HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppx A 10-04766-018 Wetland & Stream Delineation-Black River 2014 05 16
DRAFT
WETLAND AND STREAM DELINEATION
REPORT
BLACK RIVER PUMP STATION SEDIMENT
REMOVAL PROJECT
Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Water and Land Resources Division
Note:
Some pages in this document have been purposely skipped or blank pages inserted so that this
document will copy correctly when duplexed.
WETLAND AND STREAM DELINEATION
REPORT
Black River Pump Station Sediment
Removal Project
Prepared for
Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Water and Land Resources Division
River and Floodplain Management Section
201 South Jackson Street, Suite 600
Seattle, Washington 98104
by
Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
2200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1100
Seattle, Washington 98121
Telephone: 206/441-9080
May 16, 2014 Draft
Prepared by:
Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
2200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1100
Seattle, Washington 98121
Telephone: 206/441-9080
For comments or questions contact:
Amanda Azous, PWS
206-787-8251 Direct Line
Alternate Formats Available
206-296-7380 TTY Relay: 711
i
jr 10-04766-018 wetland & stream delineation-black river.docx
DISCLAIMER
Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc. has prepared this report for use by King
County. The results and conclusions in this report represent the professional
opinion of Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc. They are based upon
examination of public domain information concerning the study area, site
reconnaissance, and data analysis.
The work was performed according to accepted standards in the field of
jurisdictional wetland determination and delineation using the Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and
the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation
Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Environmental
Laboratory 2010). In addition, work was conducted according to accepted
standards of determining the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of streams using
the definition set forth in Washington Administrative Code 173 22 030(11) and
Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark on Streams in Washington State
(Olson and Stockdale 2010). However, final determination of jurisdictional
wetland and OHWM boundaries pertinent to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
is the responsibility of the Seattle District of the US Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE). Various agencies of the State of Washington and local jurisdictions may
require a review of final site development plans that could potentially affect
zoning, buffer requirements, water quality, or habitat functions of lands in
question. Therefore, the findings and conclusions in this report should be
reviewed by appropriate regulatory agencies before any detailed site planning
or construction activities.
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CONTENTS
Disclaimer .................................................................................................... i
Summary ................................................................................................... S-1
Introduction ................................................................................................. 1
Study Objectives ...................................................................................... 1
Project Setting ........................................................................................ 3
Applicable Laws and Regulations ................................................................... 3
Methods and Materials ..................................................................................... 5
Review of Available Information .................................................................... 5
Wetland Delineation .................................................................................. 5
Wetland Classification, Rating, and Functional Assessment .................................... 6
Wetland Classification ......................................................................... 6
Wetland Rating ................................................................................. 6
Wetland Functional Assessment.............................................................. 6
Stream Delineation and Classification ............................................................. 7
Results ....................................................................................................... 9
Analysis of Available Information ................................................................... 9
Previously Mapped Wetlands and Streams .................................................. 9
Mapped Soils .................................................................................... 9
Analysis of Wetland Conditions ..................................................................... 9
Evaluation of Wetland Functions................................................................... 12
Wetland A ...................................................................................... 21
Wetland B ...................................................................................... 21
Wetland C ...................................................................................... 22
Wetland D ...................................................................................... 22
Analysis of Stream Conditions ...................................................................... 22
Regulatory Implications .................................................................................. 25
Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 ............................................................ 25
Washington State Laws .............................................................................. 25
Renton Municipal Code .............................................................................. 25
Wetlands ....................................................................................... 25
Streams ......................................................................................... 26
References ................................................................................................. 27
Appendix A Wetland Delineation Methods
Appendix B Wetland Delineation Data Forms
Appendix C Wetland Rating Forms
iv
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TABLES
Table S-1. Wetlands Delineated in the Study Area for the Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project. ............................................................... S-2
Table S-2. Streams Delineated in the Study Area for the Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project. ............................................................... S-2
Table 1. Wetlands Delineated in the Study Area for the Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project. ................................................................ 12
Table 2. Summary for Wetland A. ................................................................... 14
Table 3. Summary for Wetland B. ................................................................... 16
Table 4. Summary for Wetland C. ................................................................... 17
Table 5. Summary for Wetland D. ................................................................... 19
Table 6. Individual Wetland Function Scores for Wetlands in the Study Area for the
Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project. ................................. 21
Table 7. Summary of the Black River within the Study Area of the Black River Pump
Station Sediment Removal Project. ...................................................... 23
F IGURES
Figure 1. Vicinity Map for the Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project,
Renton, Washington. ......................................................................... 2
Figure 2. NWI Mapped Wetlands and Streams in the Vicinity of the Black River Pump
Station Sediment Removal Project, Renton, Washington. ............................ 10
Figure 3. Mapped Soils in the Vicinity of the Black River Pump Station Sediment
Removal Project, Renton, Washington. .................................................. 11
Figure 4. Wetlands Delineated in the Study Area for Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project, Renton, Washington. ...................................... 13
S-1
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S UMMARY
This wetland delineation was performed for the Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal
Project. King County proposes to remove accumulated sediment from the forebay of the
Black River Pump Station. The sediment must be placed on site for dewatering. Previous
testing indicates that the sediment is contaminated, which may impact water draining from
stockpiles and the surrounding environment. Contaminated sediment will be transported and
disposed of offsite. The project area includes the forebay directly upstream of the pump
station as well as the potential construction staging areas where the sediment may be placed,
which may be along the north or south bank of the Black River, just upstream of the Black
River Pump Station. The study area includes these and adjacent areas. The purpose of this
report is to identify the boundaries of wetlands and streams within the study area.
This wetland and stream assessment was performed in accordance with:
The Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987)
Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Western
Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Environmental Laboratory 2010)
Washington Administrative Code 173-22-030(5) - Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)
Definition
Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark on Streams in Washington State (Olson and
Stockdale 2010)
Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington - Revised (Hruby
2004)
Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-3-050-M
Herrera biologists delineated four wetlands and the Black River within the study area
(Tables S-1 and S-2). Wetland A is a riverine wetland that is hydrologically influenced
by the Black River. Wetland B is a depressional wetland that gets most of its hydrology
from groundwater, as well as stormwater from Monster Road. Wetland B drains into
Wetland C through a culvert. Wetland C is a slope wetland that drains into the Black River.
Wetland D is a depressional wetland that is comprised of primarily reed canarygrass (Phalaris
arundinacea), and sits upslope of Wetland A. The OHWM of the southern bank of the Black
River up to 100 feet upstream of the pump station was delineated in the field, and the OHWM
of both banks was confirmed through stream gauge data.
S-2
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Table S-1. Wetlands Delineated in the Study Area for the Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project.
Wetland
Name
Size of Wetland
(square feet/acre)
USFWS
Classification a
Hydrogeomorphic
Classification b
Ecology Rating
Category c
City of Renton
Buffer Width (feet) d
A 1.3 acres /
56,703 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS, PFO Riverine II 225
B 0.03 acres /
1,220 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS Depressional III 75
C 0.04 acres /
1,945 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS, PFO Slope IV 50
D 0.93 acres /
40,300 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS Depressional III 125
a US Fish and Wildlife Service classification is based on Cowardin et al. (1979): palustrine forested (PFO),
palustrine scrub-shrub (PSS), and palustrine emergent (PEM)
b Hydrogeomorphic classification is based on Brinson (1993).
c Wetland category is based on the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) wetland rating system
(Hruby 2004), which is required for wetlands in Renton within Shoreline Jurisdiction (RMC 4-3-090-D-2-d-ii)
d Wetland buffer widths are based on RMC 4-3-090-D.2.d.iv.
Table S-2. Streams Delineated in the Study Area for the Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project.
WRIA 9 Stream
Catalog Number a Name
Aquatic Area Type b
City of Renton
Buffer Width (feet) c
City of Renton
9-0004 Black River Class I 200
a Based on A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization (WDF 1975).
b RMC 4-3-090-L defines the Black River as a Shoreline of the State, which designates it a Class I stream.
c Aquatic area buffer widths are based on the City of Renton’s aquatic areas typing system(4-3-090-L).
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Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 1
I NTRODUCTION
This wetland and stream delineation report was prepared for the Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project (hereafter referred to as the project). King County is proposing to
remove accumulated sediment from the forebay of the Black River Pump Station. The
sediment must be placed on site for dewatering. Previous testing indicates that the sediment
is contaminated, which may impact water draining from stockpiles and the surrounding
environment. Contaminated sediment will be transported and disposed of offsite. The project
area includes the forebay directly upstream of the pump station as well as the potential
construction staging areas where the sediment will be placed. The study area includes these
and adjacent areas (Figure 1). The purpose of this report is to identify the boundaries of
wetlands and streams within the study area.
During the wetland and stream assessment, the project study area and vicinity was inspected
for wetlands and the OHWM along the Black River was delineated.
This report describes the conditions of wetlands and streams in the study area; provides
wetland and stream ratings and required buffer widths; and identifies applicable federal,
state, and local laws and regulations.
Study Objectives
The objectives of the study were to:
Delineate (flag) all wetlands in the study area.
Classify all delineated wetlands using the US Fish and Wildlife Service classification
system (Cowardin et al. 1979).
Classify all delineated wetlands using the hydrogeomorphic classification system
(Brinson 1993).
Evaluate wetland functions and values using the Washington State Wetland Rating
System for Western Washington – Revised (Hruby 2004), hereafter referred to as the
Ecology rating system.
Determine the applicable wetland buffer widths required by RMC (4-3-050-M and 4-3-
090-D)).
Identify regulations and guidance applicable to project impacts on wetlands and the
river set forth by city, state, and federal authorities.
Delineate (flag) the OHWM of all streams in the study area.
GreenR iverDuwamish
Riv
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eekBlackRiver
Panther Creek
UV900
UV167
UV181
UV167
§¨¦405
RentonTukwila
Seattle
SeaTac
K:\Projects\Y2010\10-04766-018\Project\Delineation_Report\vicinity_map.mxd (5/9/2014)
0 2,000 4,0001,000 Feet
Legend
Potentialconstructionstaging area
Study area
Stream or river
Road
Highway
Railroad
City limit
PACIFICOCEAN
OREGON
WASHINGTON
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Area ofmap detail
USDA, Aerial (2013)
Figure 1. Vicinity Map for the Black RiverPump Station, Renton, Washington.
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 3
Classify all streams within the study area according to the Washington Department of
Natural Resources Forest Practices Water Typing as described in the Washington
Administrative Code (WAC 222-16-031).
Determine the applicable stream buffer widths required by RMC 4-3-090-D.
Project Setting
The project site is located along the north bank of the Black River, just upstream of the Black
River Pump Station (Figure 1). The 10-acre area investigated for the presence of wetlands and
streams is referred to as the study area and is located in Sections 13, Township 23 North,
Range 4 East of the Willamette Meridian. The study area is in the lower reaches of Water
Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9 Green-Duwamish Watershed.
The study area is primarily vegetated, but the Black River and the Black River Pump Station
covers a large part of the southern end of the study area. Mixed deciduous and coniferous
forest and a riverine wetland comprise the eastern part of the study area, while emergent
reed canarygrass wetland covers much of the northern portion of the study area. A gravel pit
and railroad border the study area to the north and west, while Monster Road borders the site
to the south. The Black River Riparian Forest, a large preserved wetland area, borders the
study area along the eastern edge.
Applicable Laws and Regulations
Wetlands and streams are subject to a variety of federal and state regulations. Federal laws
regulating wetlands include Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act (United States Code,
Title 33, Chapter 1344 [33 USC 1344]). Washington state laws and programs designed to
control the loss of wetland acreage include the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (a federal law that is implemented in the State of
Washington by the Washington State Department of Ecology [Ecology], as mandated by the
Washington State Water Pollution Control Act). The majority of the study area is located
within the City of Renton’s shoreline jurisdiction and, therefore, subject to the City’s
Shoreline Management Program. RMC 4-3-090-D specifies wetland categories, required
wetland buffer widths, development standards, and wetland mitigation requirements for
critical areas within its shoreline jurisdiction.
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Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 5
M ETHODS AND M ATERIALS
Evaluating the presence, extent, and type of wetlands and streams requires a review of
available information about the site (e.g., surveys, studies), followed by an onsite wetland
and stream delineation. The following sections describe the research methods and field
protocols for the wetland and stream evaluations. More information about the methodology
used in the wetland delineation performed for this project is available in Appendix A.
Review of Available Information
A literature review was performed to determine the historical and current presence of
wetlands and streams in and near the study area. Sources of information included:
Aerial photographs of the project vicinity (USDA 2013)
National Wetlands Inventory map of wetland areas in the project vicinity (USFWS 2010)
King County wetland inventory (King County 2013)
Pump operations for the Black River Pump Station
A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization (WDF 1975)
SalmonScape computer mapping system (WDFW 2014a)
Washington State priority habitat and species (PHS) data (WDFW 2014b)
King County area soil survey maps for the project vicinity (NRCS 2012)
Hydric soils list and soil unit descriptions for Washington (NRCS 2014)
Lake to Sound Trail - Segment A: Wetland Discipline Report (Parametrix 2011)
Wetland Delineation
The wetland delineation was performed in accordance with the Regional Supplement to the
US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and
Coast Region (Environmental Laboratory 2010), which is consistent with the 1987 Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987).
The methods in the guidance manuals listed above use a three-parameter approach for
identifying and delineating wetlands, and rely on the presence of field indicators for
hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology. The methods for evaluating these three
parameters are described in Appendix A. The wetland delineation for the project was
performed according to procedures specified under the routine wetland determination
method (Environmental Laboratory 1987).
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6 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
Wetland biologists evaluated field conditions by traversing the study area and noting visual
indicators of wetlands, streams, and other aquatic features.
A test plot was established for each area that appeared to have potential wetland
characteristics. For each test plot, data on dominant plant species, soil conditions, and
evidence of hydrologic conditions were recorded on wetland determination data forms
(Appendix B). Plants, soils, and hydrologic conditions were also analyzed and documented
in adjacent upland areas. Based on collected data, a determination of wetland or upland
was made for each test plot and area examined.
Following confirmation of wetland conditions in a given area, the wetland boundary was
delineated by placing sequentially-numbered fluorescent orange flagging along the wetland
perimeter. A hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit (Trimble Geo XT) was used to
record the locations of the wetland boundary flags and test plots, and these data were
overlaid on aerial photographs.
Wetland Classification, Rating, and Functional Assessment
Wetland Classification
Wetlands observed in the study area were classified according to the US Fish and Wildlife
Service classification system (Cowardin et al. 1979). This system is based on an evaluation
of attributes such as vegetation class, hydrologic regime, salinity, and substrate type. The
wetlands were also classified according to the hydrogeomorphic system, which is based on an
evaluation of attributes such as the position of the wetland within the surrounding landscape,
the source and location of water just before it enters the wetland, and the pattern of water
movement in the wetland (Brinson 1993).
Wetland Rating
Wetlands were rated using the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western
Washington-Revised (Hruby 2004), hereafter referred to as the Ecology rating system.
The Ecology rating system categorizes wetlands according to specific attributes such as
rarity; sensitivity to disturbance; hydrologic, water quality, and habitat functions; and
special characteristics (e.g., mature forested wetland, bog). The total score for all functions
determines the wetland rating. The rating system consists of four categories, with Category I
wetlands exhibiting outstanding functions or special characteristics and Category IV wetlands
exhibiting minimal attributes and functions. The rating categories are used to identify
permitted uses in the wetland and its buffer, to determine the width of buffers needed
to protect the wetland from adjacent development, and to identify the mitigation ratios
required to compensate for potential impacts on wetlands. The City of Renton requires
the use of the Ecology rating system for wetlands within its shoreline jurisdiction (RMC
4-3-090-D).
