HomeMy WebLinkAboutEX_06_RS_Wetland_Delineation_Report_220103_v1
750 Sixth Street South | Kirkland, WA 98033
P 425.822.5242 | f 425.827.8136 | watershedco.com
January 03, 2022
Ashley Nulick
Lars Andersen & Associates, Inc.
Via email: ANulick@larsandersen.com
Phone: (559)978-0845
Re: 901 South Grady Way - Wetland and Stream Delineation
Report
The Watershed Company Reference Number: 211115
Dear Ashley,
On December 06, 2021, Sage Presster and Peter Heltzel, visited the property located at 901 South
Grady Way (parcels #2023059007, 9154600010, and 1723059183) in the City of Renton to
delineate and flag the encumbering boundaries of on-site jurisdictional wetlands and streams.
This letter summarizes the findings of the study and details applicable federal, state, and local
regulations. The following documents are enclosed:
• Delineation Sketch
• Wetland Determination Data Forms
• Wetland Rating Form and Figures
Findings Summary
One depressional wetland (Wetland A) is located in the southern portion of the subject property
and along Rolling Hills Creek. Wetland A is a Category III wetland with a habitat score five
points, requiring a standard buffer of 100 feet in accordance with Renton Municipal Code
(RMC) 4-3-050G.2. Rolling Hills Creek is located along the fence immediately east of the
parking lot. It is a Type-F stream, which requires a standard buffer of 115 feet in accordance
with RMC 4-3-050G.2. Additionally, a 15-foot wide structure setback is required beyond the
wetland and stream buffers per RMC 4-3-050G.2. A summary of the delineated critical areas
and their associated buffers is found below in Table 1.
RECEIVED
01/31/2022 JDing
PLANNING DIVISION
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Table 1. Summary of on-site critical area buffer and building setbacks per RMC 4-3-050G.2.
Feature Name Category/Type Habitat Score Standard Buffer Building Setback
Wetland A III 5 100 feet 15 feet
Rolling Hills Creek Type-F n/a 115 feet 15 feet
Study Area
The study area for this project is defined as the property located at 901 South Grady Way
(parcels #2023059007, 9154600010, and 1723059183) in the City of Renton.
Figure 1. Vicinity map of the study area (source: Google Maps).
Project location
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Methods
Public‐domain information on the subject properties was reviewed for this delineation study.
Resources and review findings are presented in Table 2 of the “Findings” section of this letter.
The study area was evaluated for wetlands using methodology from the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the
Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Version 2.0 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010). Presence or absence of wetlands was
determined on the basis of an examination of vegetation, soils, and hydrology. Wetlands were
classified using the Department of Ecology’s 2014 rating system (Hruby 2014). All observations
were made from within the subject property/study area; adjoining private properties were not
entered.
The subject property and nearby public property was evaluated for streams based on the
presence or absence of an ordinary high water mark (OHWM) as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act, the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 220‐660‐030, the Revised Code
of Washington (RCW) 90.58.030, and guidance documents including Determining the Ordinary
High Water Mark for Shoreline Management Act Compliance in Washington State (Anderson 2016)
and A Guide to Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Delineation for Non-Perennial Streams in the
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region of the United States (Mersel 2016).
Assessment of fish use of streams and waterbodies was based on WAC 222-16-031, Interim
Water Typing System. Specifically, morphological and topographic characteristics such as
dimensions, gradient, and natural migration barriers were assessed per WAC criteria.
Characterization of climatic conditions for precipitation in the Wetland Determination Data
Forms were determined using the WETS table methodology (USDA, NRCS 2015). The “Seattle
Tacoma Intl AP” station from 1991‐2020 was used as a source for precipitation data
(http://agacis.rcc‐acis.org/). The WETS table methodology uses climate data from the three
months prior to the site visit month to determine if normal conditions are present in the study
area region.
Findings
The study area is within the Black River drainage basin of the Cedar-Sammamish River
watershed (WRIA 8); Sections 19 and 20 of Township 23 North, Range 05 East of the Public
Land Survey System. The study area is approximately 15.35 acres in size per the King County
Assessor as is currently developed with a warehouse store and parking lot previously occupied
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by a Sam’s Club retail store (Figure 2). Several stormwater features (Figure 3) with herbaceous
wetland vegetation dominated by soft rush (Juncus effusus), small-flowered bulrush (Scirpus
microcarpus), and creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) are located near the southwest
entrance to the study area. The stormwater features appear to capture runoff from the parking
lots and is piped south out of the study area into Wetland A and Stream A per City of Renton
Maps (Figure 4).
