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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Wetland_Assessment_Report_180309_v1 Final SOUTH TREATMENT PLANT BIOGAS AND HEAT SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Wetland Assessment Report Prepared for January 2018 King County Wastewater Treatment Division Final SOUTH TREATMENT PLANT BIOGAS AND HEAT SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Wetland Assessment Report Prepared for January 2018 King County Wastewater Treatment Division 5309 Shilshole Avenue, NW Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98107 206.789.9658 www.esassoc.com Bend Camarillo Delray Beach Destin Irvine Los Angeles Miami Oakland Orlando Pasadena Petaluma Portland Sacramento San Diego San Francisco Santa Monica Sarasota Seattle Sunrise Tampa 150513.01 OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY | ESA helps a variety of public and private sector clients plan and prepare for climate change and emerging regulations that limit GHG emissions. ESA is a registered assessor with the California Climate Action Registry, a Climate Leader, and founding reporter for the Climate Registry. 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South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement i ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvements Project Page 1.0 PROJECT AUTHORIZATION AND SCOPE OF WORK .................................................. 1  2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 1  2.1 Project Description ................................................................................................... 1  2.2 Site Conditions ......................................................................................................... 1  3.0 METHODS ........................................................................................................................ 2  3.1 Review of Existing Information ................................................................................. 2  3.2 On-site Investigation ................................................................................................ 3  3.2.1 Determining the Presence of Wetlands and Delineating Wetland Boundaries ................................................................................................. 3  3.2.3 Assessing Wetland Functions ...................................................................... 3  4.0 REVIEW OF EXISTING INFORMATION .......................................................................... 4  4.1 Soils Mapping .......................................................................................................... 4  4.2 Wetland Inventories ................................................................................................. 4  5.0 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................... 4  5.1 Wetland Delineations ............................................................................................... 4  5.1.1 Wetland A .................................................................................................... 5  5.1.2 Wetland B .................................................................................................... 5  6.0 Regulatory Requirements .............................................................................................. 7  6.1 Federal Regulatory Requirements ........................................................................... 7  6.2 State Regulatory Requirements ............................................................................... 7  6.3 Local Regulatory Requirements ............................................................................... 7  7.0 Project Impacts ............................................................................................................... 9  7.1 Project Impacts Reviewed Under RMC 4-3-050 – Critical Areas Regulations ......... 9  7.2 Project Impacts Reviewed Under RMC 4-3-090 - Shoreline Master Program Regulations ......................................................................................................... 10  8.0 CONCLUSIONs .............................................................................................................. 10   9.0 LIMITATIONS ................................................................................................................. 10  10.0 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 11  South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement ii ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 Appendices A. Wetland Definition .......................................................................................................A-1 B. Wetland Determination Data Sheets ...........................................................................B-1 C. Washington State Wetland Rating System and Rating Forms ................................... C-1 Figures and Photos Figure 1. ............................................................................................................... Project Limits Figure 2. ................................................................................................................. Vicinity Map Figure 3. ....................................................................................................... Wetland Locations Table of Contents Page South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement iii ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 Acronyms and Abbreviations COR  City of Renton  Ecology  Washington State Department of Ecology ESA  Environmental Science Associates GPS  Global Positioning System HERB  Heat and Energy Recovery Building HSSG  high pressure scrubber sludge gas iMap  Interactive Mapping NRCS  Natural Resources Conservation Service NWI  National Wetlands Inventory PHS  Priority Habitats and Species PSE  Puget Sound Energy South Plant  South Treatment Plant  USFWS  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WDFW  Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife  WRIA  Water Resource Inventory Area  WTD  King County Wastewater Treatment Division South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 1 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 1.0 PROJECT AUTHORIZATION AND SCOPE OF WORK Environmental Science Associates (ESA) was retained by Brown and Caldwell, on behalf of King County  Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD), to conduct a critical areas review for the South Treatment Plant  Biogas and Heat Systems Improvements Project. At the request of WTD, ESA delineated wetland  boundaries of both on‐ and off‐site wetlands, and prepared this technical report. This report is organized  to meet the requirements of City of Renton Critical Areas Ordinance (Renton Municipal Code [RMC] 4‐3‐ 050). ESA’s scope of work was limited to the identification and delineation of wetlands within the  project area and within 200 feet of the project area, in compliance with the code (RMC 4‐3‐050(B)(1)(f)).  Other types of critical areas regulated by the City, such as streams, critical aquifer recharge areas,  geologically hazardous areas, and frequently flooded areas, are not addressed in this report.  2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW 2.1 Project Description King County proposes to replace South Plant’s Biogas Upgrading System (BUS) and heating system to  improve the beneficial use of digester gas at South Plant while also reliably supplying heat to meet  process and space heating demands. The King County South Plant Biogas and Heating Systems Project  includes construction of a Heat and Energy Recovery Building (HERB), a new thermal oxidizer, heating  system improvements within the existing Digester Equipment Building, and utility connections.    The approximately 11,862 square foot (SF) HERB would be located in an area allocated for future  digester expansion where spoils from previous South Plant construction and expansion projects at the  site were placed, forming a mound. The site slopes gradually to the east towards the existing Solids MCC  building and is maintained lawn grass over the mounded spoils. Previously placed spoils would be  removed and the existing slope would be re‐graded as part of building construction. Spoils excavated for  the HERB (approximately 11,000 CY) would be moved to a separate spoils placement location on the  South Plant site, located south of the HERB and the existing digesters within an open lawn area.  Spoils  would be compacted and seeded and planted to match existing grades and vegetation type.  The project would include installation of new thermal oxidizer equipment located outside on a new  concrete pad (approximately 2,437 SF) immediately south of the existing waste gas burners. The thermal  oxidizer will combust waste gas from the BUS. See Figure 1, Project Limits.   2.2 Site Conditions The project is located at King County WTD’s South Plant, in an industrial area of the City of Renton at  1200 Monster Road SW. The project would occupy King County Parcel Numbers 2423049097 and  2423049006, which are located in the NE Quarter, Section 24, Township 23 North, Range 9 East. The  South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 2 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 subject parcels have been previously developed for South Plant construction and related expansion  projects. The project site consists of maintained lawn grass on sloped terrain, created by fill from a  previous expansion project.  The entire site is located within Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9, the Green ‐ Duwamish  Watershed and the Lower Green River Subwatershed (King County, 2017a). The Green and Black rivers  join the Duwamish River to the northwest of the South Plant. The Green River comes from the  southwest of the South Plant while the Black River starts at a large wetland complex to the north and  continues to the west and joins the Green River (Figure 2). Springbrook Creek flows along the east  perimeter of the plant site before joining the Black River to the north.   The proposed site for the HERB is currently a gently sloping area of maintained lawn grass that was filled  and graded as part of previous South Plant construction and expansion projects. A shallow swale is  located to the south of the proposed building location.   