Wetland Functional Assessment
Wetland functions are those physical and chemical processes that occur within a wetland,
such as the storage of water, cycling of nutrients, and maintenance of diverse plant
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 7
communities and habitat that benefit wildlife. Wetland functions can be grouped into three
broad categories: habitat, hydrologic, and water quality:
Habitat functions include providing food, water, and shelter for fish, shellfish, birds,
amphibians, and mammals. Wetlands also serve as a breeding ground and nursery for
numerous species.
Hydrologic functions include reducing the velocity of stormwater, recharging and
discharging groundwater, and providing flood storage.
Water quality functions include the potential for removing sediment, nutrients, heavy
metals, and toxic organic compounds in the water passing through the wetland.
The Ecology rating system (Hruby 2004) generates a score for each function based on the
wetland’s potential and opportunity for providing the function. Using the scores on the
wetland rating forms, a qualitative functional rating (high, moderate, or low) was derived for
scoring each of the functions (water quality, hydrology, and habitat) provided by each
delineated wetland based on supplemental guidance provided by Ecology (2008).
Stream Delineation and Classification
The Black River was the only stream found within the study area. On the south bank, the
OHWM of Black River up to 100 feet upstream of the pump station was delineated in the field.
Access to the riverbank was not possible on the north bank, therefore data from the Black
River Pump Station operations was used to further define the OHWM. The pump station
modulates water depth to control flooding and provide sufficient flow for fish. The pumps are
controlled by an automated system that operates based on water levels that range between
2.5 feet and a maximum of 5.0 feet NGVD29 (King County Department of Natural Resources
and Parks Wastewater Treatment Division 2007). The lead pump begins pumping down water
from the Black River at a 4.0-foot set point, with follow up pump starts at 4.5- and 5.0-foot
set points; all pumps stop when the water elevation reaches 2.5 feet. Field observations on
the south bank indicate the OHWM is at 5.0 feet NGVD29, which is near the top of the pump
system operating elevation range. The artificially induced flow pattern near the flood control
structure makes exact definition of the OHWM difficult; however, because the shoreline of
the Black River is very steep within the study area there is little lateral variability associated
with the OHWM location.
The field delineation used the definition of OHWM provided in RCW 90.58.030(c), which has
been adopted by the City of Renton. According to this definition, the OHWM is “that mark
that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence
and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years,
as to mark upon the soil a character distinct from that of the abutting upland, in respect to
vegetation...” In addition, methods in the publication Determining the Ordinary High Water
Mark on Streams in Washington State (Olson and Stockdale 2010) were applied.
To delineate the OHWM of the stream, the channel bed and adjacent banks were examined
for indications of frequent high water events. Factors considered when assessing changes in
vegetation include scour (removal of vegetation and exposure of gravel, sand, or other soil
May 2014
8 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
substrate); drainage patterns; elevation of floodplain benches; changes in sediment texture
across the floodplain; sediment layering; sediment or vegetation deposition; and changes in
vegetation communities across the floodplain.
Herrera biologists placed white and blue spotted flagging to indicate the horizontal location
of the OHWM along the riverbank. A handheld GPS unit (Trimble Geo XT) was then used to
record the flag locations. The GPS yields sub-meter accuracy under optimal conditions.
The Black River was classified using the City of Renton water typing system, per the RMC
4-3-050-L. This system is based primarily on fish, wildlife, and human uses, and consists of
four stream types (Classes 1 through 5):
Class 1: Class 1 waters are perennial salmonid-bearing waters, which are classified by
the City and state as Shorelines of the State.
Class 2: Class 2 waters are perennial or intermittent salmonid-bearing waters that
meet one or more of the following criteria:
o Mapped on the Renton Water Class Map, as Class 2
o Historically and/or currently known to support salmonids, including resident trout,
at any stage in the species lifecycle
o Is a water body (e.g., pond, lake) between one half (0.5) acre and twenty (20)
acres in size
Class 3: Class 3 waters are non-salmonid-bearing perennial waters during years of
normal rainfall, and/or are mapped on the Renton Water Class Map as Class 3.
Class 4: Class 4 waters are non-salmonid-bearing intermittent waters during years of
normal rainfall, and/or are mapped on the Renton Water Class Map as Class 4.
Class 5: Class 5 waters are non-regulated non-salmonid-bearing waters which meet
one or more of the following criteria:
o Flow within an artificially constructed channel where no naturally defined channel
had previously existed
o Is a surficially isolated water body less than one-half (0.5) acre (e.g., pond) not
meeting the criteria for a wetland as defined in subsection M of RMC 4-3-050-L)
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Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 9
R ESULTS
This section discusses the results of the wetland delineations and stream OHWM delineations,
including a review of information obtained from various references, and an analysis of
wetland and stream conditions in the study area as observed during field investigations.
Analysis of Available Information
The available existing information compiled for the wetland and stream delineations are
summarized in the following subsections.
Previously Mapped Wetlands and Streams
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) indicates a riverine wetland at the Black River, just
upstream of the pump station. No other NWI wetlands are mapped within the study area
(USFWS 2010) (Figure 2). King County iMAP does not show any wetlands within the study area.
A report prepared by Parametrix for the Lake to sound Trail was reviewed and it documented
additional wetlands within the study area (Parametrix 2011).
Mapped Soils
Two types of soil are mapped within the study area (NRCS 2012) (Figure 3). These are
Woodinville silt loam (predominantly hydric) and Puyallup fine sandy loam (partially hydric).
Woodinville Silt Loam
Woodinville silt loam is a poorly drained soil that occurs on floodplains. The parent material
is alluvium. A typical soil profile includes a 7-inch surface layer composed of silt loam. From
7 to 15 inches, there is silty clay loam, and from 15 to 60 inches there is stratified muck to
silt loam. Woodinville silt loam is considered a predominantly hydric soil, with 96 percent of
the unit being rated as hydric (NRCS 2014).
Puyallup Fine Sandy Loam
Puyallup fine sandy loam is a well-drained soil that occurs on floodplains and terraces. The
parent material is alluvium. A typical soil profile includes ashy fine sandy loam from 0 to
8 inches; very fine sandy loam from 8 to 34 inches; and sand from 34 to 60 inches. Puyallup
fine sandy loam is considered a partially hydric soil, with 22 percent of the unit being rated as
hydric (NRCS 2014).
Analysis of Wetland Conditions
Wetland delineation field activities were conducted by Herrera biologists Julia Munger
and Alicia Ward. The wetland delineations were conducted on February 21 and 24, 2014.
Weather conditions during the fieldwork consisted of daytime high temperatures of
approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), with cloudy conditions the first day and rainy
conditions the second day (NOAA 2014). It was determined that the growing season (as
M
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Legend
Project area
Study area
Stream or river
Road
Railroad
Highway
National Wetland Inventory (NWI)
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
Freshwater Pond
Riverine
USFWS, NWI (2013); King County, Streams (2013)
Figure 2.NWI Mapped Wetlands and Streamsin the Vicinity of the Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project, Renton, Washington.
OAKES
D
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Legend
Project area
Study area
Stream or river
Road
Soil Type
Beausite gravelly sandyloam, 6-15% slopes
Beausite gravelly sandyloam, 4-15% slopes
Newberg silt loam
Pits
Puget silty clay loam
Puyallup fine sandy loam
Tukwila muck
Urban land
Woodinville silt loam
Water USDA, Soil (2013)
Figure 3.Mapped Soils in the Vicinity of the Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project, Renton, Washington.
May 2014
12 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
defined in Appendix A) had begun, because herbaceous annual plant species and leaf buds
were observed.
Herrera biologists delineated four wetlands in the project area: Wetlands A, B, C, and D
(Table 1; Figure 4). Figure 4 also shows wetlands delineated in 2011 by Parametrix (2011)
for the Lake to sound Trail. Detailed descriptions of the wetlands are provided in Tables 2
through 5. The biologists completed wetland delineation data forms (Appendix B) and an
Ecology wetland rating form (Appendix C) for each of the wetlands delineated in the project
area. Representative photographs of the wetlands in the project area are included in Tables 2
through 5.
Table 1. Wetlands Delineated in the Study Area for the Black River Pump Station
Sediment Removal Project.
Wetland
Name
Size of Wetland
(square feet/acre)
USFWS
Classification a
Hydrogeomorphic
Classification b
Ecology Rating
Category c
City of Renton Buffer
Width (feet) d
A 1.3 acres /
56,703 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS, PFO Riverine II 225
B 0.03 acres /
1,220 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS Depressional III 75
C 0.04 acres /
1,945 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS, PFO Slope IV 50
D 0.93 acres /
40,300 sq. ft.
PEM, PSS Depressional III 125
a US Fish and Wildlife Service classification is based on Cowardin et al. (1979): palustrine forested (PFO),
palustrine scrub-shrub (PSS), and palustrine emergent (PEM)
b Hydrogeomorphic classification is based on Brinson (1993).
c Wetland category is based on the Ecology wetland rating system (Hruby 2004), which is required for wetlands in
Renton within shoreline jurisdiction (RMC4-3-090-D)
d Wetland buffer widths are based on the Ecology wetland rating, per Renton Municipal Code 4-3-090-D.
Note that a sign was posted at Wetland B that identified it as the “Black River Channel Native
Plant Restoration, Phase 2: A Community Effort to Protect and Improve the Black River
Ecosystem” and identified its sponsor as the Black River Watershed Alliance. The native
planting project was funded by the King Conservation District.
Evaluation of Wetland Functions
Wetland functions for each wetland within the project area were evaluated according to data
in the Ecology wetland rating forms (Hruby 2004) and supplemental qualitative ratings (high,
medium, low) were determined based on Ecology guidance (2008). A summary of the function
scores, the total wetland score, and the associated rating (category) for each wetland is
provided in Table 6. Qualitative and quantitative scores for both potential and opportunity for
each wetland to provide water quality, hydrologic, and habitat functions is shown.
Black River ChannelNative Plant Restoration#MONSTER RD SW
MONSTERRD SWBlack River
TP-UPL-C TP-WL-C
TP-WL-D
TP-UPL-D
TP-WL-A1TP-UPL-A
TP-WL-B
TP-UP-B
A
B
C
D
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
K:\Projects\Y2010\10-04766-018\Project\Delineation_Report\wetlands_delineated.mxd (5/14/2014)
0 150 30075Feet
Legend
Potential construction staging area
Study area
Delineated wetland
Previously mapped wetland
Test pit
Critical area buffer
Delineated Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)
OHWM approximated based on pump station operations ESRI, Aerial (2011); King County, Streams (2013)
Figure 4. Wetlands Delineated in the Study Areafor the Black River Pump Station,Renton, Washington.
Note: Wetland A and C connect to the Black River
May 2014
14 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
Table 2. Summary for Wetland A.
Wetland Name Wetland A
Location North of the Black River
Local jurisdiction City of Renton
WRIA WRIA 9: Green-Duwamish
Wetland rating Category II
City of Renton
buffer width
225 feet
Cowardin
classification
PEM, PSS, PFO
Hydrogeomorphi
c classification
Riverine
Wetland data
form(s)
TP-WL-A
Upland data
form(s)
TP-UPL-A
Size of entire
wetland
1.30 acres
Dominant
vegetation
Wetland A is primarily a palustrine forested and scrub-shrub wetland. The dominant species
include Pacific willow (Salix lucida), Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis), and red alder (Alnus rubra).
There are also small areas of Palustrine emergent wetland that are dominated by reed
canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), soft rush (Juncus effusus), slough sedge (Carex obnupta),
and yellowflag iris (Iris pseudacorus).
Soils Soils in the wetland were primarily silt loams, which is consistent with the NRCS soil unit rating
of Woodinville silt loam. At TP-WL-A, between 0 and 4 inches depth, the soil had a texture of
silt loam. The matrix color was very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), comprising 100 percent of
the soil layer. Between 4 and 9 inches, the soil had a texture of loam. The matrix colo r was very
dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) comprising 50 percent of the soil layer. The redox features
resembled concentrations in the matrix with a color of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8), comprising 50
percent of the matrix. Between 9 and 18 inches, the soil ha d a texture of silt loam. The soil
color was dark brown (10YR 3/3) comprising 100 percent of the soil layer. The soil met the
hydric soil indicator F6 (redox Dark Surface). For the upland soils, at TP-UPL-A, soils displayed
relic hydric soil features. Between 0 and 7 inches the soil had a texture of silt loam. The soil matrix
had a color of dark grayish brown (10YR4/2) comprising 100 percent of the soil layer. Between 7
and 18 inches, the soil had a texture of silt loam. The soil matrix had a color of grayish brown
(2.5Y 5/2), comprising 85 percent of the soil layer. The redox features resembled concentrations
in the matrix with colors of strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) comprising 15 percent of the soil layer. The
soil met hydric soil indicator F3 (Depleted matrix).
Hydrology There are several hydrologic regimes present in Wetland A. Much of the area is permanently
flooded, with surrounding areas being seasonally flooded, and a few areas being saturated only.
Wetland hydrology is greatly influenced by the operation of the Black River Pump Station, which is
located immediately downstream of Wetland A. Wetland A is directly connected to the Black River
at both ends of the wetland, causing the water level in Wetland A to rise and fall with the river
level. In the wetland test pit, saturation was present at a depth of 2 inches, and the water table
was present at a depth of 9 inches.
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 15
Table 2 (continued). Summary for Wetland A.
Wetland Name Wetland A
Rationale for
delineation
Wetland A was determined by the presence of hydric soils, wetland hydrology indicators, and a
dominance of hydrophytic vegetation. The rationale for delineation was based primarily on a
change in topography combined with a change in dominant vegetation from hydrophytic to non-
hydrophytic.
Rationale for
local rating
The Renton Municipal Code classifies wetlands within the shoreline jurisdiction according to the
Ecology rating system, which rates Wetland A as a Category II wetland.
Functions of
wetland
Wetland A has a high potential to improve water quality as well as the opportunity. It has a
moderate potential to improve hydrologic functions but no opportunity. It has a high potential
and moderate opportunity to improve habitat functions. More information on Wetland A’s
functions can be found in Table 6.
Buffer
condition
The buffer width for Wetland A is based on the City of Renton’s requirements for a Category II
wetland within the shoreline jurisdiction and an Ecology wetland rating of 29 for habitat
functions. The buffers for Wetland A are primarily mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with
the Black River comprising a small portion of the buffer.
May 2014
16 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
Table 3. Summary for Wetland B.
Wetland Name Wetland B
Location South of the Black River and north of Monster Road
Local jurisdiction City of Renton
WRIA WRIA 9: Green-Duwamish
Wetland rating Category III
City of Renton
buffer width
75 feet
Cowardin
classification
PEM, PSS
Hydrogeomorphic
classification
Depressional
Wetland data
form(s)
TP-WL-B
Upland data
form(s)
TP-UPL-B
Size of entire
wetland
0.03 acres
Dominant
vegetation
Wetland B is a palustrine emergent and palustrine scrub-shrub wetland. The dominant
vegetation in Wetland B is reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Himalayan blackberry
(Rubus armeniacus), with occasional patches of soft rush (Juncus effusus).
Soils At TP-WL-B, between 0 and 8 inches depth, the soil had a texture of sapric muck. The matrix
color was very black (10YR 2/1), comprising 100 percent of the soil layer. Between 8 and 18
inches, the layer was cobble. The soil met the hydric soil indicator A3 (Black Histic). For the
upland soils, at TP-UPL-B, between 0 and18 inches the soil had a texture of silt loam. The soil
matrix had a color of dark brown (10YR3/3) comprising 100 percent of the soil layer. The soil did
not meet any hydric indicators.