Areas east of the pavement are densely vegetated with Himalayan blackberry (Rubus
armeniacus) with a tall retaining wall supporting an off-ramp for I-405 (Figure 5). Stream A is
located at the base of the slope in a 4-foot wide concrete channel, flowing southwest toward
Wetland A and Talbot Rd S. A chain-link fence separates the stream and wetland from the
parking lot. The surrounding land use is categorized by high intensity commercial and urban.
Public-domain information on the subject properties was reviewed for this study and include
the following, as summarized in Table 2.
Table 2. Summary of online mapping and inventory resources.
Resource Summary
USDA NRCS: Web Soil
Survey Urban land mapped throughout the study area.
USFWS: NWI Wetland
Mapper
Freshwater emergent wetland (PEM1C) is mapped immediately south of the
study area. Riverine habitat (R4SBC) is mapped immediately southeast of the
study area. Riverine habitat (R5UBH) is mapped immediately east of the
study area.
WDFW: PHS on the Web Freshwater emergent wetland (PEM1C) is mapped immediately south of the
study area.
WDFW: SalmonScape
An intermittent and ephemeral stream is mapped immediately east of the
study area. Both stream segments do not have documented SalmonScape
species present.
DNR Mapping Tool A Type F stream is mapped immediately east of the study area. A Type N
stream is mapped east of the Sam’s Club warehouse.
King County iMap No wetlands or streams mapped in the study area. Coal mine hazard mapped
in the eastern portion of the study area.
City of Renton Maps
Rolling Hills Creek, a Type-Np stream, is mapped immediately east of the
parking lot of the study area. Puget wetland (Ref #: W-31) mapped
immediately south of the study area.
WETS Climatic Condition Wetter than normal.
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Figure 2. Warehouse and large parking lot throughout majority of study area.
Figure 3. Stormwater feature located in southwestern portion of study area.
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Figure 4. COR Map illustrating stormwater features and the concrete stream channel.
Figure 5. Dense Himalayan blackberry at the base of I-405.
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W etland A
One wetland (Wetland A) was delineated in the study area and is summarized below in Table 3.
Table 3. Wetland A assessment summary.
WETLAND A – Assessment Summary
Location: Located along the southern boundary of the study area.
WRIA / Sub-basin: Cedar-Sammamish River Watershed (WRIA 8) / Black River drainage basin
2014 Western WA
Ecology Rating:
Category III
Standard Buffer Width: 100 ft standard buffer
and 15 ft setback
Wetland Size: Approx. 1.1 acres
Cowardin Classification(s): Palustrine Emergent,
Palustrine Forested
HGM Classification(s): Depression, Riverine
Wetland Data Sheet(s): DP-1
Upland Data Sheet (s): DP-2
Flag Color: Pink- and black-striped
Flag Numbers: A-1 to A-17
Vegetation
Tree stratum: Populus balsamifera, Salix lucida, Alnus rubra
Shrub stratum: Salix sitchensis, Cornus sericea, Rubus armeniacus
Herb stratum: Phalaris arundinacea, Typha latifolia, Athyrium filix-femina, Ranunculus repens
Soils
Soil survey: Urban land
Field data: Depleted Matrix (F3), Sandy Redox (S5)
Hydrology
Source: Stream A, High Water Table
Field data: Saturation (A3), Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3), Geomorphic
Position (D2), FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Wetland Functions
Improving
Water Quality Hydrologic Habitat
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on Ratings 7 7 5 19
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Rolling Hills Creek
Rolling Hills Creek is a stream in the Green River Basin (HUC 171100130305). Rolling Hills
Creek flows into the study area via a 4-foot round concrete pipe underneath I-405 (Figure 6),
originating to the southeast of the study area. The delineated stream segment is 4 feet wide with
a relatively flat gradient of approximately 2%. The channel flows in a 4-foot wide concrete
flume with a flat bottom and vertical sides (Figure 4 and 7). Downstream of the I-405 culvert,
the flume has accumulated streambed sediments comprised of cobble, gravel, and
unconsolidated silt (Figure 8). Several segments of the stream contain overhanging vegetation
of red alder, Pacific willow, Sitka willow, Himalayan blackberry, and red-osier dogwood.