The site where the new thermal oxidizer would be constructed is currently a gravel area with adjacent  grass/lawn areas immediately south of the existing waste gas burners.   Immediately north of the South Plant is Waterworks Gardens, a King County WTD‐owned 8‐acre public  park. The gardens feature public use trails and constructed detention ponds and wetlands established to  treat stormwater runoff from South Plant. These stormwater facilities feed into a natural wetland  system that eventually connects to Springbrook Creek.   3.0 METHODS 3.1 Review of Existing Information ESA reviewed existing literature, maps, and other materials to identify wetlands in the study area. These  sources can only indicate the likelihood of the presence of wetlands; actual determinations must be  based on data obtained from field investigations. Key sources of information included the following:   Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soils mapping (2017).   National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapping (USFWS, 2017).   Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) data  (2017).   King County Interactive Mapping (iMap) Tool (King County, 2017b).    City of Renton Critical Areas Map Series (City of Renton, 2017).    Washington Natural Heritage Program (WNHP) rare plant species and vegetation communities  mapping (WNHP, 2017).  South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 3 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 3.2 On-site Investigation 3.2.1 Determining the Presence of Wetlands and Delineating Wetland Boundaries The characteristics of an area that result in its classification as “wetland” have been formally defined by  federal and state agencies, as described in Appendix A. Methods defined in Regional Supplements to the  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual were used to determine the presence  and extent of wetlands in the study area (Environmental Laboratory, 1987; Corps, 2010). The  Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) repealed Washington Administrative Code (WAC)  173‐22‐080 (the state wetland delineation manual) and replaced it with a revision of WAC 173‐22‐035  that states that delineations should be done according to the currently approved federal manual and  supplements (effective March 14, 2011).  The methodology outlined in the manual is based on three essential characteristics of wetlands:  (1) hydrophytic vegetation; (2) hydric soils; and (3) wetland hydrology. Field indicators of these three  characteristics must all be present in order to determine that an area is a wetland (unless problem areas  or atypical situations are encountered).   The “routine on‐site determination method” was used to define the wetland boundaries at the project  site. The routine method is used for areas equal to or less than 5 acres in size, or for larger areas with  relatively homogeneous vegetative, soil, and hydrologic properties.  Formal data plots were established for Wetland A, where information regarding each of the three  wetland parameters (vegetation, soils, and hydrology) was recorded. This information was used to  distinguish wetlands from non‐wetlands. Wetland B was investigated at a reconnaissance level, and  formal data plots were not established. Wetland boundaries were identified with sequentially numbered  colored flagging imprinted with the words WETLAND DELINEATION. Data plot locations were also  marked with colored flagging. Flagged points were recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS)  Trimble unit. Wetland determination data forms are included in Appendix B.  3.2.3 Assessing Wetland Functions Wetlands and buffers play important roles that provide valuable benefits to the environment and  society. Because detailed scientific knowledge of wetland functions is limited, evaluations of the  functions of individual wetlands are somewhat qualitative and dependent upon professional judgment.   For this project, wetland functions were assessed using Ecology’s Wetland Rating System for Western  Washington (Hruby, 2014). Although this system is designed to rate wetlands, it is based on whether a  particular wetland performs a particular function and the relative level to which the function is  performed. An assessment of wetland functions is inherent in the rating system. This system was  developed by Ecology to differentiate wetlands based on their sensitivity to disturbance, their  significance, their rarity, our ability to replace them, and the beneficial functions they provide to society.  Appendix C provides additional information about the rating system, wetland categories, and completed  rating forms for the project.   South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 4 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 4.0 REVIEW OF EXISTING INFORMATION 4.1 Soils Mapping The NRCS maps soils within the site as Puyallup fine sandy loam. Puyallup fine sandy loam is not  considered a hydric soil type, although it has minor hydric inclusions. It is described as a well‐drained  soil, typically found on terraces and floodplains. This soil forms in alluvium in areas with average annual  precipitation of 35 to 60 inches and mean annual temperature about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Slopes are  typically 0 to 2 percent. Minor components in the soil include Briscott (hydric), Newberg (hydric),  Woodinville (hydric), Nooksack (nonhydric), and Oridia (hydric) (NRCS, 2017).   4.2 Wetland Inventories Wetland maps prepared by the NWI do not indicate the presence of any on‐site or off‐site wetlands  within 200 feet of the project area. NWI mapping does show a riparian area associated with Springbrook  Creek, which is several hundred feet east of the project area (USFWS, 2017). The WDFW PHS database  does not identify any wetlands in the study area (WDFW, 2017).  City of Renton (COR) Critical Areas Mapping (City of Renton, 2017) does not identify any wetlands on the  project site. COR mapping identifies a regulated shoreline associated with Springbrook Creek, east of the  study area. In addition, an off‐site wetland is mapped north of the project area within Waterworks  Gardens.   No rare plant species or high‐quality vegetation communities are mapped in the study area or vicinity  (WNHP, 2017).  5.0 RESULTS To identify and delineate wetlands on the project site, ESA biologists conducted two field investigations.  The site was first visited by Claire Hoffman and Michael Muscari on November 22, 2016, and again by  Tobin Story and Michael Muscari on September 7, 2017. The following sections describe the results of  the two field visits.   5.1 Wetland Delineations Review of the existing information did not indicate the presence of any on‐site wetlands. During the  field investigation on November 2016, ESA identified a possible wetland near the proposed building  location. This wetland (Wetland A) was delineated during the subsequent visit in September 2017.  Wetland A is a small depressional wetland located within a swale at the south end of the grassy slope  where the proposed HERB building would be located. ESA used a hand‐held Trimble GPS unit to collect  location data of the delineated boundary; this boundary was later surveyed by a professional survey  crew.   South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 5 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 Wetland B is located off‐site to the north, and was identified during the September 2017 site visit. This  wetland appears to be an enhanced or modified wetland feature associated with the constructed  Waterworks Gardens, and only the south edge (nearest the property boundary and proposed project)  was delineated; the wetland continues off‐site. Flag locations were surveyed using a handheld Trimble  GPS unit. Both wetlands are described in detail below.   5.1.1 Wetland A Overview. Wetland A is a palustrine scrub‐shrub, depressional wetland approximately 1,248 square feet  in size (Photos 1 and 2). Data plot (DP) 3 characterizes the wetland, while DP 4 is representative of the  adjacent uplands.   Hydrology. The primary source of hydrology to Wetland A appears to be precipitation, although a  shallow groundwater source is also possible. During the November 2016 site visit, saturation was  present in the upper 10 inches of soil, while the 10‐ to 16‐inch layer had pockets of intermittent  saturation. Pockets of surface water up to a 3‐inch depth were also present during the 2016 site visit. No  hydrology was observed during the September 2017 site visit. The wetland boundary was delineated  during the September 2017 visit based on the presence of hydrophytic vegetation and indicators of  ponding.   Soils. Soils in the wetland consisted of compacted loam from 0–10 inches, and heavily compacted sandy  loam from 10 to 16 inches. Soils ranged from black (10YR 2/1) to dark gray (10YR 4/1) with prominent  redoximorphic features observed in the 10‐ to 16‐inch layer. The soil in Wetland A met hydric soil  criterion depleted matrix (F3).  Vegetation. Wetland A contains a palustrine scrub‐shrub community. Vegetation within the wetland  includes Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis), red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), quaking aspen (Populus  tremuloides), and black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera). The understory consists of primarily wetland  vegetation including soft rush (Juncus effusus) and creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), interspersed  with bentgrass (Agrostis spp.) and willow herb (Epilobium ciliatum).   Wetland Functions. The wetland received an overall score of 15 points, which corresponds to a  Category IV rating. The wetland scored as moderate for water quality improvement functions (7 points);  primarily because the wetland is a depression with no surface outlet and a high percentage of seasonal  ponding. The wetland received a moderate score for hydrologic functions (5 points), because it is a  depression with no surface outlet, but marks of ponding are generally less than 6 inches deep. Value for  both water quality and hydrologic functions is low, due to the small size and disconnected nature of  Wetland A.   Wetland A scored low (3 points) for habitat functions. The wetland has only one Cowardin class, little  hydrologic diversity, and almost no connection to surrounding undisturbed habitat.   