Hydrology The hydrologic regime of Wetland B is seasonally flooded over more than half its area. At TP-WL-
B, the water table and saturation were present at a depth of 0 inches.
Rationale for
delineation
Wetland B was determined by the presence of hydric soils, wetland hydrology indicators, and a
dominance of hydrophytic vegetation. The rationale for delineation was based primarily on a
change in topography as well as a change in dominant vegetation from hydrophytic to non-
hydrophytic.
Rationale for
local rating
The Renton Municipal Code classifies wetlands within the shoreline jurisdiction according to the
Ecology rating system, which rates Wetland B as a Category III wetland.
Functions of
wetland
Wetland B has a moderate potential to improve water quality as well as the opportunity. It has a
moderate potential to improve hydrologic functions but no opportunity. It has a low potential and
moderate opportunity to improve habitat functions. More information on Wetland B’s functions
can be found in Table 6.
Buffer
condition
The buffer width for Wetland B is based on the City of Renton’s requirements for a Category III
wetland within the shoreline jurisdiction and an Ecology wetland rating of below 20 for habitat
functions. The buffers for Wetland B are primarily disturbed upland, much of it Kentucky
bluegrass (Poa pratensis) lawn. Part of the southern buffer includes Monster Road.
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 17
Table 4. Summary for Wetland C.
Wetland Name Wetland C
Location Southern bank of the Black River
Local jurisdiction City of Renton
WRIA WRIA 9: Green-Duwamish
Wetland rating Category IV
City of Renton
buffer width
50 feet
Cowardin
classification
PEM, PSS, PFO
Hydrogeomorphi
c classification
Slope
Wetland data
form(s)
TP-WL-C
Upland data
form(s)
TP-UPL-C
Size of entire
wetland
0.04 acres
Dominant
vegetation
Wetland C is primarily a palustrine emergent and palustrine scrub-shrub wetland. The
dominant species for the emergent strata are reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and
yellowflag iris (Iris pseudacorus). Willow species (Salix spp.) are dominant in the scrub-shrub
strata.
Soils Soils in the wetland were primarily silt loams, which is consistent with the NRCS soil unit rating
of Woodinville silt loam. At TP-WL-C, between 0 and 5 inches depth, the soil had a texture of
silt loam. The matrix color was very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), comprising 99 percent of
the soil layer. The redox features resembled concentrations in the matrix with a color of dark
yellowish brown (10YR 4/4), comprising 1 percent of the matrix. Between 5 and 9 inches, the
soil had a texture of silt loam. The matrix color was very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2)
comprising 95 percent of the soil layer. The redox features resembled concentrations in the
matrix with a color of yellowish brown (10YR 5/8), comprising 5 percent of the matrix. Between
9 and 18 inches, the soil had a texture of silty clay loam. The soil color was dark gray (10YR
4/1) comprising 70 percent of the soil layer. The redox features resembled concentrations in
the matrix with a color of strong brown (7.5YR 5/8), comprising 30 percent of the matrix. The
soil met the hydric soil indicator F6 (redox Dark Surface). For the upland soils, at TP-UPL-A,
soils displayed relic hydric soil features. Between 0 and 8 inches, the soil had a texture of sandy
loam. The soil matrix had a color of very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) comprising 100 percent of
the soil layer. Between 8 and 18 inches, the soil had a texture of sandy loam. The soil matrix had
a color of very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), comprising 98 percent of the soil layer. The redox
features resembled concentrations in the matrix with colors of brown (10YR 4/3) comprising 2
percent of the soil layer. The soil did not meet any hydric soil indicators.
Hydrology Wetland C has several hydrologic regimes. Much of the area is saturated only, with smaller areas
that are seasonally flooded. The northern edge of the wetland is bordered by the Black River. At
TP-WL-C, saturation was present at a depth of 2 inches and the water table was present at a
depth of 4 inches.
May 2014
18 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
Table 4 (continued). Summary for Wetland C.
Wetland Name Wetland C
Rationale for
delineation
Wetland C was determined by the presence of hydric soils, wetland hydrology indicators, and a
dominance of hydrophytic vegetation. The rationale for delineation was based primarily on the
extent of wetland hydrology as well as a change in dominant vegetation from hydrophytic to
non-hydrophytic.
Rationale for
local rating
The Renton Municipal Code classifies wetlands within the shoreline jurisdiction according to
the Ecology rating system, which rates Wetland C as a Category IV wetland.
Functions of
wetland
Wetland C has a low potential to improve water quality as well as the opportunity. It has a low
potential to improve hydrologic functions but no opportunity. It has a moderate potential and
moderate opportunity to improve habitat functions. More information on Wetland C’s functions
can be found in Table 6.
Buffer condition The buffer width for Wetland C is based on the City of Renton’s requirements for a Category IV
wetland within the shoreline jurisdiction and an Ecology habitat rating of 20. The buffers for
Wetland C are disturbed forested and scrub-shrub upland on the southern side and the Black
River on the northern side.
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 19
Table 5. Summary for Wetland D.
Wetland Name Wetland D
Location North of the Black River Pump Station
Local jurisdiction City of Renton
WRIA WRIA 9: Green-Duwamish
Wetland rating Category III
City of Renton
buffer width
125 feet
Cowardin
classification
PEM, PSS
Hydrogeomorphic
classification
Depressional
Wetland data
form(s)
TP-WL-D
Upland data
form(s)
TP-UPL-D
Size of entire
wetland
0.93 acres
Dominant
vegetation
Wetland D is primarily a palustrine emergent wetland, with small areas of palustrine scrub -shrub.
The wetland is dominated by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Himalayan
blackberry (Rubus armeniacus.). There are small patches of red-osier dogwood (Cornus
sericea), willow (Salix spp.), and alder (Alnus rubra).
Soils Soils in the wetland were primarily silt loams, which is consistent with the NRCS soil unit rating
of Woodinville silt loam. At TP-WL-D, between 0 and 6 inches depth, the soil had a texture of
silty clay loam. The matrix color was very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), comprising 100
percent of the soil layer. Between 6 and 9 inches, the soil had a textur e of silt loam. The matrix
color was very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) comprising 85 percent of the soil layer. The redox
features resembled concentrations in the matrix with colors of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8),
comprising 5 percent of the matrix, and grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) comprising 10 percent.
Between 9 and 18 inches, the soil had a texture of silt loam. The soil color was gray (10YR 5/1)
comprising 60 percent of the soil layer. The redox features resembled concentrations in the
matrix with a color of strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6), comprising 40 percent of the matrix. The soil
met the hydric soil indicatorA11 (Depleted Below Dark Surface). For the upland soils, at TP-UPL-
D, soils displayed between 0 and 6 inches the soil had a texture of cobbly sandy loam. The soil
matrix had a color of very dark gray (10YR3/) comprising 100 percent of the soil layer. Between 6
and 18 inches, the soil layer was cobble (100 percent). The upland soil did not meet any hydric soil
indicators.
Hydrology Most of Wetland D is saturated but there are large areas that are seasonally ponded. At TP-WL-D,
the water table was present at a depth of 8 inches, and the soil was saturated at the soil surface.
There were areas of ponding up to 6 inches deep at the time of the site visit in the early growing
season.
Rationale for
delineation
Wetland D was determined by the presence of hydric soils, wetland hydrology indicators, and a
dominance of hydrophytic vegetation. The rationale for delineation was based primarily on the
presence of hydrology and topography, since the soil and vegetation are highly disturbed.
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20 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
Table 5 (continued). Summary for Wetland D.
Wetland Name Wetland D
Rationale for
local rating
The Renton Municipal Code classifies wetlands within the shoreline jurisdiction according to the
current Ecology rating system, which rates Wetland D as a Category III wetland.
Functions of
wetland
Wetland D has a moderate potential to improve water quality but no opportunity to improve water
quality. It has a moderate potential to improve hydrologic functions but no opportunity. It has a
moderate potential and moderate opportunity to improve habitat functions. More information on
Wetland D’s functions can be found in Table 6.
Buffer
condition
The buffer width for Wetland D is based on the City of Renton’s requirements for a Category III
wetland within the shoreline jurisdiction, and an Ecology wetland rating above 20 points for
habitat functions. The buffers for Wetland D are mostly disturbed. A bike path runs along the
entire northwestern edge. The Black River Pump Station is directly to the south, causing much of
the buffer to be comprised of fill material. Along the eastern edge of the wetland is mixed
deciduous-coniferous forest.
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 21
Table 6. Individual Wetland Function Scores for Wetlands in the Study Area for the
Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project.
Wetland
Name
Water Quality
Functions Rating a
(numerical score in
parentheses)
Hydrologic Functions
Rating a
(numerical score in
parentheses)
Habitat Functions Rating a
(numerical score in
parentheses)
Total
Score c
Ecology
Rating
Category b Potential Opportunity Potential Opportunity Potential Opportunity
A High (12) Yes Moderate
(9)
No High (16) Moderate (13) 62 II
B Moderate
(9)
Yes Moderate
(8)
No Low (5) Moderate (11) 42 III
C Low (0) Yes Low (3) No Moderate
(8)
Moderate (12) 23 IV
D Moderate
(10)
No Moderate
(10)
No Moderate
(7)
Moderate (13) 40 III
a Qualitative ratings are based on the “Using the Wetland Rating System in Compensatory Mitigation” focus sheet
(Ecology 2008)
b Wetland category is based on the Department of Ecology rating system (Hruby 2004).
C Total score is derived by multiplying the numerical rating by 2 when there is opportunity for improving water
quality or hydrologic functions and by 1 when there is none. Then all scores are summed to derive the total.
Wetland A
Wetland A, a riverine wetland, has a high potential to improve water quality primarily
because the wetland is covered by tree and shrub vegetation for over two thirds of the area,
and over half of the area is covered in depressions. These characteristics can help Wetland A
capture sediment during high water events. The wetland has the opportunity to improve
water quality because its main hydrology source is the Black River, which is on Ecology’s
303(d) list due to high levels of bacteria. The wetland has a moderate potential to improve
hydrologic functions, primarily because it is heavily vegetated. However, Wetland A does
not have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion downstream because it is directly
upstream of the Black River Pump Station, which controls the flows of the Black River
downstream of the wetland. Wetland A exhibits high potential to improve habitat functions
because it is well vegetated, contains several hydroperiods and habitat features, and has a
high interspersion of habitat types. The opportunity for the wetland to improve habitat
functions is moderate because of the wetland’s proximity to priority habitats and relatively
undisturbed buffers.
Wetland B
Wetland B, a depressional wetland, has a moderate potential to improve water quality
because the area is seasonally ponded over more than half its area and because it has an
intermittently flowing outlet. It has the opportunity to improve water quality because
untreated stormwater discharges into the wetland from nearby Monster Road. Wetland B has
a moderate potential to improve hydrology because it has an intermittently flowing outlet
and a ponding depth of up to two feet. However, Wetland B does not have the opportunity to
improve hydrology because it is upstream of the Black River Pump Station, which controls
May 2014
22 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
downstream flow. Wetland B has a low potential to improve habitat functions, primarily
because it does not have a very diverse plant structure or hydrologic regime, and no special
habitat features. The opportunity for the wetland to improve habitat functions is moderate
because of the wetland’s proximity to priority habitats and other wetlands.
Wetland C
Wetland C is a slope wetland with a low potential to provide water quality improvements.
This is due to the wetland location, on a slope greater than 5 percent, and a lack of dense
herbaceous vegetation. The wetland has the opportunity to improve water quality, since
untreated stormwater discharges to the wetland from nearby Monster Road. Wetland C has a
low potential to improve hydrology, because of its lack of dense vegetation. Wetland C does
not have the opportunity to improve hydrology because it drains to the Black River upstream
of the Pump Station. Wetland C has a moderate potential for improving habitat function, due
to the presence of several vegetation strata and a moderately complex hydrologic regime. It
has a moderate opportunity to improve habitat functions because of Wetland C’s proximity to
other wetlands and to priority habitats.
Wetland D
Wetland D is a depressional wetland. It has moderate potential to improve water quality
because it does not have an outlet, and persistent vegetation covers almost the entire
wetland. However, wetland D does not have the opportunity to improve water quality
because it is not close enough to development. Wetland D has a moderate potential to
improve hydrologic functions, because it does not have an outlet, and ponds water to a depth
of up to 2 feet. It does not have the opportunity to improve hydrology, though, because its
contribution to flood storage is minor when compared to the flow control provided by the
Black River Pump Station. The wetland has a moderate potential to improve habitat, primarily
because it has a moderate interspersion of habitats and contains several special habitat
features. Wetland D has a moderate opportunity to provide habitat due to its proximity to
other wetlands and a relatively undisturbed buffer along much of the wetland.
Analysis of Stream Conditions
Herrera biologists delineated the OHWM of the Black River on February 21, 2014. A detailed
summary of Black River conditions within the study area, including a representative
photograph, is provided in Table 7. The location of the OHWM of the Black River was primarily
distinguished by drainage patterns and scour lines in the field. Pump station operations data
from the Black River Pump Station were also reviewed and used to refine further the OHWM
location on the north bank. Figure 4 shows the location of the OHWM.
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 23
Table 7. Summary of the Black River within the Study Area of the Black River Pump
Station Sediment Removal Project.
Stream Name Black River
WRIA Stream Catalog # 9-0004
Local Jurisdiction City of Renton
WDNR Stream Type Type S: Shoreline of the State
Local Stream Rating Class 1: Shoreline of the State
Local Jurisdiction Buffer
Width
200 feet
Documented Fish Use The presence of Fall Chinook and winter steelhead has been documented in the
Black River, and coho rearing has also been documented (WDFW 2014a).
Location of Stream Relative
to Project Area
The Black River is located within the project area, and dredging work will occur
within the river.
Connectivity (where stream
flows from/to)
The Black River originates upstream of the project area within the lower reaches
of WRIA 9. The confluence of the Black River and the Green River, just
downstream of the Black River Pump Station, forms the Duwamish River. The
Duwamish River travels 11 miles before its mouth at Elliott Bay in Puget Sound.
Riparian/Buffer Condition The buffer for the portion of the Black River within the project area is relatively
undisturbed. There is a small area of development near the Black River Pump
Station. The rest of the buffer is primarily upland of mixed coniferous and
deciduous forest of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), black cottonwood
(Populus trichocarpa), and red alder (Alnus rubra), with willows (Salix spp.) and
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) in the understory.
May 2014
Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 25
R EGULATORY I MPLICATIONS
Wetland and stream regulations imposed by the federal government, Washington State, and
the City of Renton will apply if wetlands or the Black River are affected by activities planned
for the project. The filling or excavation of wetlands is regulated under the federal Clean
Water Act, Washington State laws, and the RMC. The RMC also establishes required buffer
widths for wetlands and streams. Federal, state, and city regulations also uniformly require
mitigation for impacts on wetlands and streams.
Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401
Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act regulates the placement or removal of soil or
other fill, grading, or alteration (hydrologic or vegetative) in waters of the United States,
including wetlands (33 USC 1344). The USACE administers the permitting program under the
act. The permits include nationwide (general) permits for projects involving small areas of
fill, grading or alteration and individual permits for projects that require larger areas of
wetland disturbance. USACE does not regulate wetland buffers.
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that proposed dredge (removal) and fill activities
permitted under Section 404 be reviewed and certified to ensure that such activities meet
state water quality standards. In Washington State, this certification is administered by
Ecology for all Section 404 permits except when the activities are covered by a Section 404
Nationwide Permit that does not require a Section 401 certification.
Washington State Laws
Washington State laws and programs designed to control the loss of wetland acreage include
the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (a federal
law that is implemented in the state by Ecology as noted above and as mandated by the
Washington State Water Pollution Control Act).