Rolling Hills Creek flows along the encumbering boundary of Wetland A and flows off-site via
a “60-inch corrugated metal pipe” per City of Renton Maps (Figure 4).
Figure 6. Rolling Hills Creek flows into study area via a 4 foot round concrete pipe.
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Figure 7. Rolling Hills Creek in the concrete flume.
Figure 8. Natural streambed composition atop the flume bottom, downstream near Wetland A.
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Non -wetlands
Areas outside of observed wetlands do not meet criteria for wetland hydrophytic vegetation,
hydric soils, or wetland hydrology. Non-wetland areas include the warehouse, parking lot, and
vegetated slopes in the northeastern portion of the study area. Non-wetland areas dominant
vegetation include black cottonwood, Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple, Pacific wax myrtle,
snowberry, Himalayan blackberry, tall Oregon grape, scotch broom, yarrow, bull thistle,
common catsear, and ornamental shrubs.
Local Regulation s
Wetlands
Wetlands in the City of Renton are regulated under Chapter 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations of
the RMC. Wetlands in Renton are classified using the 2014 Update to the Western Washington
Wetland Rating System (Publication #14-06-029) (Rating System). According to the RMC,
wetlands are rated as one of four categories based on the Rating System, and wetland buffers
are determined based upon a combination of the wetland category and habitat score. Wetland A
is a Category III wetland with a habitat score of five points and therefore requires a standard
buffer of 100 feet per RMC 4-3-050G.2.
Per RMC 4-3-050G.2.6, “areas that are functionally and effectively disconnected from the
wetland by a permanent road or other substantially developed surface or sufficient width and
with use characteristics such that buffer functions are not provided shall not be counted toward
the minimum buffer unless these areas can feasibly be removed, relocated or restored to
provide better functions.” The buffer of Wetland A consist of a substantially developed surface,
the large parking lot, which buffer functions are not provided. Therefore, the minimum 100 foot
standard buffer of Wetland A does not apply, and it would extend to the edge of the existing
parking lot.
Streams
Streams in the City of Renton are regulated under Chapter 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations of
RMC. Stream buffer widths are determined based on stream class (Type F, Np, and Ns).
Although City of Renton maps Rollings Hills Creek as a Type Np stream, we conclude this
mapping designation is an error, as described below, and the correct classification is Type F.
According to WAC 222-16-031, potential fish use of streams in Western Washington is inferred
based on physical characteristics where the bankfull channel width is two feet or greater and
slopes are less than or equal to 16% for basins less than or equal to 50 acres in size, or less than
or equal to than 20% for basins greater than 50 acres. Per RMC 4-3-050G.7.a.ii, Type F Streams
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are “Waters that are known to be used by fish or meet the physical criteria to be potentially
used by fish and that have perennial (year-round) or seasonal flows.”
Where these physical characteristics lead to a presumption of fish use, absence of actual fish use
can sometimes be established by carrying out a recognized State of Washington protocol
(Washington State Forest Practices Board Manual, Section 13 Guidelines for Determining Fish
Use for the Purpose of Typing Water under WAC 222-16-030, and the Washington Department
of Natural Resource Forest Practices Board Emergency Rules, adopted 11/14/96, updated
07/01/01, 02/2002, et. Seq.). This “Section 13 protocol” typically consists of conducting an
electrofishing survey according to establish methodologies along with review and concurrence
of study methods and timing by WDFW and the Tribes. However, according to the protocol,
“determinations of fish absence using this protocol generally can be applied only to streams
where human-made fish blockages, such as impassable culverts, do not exist below the
proposed survey reach.” And, “Above human-made fish blockages, physical criteria are used to
determine the presumption of fish use unless otherwise approved by the DNR in consultation
with the WDFW, Washington Department of Ecology (DOE), and affected tribes.”
In short, within the project area, the Section 13 protocol would not be applicable due to the
culvert located downstream at Talbot Road South. By default, stream typing must therefore be
based on the physical criteria of stream gradient, stream width, and basin size, as described
above. The rationale, generally, is that artificial barriers may eventually be corrected and so
potential functional habitat should be protected under the same regulations as though it were
occupied in anticipation of access being restored. Type F streams, or potentially fish-bearing
waters, require a standard buffer of 115 feet per RMC 4-3-050G.2.
