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
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
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.
Executive SummaryText
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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
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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
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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
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WRIA water resource inventory area
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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
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Figure 1. Vicinity Map.
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2.2. Project Purpose and DescriptionText
2.3. Study AreaText
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Figure 2. Study area showing approximate wetland and stream locations.
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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 3.3 (USACE 2016).
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).
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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.
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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).
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4. Existing Conditions4.1. Landscape SettingText
4.2. Watershed DescriptionText
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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
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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.
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Figure 4. Wetland boundaries.
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4.4.2. VegetationText
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Figure 5. Photo of typical wetland in the study area.
4.4.3. SoilsText
4.4.4. HydrologyText
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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
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Figure 6. Photo of typical buffer in the study area.
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Table 3. Wetland X summaryWETLAND X – INFORMATION SUMMARY
Location: West of SR 000, north of XXX Blvd, and south of XXX Creek
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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.
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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)
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Table 5. X Creek summary.STREAM NAME - INFORMATION SUMMARY
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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).
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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)
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report 16
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.
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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.
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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
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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
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report 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. 2016. National Wetland Plant List, version 3.3. 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
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report 21
[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
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report 22
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
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
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.
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment 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.
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix A-3. USGS Topographic Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix A-4. National Wetland Inventory Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix A-5. NRCS Soil Survey Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix A-6. XX City/XX County Wetland Inventory Map***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix A-7. Aerial Photograph of Study Area, Washington 1ft 2017, 4 band, Statewide Imagery***Insert Figure Here and Fill Entire Page ***
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
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
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix C. Wetland Rating Summaries and Figures
Appendix C includes wetland rating forms and all required figures for each wetland.
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix D. Wetland Functional Assessment Summaries
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
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
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix E. Jurisdictional Ditch Field Forms
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
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
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report
Appendix F. Plan Sheets
Project Name Month Day, YearWetland and Stream Assessment Report