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife requires a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA)
for any alteration of the bed or banks of the Black River below the OHWM. Receipt of this
permit is contingent on several mandates, including coordinating restoration, maintaining
fish stocks, and preserving bald eagle populations (WAC 77.04.020, 43.41.270, 77.04.170,
232.12.292).
Renton Municipal Code
Wetlands
RMC 4-3-090-D requires that wetlands adjacent to a Shoreline of the State (the Black River)
be classified according to the Ecology rating system (Hruby 2004). Buffers are required around
each wetland in order to protect the wetland functions and values. For each classification of
wetland (Categories I through IV), the code specifies a buffer width (Table 1). As shown in
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26 Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
Table 1, Wetland A meets the criteria for a Category II wetland; Wetlands B and D meet the
criteria for Category III wetlands; and Wetland C meets the criteria for a Category IV wetland.
The buffers were adjusted according to their habitat function levels (RMC 4-3-090-D). The
buffer widths will be 225 feet for Wetland A, 75 feet for Wetland B, 50 feet for Wetland C,
and 125 feet for Wetland D.
Streams
Streams are classified under section 4-3-050-L of the RMC. The Black River within the project
area is rated as a Class I stream, and is considered a Shoreline of the State. Streams of this
rating are required to have a 200-foot-wide buffer measured from each OHWM. Buffer widths
are shown on Figure 4. The buffer boundary indicates that all vegetated land within the study
area is within a critical area or a critical area buffer; predominantly the buffer required for
the Black River.
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Draft Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project 27
R EFERENCES
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands. Technical Report WRP-
DE-4. US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. August 1993.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. Publication FWS/OBS-79/31. US Department of the
Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services.
Ecology. 2008. Using the Wetland Rating System in Compensatory Mitigation. Focus Sheet:
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance. Washington State. Ecology Publication 08-06-009.
Washington State Department of Ecology. March 2008.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical
Report Y-87-1. US Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg,
Mississippi. January 1987.
Environmental Laboratory. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region. Technical Report
TR-08-13. US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Wetlands
Regulatory Assistance Program, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Hruby, T. 2004. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington — Revised.
Ecology Publication 04-06-025. Washington State Department of Ecology. August 2004.
King County. 2013. King County iMAP Interactive Mapping Tool. Obtained February 20, 2014,
from agency website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/GIS/Maps/iMAP.aspx.
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Wastewater Treatment Division.
2007. Black River Pumping Station Operations Manual, 90% Draft, Publication #1375,
December.
NOAA. 2014. National Weather Service Forecast Office. Obtained February 20, 2014, from
agency website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=sew.
NRCS. 2012. Soil survey geographic database for King County area, Washington. July 2, 2012.
US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Obtained February 20,
2014, from agency website: http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov.
NRCS. 2014. National hydric soils list for the state of Washington. US Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Obtained February 20, 2014, from
agency website: http://soils.usda.gov/use/hydric/lists/state.html.
Olson, P. and E. Stockdale. 2010. Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark on Streams
in Washington State. Second Review Draft. Washington State Department of Ecology,
Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program, Lacey, Washington. Ecology Publication
#08-06-001.
Month Year
28 Draft/Final Report Title
Parametrix. 2011. Lake to sound Trail- Segment A: Wetland Discipline Report. Prepared by
Parametrix. Bellevue, Washington. October 2011.
USDA. 2013. Aerial photograph of King County. Color digital ortho quarter quad tiles
(DOQQs). Horizontal Resolution: 1 meter. US State Department of Agriculture, Farm Service
Agency Aerial Photography Field Office, National Agriculture Imagery Program. Production
date: October 10, 2013. Obtained February 20, 2014, from agency through GIS server:
http://gis.apfo.usda.gov/arcgis/services.
USFWS. 2010. National Wetlands Inventory maps. Digital data compiled in July 2012.
Inventory conducted in 1973. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Obtained February 20, 2014.
http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/.
WDF. 1975. A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization. Volume I, Puget Sound
Region. Prepared by R.W. Williams, R.M. Laramie, and J.J. Ames. Washington Department of
Fisheries, Olympia. November 1975.
WDFW. 2014a. SalmonScape mapping system. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Obtained February 20, 2014, from agency website: http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/
salmonscape/index.html.
WDFW. 2014b. Priority Species and Habitat Database. Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife. Obtained February 20, 2014, from agency website: http://wdfw.wa.gov/
mapping/phs/.
APPENDIX A
Wetland Delineation Methods
May 2014
Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project A-1
W ETLAND DELINEATION M ETHODS
This wetland delineation was performed in accordance with the Regional Supplement to
the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys,
and Coast Region (Environmental Laboratory 2010), which is consistent with the Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987). These methods use
a three-parameter approach for identifying and delineating wetlands: the presence of field
indicators for hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology. This wetland delineation
was performed according to procedures specified for the routine wetland determination
method (Environmental Laboratory 1987).
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Hydrophytic vegetation is characterized by the ability to grow, effectively compete,
reproduce, and persist in anaerobic soil conditions resulting from periodic or long-term
saturation (Environmental Laboratory 1987). Vegetation must meet at least one of the
four indicators (described below) that are used to determine the presence of hydrophytic
vegetation in wetlands. Problematic and atypical situations for hydrophytic vegetation are
also described in the US Army Corps of Engineers delineation manual and supplement
(Environmental Laboratory 1987, 2010).
Plant Species Identification
Plant species were identified using Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock and Cronquist
1987) and A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and
Northwestern Oregon (Cooke 1997). The indicator status of each plant species is based on
the National Wetland Plant List (Lichvar 2012) for the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast
Region.
Dominant Species Determination
Dominant species are those that contribute more than other species to the character of a
plant community. To determine dominance, a vegetation sampling area is determined by the
field biologist to accurately characterize the plant community that occurs in the area to be
evaluated. These are commonly circular sampling areas, centered on the location of the test
plot (where soil and hydrologic data is also collected). The radius of the circle is determined
in the field, based on site conditions. In large wetlands, a typical sampling radius would be
2 to 5 meters for tree and sapling/shrub species, and 1 meter for herbaceous species. In a
small or narrow wetland (or upland), the radius might be reduced to accurately sample
wetland (upland) areas, thereby avoiding an overlap into an adjacent community having
different vegetation, soils, or hydrologic conditions (Environmental Laboratory 2010).
Within the vegetation sampling area, a complete list of plant species that occur in the
sampling area is compiled and the species divided into four strata: tree, shrub (including
May 2014
A-2 Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
saplings, see criteria below), herb, and woody vines. A plant is included in the tree stratum if
it is a woody plant 3 inches diameter at breast height (dbh) or greater; in the shrub stratum if
it is a woody plant less than 3 inches dbh (including tree saplings under 3 inches dbh); in the
herb stratum if it is an herbaceous (non-woody) plant; and in the woody vine stratum if it is a
woody vine of any height (Environmental Laboratory 2010). To be included in the sampling,
50 percent or more of the plant base must be within the radius of the sampling area. For
trees specifically, more than 50 percent of the trunk (diameter) must be within the sampling
radius to be included.
A rapid test, dominance test (e.g., the 50/20 rule), or prevalence index are commonly used
to determine which species are considered dominant and to assess whether the criteria for
hydrophytic vegetation are met at each test plot (Environmental Laboratory 2010). Additional
hydrophytic vegetation indicators are discussed in the following section.
To conduct a rapid test (Indicator 1 on the wetland determination data form), the dominant
species are evaluated visually and if all are FACW or OBL, the vegetation data passes the
rapid test. To conduct a dominance test (Indicator 2 on the wetland determination data
form), the absolute areal coverage of the plant species within a stratum are totaled, starting
with the most abundant species and including other species in descending order of coverage,
until the cumulative coverage exceeds 50 percent of the total coverage for the stratum.
The plant species that constitute this first 50 percent of areal coverage are considered
the dominant species in the stratum. In addition, any other any single plant species that
constitutes at least 20 percent of the total percent cover in the stratum is also considered a
dominant species (Environmental Laboratory 2010). The indicator status category for each
plant (shown in Table A-1) is also listed on the wetland determination form. If more than
50 percent of the dominant species across all strata are rated OBL, FACW, or FAC, the
hydrophytic vegetation dominance test (Indicator 2) is met.
Table A-1. Plant Indicator Status Categories.
Indicator Status
Indicator
Symbol Definition
Obligate wetland
plants
OBL Plants that occur almost always (estimated probability >99%) in
wetlands under natural conditions but also occur rarely (estimated
probability <1%) in upland areas
Facultative
wetland plants
FACW Plants that usually occur (estimated probability >67%) in wetlands
under natural conditions but also occur (estimated probability 1% to
33%) in upland areas
Facultative
plants
FAC Plants with a similar likelihood (estimated probability 33% to 67%) of
occurring in both wetlands and upland areas
Facultative
upland plants
FACU Plants that sometimes occur (estimated probability 1% to 33%) in
wetlands but occur more often (estimated probability >67% to 99%) in
upland areas
Obligate upland
plants
UPL Plants that rarely occur (estimated probability <1%) in wetlands under
natural conditions
DRYUPLFACUFACFACWOBLWET
Source: Environmental Laboratory (1987).
May 2014
Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project A-3
The prevalence index (Indicator 3 on the wetland determination data form) is a weighted-
average wetland indicator status of all plant species in the sampling plot, where weighting
is by abundance (Environmental Laboratory 2010). This method is used where indicators of
hydric soil and wetland hydrology are present, but the vegetation initially fails the rapid and
dominance tests (Indicators 1 and 2). To determine the prevalence index, the absolute cover
of each species in each stratum is determined. All species (across all strata) are organized
into wetland indicator status groups (i.e., OBL, FACW, FAC, FACU, or UPL) and their cover
values are summed within the groups. The formula for the prevalence index is applied. If
the prevalence index (which ranges from 1.0 to 5.0) equals 3.0 or less, this hydrophytic
vegetation indicator is met.
Additional Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
The presence of morphological adaptations to wetland conditions in plants that lack a
published hydrophytic vegetation indicator status or with an indicator status of FACU or
drier is also a hydrophytic vegetation indicator (Indicator 4). Evidence of physiological,
morphological, or reproductive adaptations indicating growth in hydrophytic conditions can
include, but are not limited to, buttressed roots, adventitious roots, multi-stemmed trunks,
or tussocks. To determine whether Indicator 4 is met, the morphological features must be
observed on more than 50 percent of the individuals of a FACU species (or species without
a published indicator status) living in an area where hydric soil and wetland hydrology
are present. On the wetland determination data form, the indicator status of the species
with morphological adaptations would be changed to FAC (with supporting notes), and
the dominance test (Indicator 2) and/or prevalence index (Indicator 3) would then be
recalculated.
Wetland non-vascular plants, referred to as bryophytes and consisting of mosses,
liverworts, and hornworts, may also meet the hydric vegetation criteria, under Indicator 5
(Environmental Laboratory 2010). These plants must be present in areas containing
hydric soils and wetland hydrology. The percent cover of wetland specialist bryophytes is
determined in 10-inch by 10-inch square plots placed at the base of hummocks, if present.
The summed cover of wetland specialist bryophytes must be more than 50 percent of the
total bryophyte cover in the vegetation sampling area.
The problematic hydrophytic vegetation indicator section in the Corps regional supplement
further explains how to interpret situations in which hydric soils and wetland hydrology
are present but hydrophytic vegetation Indicators 1 through 5 are lacking (Environmental
Laboratory 2010). Procedures for looking at settings such as areas with active vegetation
management (e.g. farms), areas dominated by aggressive invasive species, active floodplains,
and low terraces are described, as well as explanations for specific situations, such as
seasonal shifts in plant communities, extended drought conditions, and riparian areas.
Hydric Soils
A hydric soil is a soil that is saturated, flooded, or inundated long enough during the growing
season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic
vegetation (Environmental Laboratory 1987, 2010). The evaluation of existing soil maps
May 2014
A-4 Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project
(developed by NRCS and other sources) is used to understand hydric soil distribution and to
identify the likely locations of hydric soils (by verifying their inclusion on the hydric soils list).
Comparison of these mapped soils to conditions found on site help verify the presence of
hydric soils.
For on-site soils characterization, hydric soils data were obtained generally by digging test
pits at least 20 inches deep and 4 inches wide. Hydric soil conditions were evaluated using
indicators outlined in Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (NRCS 2006), and
adopted by the Regional Supplement to the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation
Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Environmental Laboratory 2010).
Hydric soil indicators applicable to the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast region include,
but are not limited to, the presence of organic soils (i.e., histosols or histic epipedons);
sulfidic material (i.e., hydrogen sulfide); depleted, gleyed, or reduced soil matrices; and/or
the presence of iron or manganese concretions (Environmental Laboratory 2010). Soil color
characterization (i.e., hue, value, and chroma) is a critical tool in determining depleted,
gleyed, and reduced soil conditions. Soil color was evaluated by comparing soil colors at test
plots to standardized color samples in Munsell Soil Color Charts (Munsell Color 2000).
Wetland Hydrology
Wetland hydrology is indicated by site conditions that demonstrate the periodic inundation
or saturation to the soil surface for a sufficient duration during the total growing season. A
sufficient duration during the growing season is defined as 14 or more consecutive days of
flooding, ponding, or presence of a water table at 12 inches or less from the soil surface
(Environmental Laboratory 2010). The growing season is the period of consecutive frost-free
days, or the longest period during which the soil temperature stays above biological zero
(41F), when measured at 12 inches below the soil surface.
Two indicators of biological activity can be used to determine whether the growing season has
begun and is ongoing (Environmental Laboratory 2010):
Occurrence of aboveground growth and development of at least two non-evergreen
vascular plant species growing within the wetland. Examples of this growth include the
emergence or elongation of leaves on woody plants and the emergence or opening of
flowers.
Soil temperature, which can be measured once during a single site visit, should be at
least 41F or higher at a depth of 12 inches.
For this assessment, onsite hydrologic indicators were examined at the test plots. Hydrologic
indicators include the presence of surface water, standing water in the test pit at a depth of
12 inches or less, saturation in the root zone, watermarks, drift lines, sediment deposits,
drainage patterns within wetlands, oxidized rhizospheres surrounding living roots, and water-
stained leaves.
May 2014
Wetland and Stream Delineation Report – Black River Pump Station Sediment Removal Project A-5
R EFERENCES
Cooke, S. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and
Northwest Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society and Washington Native Plant Society, Seattle,
Washington. June 1997.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical
Report Y-87-1. US Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg,
Mississippi. January 1987.
Environmental Laboratory. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region. Technical Report
TR-08-13. US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Wetlands
Regulatory Assistance Program, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1987. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of
Washington Press, Seattle, Washington.
Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron
2013-49:1-241. US Army Corps of Engineers. Obtained February 27, 2014, from agency
website: http://rsgisias.crrel.usace.army.mil/NWPL/.
Munsell Color. 2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts. New Windsor, New York.
NRCS. 2006. Field Indicators of Hydric Soil in the United States, Version 6.0. Edited by
G.W. Hurt and L.M. Vasilas. US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, in association with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.
APPENDIX B
Wetland Delineation Data Forms
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-a.docx
,WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 2m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. none Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 3 (B) 4.
0 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 33 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 2m)
1. Rubus armeniacus 50 Yes FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Salix lucida 10 No FACW Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
60 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Phalaris arundinacea 25 Yes FACW Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Polystichum munitum 15 Yes FACU Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. Dominance Test is >50%
6. Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. 40 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1. none
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 60
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation is not dominant.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 2-21-2014
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-UPL-A
Investigator(s): J. Munger, A. Ward Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Hillslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%): 5
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Only the parameter for hydric soils is met. Area strongly influenced by past Black River activities. Strong relic hydric soils due to past
inundation.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-a.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-UPL-A
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Wetland hydrology indicators are not present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-7 10YR 4/2 100 Silt loam
7-18 2.5Y 5/2 85 7.5YR 5/6 15 C M Silt loam Bits of trash and charcoal in layer
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Hydric soil indicator F3 (Depleted Matrix) is present
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-b.docx
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. Pinus contorta 85 Yes FAC Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 3 (B) 4.