Although the wetland buffer extends to the parking lot per RMC 4-3-050G.2.6, there are not
similar exemptions for stream buffers in the City of Renton.
Building Setbacks
The City of Renton requires a 15-foot building setback from the edges of all wetland buffers.
Building setbacks may contain landscaping, uncovered decks, building overhangs (if no more
than 18 inches into the setback), and impervious ground surfaces (such as driveways and
patios) provided that such improvements may be subject to water quality regulations and
maximum impervious surface limitations.
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Stat e and Federal Regulations
Federal Agencies
Most wetlands and streams are regulated by the Corps under Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act. Any proposed filling, crossing, or other direct impacts to Waters of the U.S., including
wetlands (except isolated wetlands), would require notification and permits from the Corps.
Wetlands A is not isolated due to the hydrological connection to Rolling Hills Creek.
Unavoidable impacts to jurisdictional wetlands are typically required to be compensated
through implementation of an approved mitigation plan. If activities requiring a Corps permits
are proposed, a Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA) could be submitted to
obtain authorization.
Federally permitted actions that could affect endangered species may also require a biological
assessment study and consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the National
Marine Fisheries Service. Compliance with the Endangered Species Act must be demonstrated
for activities within jurisdictional wetlands and the 100‐year floodplain. Application for Corps
permits may also require an individual 401 Water Quality Certification and Coastal Zone
Management Consistency determination from Ecology and a cultural resource study in
accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology)
Similar to the Corps, Ecology, under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, is charged with
reviewing, conditioning, and approving or denying certain federally permitted actions that
result in discharges to state waters. However, Ecology review under the Clean Water Act would
only become necessary if a Section 404 permit from the Corps was issued. However, Ecology
also regulates wetlands, including isolated wetlands, under the Washington Pollution
Prevention and Control Act, but only if direct wetland impacts are proposed. Therefore, if
filling activities are avoided, authorization from Ecology would not be needed.
If filling is proposed, a JARPA may also be submitted to Ecology in order to obtain a Section 401
Water Quality Certification and Coastal Zone Management Consistency Determination. Ecology
permits are either issued concurrently with the Corps permit or within 90 days following the
Corps permit.
In general, neither the Corps nor Ecology regulates wetland and stream buffers, unless direct
impacts are proposed. When direct impacts are proposed, mitigated wetlands and streams may
be required to employ buffers based on Corps and Ecology joint regulatory guidance.
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Washington De partment of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
Chapter 77.55 of the RCW (the Hydraulic Code) gives WDFW the authority to review,
condition, and approve or deny “any construction activity that will use, divert, obstruct, or
change the bed or flow of state waters.” This provision includes any in‐water work, the crossing
or bridging of any state waters (including repair, replacement or lengthening of culverts) and
can sometimes include stormwater discharge to state waters. If a project meets regulatory
requirements, WDFW will issue a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA).
Through issuance of an HPA, WDFW can also restrict activities to a particular timeframe. Work
is typically restricted to late summer and early fall. However, WDFW has in the past allowed
crossings that don’t involve in‐stream work to occur at any time during the year.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this letter is based on the application of technical guidelines
currently accepted as the best available science and in conjunction with the manuals and criteria
referenced above. All discussions, conclusions and recommendations reflect the best
professional judgment of the author(s) and are based upon information available at the time the
study was conducted. All work was completed within the constraints of budget, scope, and
timing. The findings of this report are subject to verification and agreement by the appropriate
local, state and federal regulatory authorities. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is
made.
Please call if you have any questions or if we can provide you with any additional information.
Sincerely,
Sage Presster
Ecologist
Enclosures
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References
Anderson, P.S. et al. 2016. Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark for Shoreline
Management Act Compliance in Washington State. (Publication #16-06-029). Olympia,
WA: Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, Washington Department of
Ecology.
Department of Ecology (Ecology). 2018. July 2018 Modifications for Habitat Score Ranges.
Modified from Wetland Guidance for CAO Updates, Western Washington Version.