5.1.2 Wetland B Overview. Wetland B consists of a series of depressions separated by a gravel pedestrian path, located  north of the South Plant fence. The wetland has a gentle slope to the east, toward Springbrook Creek.  South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 6 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 Due to its offsite location, Wetland B was investigated at a reconnaissance level. Only the southern  boundary was delineated by ESA, and total wetland size was not estimated. Formal data plots were not  established for Wetland B. Confirmation of wetland presence and delineation of the wetland boundary  was based on the presence of obligate wetland vegetation, clearly visible hydrology indicators, and  landscape topography. The wetland contains both palustrine emergent and palustrine forested  vegetation communities.   Hydrology. The gravel path appears to be permeable and allows water exchange between depressions.  A portion of the wetland is a wide swale. Hydrology for the wetland appears to enter from stormwater  ponds to the west and north, and appears to exit through a 24‐inch standpipe in the far eastern corner  of the wetland (Photo 3). Water exiting the wetland through the standpipe drains to Springbrook Creek.  Flow is unidirectional, as the standpipe elevation is approximately 15 feet higher than that of  Springbrook Creek. Water was not observed at the standpipe during the site visit, but clear signs of  prolonged inundation were observed in the vicinity. The wetland meets hydrology indicators B1, water  marks, and B8, sparsely vegetation concave surface.   Soils. Formal data plots were not established for Wetland B.   Vegetation. Two Cowardin vegetation classes were observed in Wetland B. Forested areas observed on  site consist of a forested overstory dominated by black cottonwood and red alder (Alnus rubra) with a  shrub understory of dogwood (Cornus alba), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), and Himalayan blackberry  (Rubus armeniacus). Vegetation in the palustrine emergent pockets consists primarily of cattail (Typha  latifolia), although other native emergent species may be present in small amounts.   Wetland Functions. Wetland B was rated as a depressional wetland. The wetland received an overall  score of 20 points, which corresponds to a Category II rating. The wetland received a moderate score for  water quality improvement functions (7 points); the wetland receives pollution inputs from several  sources and has significant vegetative cover necessary to filter pollutants. The water quality functions  provided by Wetland B have a high value to society, as Springbrook Creek, the Black River, and the  Green River are all on the Washington State 303d list for water quality. Wetland B received a high score  for hydrologic functions (8 points) due to a highly constricted outlet and significant depth of flooding  during wet periods. The hydrologic functions provided by Wetland B have a high value due to providing  flood attenuation for frequently flooded downstream reaches.  Wetland B received a moderate score (5 points) for habitat functions. The wetland has a diverse number  of habitats and hydroperiods, but lacks the landscape potential to support habitat since most of the  surrounding landscape is highly developed. The wetland buffer is generally disturbed.   South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 7 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 6.0 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS This section provides an overview of regulations that may apply to the South Plant Biogas Project.  Before approving a project that will impact wetlands, agencies require project applicants to document  that impacts have been avoided and minimized in accordance with the following preferred sequence for  mitigation (e.g., WAC 197‐11‐768):  a) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of actions;  b) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action;  c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;  d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations  during the life of the action; or  e) Compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or  environments.  Applicants for permits to alter wetlands or their buffers must demonstrate that the above sequence has  been followed to the greatest extent possible. Wetland impacts that cannot be avoided through the first  two steps of the above sequence will require compensatory mitigation.   6.1 Federal Regulatory Requirements The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the  United States, including wetlands and streams, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The South  Plant Biogas Project does not propose fill or other impacts to wetlands or waters of the U.S. As such, a  Section 404 permit is not anticipated.   6.2 State Regulatory Requirements State permitting for activities in wetlands is administered by Ecology. The state certification process  under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act is usually triggered through a Section 404 permit  application. The South Plant Biogas Project does not propose fill or other impacts to wetlands or waters  of the U.S., and a Section 404 permit is not anticipated. As such, a Section 401 permit is not anticipated.   6.3 Local Regulatory Requirements The City of Renton regulates critical areas and associated buffers through RMC 4‐3‐050, which requires  that wetlands be rated using the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington  2014 update (RMC 4‐3‐050(G)(9)(c)). Using the 2014 Wetland Rating System, Wetland A is classified as a  Category IV wetland, and Wetland B is classified as a Category II wetland with moderate habitat function  South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 8 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 (5 points). Wetland A requires a standard buffer width of 50 feet. Wetland B requires a standard buffer  width of 150 feet (RMC 4‐30‐050(G)(2)).   In addition, RMC 4‐3‐050(G)(9)(d)(iv) requires applicants to document that increased wetland buffers  are not warranted. Increased buffer widths may be required if:   a) The wetland is used by species listed by the federal or the state government as threatened,  endangered, and sensitive species and state‐listed priority species, essential habitat for those  species or has unusual nesting or resting sites such as heron rookeries or raptor nesting trees or  evidence thereof; or   b) The buffer or adjacent uplands have a slope greater than 15 percent or is susceptible to erosion  and standard erosion control measures will not effectively prevent adverse wetland impacts.   c) The area is very fragile, or when a larger buffer is necessary to protect wetland functions and  values.   Wetland A does not meet any of the above‐listed conditions. It is a small, physically isolated wetland. It  does not provide significant wildlife habitat, and is not used by federal or state‐listed species. Neither  the buffer nor adjacent uplands have a slope greater than 15 percent, nor are they susceptible to  erosion beyond standard erosion control measures. Functions and values provided by this wetland are  minimal and are adequately protected by the standard width buffer.   To the extent of our knowledge, Wetland B is not utilized by federal or state‐listed species, nor does it  provide essential habitat for those species. Although the far eastern portion of the wetland is relatively  close to Springbrook Creek, it is physically disconnected from the creek, separated by approximately 15  feet vertically and 150 feet horizontally. The elevation difference precludes water from Springbrook  Creek entering the wetland, and thus there is no apparent connection for listed salmonids to access  habitat in Wetland B. A portion of the Wetland B buffer is located on slopes greater than 15 percent;  however, these slopes are heavily vegetated, and no clearing, grading, or other impact is proposed on  these slopes. Neither the wetland nor its buffer are especially fragile, and functions and values provided  by this wetland are adequately protected by the standard width buffer.   South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 9 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 7.0 PROJECT IMPACTS 7.1 Project Impacts Reviewed Under RMC 4-3-050 – Critical Areas Regulations For Wetland A, the proposed HERB, Thermal Oxidizer, and all associated grading would be outside the  standard 50‐foot buffer (Figure 3). No impacts to the wetland or wetland buffer are anticipated from  any project actions.  As found in RMC 4‐3‐050(B)(1)(g), the City of Renton may not regulate certain upland sites separated  from critical areas, based on the following conditions: sites are separated from critical areas by pre‐ existing, intervening, and lawfully created structures, roads, or other substantial existing improvements,  which must:   a) Separate the upland property from the critical area due to their height or width; and   b) Substantially prevent or impair delivery of most functions from the subject upland property to  the critical area.   In the case of this project, the north plant road separates Wetland B from all project areas. The north  plant road is approximately 20 feet wide, constructed of impervious material, with raised curbs  approximately 6 inches in height (Photo 4). In addition, an approximately 8‐foot wide paved path is  located adjacent to road. The substantive width of the existing, impervious road, combined with the  width of an existing paved trail and presence of vertical curb will serve as an effective barrier. These  completely restrict and redirect the flow of ground and surface water, and otherwise impair delivery of  functions from upland sites located within the project area to Wetland B. Stormwater from the plant  road is collected and directed to the Waterworks Gardens located north of the plant. Current buffer  functions performed by the buffer area north of the existing plant road will not be altered by proposed  project actions.   