85 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 67 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
1. Sambucus racemosa 40 Yes FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
40 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Poa pratensis 50 Yes FAC Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Cardamine hirsuta 5 No FACU Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Taraxacum officinale 3 No FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. X Dominance Test is >50%
6. Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 45
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation is dominant.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 2-21-2014
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-UPL-B
Investigator(s): J. Munger, A. Ward Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): terrace Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%): <1
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Only the parameter for hydrophytic vegetation is met.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-b.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-UPL-B
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Wetland hydrology indicators are not present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-18 10YR 3/3 100 Silt loam
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Hydric soil indicators are not present.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-c.docx
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 2m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. Betula papyrifera 90 Yes FAC Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 3 (B) 4.
90 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 33 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 2m)
1. Rubus armeniacus 5 FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
5 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Polystichum munitum 40 Yes FACU Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Hedera helix 1 No NL-UPL Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Geranium robertianum 1 No NL-UPL Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. Dominance Test is >50%
6. Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1. none
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 60
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation is not dominant.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 2-24-2014
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-UPL-C
Investigator(s): J. Munger, A. Ward Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Hillslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%): 5
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
None of the wetland parameters are met. Area strongly influenced by past Black River activities. Strong relic hydric soils due to past inundation.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-c.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-UPL-C
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Wetland hydrology indicators are not present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-8 10YR 3/2 100 Sandy loam
8-18 10YR 3/2 98 10YR 4/3 2 C M Sandy loam
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Hydric soil indicators are not present.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-d.docx
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 2m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. none Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 3 (B) 4.
0 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 67 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 2m)
1. Rubus armeniacus 75 Yes FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Crataegus douglasii 15 No FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
= Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Poa pratensis 30 Yes FAC Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Agrostis capillaris 30 Yes FAC Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Phalaris arundinacea 5 No FACW Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Holcus lanatus 5 No FAC Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. X Dominance Test is >50%
6. Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 30
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation is dominant.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 2-24-2014
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-UPL-D
Investigator(s): J. Munger, J. Wozniak Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): terrace Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%): 0
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Only the parameter for wetland vegetation is met. Soils are disturbed- compacted and likely disturbed from construction of pump station. Much
of the area is fill supporting the Black River Pump Station. Vegetation nearly all invasive.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-upl-d.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-UPL-D
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Wetland hydrology indicators are not present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-6 10YR 3/1 100 Cobbly sandy loam
6-18 Cobble
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Hydric soil indicators are not present.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-a.docx
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 2m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. Salix lucida 35 Yes FACW Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 5 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 5 (B) 4.
= Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 2m)
1. Salix lucida 40 Yes FACW Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Salix sitchensis 40 Yes FACW Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. Rubus armeniacus 5 No FACU OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
85 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Poa pratensis 25 Yes FAC Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Phalaris arundinacea 20 Yes FACW Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Polystichum munitum 1 No FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. X Dominance Test is >50%
6. Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. 46 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1. none
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 60
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation is dominant.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 2/21/14
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-WL-A
Investigator(s): J. Munger, A. Ward Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): terrace Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): 1
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
All three wetland parameters are present. Wetland’s hydrology heavily influenced by dam just downstream.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-a.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-Wl-A
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): 9
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches): 2
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Wetland hydrology indicators A2 and A3 are present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-4 10YR 3/2 100 Silt loam
4-9 10YR 3/2 50 7.5YR 5/8 50 C M Loam
9-18+ 10YR 3/3 100 Silt loam
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Hydric soil indicator F6 (Redox dark surface) present.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-b.docx
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. none Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 2 (B) 4.
0 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 50 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
1. Rubus armeniacus 5 Yes FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species 95 x2 = 190
5. FAC species x3 =
5 = Total Cover FACU species 5 x4 = 20
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Phalaris arundinacea 85 Yes FACW Column Totals: 100 (A) 210 (B)
2. Juncus effusus 10 No FACW Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.1
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. Dominance Test is >50%
6. X Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. 95 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1. none
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 5
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation is dominant.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 2/21/14
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-WL-B
Investigator(s): J. Munger, A. Ward Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): 0
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
All three wetland parameters are present.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-b.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-WL-B
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): 0
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches): 0
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Wetland hydrology indicators A2 and A3 are present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-8 10YR2/1 100 Sapric muck
8-18+ Cobble Cannot dig
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Hydric soil indicator A3 (Black histic) present.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-c.docx
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 2m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. None Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 3 (B) 4.
0 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 60 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 2m)
1. Oemleria ceresiformis 15 Yes FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Rubus armeniacus 15 Yes FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. Crataegus douglasii 10 Yes FAC OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
40 = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Ranunculus repens 50 Yes FAC Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Phalaris arundinacea 15 Yes FACW Prevalence Index = B/A =
3. Geum macrophyllum 5 No FAC Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. X Dominance Test is >50%
6. Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1. None
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 30
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation is dominant.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/ King Sampling Date: 2/24/14
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-WL-C
Investigator(s): J. Munger, A. Ward Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): hillslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave Slope (%): 5
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
All three wetland parameters are present. Wetland’s hydrology heavily influenced by dam just downstream.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-c.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-WL-C
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): 4
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches): 2
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Wetland hydrology indicators A2 and A3 are present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-5 10YR 3/2 99 10YR 4/4 1 C M Silt loam
5-9 10YR 3/2 95 10YR 5/8 5 C M Silt loam
9-18 10YR 4/1 70 7.5YR 5/8 30 C M Silty clay loam
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Soil meets hydric soil indicator F6 (Redox dark surface).
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-d.docx
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 2m) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. none Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata: 2 (B) 4.
0 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC: 50 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 2m)
1. Rubus armeniacus 20 Yes FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species 100 x2 = 200
5. FAC species x3 =
20 = Total Cover FACU species 20 x4 = 80
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1m) UPL species x5 =
1. Phalaris arundinacea 100 Yes FACW Column Totals: 120 (A) 280 (B)
2. Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.3
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. Dominance Test is >50%
6. X Prevalence Index is <3.01
7. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
11. 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic. 100 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1m)
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes No
1. none
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum = 0
Remarks: Hydrophytic vegetation passes the prevalence index worksheet.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station City/County: Renton/King Sampling Date: 2/24/14
Applicant/Owner: King County State: WA Sampling Point: TP-WL-D
Investigator(s): J. Munger, J. Wozniak Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R4E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Terrace Local relief (concave, convex, none): None Slope (%): 0
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Woodinville silt loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , Or Hydrology , naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? YES NO Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
All three wetland parameters are met. Soils are disturbed- compacted and likely disturbed from construction of pump station. Vegetation nearly
all invasive.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast – Version 2.0
jr tp-wl-d.docx
SOIL Sampling Point: TP-WL-D
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): 8
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches): 0
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Hydrology indicators A2 and A3 are present.
Project Site: Black River Pump Station
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color
(moist) % Color
(Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-6 10YR 3/2 100 Silty clay loam
6-9 10YR 3/2 85 2.5Y 5/2 10 D M Silt loam
6-9 7.5YR 5/8 5 C M
9-18 10YR 5/1 60 7.5YR 5/6 40 C M Silt loam Layer contains charcoal
1Type: C= Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Soil meets hydric soil indicator A11 (Depleted below dark surface).
APPENDIX C
Wetland Rating Forms
A
2/21/14
Rated by Yes No Date:
SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 4E
Figure
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland
I II III IV
24
9
29
62
Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
III
Final Category (choose the "highest" category from above) II
Wetland Class
Depressional
Natural Heritage Wetland
Wetland name or number:
Date of site visit:
Map of wetland unit: Estimated size:
Does not Apply
Estuarine
Bog
Mature Forest
Wetland Type
FlatsOld Growth Forest
Check the appropriate type and class of wetland being rated.
Riverine
Slope
Lake-fringe
WETLAND RATING FORM - WESTERN WASHINGTON
Name of wetland (if known):
Version 2 - Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users
Wetland A
Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No
J. Munger Trained by Ecology?
Category III = Score 30-50
Category IV = Score <30
Score for Habitat Functions
TOTAL score for functions
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category I = Score >=70
Category II = Score 51-69
Score for Water Quality Functions
Score for Hydrologic Functions
Interdunal
Check if multiple HGM
classes are present
Freshwater Tidal
None of the above
Coastal Lagoon
Comments:
Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 1 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Does the wetland unit being rated meet any of the criteria below?
YES NO
SP1.
SP2.
SP3.
SP4.
To complete the next part of the data sheet, you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of
the wetland being rated .
The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands into those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the
questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be
determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state or federal database.
Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For
example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the
Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special
significance.
Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any federally listed
Threatened or Endangered (T/E) plant or animal species?
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are
categorized as Category I Natural Heritage Wetlands.
Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the
WDFW for the state?
If you answer YES to any of the questions below, you will need to protect the wetland
according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland.
Check List for Wetlands That May Need Special Protection (in addition to the
protection recommended for its category)
Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any state listed Threatened
or Endangered animal species?
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 2 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
1.
NO - go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe
NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
2.
NO - go to 3 YES - the wetland class is Flats
3.
NO - go to 4 YES - the wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4.
NO - go to 5 YES - the wetland class is Slope
Classification of Vegetated Wetlands in Western Washington
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
If YES, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
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 rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were called estuarine in the
first and second editions of the rating system are called Saltwater Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic
Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is
being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term "Estuarine" wetland is
being kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands
have changed (see p. xx).
If your wetland can be classified as a "Flats" wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of open water (without any vegetation on the
surface) where at least 20 acres (8 ha) are permanently inundated (ponded or flooded);
The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface
Does the entire wetland unit meet both of the following criteria?
YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe
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 feet in diameter and less than 1
foot deep).
If the 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, indentify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply and go to
Question 8.
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.
Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e., except during floods)?
At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 feet (2 m)?
The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual ).
The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 3 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
5.
NO - go to 6 YES - the wetland class is Riverine
6.
NO - go to 7 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
7.
NO - go to 8 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
8.
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
Depressional
Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe
Slope + Depressional
Lake-fringe
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 your wetland. 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 second class is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than
90% of the total area.
Slope + Riverine Riverine
The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream
or river.
The overbank flooding occurs once every two years.
Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some
time of the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no stream or river running
through it and providing water? The wetland seems to be maintained by higher ground water in the area. The
wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
Saltwater Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE
under wetlands with
special characteristics
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary
HGM Classes Within a Delineated Wetland Boundary Class to Use in Rating
If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM
classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 4 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
R 1.Points
R 1.1
Points = 8
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 0
Figure __
R 1.2
Points = 8
Points = 6
Points = 6
Points = 3
Points = 0
Figure __
R 2.
Multiplier
2
Other:
Depressions present but cover <1/2 area of wetland
Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a
flooding event:
Depressions cover >3/4 area of wetland
Depresssions cover >1/2 area of wetland
If depressions >1/2 of area of unit, draw polygons on aerial photo or map
A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas,
farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging
Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 feet of wetland
Add score to table on p. 1
Multiply the score from R 1. by R 2.
The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have
raised levels of sediments, toxic compounds, or nutrients in the river water above standards for
water quality
Total for R 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Ungrazed, herbaceous plants >1/3 area of the unit
Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous <1/3 area of unit
No depressions are present
R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands
Trees or shrubs >2/3 area of the unit
Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p. 52)
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality.
Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height):
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 feet of wetland
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53)
Trees or shrubs >1/3 area of the unit
Ungrazed, herbaceous plants >2/3 area of the unit
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 feet
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland
Provide photo or drawing
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in ground water or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes, or ground water downgradient
from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may
have pollutants coming from several sources but any single source would qualify as an opportunity.
NO - multiplier is 1YES - multiplier is 2
Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types
12
4
8
24TOTAL - Water Quality Functions
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 5 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
R 3.Points
R 3.1
Points = 9
Points = 6
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 1
Figure __
R 3.2
Points = 7
Points = 4
Points = 0
Figure __
9
R 4.
Other:Multiplier
1
Forest or shrub for >1/10 area OR herbaceous plants >1/3 area
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding/stream erosion.
2
Add score to table on p. 1
Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding/erosion? (see p. 54)
Characteristics of the overbank storage the unit provides:
If the ratio is more than 20
If the ratio is between 10 - 20
9Multiply the score from R 3. by R 4.TOTAL - Hydrologic Functions
YES - multiplier is 2 NO - multiplier is 1
Estimate the average width of the wetland unit perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the
stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit)/(average width of
stream between banks).
If the ratio is <1
There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by
flooding
Vegetation does not meet above criteria
If the ratio is 1 - <5
Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply:
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to reduce flooding/erosion?
(see p.57)
7
R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands
If the ratio is 5 - <10
Aerial photo or map shoing polygons of different vegetation types
Aerial photo or map showing average widths
There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges,
farms) that can be damaged by flooding
Total for R 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods:
Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction
in water velocity, helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or
excessive and/or erosive flows.
Forest or shrub for >1/3 area OR herbaceous plants >2/3 area
Treat large woody debris as "forest or shrub". Choose points appropriate for the best
description (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes).
Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is
tidal fringe along the sides of a dike.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 6 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 1.Points
H 1.1
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.2
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.3
>19 species Points = 2
5-19 species Points = 1
<5 species Points = 0
8
4
3
1
Total for page
Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have:
Forested (areas where trees have >30% cover)
Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 sq. ft. (different
patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold). You do not have to
name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife,
Canadian Thistle.
Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75)
Saturated only
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland if less than 2.5 acres in size or 1/4 acre to
count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present
4 structures or more
3 structures
1 type present
Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
2 types presentOccasionally flooded or inundated
Vegetation structure (see p. 72)
Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat.
Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have >30% cover)
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
Hydroperiods (see p. 73)
If the unit has a forested class, check if:
Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin). Size threshold for
class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Aquatic bed
Emergent plants
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.
Map of hydroperiods
Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
If you counted:
2 structures
1 structure
List species below if you want to:
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 7 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 1.4 Points
[riparian
braided
channels]
H 1.5
5
3
16
Standing snags (diameter at the bottom >4 inches) in the wetland.
Moderate = 2 points
Note: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error.
Comments:
At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed presistent vegetation or woody branches are present
in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by
amphibians ).
None = 0 points Low = 1 point
Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver/muskrat for denning
(>30° slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that
have not yet turned brown/gray ).
NOTE: If you have four or more vegetation types or three vegetation types and open water,
the rating is always "high". Use map of Cowardin classes
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (>4 inches in diameter and 6 feet
long).
Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants.
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4, H1.5
Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 feet (2 m) and/or overhanging vegetation
extends at least 3.3 feet (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in or contiguous with the
wetland, for at least 33 feet (10 m).
High = 3 points
Special Habitat Features (see p. 77)
Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76)
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation classes
(described in H 1.1) or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 8 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.Points
H 2.1
Points = 5
Points = 4
Points = 4
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Points = 1
Figure __
H 2.2
H 2.2.1
H 2.2.2
H 2.2.3
6
Aerial photo showing buffers
2
within 5 miles (8 km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >50% of circumference.
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water >95% circumference.
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water for >25% circumference.
Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest
scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition
of "undisturbed."
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species?
Buffers (see p. 80)
Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above.
Corridors and Connections (see p. 81)
NO = go to H 2.2.2
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (riparian or upland)
at least 150 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs, forest, or native undisturbed prairie,
that connects to estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in
size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, and paved roads are
considered breaks in the corridor.)
