2

3rd prior month 1

Sum

a NRCS 20XXab Conditions are considered normal if they fall within the low and high range around the average.

Note: If sum is Condition value: 6 - 9 then prior period has been drier than normal Dry (D) = 110 - 14 then period has been normal Normal (N) = 215 - 18 then period has been wetter than normal Wet (W) = 3

Conclusions: Drier than normal, Normal, Wetter than normal precipitation conditions were present prior to the Month Day, Year field visit.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Access data from NRCS FOTG website.Make sure to list months in correct descending order (e.g. if field work occurred in April, first prior month would be Mar, 2nd would be Feb, 3rd would be Jan). Note: there is only room in the “Month” column to list the first three letters of the month.Note, if field work occurred at the end of the month (e.g. March 28) you may make a judgement call to include that month (Mar) as the 1st prior month, as opposed to the actual prior month (Feb). Review the precipitation events in the remaining days of the month following field work to determine if they are similar to the rest of the month or conversely experienced a more drastic precipitation pattern. Use best professional judgment here to make your determination.

Author, 01/03/-1,

See our Writing the Wetland Hydrology section on our Hydrology page to learn what to include in Appendix A-1 and A-2. Transfer conclusion to the Precipitation section in the body of the report.

Appendix A-2. Daily Precipitation for 10 Days Preceding Fieldwork, XXX, WashingtonTo determine if light, moderate, or heavy precipitation occurred in the 10 days prior to field work, the 10 day total is compared to 1/3 of the monthly average precipitation for the month evaluated (NRCS 202Xa).

Daily precipitation data preceding the Month Day, 20XX field visit for XXX, Washington.

Date (20XX) Daily Precipitation (inches)a

Month Date X.XX

Sum a NRCS 202Xa

“T” values indicate a trace value was recorded.

Conclusions: Light, Moderate, Heavy precipitation was recorded in the ten days preceding field work.

Author, 01/03/-1,

There is not a specific metric to determine if the 10 preceding days experienced light, moderate, or heavy precipitation. To help make the determination of which of the three precipitation modifiers to use, look at the average precipitation value from the WETS table for the primary month where the 10 preceding days occur, and divide it by 3 (which is roughly equal to 10 days). Compare the precipitation total of the 10 days to that number to determine its relative value to 1/3 of the month. If it is a similar value, then perception is likely moderate, or if the 10 day sum is much more or less than 1/3 of the month, then precipitation is likely heavy or light.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete if not applicable to the data available for your dates.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Note: the first day listed will be the day prior to field work, followed by the second etc. So the dates appear in descending (e.g. If field work occurred March 28, the first row will be Mar 27, the 2nd will be Mar 26, the 3rd will be Mar 25 etc.).Note: copy and paste the table for as many field days as necessary. If there were only several filed days and they occurred consecutively, consider adding rows to the table to cover the 10 day range for your several days of field work in this single table. Note: if multiple tables need to be copied because field work occurred spread out over multiple days which are not consecutive, consider the formatting option of adding a section break and making two columns. This way you could fit up to 4 tables per page.

Appendix A-3. USGS Topographic Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***

Appendix A-4. National Wetland Inventory Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***

Appendix A-5. NRCS Soil Survey Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***

Appendix A-6. XX City/XX County Wetland Inventory Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***

Author, 01/03/-1,

This map is optional. Delete if unavailable or not applicable. If deleting, right click the table of figures under the table of contents at the beginning of the report and click “update field” and “update entire table”

Appendix A-7. Aerial Photograph of Study Area, Washington 1ft 2017, 4 band, Statewide Imagery***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***

Appendix B. Wetland Delineation Data Sheets

Appendix B includes the following sample point data sheets:

W1-SP1

W1-SP2

W2-SP1

W2-SP2

W2-SP3

Author, 01/03/-1,

Insert PDFed data sheets beginning on the next page, after the WSAR has been finalized and PDFed.

Appendix C. Wetland Rating Summaries and Figures

Appendix C includes wetland rating forms and all required figures for each wetland.

Author, 01/03/-1,

Insert PDFed rating forms and figures beginning on the next page, after the WSAR has been finalized and PDFed.

Appendix D. Wetland Functional Assessment Summaries

Summary of Functions and ValuesProject: Wetland ID:

Cowardin Class: HGM: Ecology Rating: City of X/X County Rating:

Assessed by: Date:

Function/Value Occurrence Y N

Rationale (qualifiers & attributes)

Principal Function Comments

Flood flow alteration

Sediment removal

Nutrient and toxic removal

Erosion control & shoreline stabilization

Production of organic matter and its export

General habitat suitability

Habitat for aquatic invertebrates

Habitat for amphibians

Habitat for wetland-associated mammals

Habitat for wetland-associated birds

General fish habitat

Native plant richness

Educational or scientific use

Uniqueness & heritage

Author, 01/03/-1,

Copy and paste this table on subsequent pages so that each wetland has its own summary of functions and values table.Tip: before copying and pasting, fill out all of the information in the table that applies to all wetlands in the project.Replace “X” with appropriate.Use WSDOT’s BPJ Tool to fill out the information in the table. Review options for documenting functions of potentially impacted wetlands on the functions section of our webpage.

Appendix E. Jurisdictional Ditch Field Forms

Jurisdictional Ditch Recommendation Form Jurisdictional: Yes NoProject Name:Ditch Name:Biologist(s): Date:Ditch Location: County:Weather in Past 12 Hours:Ditch Drains From:Ditch Drains To:Receiving body is a TNW or eventually drains to a TNW? Yes NoAverage Ditch Width (inches): Average Ditch Depth (inches):Ditch Length (feet) Ditch Size (cubic feet)OHWM//RPW Indicators Observed: Comments:Scour Yes NoLack of Vegetation Yes NoBed/Bank Yes NoStanding Water Yes NoFlowing Water Yes NoOther Indicators (list observed indicators)

****Delete This Note and Insert Photo Here****

Photo Caption

Author, 01/03/-1,

Delete this appendix is ditches are not present in the project or if they will be documented separately in a Jurisdictional Ditch Memo.If using, copy and paste this table on subsequent pages so that each wetland has its own jurisdictional ditch recommendation form.Tip: before copying and pasting, fill out all of the information in the table that applies to all wetlands in the project.

Appendix F. Plan Sheets

Documents

Executive Summary - wsdot.wa.gov · Web view5/18/2020 · Slope and riverine wetland with hydric soils, supports hydrophytic vegetation, and has soils saturation in August during