South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 10 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 7.2 Project Impacts Reviewed Under RMC 4-3-090 - Shoreline Master Program Regulations Wetland B is physically disconnected from Springbrook Creek and is not within the 100‐year floodplain  of Springbrook Creek, and, therefore, would not be considered an associated shoreline of Springbrook  Creek. However, if the City of Renton determines that the wetland is regulated as a shoreline, RMC 4‐3‐ 090(D)(2)(d)(iv)(a) states that “Buffers shall not include areas that are functionally and effectively  disconnected from the wetland by a permanent road or other substantially developed surface of  sufficient width and with use characteristics such that buffer functions are not provided and that cannot  be feasibly removed, relocated, or restored to provide buffer functions.” As described above, the buffer  of Wetland B is separated by the intervening plant road and trail. The delivery of buffer functions from  the subject upland site to Wetland B is prevented by these intervening improvements. As a result,  shoreline jurisdiction would end at the north edge of the plant road and would not extend onto the  project site.   8.0 CONCLUSIONS Two wetlands were delineated within 200 feet of the project area. One on‐site wetland (Wetland A) is a  Category IV wetland, and one off‐site wetland (Wetland B) is a Category II wetland. Wetland A requires a  buffer of 50 feet, and Wetland B a buffer of 150 feet for high‐impact land uses. The proposed project  has been designed to avoid impacts to wetland areas and associated buffers. No impacts are proposed  to wetlands or wetland buffers as a result of this project. No fill will be placed in wetlands or other  waters of the U.S.   9.0 LIMITATIONS Within the limitations of schedule, budget, scope‐of‐work, and seasonal constraints, we warrant that  this study was conducted in accordance with generally accepted environmental science practices,  including the technical guidelines and criteria in effect at the time this study was performed, as outlined  in the Methods section. The results and conclusions of this report represent the authors’ best  professional judgment, based on information provided by the project proponent in addition to that  obtained during the course of this study. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made.   South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 11 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 10.0 REFERENCES City of Renton. 2017. Online Mapping Portal. Available:  http://rp.rentonwa.gov/Html5Public/Index.html?viewer=CORMaps.   Corps (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2005. Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05‐05: Ordinary High Water  Mark Identification. December 7, 2005.  Corps (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland  Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region. Version 2. Wetlands  Regulatory Assistance Program. May 2010. ERDC/EL TR‐10‐3. Available:  https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1046494.pdf.   Corps (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2014. 2014 NWPL Home v3.2 ‐ Home Page, National Wetland  Plant List. Available: http://rsgisias.crrel.usace.army.mil/NWPL/.Environmental Laboratory. 1987.  Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y‐87‐1. U.S. Army Engineer  Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.   Hruby, T. 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington – Revised. October  2014. Ecology publication number 14‐06‐029. Olympia, WA.  King County. 2017a. Map of WRIA 9. Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed. Available:  http://www.govlink.org/watersheds/9/. Accessed November 2017.   King County. 2017b. King County iMap, Interactive Mapping Tool. Available at:  http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/gis/Maps/imap.aspx. Accessed November 2017.Munsell Color.  2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts. GretagMacbeth, New Windsor, New York.  NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 1995. Hydric Soils List for Washington. Revised  December 15, 1995.NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2010. Field Indicators of  Hydric Soils in the United States ‐ A Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils. Version 7.0,  2010. ftp://ftp‐fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NSSC/Hydric_Soils/FieldIndicators_v7.pdf.   NCRS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2017. Online soils mapping. Available:  http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm.   USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2017. National Wetlands Inventory – online wetlands mapping.  Available: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html.  Vepraskas, M.J. 1999. Redoximorphic Features for Identifying Aquic Conditions. Technical Bulletin 301.  North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North  Carolina.  WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2017. Priority habitats and species online  mapping. Available: http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/.   WNHP (Washington Natural Heritage Program). 2017. Rare plant species and vegetation communities  GIS mapping.   South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement 13 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 FIGURES AND PHOTOGRAPHS EXISTING SPOILS TO BE REMOVED FIGURE 1 - PROJECT LIMITS %&e( ^_ King County SouthTreatment Plant Project Site B l a c k R i v e r DuwamishRiver G r e e n R i v e r Waterworks Gardens S p r i n g b r o o k C r e e k 6 1 s t A v e S SW 27th St MartinLutherKing Jun i o r W a y S S 143rd St Baker Blvd Tukwila Parkway RentonAveS An d o v e r P a r k W S 133rd St An d o v e r P a r k E SWSunset Blvd M o n st e r R d S W S 132nd St Southcenter Blvd SW 7th St Strander Blvd S Langston Rd SW 16th St L i n d A v e S W I n t e r u r b a n A v e S SW Grady W a y O a k e s d a l e A v e S W 6 8 t h A v e S W V a l l e y R d Pa t h : U : \ G I S \ G I S \ P r o j e c t s \ 1 5 x x x x \ D 1 5 0 5 1 3 _ S o u t h P l a n t B i o G a s \ 0 3 _ M X D s _ P r o j e c t s \ F i g 0 1 _ V i c i n i t y . m x d , a n a k a e 1 / 1 1 / 2 0 1 7 SOURCE: City of Renton 2015; OSM 2015; ESA 2017 0 2,000 Feet South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvements Figure 2 Vicinity Map N Project Site Wetland A Wetland B Proposed Heating and Energy Recovery Building (HERB) Proposed Thermal Oxidizer $$ $ $ 50-ft. Wetland Buffer 150-ft. Wetland Buffer buffer ends at r o a d e d g e b u f f e r e n d s a t r o a d e d g e $ $ Plant Road 1 2 6 127 128 129 12 5 130 1 2 6 128 Pa t h : U : \ G I S \ G I S \ P r o j e c t s \ 1 5 x x x x \ D 1 5 0 5 1 3 _ S o u t h P l a n t B i o G a s \ 0 3 _ M X D s _ P r o j e c t s \ F i g 3 _ W e t l a n d s _ P D F . m x d , c s t r u t h e r s 1 2 / 7 / 2 0 1 7 SOURCE: NAIP 2015 South Treatment Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvements Project Figure 3Wetland Locations N 0 200 Feet Wetland Survey Points Wetland Grading Contours Project Area 50-ft. Wetland Buffer 150-ft. Wetland Buffer Study Area     Photo 1.  Wetland A during November, 2016 site visit  .      Photo 2.  Wetland A in September, 2017    Photo 3.  Wetland B Outlet    Photo 4.  Wetland B Emergent Areas    Photo 5.  North Plant Road    South Plant Biogas and Heat Systems Improvement A-1 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 APPENDIX A: WETLAND DEFINITION AND METHODOLOGY South Plant Biogas & Heat Systems Improvement A-3 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 Wetland Definition Wetlands are formally defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) (Federal Register 1982), the  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Federal Register 1988), the Washington Shoreline Management  Act (SMA) of 1971 and the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) as follows:   … 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 (Federal Register, 1982, 1986).   In addition, the SMA and the GMA definitions add:   Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from  non‐wetland site, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches,  grass‐lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities,  farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1,  1990 that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a  road, street, or highway. Wetlands may include those artificially created  wetlands intentionally created from non‐wetland areas to mitigate the  conversion of wetlands.  Methods defined in the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Regional Supplement (Corps, 2010) to  the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual (Manual) were used to determine  the presence and extent of wetlands on the subject property and within 200 feet. These methods are  consistent with state requirements in WAC 173‐22‐035.    The methodology outlined in the manuals is based upon three essential characteristics of wetlands: (1)  hydrophytic vegetation; (2) hydric soils; and (3) wetland hydrology. Field indicators of these three  characteristics must all be present in order to determine that an area is a wetland (unless problem areas  or atypical situations are encountered). These characteristics are discussed below.  Vegetation Plants must be specially adapted for life under saturated or anaerobic conditions to grow in wetlands.  The Corps of Engineers has determined the estimated probability of each plant species’ occurrence in  wetlands and has accordingly assigned a “wetland indicator status” (WIS) to each species (Corps, 2016).  Plants are categorized as obligate (OBL), facultative wetland (FACW), facultative (FAC), facultative  upland (FACU), upland (UPL), not listed (NL), or no indicator status (NI). Definitions for each indicator  status are listed below. Species with an indicator status of OBL, FACW, or FAC are considered adapted  for life in saturated or anaerobic soil conditions. Such species are referred to as “hydrophytic”  vegetation.   Key to Wetland Indicator Status codes:  OBL   Obligate: species that almost always occur wetlands under natural conditions (est. probability  >99%).  South Plant Biogas & Heat Systems Improvement A-4 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 FACW  Facultative wetland: species that usually occur in wetlands (est. probability 67 to 99%), but are  occasionally found in non‐wetlands.  FAC   Facultative: Species that are equally likely to occur in wetlands or non‐wetlands (est. probability  34 to 66%).  FACU  Facultative upland: species that usually occur in non‐wetlands (est. probability 67 to 99%), but  are occasionally found in wetlands.  