NO = 0 pointsYES = 1 point
Total for page
Heavy grazing in buffer.
Vegetated buffers are <2 m wide (6.6 feet) for more than 95% of the
circumference (e.g., tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge
of wetland).
If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above:
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water for >50% circumference.
No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25 m (80 feet)
of wetland >95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns
are OK.
No paved areas or buildings within 50 m of wetland for >50%
circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns are OK.
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >95% of circumference. No structures are within
undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no
grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use ).
YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3 )
Is the wetland:
within 3 miles of a large field or pasture > 40 acres in size OR
within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres in size?
4
NO = go to H 2.2.3YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3 )
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or
upland) at least 50 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to
estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size OR a Lake-
fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above?
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 9 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.3 Points
3+ priority habitats = 4 points
2 priority habitats = 3 points
If wetland has:
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 > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and
are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest
end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long.
No habitats = 0 points
4
Note: all vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list.
Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4
Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occuring below 5,000 ft.
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 p.
152 ).
Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 feet (100 m) of the wetland unit?
NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. These are DFW definitions.
Check with your local DFW biologist if there are any questions
Near or Adjacent to Other Priority Habitats Listed by WDFW (see p. 82)
Oregon white Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where
canopy coverage of the oak component is 25% (full descrptions in WDFW PHS
report p. 158 ).
Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over
bedrock.
Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains
elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each
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 ).
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 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature
forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover
may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, number 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.
Caves: 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.
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal
Nearshore, Open Coastal Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions
of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report pp. 167-
169 and glossary in Appendix A).
Aspen stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen >0.4 ha (1 acre).
Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 -
6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides
and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.
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.
1 priority habitat = 1 point
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 10 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Points = 5
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 0
29Total Score for Habitat Functions - add the points for H1 and H2, and record the result on p. 1
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with disturbance, and there are 3
other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile.
Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits.
H 2. TOTAL Score - opportunity for providing habitat
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there
are 3 other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections
between them are disturbed.
Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 13
3
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections
between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands
OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be
bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development).
There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 11 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 1.0
SC 1.1
SC 1.2
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing, and has <10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina
spp. are the only species that cover >10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be
given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the
relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category I. Do not,
however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre.
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
Is the wetland unit 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?
NO = Go to SC 1.2
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Check the appropriate Category when the appropriate
criteria are met.
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Category
Is the wetland unit at least 1 acre in size and meeting at least two of the following three
conditions?
YES - Go to SC 1.1
The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions
with open water, or continguous freshwater wetlands.
YES = Category I NO = Category II
Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and choose the appropriate answers and
Category.
Wetland Type
With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt.
NO - not an estuarine wetland
Estuarine Wetlands (see p. 86)
Vegetated, and
YES = Category I
Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
The dominant water regime is tidal,
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 12 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 2.0 Category
SC 2.1
NO
SC 2.2
SC 3.0
1.
2.
3.
4.
YES = Category I
NO - go to Q. 2YES - go to Q. 3
YES - go to Q. 3
Does the unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are <16 inches deep over
bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating
on a lake or pond?
Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e., layers of organic soil), either peats or
mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of the soil profile? (See
Appendix B for a field key to identify organic oils.)
Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87)
Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage
Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state
Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species.
Is the wetland unit being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage
wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact
WNHP/DNR.)
S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site
YES - contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 3.2
Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other
plants, if present, consist of the "bog" species listed in Table 3 as a significant
component of the vegetation (>30% of total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of
species in Table 3)?
NO - not a Heritage wetland
Bogs ( see p. 87)
Does the wetland unit (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetations
in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer Yes, you will
still need to rate the wetland based on its function.
Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state
Threatened or Endangered plant species?
Is the unit forested (>30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western redcedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann's spruce, or western
white pine, WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on bog species plant
list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (>30% coverage of
total shrub/herbaceous cover )?
NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
YES - is a bog for purpose of rating
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" deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the
"bog" plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog.
NO - go to Q. 4
YES = Category I
NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 13 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 4.0 Category
SC 5.0
SC 5.1
NO - not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
Does the wetland meet all of the following 3 conditions?
Does the wetland unit have at least 1 acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the
Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitat? 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 2 tree species,
forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8
trees/acre (20/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast
height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm) or more.
NO - not a forested wetland w/ special characteristics
Forested Wetlands (see p. 90)
Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91)
Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wtland in a coastal lagoon?
NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland
forests. 200-year-old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh
because their growth rates are often smaller. The DFW criterion is an
"OR" so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this
diameter.
Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 -
200 years old OR have average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); 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.
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing), and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive
species on p. 74).
YES = go to SC 5.1
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 surface water that is saline or
brackish (>.5 ppt) during most of the year in at leat a portion of the lagoon (needs to
be measured near the bottom ).
YES = Category I
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4,350 square feet).
YES = Category I NO = Category II
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 14 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 6.0 Category
SC 6.1
SC 6.2
Is the wetland unit west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland
Ownership or WBUO)?
YES - go to SC 6.1 NO - not an interdunal wetland for rating
If you answered NO for all types, enter "Not Applicable" on p. 1.
Long Beach Peninsula - lands west of SR 103
Grayland-Westport - lands west of SR 105
In practical terms, that means the following geographic areas:
NA
YES = Category II NO - go to SC 6.2
Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1
acre?
YES = Category III
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
Choose the "highest" rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1.
Ocean Shores-Copalis - lands west of SR 1115 and SR 109.
Is wetland 1 acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 acre or larger?
Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93)
If you answer Yes, you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 15 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
B
2/21/14
Rated by Yes No Date:
SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 4E
Figure
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland:
I II III IV
18
8
16
42
Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
III
Final Category (choose the "highest" category from above) III
Wetland Class
Depressional
Natural Heritage Wetland
Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats
Comments:
Wetland name or number:
Date of site visit:
Map of wetland unit: Estimated size:
J. Munger Trained by Ecology?
Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No
WETLAND RATING FORM - WESTERN WASHINGTON
Name of wetland (if known):
Version 2 - Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users
Category I = Score >=70
Wetland Type
Score for Hydrologic Functions
Freshwater Tidal
Flats
Does not Apply
Riverine
Old Growth Forest
Slope
Wetland B
Category II = Score 51-69
Score for Water Quality Functions
Check the appropriate type and class of wetland being rated.
SUMMARY OF RATING
Mature Forest
Category III = Score 30-50
Category IV = Score <30
Score for Habitat Functions
TOTAL score for functions
Estuarine
Bog Lake-fringe
Check if unit has
multiple HGM classes
present
Coastal Lagoon
None of the above
Interdunal
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 1 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Does the wetland unit being rated meet any of the criteria below?
YES NO
SP1.
SP2.
SP3.
SP4.
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state or federal database.
If you answer YES to any of the questions below, you will need to protect the wetland
according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland.
Check List for Wetlands That May Need Special Protection (in addition to the
protection recommended for its category)
Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any federally listed
Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)?
Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the
WDFW for the state?
Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For
example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the
Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special
significance.
To complete the next part of the data sheet, you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of
the wetland being rated .
The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands into those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the
questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be
determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any state listed Threatened
or Endangered animal species?
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized
as Category I Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form).
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 2 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
1.
NO - go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe
NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
2.
NO - go to 3 YES - the wetland class is Flats
3.
NO - go to 4 YES - the wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4.
NO - go to 5 YES - the wetland class is Slope
Classification of Vegetated Wetlands in Western Washington
Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e., except during floods)?
If YES, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
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 rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were called estuarine in the
first and second editions of the rating system are called Saltwater Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic
Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is
being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term "Estuarine" wetland is
being kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands
have changed (see p. xx).
If your wetland can be classified as a "Flats" wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any
vegetation on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
Does the entire wetland unit meet both of the following criteria?
YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe
The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface
water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
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 feet in diameter and less than 1
foot deep).
The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
If the 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, indentify 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 feet (2 m)?
The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual ).
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 3 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
5.
NO - go to 6 YES - the wetland class is Riverine
6.
NO - go to 7 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
7.
NO - go to 8 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
8.
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some
time of the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
HGM Classes Within a Delineated Wetland Boundary Class to Use in Rating
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 ground water in the
area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
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 within your wetland. 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 being rated. If the area of the second
class is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represent more than 90% of the total area.
The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream
or river.
The overbank flooding occurs once every two years.
Lake-fringe
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe
If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM
classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Saltwater Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE
under wetlands with
special characteristics
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 4 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
D 1.Points
D 1.1
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 1
Figure __
D 1.2
Points = 4
Points = 0
D 1.3
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
D 1.4
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 0
Figure __
D 2.
Multiplier
2
Other:
9
This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime
during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the
average condition 5 out of 10 years.
YES
Multiply the score from D 1. by D 2.
YES - multiplier is 2
Add score to table on p. 1
Area seasonally ponded is <1/4 total area of wetland.
NO - multiplier is 1
Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet)
Unit has an intermittently flowing, or highly constricted permanently flowing
outlet.
Add the points in the boxes above
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation <1/10 of area
Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
TOTAL - Water Quality Functions 18
D Depressional and Flats Wetlands
Map of hydroperiods
Area seasonally ponded is >1/2 total area of wetland.
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation >=1/10 of area.
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality.
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation >=95% of area.
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation >=1/2 of area.
The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions):
Area seasonally ponded is >1/4 total area of wetland.
Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p. 38)
Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
4
2Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently
flowing ).
Unit is a flat depression (Q. 7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permenent
surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch. (If ditch is not permanently flowing, treat unit as "intermittently
flowing.")
NO
0
3
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 feet of wetland.
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in ground water or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes, or ground water downgradient
from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants:
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 feet.
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland.
A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas,
farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging.
Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class):
Total for D 1
Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 feet of wetland.
Wetland is fed by ground water high in phosphorus or nitrogen.
Provide photo or drawing
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 5 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
D 3.Points
D 3.1
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
D 3.2
Points = 7
Points = 5
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 1
Points = 0
D 3.3
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 0
Points = 5
D 4.
1
Multiplier
Other:1
The area of the basin is >100 times the area of the unit.
Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to
the area of the wetland itself.
The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit.
Multiply the score from D 3. by D 4.
YES - multiplier is 2 NO - multiplier is 1
Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently
flowing outlet.
Unit is a "flat" depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with
permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet
is a man-made ditch. (If ditch is not permanently flowing, treat unit at
"intermittently flowing.")
Depth of storage during wet periods.
Does wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding/erosion? (see p. 46)
Entire unit is in the Flats class (basin=wetland)
Marks are at least 0.5 feet to <2 feet from surface or bottom of outlet.
Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply:
Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood
gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir, etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in
the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not
occur.
Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow
into a river or stream that has flooding problems.
Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems.
Contribution of wetland to storage in the watershed.
The area of the basin is <10 times the area of the unit.
The wetland is a "headwater" wetland.
2
Add the points in the boxes above
Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
3
Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet
measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry).
Marks of ponding between 2 feet to <3 feet from surface or bottom of outlet.
Marks of ponding are less than 0.5 feet.
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet
(permanently flowing ).
3
Total for D 3
D Depressional and Flats Wetlands
Wetland is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the
surface that trap water.
Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet).
TOTAL - Hydrologic Functions
Add score to table on p. 1 8
Does wetland unit have the opportunity to reduce flooding/erosion? (see p. 49)
Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction
in water velocity, helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or
excessive and/or erosive flows.
8
Marks of ponding are 3 feet or more above the surface or bottom of outlet.
Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems.
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding/stream degradation.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 6 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 1.Points
H 1.1
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.2
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.3
>19 species Points = 2
5-19 species Points = 1
<5 species Points = 0
3
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat.
Emergent plants
1
Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have:
If the unit has a forested class, check if:1
Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
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 structures
List species below if you want to:
3 types present
Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have >30% cover)
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland if less than 2.5 acres in size or 1/4 acre to
count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
Permanently flooded or inundated
4 structures or more
3 structures
4 or more types present
1 structure
Hydroperiods (see p. 73)
Map of Cowardin classes
Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin). Size threshold for
class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Aquatic bed
Vegetation structure (see p. 72)
Total for page
Saturated only
Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
Map of hydroperiods
1
Forested (areas where trees have >30% cover)
Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 sq. ft. (different
patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold). You do not have to
name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife,
Canadian Thistle.
Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75)
If you counted:
Seasonally flooded or inundated
2 types presentOccasionally flooded or inundated
1 type present
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 7 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 1.4 Points
[riparian
braided
channels]
H 1.5
0
5
Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76)
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation classes
(described in H 1.1) or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Note: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error.
At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed presistent vegetation or woody branches are present
in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by
amphibians ).
None = 0 points Low = 1 point
Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver/muskrat for denning
(>30° slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that
have not yet turned brown/gray ).
NOTE: If you have four or more vegetation types or three vegetation types and open water,
the rating is always "high". Use map of Cowardin vegetation classes.
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
Standing snags (diameter at the bottom >4 inches) in the wetland.
Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 feet (2 m) and/or overhanging vegetation
extends at least 3.3 feet (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in or contiguous with the
wetland, for at least 33 feet (10 m).
Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants.
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4, H1.5
Comments:
2
Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (>4 inches in diameter and 6 feet
long).
High = 3 points
Special Habitat Features (see p. 77)
Moderate = 2 points
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 8 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.Points
H 2.1
Points = 5
Points = 4
Points = 4
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Points = 1
Figure __
H 2.2
H 2.2.1
H 2.2.2
H 2.2.3
5
2
Total for page
No paved areas or buildings within 50 m of wetland for >50%
circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns are OK.
within 5 miles (8 km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR
Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest
scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition
of "undisturbed."
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species?
Buffers (see p. 80)
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >50% of circumference.
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water >95% circumference.
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water for >25% circumference.
If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above:
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water for >50% circumference.
No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25 m (80 feet)
of wetland >95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns
are OK.
NO = 0 points
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >95% of circumference. No structures are within
undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no
grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use ).
YES = 1 point
within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres in size?
within 3 miles of a large field or pasture > 40 acres in size OR
Is the wetland:
Heavy grazing in buffer.
Vegetated buffers are <2 m wide (6.6 feet) for more than 95% of the
circumference (e.g., tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge
of wetland).
Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above.
Corridors and Connections (see p. 81)
Aerial photo showing buffers
3
NO = go to H 2.2.2
NO = go to H 2.2.3YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3 )
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or
upland) at least 50 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to
estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size OR a Lake-
fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above?
YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3 )
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (riparian or upland)
at least 150 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs, forest, or native undisturbed prairie,
that connects to estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in
size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, and paved roads are
considered breaks in the corridor.)
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 9 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.3 Points
3+ priority habitats = 4 points
2 priority habitats = 3 points
Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over
bedrock.
Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occuring below 5,000 ft.
Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains
elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each
other.
Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and
conditions that interact to provide functional life hsitory requirements for instream
fish and wildlife resources.
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal
Nearshore, Open Coastal Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions
of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report pp. 167-
169 and glossary in Appendix A).
Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 -
6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides
and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.
Note: all vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list.
Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4
3
Near or Adjacent to Other Priority Habitats Listed by WDFW (see p. 82)
1 priority habitat = 1 point
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 20 trees/ha (8/acre) >81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests)
Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less
than 100%; decay, decadance, 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.
Oregon white Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where
canopy coverage of the oak component is 25% (full descrptions in WDFW PHS
report p. 158 ).
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 ).
Aspen stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen >0.4 ha (1 acre).
If wetland has:
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 > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and
are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest
end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long.
Caves: 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.
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 p.
152 ).
Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 feet (100 m) of the wetland unit?
NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. These are DFW definitions.
