Wetlands and NEPA Identifying the Resource

Transcription

1 1 Wetlands and NEPA Identifying the Resource Jeffrey Wood, CSDP McFarland Johnson, Inc. December 11, 2013 Washington, DC

2 2 Questions Performed a Wetland Delineation? Prepared a Wetland Permit Application? Designed a Mitigation Site? Professional Wetland Scientists?

3 3 Agenda Importance of Wetlands Wetland Definition Basics of Wetland Delineation Wetland Functions and Values Conclusion

4 Why are Wetlands Important? Groundwater Recharge/ Discharge Floodflow Alteration (Storage & Desynchronization) Production Export (Nutrient) Sediment/Toxicant Retention Nutrient Removal/ Retention/Transformation Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization Habitat Recreation(Consumptive & Non-Consumptive) Uniqueness/Heritage Visual Quality/Aesthetics Fish and Shellfish Habitat Educational/Scientific Value

5 5 Wetland Definition "Wetlands are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (33 CFR 328.3)

6 Wetland Delineation Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual Establishes 3 Parameter Methodology for Delineating Wetlands Regional Supplements Published Tailors 1987 Methods to Regional Conditions Adds Complexity and Time to Delineation Process 24 States have Wetland Regulations Delineation Methodology May Vary

7 Wetland Data Sources GIS Data Layers (Local, State, Federal) Soil Surveys Topographic Maps Aerial Photographs State and Local Wetland Maps National Wetland Inventory 7

8 Wetland Delineation Hydric Soils Soils that Formed under Conditions of Saturation, Flooding or Ponding long enough during the Growing Season to Develop Anaerobic Conditions in the Upper Part Identified with o o o Low Chroma Soil Matrix Presence of Redoximorphic Features Sulfuric Odor

9 9 Wetland Delineation Vegetation Prevalent Vegetation is Adapted to Living in Anaerobic Soil Conditions (Hydrophytic) USFWS National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands Establish Sample Plots Determine Prevalence of Hydrophytic Vegetation

10 10 Wetland Delineation Hydrology Permanent Inundation, Sufficient Periodic Inundation, or Soil Saturation within 12 Inches of the Soil Surface during the Growing Season Visual Evidence of Hydrology o Surface scour o Drainage Patterns o Hydrophytic Adaptations

11 Wetland Delineation Other Considerations Wetland Boundary Locations GPS vs. Traditional Survey o Know Local Requirements Jurisdictional Determinations Know your Regulator Airport Specific Considerations Access/Security Procedures Low Relief Disturbance Drainage Patterns Begin with the End in Mind Identify Functions and Values Mitigation Opportunities 11

12 Groundwater Recharge/Discharge The potential for a wetland to serve as a groundwater recharge and/or discharge area. Source:

13 Habitat Effectiveness of the wetland to provide habitat for populations of animals typically associated with wetlands and the wetland edge. Photo Courtesy of USFWS Credit: T. Wirickx

14 FLOODFLOW ALTERATION Effectiveness of the wetland in reducing flood damage by attenuation of floodwaters for prolonged periods following precipitation events. Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS Credit: Unknown

15 Sediment/Toxicant/Pathogen Retention Effectiveness of the wetland as a trap for sediments, toxicants, or pathogens. Credit: T. Wirickx Credit:

16 Nutrient Removal/ Retention/ Transformation Effectiveness of the wetland to prevent adverse effects of excess nutrients entering aquifers or surface waters. Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS

17 Production Export Effectiveness of the wetland to produce food or usable products for humans or other living organisms. Photo courtesy of NC Pedia Credit:

18 Recreation Effectiveness of the wetland and associated watercourses to provide passive and active recreational opportunities. Photo Courtesy of USFWS Photo Courtesy of USFWS

19 Education/Scientific Value Effectiveness of the wetland as a site for an outdoor classroom or as a location for scientific study or research. Photos Courtesy of USFWS

20 Visual Quality/Aesthetics The visual and aesthetic qualities of the wetland. Photo Courtesy of USFWS Credit: T. Wirickx

21 Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization Effectiveness of a wetland to stabilize streambanks and shorelines against erosion. Photo courtesy of Gulf of Mexico Foundation Photo Courtesy of MD Dept. of Environment Credit: McFarland Johnson

22 Uniqueness/Heritage Effectiveness of the wetland or its associated waterbodies to produce certain special values such as archaeological sites, unusual aesthetic quality, historical events, or unique plants, animals, or geologic features.

23 Case Study 23

24 Case Study Wetland Area = 8 acres 24

25 Case Study Wetland Area = 252 acres 25

26 Case Study Wetland Area = 24 acres 26

27 27 Conclusion Identify Wetland Resources Early Lots of Resources Available Understand Functions and Values Most Importantly Get Your Feet Wet!!