UPL   Upland: species that almost always occur in non‐wetlands under normal conditions (est.  probability >99%).  NL  Not listed: species that are not listed by USFWS (1988, 1993) and are presumed to be upland  species.  NI  No indicator: species for which insufficient information is available to determine status, or which  were not evaluated by USFWS.  Areas of relatively homogeneous vegetative composition can be characterized by “dominant” species.  The indicator status of the dominant species within each vegetative stratum is used to determine if the  plant community may be characterized as hydrophytic. The vegetation of an area is considered to be  hydrophytic if more than 50% of the dominant species have an indicator status of OBL, FACW, or FAC.  The Regional Supplements provide additional tests for evaluating the presence of hydrophytic  vegetation communities including the prevalence index, morphological adaptations, and wetland non‐ vascular plants. The Supplements also address difficult situations where hydrophytic vegetation  indicators are not present but hydric soils and wetland hydrology are observed.   Soils Hydric soils are indicative of wetlands. Hydric soils are defined as soils that are saturated, flooded, or  ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the  soil profile (Federal Register, 1994). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in cooperation  with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, has compiled lists of hydric soils (NRCS, 1995).  These lists identify soil series mapped by the NRCS that meet hydric soil criteria. It is common, however,  for a map unit of non‐wetland (non‐hydric) soil to have inclusions of hydric soil, and vice versa.  Therefore, field examination of soil conditions is important to determine if hydric soil conditions exist.   The NRCS has developed a guide for identifying field indicators of hydric soils (NRCS, 2010). This list of  hydric soil indicators is considered to be dynamic; revisions are anticipated to occur on a regular basis as  a result of ongoing studies of hydric soils. In general, anaerobic conditions create certain characteristics  in hydric soils, collectively known as “redoximorphic features,” that can be observed in the field  (Vepraskas, 1999). Redoximorphic features include high organic content, accumulation of sulfidic  material (rotten egg odor), greenish‐ or bluish‐gray color (gley formation), spots or blotches of different  color interspersed with the dominant or matrix color (mottling), and dark soil colors (low soil chroma)  (NRCS, 2010; Vepraskas, 1999). Soil colors are described both by common color name (for example,  “dark brown”) and by a numerical description of their hue, value, and chroma (for example, 10YR 2/2) as  South Plant Biogas & Heat Systems Improvement A-5 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 identified on a Munsell soil color chart (Munsell Color, 2000). Soil color is determined from a moist soil  sample.  The Regional Supplements provide methods for difficult situations where hydric soil indicators are not  observed, but indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology are present.   Hydrology Water must be present in order for wetlands to exist; however, it need not be present throughout the  entire year. Wetland hydrology is considered to be present when there is permanent or periodic  inundation or soil saturation at or near the soil surface for more than 14 consecutive days during the  growing season at a minimum frequency of 5 years in 10 (Corps, 2010).   Indicators of wetland hydrology include observation of ponding or soil saturation, water marks, drift  lines, drainage patterns, sediment deposits, oxidized rhizospheres, water‐stained leaves, and local soil  survey data. Where positive indicators of wetland hydrology are observed, it is assumed that wetland  hydrology occurs for a sufficient period of the growing season to meet the wetland criteria, as described  by Corps (2010). The Regional Supplements provide methods for evaluating situations in wetlands that  periodically lack indicators of wetland hydrology but where hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation are  present.    South Plant Biogas Heat Systems Improvement B-1 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 APPENDIX B: WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA SHEETS South Plant Biogas Heat Systems Improvement C-1 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 APPENDIX C: WASHINGTON STATE WETLAND RATING SYSTEM AND RATING FORMS South Plant Biogas Heat Systems Improvement C-1 ESA / 150513 Wetland Assessment January 2018 Washington State Wetland Rating System The observed wetlands were rated using the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Wetland Rating  System for Western Washington (Hruby, 2014). This system was developed by Ecology to differentiate  wetlands based on their sensitivity to disturbance, their significance, their rarity, our ability to replace  them, and the beneficial functions they provide to society. Wetlands are categorized using the Ecology  rating system according to the following criteria:  Category I wetlands represent a unique or rare wetland type; or are more sensitive to disturbance; or  are relatively undisturbed and contain ecological attributes that are impossible to replace within a  human lifetime.   Category II wetlands are difficult, though not impossible, to replace, and provide high levels of some  functions.  Category III wetlands have a moderate level of function. They have been disturbed in some ways, and  are often less diverse or more isolated from other natural resources in the landscape than Category II  wetlands.   Category IV wetlands have the lowest levels of functions and are often heavily disturbed.   Wetland name or number Wetland A Name of wetland (or ID #):Date of site visit:9/7/2017 Rated by Trained by Ecology? Yes No Date of training Mar-15 HGM Class used for rating Wetland has multiple HGM classes? Yes No NOTE: Form is not complete with out the figures requested (figures can be combined ). Source of base aerial photo/map OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY IV (based on functions or special characteristics ) 1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS Category I - Total score = 23 - 27 Score for each Category II - Total score = 20 - 22 function based Category III - Total score = 16 - 19 on three X Category IV - Total score = 9 - 15 ratings (order of ratings is not important ) M L 9 = H, H, H M L 8 = H, H, M L L Total 7 = H, H, L 7 = H, M, M 6 = H, M, L 6 = M, M, M 5 = H, L, L 5 = M, M, L 4 = M, L, L 3 = L, L, L 2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland None of the above Coastal Lagoon Interdunal Value Score Based on Ratings 7 5 3 15 H CHARACTERISTIC Category Estuarine Wetland of High Conservation Value Bog Mature Forest Old Growth Forest Depressional & Flats RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington List appropriate rating (H, M, L) HydrologicImproving Water Quality MSite Potential Landscape Potential Habitat M FUNCTION Biogas Wetland A T. Story Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 1 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A Maps and Figures required to answer questions correctly for Western Washington Depressional Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Hydroperiods Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods ) Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) Map of the contributing basin 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) Riverine Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Hydroperiods Ponded depressions Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure ) Map of the contributing basin 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) Lake Fringe Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) Slope Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Hydroperiods Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants (can be added to another figure ) Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) To answer questions: D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4 D 1.4, H 1.2 D 1.1, D 4.1 D 2.2, D 5.2 D 4.3, D 5.3 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 D 3.1, D 3.2 D 3.3 To answer questions: H 1.1, H 1.4 H 1.2 R 1.1 R 2.4 R 1.2, R 4.2 R 4.1 R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 L 1.2 L 2.2 L 3.1, L 3.2 L 3.3 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 R 3.1 R 3.2, R 3.3 To answer questions: L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4 S 3.1, S 3.2 S 3.3 S 4.1 S 2.1, S 5.1 To answer questions: H 1.1, H 1.4 H 1.2 S 1.3 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 2 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A For questions 1 -7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods? NO - go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe - go to 1.1 1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO - go to 3 YES - The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? NO - go to 4 YES - The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual ), The water leaves the wetland without being impounded. NO - go to 5 YES - The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years. NO - go to 6 YES - The wetland class is Riverine NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding. If hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1 - 7 apply, and go to Question 8. At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m). HGM Classification of Wetland in Western Washington If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to score functions for estuarine wetlands. The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any plants on the surface at any time of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size; The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep). The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river, 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 3 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A NO - go to 7 YES - The wetland class is Depressional NO - go to 8 YES - The wetland class is Depressional NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS: 7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the wetland unit being scored. 