Check with your local DFW biologist if there are any questions
No habitats = 0 points
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 10 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.4 Points
Points = 5
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 0
16
11
Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits.
Wetland Landscape (see p. 84)
H 2. TOTAL Score - opportunity for providing habitat
Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with disturbance, and there are 3
other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile.
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there
are 3 other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
Total Score for Habitat Functions - add the points for H1 and H2, and record the result on p. 1
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections
between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands
OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be
bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development).
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections
between them are disturbed.
3
There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 11 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 1.0
SC 1.1
SC 1.2
NO = Category II
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Category
Is the wetland unit 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?
NO = Go to SC 1.2
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions
with open water, or continguous freshwater wetlands.
YES = Category I
YES = Category I
Is the wetland unit at least 1 acre in size and meeting at least two of the following three
conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing, and has <10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina
spp. are the only species that cover >10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be
given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the
relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category I. Do not,
however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre.
Estuarine Wetlands (see p. 86)
Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
The dominant water regime is tidal,
Vegetated, and
YES = Go to SC 1.1
With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt.
NO - not an estuarine wetland
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Check the appropriate Category when the appropriate
criteria are met.
Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and choose the appropriate answers and
Category.
Wetland Type
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 12 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 2.0 Category
SC 2.1
NO
SC 2.2
SC 3.0
1.
2.
3.
4.
YES - go to Q. 3
YES - contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 3.2
S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site
YES - go to Q. 3 NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
YES - Category I
YES = Category I
Is the wetland unit being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage
wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact
WNHP/DNR.)
Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87)
Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage
Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state
Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species.
Does the unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are <16 inches deep over
bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating
on a lake or pond?
Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e., layers of organic soil), either peats or
mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of the soil profile? (See
Appendix B for a field key to identify organic oils.)
Bogs ( see p. 87)
Does the wetland unit (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in
bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer Yes, you will still
need to rate the wetland based on its function.
Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other
plants, if present, consist of the "bog" species listed in Table 3 as a significant
component of the vegetation (>30% of total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of
species in Table 3)?
NO - go to Q. 2
Is the unit forested (>30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western redcedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann's spruce, or western
white pine, WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on bog species plant
list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (>30% coverage of
total shrub/herbaceous cover )?
NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
YES - is a bog for purpose of rating
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" deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the
"bog" plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog.
NO - go to Q. 4
NO - not a Heritage wetland
Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state
Threatened or Endangered plant species?
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 13 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 4.0 Category
SC 5.0
SC 5.1
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 surface water that is saline or
brackish (>.5 ppt) during most of the year in at leat a portion of the lagoon (needs to
be measured near the bottom ).
Forested Wetlands (see p. 90)
NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland
forests. 200-year-old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh
because their growth rates are often smaller. The DFW criterion is an
"OR" so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this
diameter.
Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 -
200 years old OR have average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); 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.
Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91)
Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wtland in a coastal lagoon?
The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4,350 square feet).
YES = Category I
Does the wetland meet all of the following 3 conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing), and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive
species on p. 74).
NO = Category II
NO - not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
Does the wetland unit have at least 1 acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the
Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitat? 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 2 tree species,
forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8
trees/acre (20/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast
height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm) or more.
YES = go to SC 5.1
YES = Category I NO - not a forested wetland w/ special characteristics
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 14 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 6.0 Category
SC 6.1
SC 6.2
In practical terms, that means the following geographic areas:
Ocean Shores-Copalis - lands west of SR 1115 and SR 109.
If you answer YES, you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
Is the wetland unit west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland
Ownership or WBUO)?
YES - go to SC 6.1 NO - not an interdunal wetland for rating
Long Beach Peninsula - lands west of SR 103
Grayland-Westport - lands west of SR 105
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
Choose the "highest" rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1.
Is wetland 1 acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 acre or larger?
If you answered NO for all types, enter "Not Applicable" on p. 1.
Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93)
NA
YES = Category II NO - go to SC 6.2
Is the wetland unit between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1
and 1 acre?
YES = Category III
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 15 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
C
2/24/14
Rated by Yes No Date:
SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 4E
Figure
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland:
I II III IV
0
3
20
23
Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
III
Final Category (choose the "highest" category from above) IV
Wetland Class
Depressional
Natural Heritage Wetland
Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats
Comments:
Coastal Lagoon
Check if multiple HGM
classes are present
Bog
Mature Forest
Old Growth Forest
Wetland Type
Riverine
Slope
Lake-fringe
Interdunal
Estuarine
Score for Water Quality Functions
Score for Hydrologic Functions
Category III = Score 30-50
Category IV = Score <30
Score for Habitat Functions
TOTAL score for functions
Freshwater Tidal
Flats
None of the above
Wetland C
Check the appropriate type and class of wetland being rated.
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category I = Score >=70
Category II = Score 51-69
Does not Apply
Wetland name or number:
Date of site visit:
Map of wetland unit: Estimated size:
Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No
J. Munger Trained by Ecology?
WETLAND RATING FORM - WESTERN WASHINGTON
Name of wetland (if known):
Version 2 - Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 1 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Does the wetland unit being rated meet any of the criteria below?
YES NO
SP1.
SP2.
SP3.
SP4.
Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any state listed Threatened
or Endangered animal species?
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are
categorized as Category I Natural Heritage Wetlands.
Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the
WDFW for the state?
Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For
example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the
Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special
significance.
To complete the next part of the data sheet, you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of
the wetland being rated .
The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands into those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the
questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be
determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
If you answer YES to any of the questions below, you will need to protect the wetland
according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland.
Check List for Wetlands That May Need Special Protection (in addition to the
protection recommended for its category)
Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any federally listed
Threatened or Endangered (T/E) plant or animal species?
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state or federal database.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 2 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
1.
NO - go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe
NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
2.
NO - go to 3 YES - the wetland class is Flats
3.
NO - go to 4 YES - the wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4.
NO - go to 5 YES - the wetland class is Slope
The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
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 feet in diameter and less than 1
foot deep).
If the 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, indentify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply and go to
Question 8.
The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface
Does the entire wetland unit meet both of the following criteria?
YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe
Classification of Vegetated Wetlands in Western Washington
Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e., except during floods)?
At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 feet (2 m)?
The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual ).
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.
If YES, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
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 rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were called estuarine in the
first and second editions of the rating system are called Saltwater Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic
Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is
being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term "Estuarine" wetland is
being kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands
have changed (see p. xx).
If your wetland can be classified as a "Flats" wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of open water (without any vegetation on the
surface) where at least 20 acres (8 ha) are permanently inundated (ponded or flooded);
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 3 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
5.
NO - go to 6 YES - the wetland class is Riverine
6.
NO - go to 7 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
7.
NO - go to 8 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
8.
Saltwater Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE
under wetlands with
special characteristics
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe
The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream
or river.
The overbank flooding occurs once every two years.
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional
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 your wetland. 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 second class 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 a Delineated Wetland Boundary Class to Use in Rating
Lake-fringe
Riverine
Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no stream or river running
through it and providing water? The unit seems to be maintained by higher ground water in the area. The wetland
may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
Slope + Riverine
Slope + Depressional
If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM
classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some
time of the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 4 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
S 1.Points
S 1.1
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
S 1.2
S 1.3
Points = 6
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
S 2.
Multiplier
Other:2
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 feet of the wetland
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the
wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes, or groundwater downgradient from
the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have
pollutants coming from several sources but any single source would qualify as an opportunity.
YES - multiplier is 2 NO - multiplier is 1
0
0
0
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67)
Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons
Untreated stormwater discharges to the wetland
Multiply the score from S 1. by S 2.
Add score to table on p. 1
S Slope Wetlands
Characteristics of average slope of the unit:
Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1-foot vertical drop for every 100 ft.
horizontal distance )0
Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p. 64)
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality.
YES = 3 points
Slope is 2% - 5%
Slope is 1% - 2%
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above 0
Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation >1/4 of wetland area
Slope is greater than 5%
The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions )
NO = 0 points
TOTAL - Water Quality Functions
Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 feet of the wetland
Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: choose the
points appropriate for the description that best fits vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means
you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and
plants are higher than 6 inches.
Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation >90% of wetland area
Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation >1/2 of wetland area
Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation
Dense, woody vegetation >1/2 of wetland area
Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 feet upslope of wetland
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 5 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
S 3.Points
S 3.1
Points = 6
Points = 3
Points = 1
Points = 0
S 3.2
S 4.
Other:Multiplier
1
Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers >90% of wetland area
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion.
Does wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding/erosion? (see p. 68)
Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms. Choose
the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation
means you have truoble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed
and plants are higher than 6 inches.
Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems
YES - multiplier is 2
Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides help to
protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive
flows? Note which of the following conditions apply.
3Add score to table on p. 1
1
3
Characteristics of the slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows: the slope
wetland has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area
YES = 2 points NO = 0 points
Record the points from the boxes above
More than 3/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid
Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers >1/4 of wetland area
2
S Slope Wetlands
NO - multiplier is 1
Does wetland unit have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70)
Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers >1/2 of wetland area
TOTAL - Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S 3. by S 4.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 6 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 1.Points
H 1.1
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.2
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.3
>19 species Points = 2
5-19 species Points = 1
<5 species Points = 0
4
2
0
Total for page
Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75)
Saturated only
Forested (areas where trees have >30% cover)
Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 sq. ft. (different
patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold). You do not have to
name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife,
Canadian Thistle.
Seasonally flooded or inundated
2 types presentOccasionally flooded or inundated
List species below if you want to:
Vegetation structure (see p. 72)
Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin). Size threshold for
class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the areaif unit is smaller than 2.5 acres.
1 structure
Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes
If the unit has a forested class, check if:
Aquatic bed
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland if less than 2.5 acres in size or 1/4 acre to
count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
Hydroperiods (see p. 73)
Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
If you counted:
Map of hydroperiods
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.
Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have:
Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
3 types present
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat.
Permanently flooded or inundated
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
4 structures or more
Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have >30% cover)
2
1 type present
4 or more types present
3 structures
2 structures
Emergent plants
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 7 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 1.4 Points
[riparian
braided
channels]
H 1.5
2
Note: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error.
At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed presistent vegetation or woody branches are present
in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by
amphibians ).
Add the scores from H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4, H1.5
Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (>4 inches in diameter and 6 feet
long).
Standing snags (diameter at the bottom >4 inches) in the wetland.
Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 feet (2 m) and/or overhanging vegetation
extends at least 3.3 feet (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in or contiguous with the
wetland, for at least 33 feet (10 m).
Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants.
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Comments:
None = 0 points Low = 1 point
Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver/muskrat for denning
(>30° slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that
have not yet turned brown/gray ).
NOTE: If you have four or more vegetation types or three vegetation types and open water,
the rating is always "high". Use map of Cowardin vegetation classes.
High = 3 points
Special Habitat Features (see p. 77)
Moderate = 2 points
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76)
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation classes
(described in H 1.1) or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
8
2
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 8 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.Points
H 2.1
Points = 5
Points = 4
Points = 4
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Points = 1
Figure __
H 2.2
H 2.2.1
H 2.2.2
H 2.2.3
5
NO = go to H 2.2.3YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3 )
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or
upland) at least 50 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to
estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size OR a Lake-
fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above?
YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3 )
3
If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above:
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >95% of circumference. No structures are within
undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no
grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use ).
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >50% of circumference.
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water for >50% circumference.
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (riparian or upland)
at least 150 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs, forest, or native undisturbed prairie,
that connects to estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in
size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, and paved roads are
considered breaks in the corridor.)
Is the wetland:
NO = 0 pointsYES = 1 point
Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above.
Corridors and Connections (see p. 81)
Aerial photo showing buffers
within 5 miles (8 km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR
within 3 miles of a large field or pasture > 40 acres in size OR
NO = go to H 2.2.2
Total for page
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water >95% circumference.
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water for >25% circumference.
No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25 m (80 feet)
of wetland >95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns
are OK.
No paved areas or buildings within 50 m of wetland for >50%
circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns are OK.
Heavy grazing in buffer.
Vegetated buffers are <2 m wide (6.6 feet) for more than 95% of the
circumference (e.g., tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge
of wetland).
Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest
scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition
of "undisturbed."
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species?
Buffers (see p. 80)
2
within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres in size?
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 9 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.3 Points
3+ priority habitats = 4 points
2 priority habitats = 3 points
1 priority habitat = 1 point
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal
Nearshore, Open Coastal Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions
Aspen stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen >0.4 ha (1 acre).
Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 -
6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides
and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.
Near or Adjacent to Other Priority Habitats Listed by WDFW (see p. 82)
Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occuring below 5,000 ft.
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 20 trees/ha (8/acre) >81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) S
Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains
elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each
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 ).
If wetland has:
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 > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and
are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest
end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long.
No habitats = 0 points
4
Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and
conditions that interact to provide functional life hsitory requirements for instream
Oregon white Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where
canopy coverage of the oak component is 25% (full descrptions in WDFW PHS
report p. 158 ).
Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 feet (100 m) of the wetland unit?
NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. These are DFW definitions.
Check with your local DFW biologist if there are any questions
Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to
Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over
Caves: 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.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 10 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Points = 5
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 0
20
There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile.
There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile.
H 2. TOTAL Score - opportunity for providing habitat
Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4
Total Score for Habitat Functions - add the points for H1 and H2, and record the result on p. 1
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there
are 3 other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections
between them are disturbed.
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with disturbance, and there are 3
other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections
between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands
OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be
bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development).
3
Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits.
12
Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 11 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 1.0
SC 1.1
SC 1.2
Vegetated, and
YES = Go to SC 1.1
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt.
NO - not an estuarine wetland
Wetland Type
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Check the appropriate Category when the appropriate
criteria are met.
The dominant water regime is tidal,
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Category
Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and choose the appropriate answers and
Category.
YES = Category I
The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions
with open water, or continguous freshwater wetlands.
Estuarine Wetlands (see p. 86)
YES = Category I NO - not an estuarine wetland
Is the wetland unit at least 1 acre in size and meeting at least two of the following three
conditions?
Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
Is the wetland unit 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?
NO = Go to SC 1.2
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing, and has <10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina
spp. are the only species that cover >10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be
given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the
relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category I. Do not,
however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 12 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 2.0 Category
SC 2.1
NO
SC 2.2
SC 3.0
1.
2.
3.
4.
NO - go to Q. 4
Does the unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are <16 inches deep over
bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating
on a lake or pond?
Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other
plants, if present, consist of the "bog" species listed in Table 3 as a significant
component of the vegetation (>30% of total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of
species in Table 3)?
NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
YES = Category I
YES - go to Q. 3
S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site
Is the wetland unit being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage
wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact
WNHP/DNR.)
NO - go to Q. 2
Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e., layers of organic soil), either peats or
mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of the soil profile? (See
Appendix B for a field key to identify organic oils.)
Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87)
Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage
Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state
Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species.
Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state
Threatened or Endangered plant species?
YES - contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 3.2
Bogs ( see p. 87)
Does the wetland unit (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetations
in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer Yes, you will
still need to rate the wetland based on its function.
YES - go to Q. 3
Is the unit forested (>30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western redcedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann's spruce, or western
white pine, WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on bog species plant
list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (>30% coverage of
total shrub/herbaceous cover )?
NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
YES - is a bog for purpose of rating
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" deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the
"bog" plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog.
YES = Category I NO - not a Heritage wetland
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 13 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 4.0 Category
SC 5.0
SC 5.1
YES = Category I NO - not a forested wetland w/ special characteristics
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4,350 square feet).
YES = Category I NO - not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
NO - not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
Does the wetland meet all of the following 3 conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing), and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive
species on p. 74).
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.