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland. Riverine Treat as ESTUARINE Slope + Lake Fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary of depression Depressional + Lake Fringe Riverine + Lake Fringe NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM classes within the wetland unit being rated Slope + Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Depressional If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland HGM class to use in rating Riverine Depressional Lake Fringe Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 4 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: points = 3 points = 2 points = 1 points = 1 Yes = 4 No = 0 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > ½ of area points = 3 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 1/10 of area points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants < 1/10 of area points = 0 D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual. Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2 Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 10 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12 - 16 = H 6 - 11 = M 0 - 5 = L Record the rating on the first page D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges?Yes = 1 No = 0 0 Yes = 1 No = 0 D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland?Yes = 1 No = 0 0 Source Yes = 1 No = 0 Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above 1 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 or 4 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Yes = 1 No = 0 Yes = 1 No = 0 Yes = 2 No = 0 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 3 Rating of Value If score is: 2 - 4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found )? D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions ). D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes): D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1 - D 2.3? D 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the 303(d) list? D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society? 1 0 2 0 3 DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS 1 0 Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality? 3 Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet. Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet). Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. 4 D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site? Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 5 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: points = 4 points = 2 points = 1 points = 0 Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points = 7 Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 5 Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3 The wetland is a “headwater” wetland points = 3 Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1 Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in)points = 0 The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points = 3 The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit points = 0 Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5 Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above 7 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12 - 16 = H 6 - 11 = M 0 - 5 = L Record the rating on the first page D 5.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges?Yes = 1 No = 0 0 D 5.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0 Yes = 1 No = 0 Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above 2 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page points = 2 points = 1 Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin.points = 1 points = 0 There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland.points = 0 Yes = 2 No = 0 Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above 0 Rating of Value If score is: 2 - 4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page 1 1 D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why 0 0 0 D 4.2. Depth of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part. D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself. D 6.1. The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met. D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan? Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? 4 Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch 3 D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic function of the site? D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society? The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down-gradient into areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds): Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately down- gradient of unit. Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down- gradient. DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 6 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat? Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4 Emergent 3 structures: points = 2 Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)2 structures: points - 1 Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)1 structure: points = 0 If the unit has a Forested class, check if : H 1.2. Hydroperiods Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3 Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1 Saturated only 1 types present: points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake Fringe wetland 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points H 1.3. Richness of plant species If you counted:> 19 species points = 2 5 - 19 species points = 1 < 5 species points = 0 H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points All three diagrams in this row are HIGH = 3 points 0 Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods ). 1 Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2.Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle 1 Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high. These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon 0 H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold of ¼ ac or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 7 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A H 1.5. Special habitat features: Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long) Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above 3 Rating of Site Potential If Score is: 15 - 18 = H 7 - 14 = M 0 - 6 = L Record the rating on the first page H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat function of the site? H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit ). Calculate: 0 % undisturbed habitat + (2 % moderate & low intensity land uses / 2 ) = 1% If total accessible habitat is: > 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3 20 - 33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2 10 - 19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1 < 10 % of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland. Calculate: 21 % undisturbed habitat + (5 % moderate & low intensity land uses / 2 ) = 23.5% Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3 Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2 Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1 Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (-2) ≤ 50% of 1km Polygon is high intensity points = 0 Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above -1 Rating of Landscape Potential If Score is: 4 - 6 = H 1 - 3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page Site meets ANY of the following criteria:points = 2 It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page) It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) with in 100m points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0 Rating of Value If Score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points. It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed ) At least ¼ ac of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians ) 1 It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources 0 Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of strata ) 0 1 -2 H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society? H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score that applies to the wetland being rated . It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists) Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 8 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha). Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation. Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158 – see web link above ). Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 – see web link above ). Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report – see web link on previous page ). Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 in (51 cm) in western Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12 in (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft (6 m) long. Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed elsewhere. WDFW Priority Habitats Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE : This question is independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat. Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report ). Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade crest – Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) > 32 in (81 cm) dbh or > 200 years of age. Mature forests – Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 in (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 9 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A Wetland Type Category Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. List the category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC 1.0. Estuarine Wetlands Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes - Go to SC 1.1 No = Not an estuarine wetland SC 1.1. Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 1.2 SC 1.2.Is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions? Yes = Category I No = Category II SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV) SC 2.1. Yes - Go to SC 2.2 No - Go to SC 2.3 SC 2.2.Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value? Yes = Category I No = Not WHCV SC 2.3.Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland? http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands.pdf Yes - Contact WNHP/WDNR and to SC 2.4 No = Not WHCV SC 2.4. Yes = Category I No = Not WHCV SC 3.0. Bogs SC 3.1. Yes - Go to SC 3.3 No - Go to SC 3.2 SC 3.2. Yes - Go to SC 3.3 No = Is not a bog SC 3.3. Yes = Is a Category I bog No - Go to SC 3.4 SC 3.4. Yes = Is a Category I bog No = Is not a bog NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory, you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy? CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartina , see page 25) At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un- grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on their website? Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High Conservation Value? Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below. If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions . Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in or more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or pond? Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30% cover of plant species listed in Table 4? Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 10 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland A SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands Yes = Category I No = Not a forested wetland for this section SC 5.0. Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? Yes - Go to SC 5.1 No = Not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1. Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is larger than 1/10 ac (4350 ft2) Yes = Category I No = Category II SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands In practical terms that means the following geographic areas: Long Beach Peninsula: Lands west of SR 103 Grayland-Westport: Lands west of SR 105 Ocean Shores-Copalis: Lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 Yes - Go to SC 6.1 No = Not an interdunal wetland for rating SC 6.1. Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2.Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger? Yes = Category II No - Go to SC 6.3 SC 6.3. Yes = Category III No = Category IV Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics If you answered No for all types, enter “Not Applicable” on Summary Form The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has less than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100). At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un- grazed or un-mowed grassland. Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its habitat functions. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M for the three aspects of function)? Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains ponded water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom ) Does the wetland have at least 1 contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in (81 cm) or more. Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR the species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in (53 cm). Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 11 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B Name of wetland (or ID #):Date of site visit:9/7/2017 Rated by Trained by Ecology? Yes No Date of training Mar-15 HGM Class used for rating Wetland has multiple HGM classes? Yes No NOTE: Form is not complete with out the figures requested (figures can be combined ). Source of base aerial photo/map OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY II (based on functions or special characteristics ) 1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS Category I - Total score = 23 - 27 Score for each X Category II - Total score = 20 - 22 function based Category III - Total score = 16 - 19 on three Category IV - Total score = 9 - 15 ratings (order of ratings is not important ) M M 9 = H, H, H H L 8 = H, H, M H M Total 7 = H, H, L 7 = H, M, M 6 = H, M, L 6 = M, M, M 5 = H, L, L 5 = M, M, L 4 = M, L, L 3 = L, L, L 2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland Depressional & Flats RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington List appropriate rating (H, M, L) HydrologicImproving Water Quality MSite Potential Landscape Potential Habitat M FUNCTION Biogas Wetland B T. Story Coastal Lagoon Interdunal Value Score Based on Ratings 7 8 5 20 H CHARACTERISTIC Category Estuarine Wetland of High Conservation Value Bog Mature Forest Old Growth Forest None of the above Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 1 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B Maps and Figures required to answer questions correctly for Western Washington Depressional Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Hydroperiods Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods ) Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) Map of the contributing basin 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) Riverine Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Hydroperiods Ponded depressions Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure ) Map of the contributing basin 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) Lake Fringe Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) Slope Wetlands Map of: Figure # Cowardin plant classes Hydroperiods Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants (can be added to another figure ) Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure ) 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.1, S 3.2 S 3.3 S 4.1 S 2.1, S 5.1 To answer questions: H 1.1, H 1.4 H 1.2 S 1.3 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 L 3.1, L 3.2 L 3.3 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 R 3.1 R 3.2, R 3.3 To answer questions: L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4 H 1.2 R 1.1 R 2.4 R 1.2, R 4.2 R 4.1 R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 L 1.2 L 2.2 D 1.1, D 4.1 D 2.2, D 5.2 D 4.3, D 5.3 H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 D 3.1, D 3.2 D 3.3 To answer questions: H 1.1, H 1.4 To answer questions: D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4 D 1.4, H 1.2 Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 2 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B For questions 1 -7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods? NO - go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe - go to 1.1 1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO - go to 3 YES - The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? NO - go to 4 YES - The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual ), The water leaves the wetland without being impounded. NO - go to 5 YES - The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years. NO - go to 6 YES - The wetland class is Riverine NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding. If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to score functions for estuarine wetlands. The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any plants on the surface at any time of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size; The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep). The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river, 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. HGM Classification of Wetland in Western Washington If hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1 - 7 apply, and go to Question 8. At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m). Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 3 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B NO - go to 7 YES - The wetland class is Depressional NO - go to 8 YES - The wetland class is Depressional NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS: Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland HGM class to use in rating Riverine Depressional Lake Fringe If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Riverine Treat as ESTUARINE Slope + Lake Fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary of depression Depressional + Lake Fringe Riverine + Lake Fringe NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM classes within the wetland unit being rated Slope + Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the wetland unit being scored. 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 4 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: points = 3 points = 2 points = 1 points = 1 Yes = 4 No = 0 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > ½ of area points = 3 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 1/10 of area points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants < 1/10 of area points = 0 D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual. Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2 Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 9 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12 - 16 = H 6 - 11 = M 0 - 5 = L Record the rating on the first page D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges?Yes = 1 No = 0 1 Yes = 1 No = 0 D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland?Yes = 1 No = 0 0 Source Yes = 1 No = 0 Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above 2 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 or 4 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Yes = 1 No = 0 Yes = 1 No = 0 Yes = 2 No = 0 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 4 Rating of Value If score is: 2 - 4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page 1 0 Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality? 2 Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet. Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet). Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. 4 D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site? DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found )? D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions ). D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes): D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1 - D 2.3? D 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the 303(d) list? D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society? 1 1 2 0 3 Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 5 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: points = 4 points = 2 points = 1 points = 0 Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points = 7 Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 5 Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3 The wetland is a “headwater” wetland points = 3 Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1 Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in)points = 0 The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points = 3 The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit points = 0 Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5 Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above 10 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12 - 16 = H 6 - 11 = M 0 - 5 = L Record the rating on the first page D 5.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges?Yes = 1 No = 0 1 D 5.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0 Yes = 1 No = 0 Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above 3 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page points = 2 points = 1 Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin.points = 1 points = 0 There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland.points = 0 Yes = 2 No = 0 Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above 2 Rating of Value If score is: 2 - 4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society? The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down-gradient into areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds): Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately down- gradient of unit. Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down- gradient. Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? 2 Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch 3 D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic function of the site? 1 1 D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why 2 0 5 D 4.2. Depth of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part. D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself. D 6.1. The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met. D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan? Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 6 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat? Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4 Emergent 3 structures: points = 2 Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)2 structures: points - 1 Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)1 structure: points = 0 If the unit has a Forested class, check if : H 1.2. Hydroperiods Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3 Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1 Saturated only 1 types present: points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake Fringe wetland 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points H 1.3. Richness of plant species If you counted:> 19 species points = 2 5 - 19 species points = 1 < 5 species points = 0 H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon 2 H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold of ¼ ac or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked. None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points All three diagrams in this row are HIGH = 3 points 2 Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods ). 2 Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2.Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle 1 Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 7 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B H 1.5. Special habitat features: Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long) Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above 10 Rating of Site Potential If Score is: 15 - 18 = H 7 - 14 = M 0 - 6 = L Record the rating on the first page H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat function of the site? H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit ). Calculate: 3 % undisturbed habitat + (5 % moderate & low intensity land uses / 2 ) = 5.5% If total accessible habitat is: > 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3 20 - 33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2 10 - 19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1 < 10 % of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland. Calculate: 21 % undisturbed habitat + (5 % moderate & low intensity land uses / 2 ) = 23.5% Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3 Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2 Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1 Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (-2) ≤ 50% of 1km Polygon is high intensity points = 0 Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above -1 Rating of Landscape Potential If Score is: 4 - 6 = H 1 - 3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page Site meets ANY of the following criteria:points = 2 It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page) It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) with in 100m points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0 Rating of Value If Score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page 0 1 -2 H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society? H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score that applies to the wetland being rated . It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists) It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources 1 Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of strata ) Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed ) At least ¼ ac of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians ) 3 Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points. It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 8 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha). Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed elsewhere. WDFW Priority Habitats Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE : This question is independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat. Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report ). Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade crest – Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) > 32 in (81 cm) dbh or > 200 years of age. Mature forests – Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 in (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest. Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158 – see web link above ). Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 – see web link above ). Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report – see web link on previous page ). Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 in (51 cm) in western Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12 in (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft (6 m) long. Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 9 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B Wetland Type Category Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. List the category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC 1.0. Estuarine Wetlands Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes - Go to SC 1.1 No = Not an estuarine wetland SC 1.1. Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 1.2 SC 1.2.Is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions? Yes = Category I No = Category II SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV) SC 2.1. Yes - Go to SC 2.2 No - Go to SC 2.3 SC 2.2.Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value? Yes = Category I No = Not WHCV SC 2.3.Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland? http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands.pdf Yes - Contact WNHP/WDNR and to SC 2.4 No = Not WHCV SC 2.4. Yes = Category I No = Not WHCV SC 3.0. Bogs SC 3.1. Yes - Go to SC 3.3 No - Go to SC 3.2 SC 3.2. Yes - Go to SC 3.3 No = Is not a bog SC 3.3. Yes = Is a Category I bog No - Go to SC 3.4 SC 3.4. Yes = Is a Category I bog No = Is not a bog Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on their website? Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High Conservation Value? Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below. If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions . Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in or more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or pond? Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30% cover of plant species listed in Table 4? NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory, you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy? CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartina , see page 25) At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un- grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 10 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015 Wetland name or number Wetland B SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands Yes = Category I No = Not a forested wetland for this section SC 5.0. Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? Yes - Go to SC 5.1 No = Not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1. Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is larger than 1/10 ac (4350 ft2) Yes = Category I No = Category II SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands In practical terms that means the following geographic areas: Long Beach Peninsula: Lands west of SR 103 Grayland-Westport: Lands west of SR 105 Ocean Shores-Copalis: Lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 Yes - Go to SC 6.1 No = Not an interdunal wetland for rating SC 6.1. Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2.Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger? Yes = Category II No - Go to SC 6.3 SC 6.3. Yes = Category III No = Category IV Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics If you answered No for all types, enter “Not Applicable” on Summary Form The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains ponded water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom ) Does the wetland have at least 1 contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in (81 cm) or more. Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR the species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in (53 cm). The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has less than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100). At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un- grazed or un-mowed grassland. Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its habitat functions. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M for the three aspects of function)? Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac? Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 11 WSDOT Adapted Form - March 2, 2015