YES = go to SC 5.1
The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or
brackish (>.5 ppt) during most of the year in at leat a portion of the lagoon (needs to
be measured near the bottom ).
Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91)
Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wtland in a coastal lagoon?
Forested Wetlands (see p. 90)
Does the wetland unit have at least 1 acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the
Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitat? If you answer Yes, you will still
need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland
forests. 200-year-old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh
because their growth rates are often smaller. The DFW criterion is an
"OR" so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this
diameter.
Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 -
200 years old OR have average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); 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.
Old-growth forests: (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/acre (20/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast
height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm) or more.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 14 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
SC 6.0 Category
SC 6.1
SC 6.2
Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93)
NA
YES = Category II NO - go to SC 6.2
Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1
acre?
YES = Category III
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
Choose the "highest" rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1.
Ocean Shores-Copalis - lands west of SR 1115 and SR 109.
Is wetland 1 acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 acre or larger?
If you answered NO for all types, enter "Not Applicable" on p. 1.
Long Beach Peninsula - lands west of SR 103
Grayland-Westport - lands west of SR 105
In practical terms, that means the following geographic areas:
If you answer Yes, you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
Is the wetland unit west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland
Ownership or WBUO)?
YES - go to SC 6.1 NO - not an interdunal wetland for rating
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 15 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
D
2/24/14
Rated by Yes No Date:
SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 4E
Figure
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland:
I II III IV
10
10
20
40
Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
III
Final Category (choose the "highest" category from above) III
Wetland Class
Depressional
Natural Heritage Wetland
Check if unit has
multiple HGM classes
present
Coastal Lagoon
None of the above
Interdunal
Mature Forest
Category III = Score 30-50
Category IV = Score <30
Score for Habitat Functions
TOTAL score for functions
Estuarine
Bog Lake-fringe
Wetland D
Category II = Score 51-69
Score for Water Quality Functions
Check the appropriate type and class of wetland being rated.
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category I = Score >=70
Wetland Type
Score for Hydrologic Functions
Freshwater Tidal
Flats
Does not Apply
Riverine
Old Growth Forest
Slope
Wetland name or number:
Date of site visit:
Map of wetland unit: Estimated size:
J. Munger Trained by Ecology?
Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No
WETLAND RATING FORM - WESTERN WASHINGTON
Name of wetland (if known):
Version 2 - Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users
Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 1 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Does the wetland unit being rated meet any of the criteria below?
YES NO
SP1.
SP2.
SP3.
SP4.
Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the
WDFW for the state?
Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For
example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the
Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special
significance.
To complete the next part of the data sheet, you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of
the wetland being rated .
The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands into those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the
questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be
determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any state listed Threatened
or Endangered animal species?
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized
as Category I Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form).
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the
appropriate state or federal database.
If you answer YES to any of the questions below, you will need to protect the wetland
according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland.
Check List for Wetlands That May Need Special Protection (in addition to the
protection recommended for its category)
Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any federally listed
Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)?
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 2 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
1.
NO - go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe
NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
2.
NO - go to 3 YES - the wetland class is Flats
3.
NO - go to 4 YES - the wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4.
NO - go to 5 YES - the wetland class is Slope
If the 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, indentify 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 feet (2 m)?
The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual ).
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 feet in diameter and less than 1
foot deep).
The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
If YES, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
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 rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were called estuarine in the
first and second editions of the rating system are called Saltwater Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic
Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is
being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term "Estuarine" wetland is
being kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands
have changed (see p. xx).
If your wetland can be classified as a "Flats" wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any
vegetation on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
Does the entire wetland unit meet both of the following criteria?
YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe
The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface
water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
Classification of Vegetated Wetlands in Western Washington
Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e., except during floods)?
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 3 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
5.
NO - go to 6 YES - the wetland class is Riverine
6.
NO - go to 7 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
7.
NO - go to 8 YES - the wetland class is Depressional
8.
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Saltwater Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE
under wetlands with
special characteristics
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe
If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM
classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Class to Use in Rating
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 ground water in the
area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
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 within your wetland. 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 being rated. If the area of the second
class is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represent more than 90% of the total area.
The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream
or river.
The overbank flooding occurs once every two years.
Lake-fringe
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some
time of the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
HGM Classes Within a Delineated Wetland Boundary
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 4 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
D 1.Points
D 1.1
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 1
Figure __
D 1.2
Points = 4
Points = 0
D 1.3
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
D 1.4
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 0
Figure __
D 2.
Multiplier
1
Other:
Provide photo or drawing
Wetland is fed by ground water high in phosphorus or nitrogen.
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland.
A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas,
farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging.
Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class):
Total for D 1
Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 feet of wetland.
Unit is a flat depression (Q. 7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permenent
surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch. (If ditch is not permanently flowing, treat unit as "intermittently
flowing.")
NO
0
5
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 feet of wetland.
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in ground water or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes, or ground water downgradient
from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants:
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 feet.
Area seasonally ponded is >1/4 total area of wetland.
Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p. 38)
Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
2
3Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently
flowing ).
Map of hydroperiods
Area seasonally ponded is >1/2 total area of wetland.
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation >=1/10 of area.
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality.
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation >=95% of area.
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation >=1/2 of area.
The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions):
D Depressional and Flats Wetlands
10
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation <1/10 of area
Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
TOTAL - Water Quality Functions
Add the points in the boxes above
Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet)
Unit has an intermittently flowing, or highly constricted permanently flowing
outlet.
10
This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime
during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the
average condition 5 out of 10 years.
YES
Multiply the score from D 1. by D 2.
YES - multiplier is 2
Add score to table on p. 1
Area seasonally ponded is <1/4 total area of wetland.
NO - multiplier is 1
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 5 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
D 3.Points
D 3.1
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
D 3.2
Points = 7
Points = 5
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 1
Points = 0
D 3.3
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 0
Points = 5
D 4.
Multiplier
Other:1
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding/stream degradation.
Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems.
Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet).
TOTAL - Hydrologic Functions
Add score to table on p. 1 10
Does wetland unit have the opportunity to reduce flooding/erosion? (see p. 49)
Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction
in water velocity, helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or
excessive and/or erosive flows.
10
Marks of ponding are 3 feet or more above the surface or bottom of outlet.
Total for D 3
D Depressional and Flats Wetlands
Wetland is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the
surface that trap water.
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet
(permanently flowing ).
3The wetland is a "headwater" wetland.
4
Add the points in the boxes above
Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
3
Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet
measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry).
Marks of ponding between 2 feet to <3 feet from surface or bottom of outlet.
Marks of ponding are less than 0.5 feet.
Entire unit is in the Flats class (basin=wetland)
Marks are at least 0.5 feet to <2 feet from surface or bottom of outlet.
Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply:
Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood
gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir, etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in
the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not
occur.
Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow
into a river or stream that has flooding problems.
Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems.
Contribution of wetland to storage in the watershed.
The area of the basin is <10 times the area of the unit.
Depth of storage during wet periods.
Does wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding/erosion? (see p. 46)
Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently
flowing outlet.
Unit is a "flat" depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with
permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet
is a man-made ditch. (If ditch is not permanently flowing, treat unit at
"intermittently flowing.")
Multiply the score from D 3. by D 4.
YES - multiplier is 2 NO - multiplier is 1
The area of the basin is >100 times the area of the unit.
Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to
the area of the wetland itself.
The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit.
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 6 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 1.Points
H 1.1
Points = 4
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.2
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Figure __
H 1.3
>19 species Points = 2
5-19 species Points = 1
<5 species Points = 0
3
1 type present
Forested (areas where trees have >30% cover)
Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 sq. ft. (different
patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold). You do not have to
name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife,
Canadian Thistle.
Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75)
If you counted:
Seasonally flooded or inundated
2 types presentOccasionally flooded or inundated
Total for page
Saturated only
Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
Map of hydroperiods
1
Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin). Size threshold for
class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Aquatic bed
Vegetation structure (see p. 72)
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland if less than 2.5 acres in size or 1/4 acre to
count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
Permanently flooded or inundated
4 structures or more
3 structures
4 or more types present
1 structure
Hydroperiods (see p. 73)
Map of Cowardin classes
Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have >30% cover)
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 structures
List species below if you want to:
3 types present
Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes
1
Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have:
If the unit has a forested class, check if:
Emergent plants
1
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat.
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H 1.4 Points
[riparian
braided
channels]
H 1.5
2
Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (>4 inches in diameter and 6 feet
long).
High = 3 points
Special Habitat Features (see p. 77)
Moderate = 2 points
Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants.
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4, H1.5
Comments:
Note: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error.
At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed presistent vegetation or woody branches are present
in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by
amphibians ).
None = 0 points Low = 1 point
Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver/muskrat for denning
(>30° slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that
have not yet turned brown/gray ).
NOTE: If you have four or more vegetation types or three vegetation types and open water,
the rating is always "high". Use map of Cowardin vegetation classes.
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
Standing snags (diameter at the bottom >4 inches) in the wetland.
Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 feet (2 m) and/or overhanging vegetation
extends at least 3.3 feet (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in or contiguous with the
wetland, for at least 33 feet (10 m).
Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76)
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation classes
(described in H 1.1) or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
2
7
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 8 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.Points
H 2.1
Points = 5
Points = 4
Points = 4
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 2
Points = 1
Points = 0
Points = 1
Figure __
H 2.2
H 2.2.1
H 2.2.2
H 2.2.3
6
4
NO = go to H 2.2.2
NO = go to H 2.2.3YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3 )
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or
upland) at least 50 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to
estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size OR a Lake-
fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above?
YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3 )
Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed/unbroken vegetated corridor (riparian or upland)
at least 150 feet wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs, forest, or native undisturbed prairie,
that connects to estuaries, other wetlands, or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in
size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, and paved roads are
considered breaks in the corridor.)
within 3 miles of a large field or pasture > 40 acres in size OR
Is the wetland:
Heavy grazing in buffer.
Vegetated buffers are <2 m wide (6.6 feet) for more than 95% of the
circumference (e.g., tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge
of wetland).
Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above.
Corridors and Connections (see p. 81)
Aerial photo showing buffers
within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres in size?
YES = 1 point NO = 0 points
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >95% of circumference. No structures are within
undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no
grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use ).
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water >50% of circumference.
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water >95% circumference.
100 m (330 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,
or open water for >25% circumference.
If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above:
50 m (170 feet) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or
open water for >50% circumference.
No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25 m (80 feet)
of wetland >95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns
are OK.
No paved areas or buildings within 50 m of wetland for >50%
circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns are OK.
within 5 miles (8 km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR
Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest
scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition
of "undisturbed."
Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species?
Buffers (see p. 80)
Total for page
2
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H 2.3 Points
3+ priority habitats = 4 points
2 priority habitats = 3 points
Caves: 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.
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 p.
152 ).
Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 feet (100 m) of the wetland unit?
NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. These are DFW definitions.
Check with your local DFW biologist if there are any questions
No habitats = 0 points
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 20 trees/ha (8/acre) >81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests)
Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less
than 100%; decay, decadance, 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.
Oregon white Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where
canopy coverage of the oak component is 25% (full descrptions in WDFW PHS
report p. 158 ).
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 ).
Aspen stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen >0.4 ha (1 acre).
If wetland has:
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 > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and
are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest
end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long.
1 priority habitat = 1 point
Near or Adjacent to Other Priority Habitats Listed by WDFW (see p. 82)
4
Note: all vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list.
Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4
Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 -
6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides
and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.
Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over
bedrock.
Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occuring below 5,000 ft.
Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains
elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each
other.
Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and
conditions that interact to provide functional life hsitory requirements for instream
fish and wildlife resources.
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal
Nearshore, Open Coastal Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions
of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report pp. 167-
169 and glossary in Appendix A).
Wetland Rating Form - Western Washington 10 Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc.
H 2.4 Points
Points = 5
Points = 5
Points = 3
Points = 3
Points = 2
Points = 0
20Total Score for Habitat Functions - add the points for H1 and H2, and record the result on p. 1
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections
between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands
OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be
bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development).
There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections
between them are disturbed.
3
There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile.
H 2. TOTAL Score - opportunity for providing habitat
Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with disturbance, and there are 3
other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile.
The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there
are 3 other Lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.
Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits.
Wetland Landscape (see p. 84)
13
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SC 1.0
SC 1.1
SC 1.2
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Check the appropriate Category when the appropriate
criteria are met.
Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and choose the appropriate answers and
Category.
Wetland Type
With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt.
NO - not an estuarine wetland
Estuarine Wetlands (see p. 86)
Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
The dominant water regime is tidal,
Vegetated, and
YES = Go to SC 1.1
YES = Category I
Is the wetland unit at least 1 acre in size and meeting at least two of the following three
conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing, and has <10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina
spp. are the only species that cover >10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be
given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the
relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category I. Do not,
however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre.
Is the wetland unit 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?
NO = Go to SC 1.2
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions
with open water, or continguous freshwater wetlands.
YES = Category I
Category
NO = Category II
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
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SC 2.0 Category
SC 2.1
NO
SC 2.2
SC 3.0
1.
2.
3.
4.
NO - not a Heritage wetland
Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state
Threatened or Endangered plant species?
Is the unit forested (>30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western redcedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann's spruce, or western
white pine, WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on bog species plant
list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (>30% coverage of
total shrub/herbaceous cover )?
NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
YES - is a bog for purpose of rating
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" deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the
"bog" plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog.
NO - go to Q. 4
Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other
plants, if present, consist of the "bog" species listed in Table 3 as a significant
component of the vegetation (>30% of total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of
species in Table 3)?
NO - go to Q. 2
Does the unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are <16 inches deep over
bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating
on a lake or pond?
Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e., layers of organic soil), either peats or
mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of the soil profile? (See
Appendix B for a field key to identify organic oils.)
Bogs ( see p. 87)
Does the wetland unit (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in
bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer Yes, you will still
need to rate the wetland based on its function.
YES = Category I
Is the wetland unit being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage
wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact
WNHP/DNR.)
Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87)
Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage
Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state
Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species.
YES - go to Q. 3 NO - not a bog for purpose of rating
YES - Category I
S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site
YES - contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 3.2
YES - go to Q. 3
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SC 4.0 Category
SC 5.0
SC 5.1
YES = Category I NO - not a forested wetland w/ special characteristics
YES = go to SC 5.1
Does the wetland unit have at least 1 acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the
Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitat? 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 2 tree species,
forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8
trees/acre (20/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast
height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm) or more.
NO = Category II
NO - not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 foot buffer of shrub, forest,
or ungrazed or unmowed grassland.
The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4,350 square feet).
YES = Category I
Does the wetland meet all of the following 3 conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation,
grazing), and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive
species on p. 74).
The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or
brackish (>.5 ppt) during most of the year in at leat a portion of the lagoon (needs to
be measured near the bottom ).
Forested Wetlands (see p. 90)
NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland
forests. 200-year-old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh
because their growth rates are often smaller. The DFW criterion is an
"OR" so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this
diameter.
Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 -
200 years old OR have average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); 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.
Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91)
Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wtland in a coastal lagoon?
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.
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SC 6.0 Category
SC 6.1
SC 6.2
NA
YES = Category II NO - go to SC 6.2
Is the wetland unit between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1
and 1 acre?
YES = Category III
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
Choose the "highest" rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1.
Is wetland 1 acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 acre or larger?
If you answered NO for all types, enter "Not Applicable" on p. 1.
Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93)
Ocean Shores-Copalis - lands west of SR 1115 and SR 109.
If you answer YES, you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
Is the wetland unit west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland
Ownership or WBUO)?
YES - go to SC 6.1 NO - not an interdunal wetland for rating
Long Beach Peninsula - lands west of SR 103
Grayland-Westport - lands west of SR 105
In practical terms, that means the following geographic areas:
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