(Publication #16-06-001). Accessed 8/16/18:
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/parts/1606001part1.pdf.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. “Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual,” Technical
Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Hruby, T. 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014
Update. (Publication #14-06-029). Olympia, WA: Washington Department of Ecology.
Lichvar, R.W. and S. M. McColley. 2008. A Guide to Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)
Delineation for Non-Perennial Streams in the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast
Region of the United States. ERDC/CRREL TR-14-13. Hanover, NH: U.S. Army Engineer
Research and Development Center.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0). ed. J.
S. Wakely, R. W. Lichvar, and C. V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army
Engineer Research and Development Center.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2015.
National Engineering Handbook, Part 650 Engineering Field Handbook, Chapter 19
Hydrology Tools for Wetland Identification and Analysis. ed. R. A. Weber. 210-VI-NEH,
Amend. 75. Washington, DC.
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Wetland and Stream Delineation Sketch – 901 South Grady Way
Site Address: 901 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Prepared for: Ashley Nulick; Lars Andersen & Associates, Inc.
Parcel Number: 2023059007, 9154600010, and 1723059183 TWC Ref. No.: 211115
Site Visit Date: December 06, 2021
Note: Field sketch only. Features depicted are approximate and not to scale. Wetland boundaries are marked with pink- and black-striped flags.
Stream boundaries are marked with blue- and white-striped flags. Data points are marked with yellow- and black-striped flags. All observations were
made from within the study area; adjoining private properties were not entered.
DP-2
LEGEND
Wetland Boundary
Delineated Wetland Boundary
Non-Delineated Wetland Boundary
Delineated Stream OHWM
Non-Delineated Stream OHWM
Study Area
Data Point (DP)
Culvert
DP-1
Wetland A
Flags A-1 to A-17
Stream A
Flags WMA-1R to WMA-44R
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US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
DP - 1
Project/Site: 901 South Grady Way City/County: City of Renton Sampling date: 12-06-2021
Applicant/Owner: Lars Andersen & Associates, Inc. State: WA Sampling Point: DP-1
Investigator(s): S. Presster, P. Heltzel Section, Township, Range: S20, T23N, R5E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): Terrace/Streambank Local relief (concave, convex, none): None Slope (%): <2%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: - Long: - Datum: -
Soil Map Unit Name: Urban Land 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 on the site? ☒ 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 Soils Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Remarks: Wetter than normal per WETS methodology. Wetland A in-pit.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5-m diameter)
Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 1.
2. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across all Strata: 3 (B) 3.
4. Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100% (A/B) 0 = Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3-m diameter) Prevalence Index worksheet:
1. Rubus armeniacus 40 Y FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
2. OBL species x 1 =
3. FACW species x 2 =
4. FAC species x 3 =
5. FACU species x 4 =
40 = Total Cover UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1-m diameter) Column Totals: (A) (B)
1. Typha latifolia 40 Y OBL Prevalence Index = B/A = 2. Phalaris arundinacea 60 Y FACW
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. ☐ 1 – Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. ☒ 2 – Dominance Test is > 50%
6. ☐ 3 – Prevalence Index is ≤ 3.01
7. ☐ 4 – Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. ☐ 5 – 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: 3-m diameter)
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 0
Remarks:
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM –
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
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US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: DP-1
HYDROLOGY
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 2/2 100 - - - - Silt loam -
4-11 10YR 4/2 80 7.5YR 4/6 20 C M, PL Sandy loam -
11-14 10YR 2/2 95 7.5YR 4/4 5 C M, PL Silt loam -
14-16 10YR 4/3 80 7.5YR 4/6 20 C M, PL Sandy loam -
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☐ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present, unless
disturbed or problematic.
☐ 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:
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 (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A
& 4B) (B9) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1,
2, 4A & 4B) ☐ High Water Table (A2)
☒ 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 Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Wetland Hydrology
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in): -
Water Table Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in): -
Saturation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 10”
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
DP - 2
Project/Site: 901 South Grady Way City/County: City of Renton Sampling date: 12-06-2021
Applicant/Owner: Lars Andersen & Associates, Inc. State: WA Sampling Point: DP-2
Investigator(s): S. Presster, P. Heltzel Section, Township, Range: S20, T23N, R5E
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): Terrace Local relief (concave, convex, none): None Slope (%): <5%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: - Long: - Datum: -
Soil Map Unit Name: Urban Land 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 on the site? ☒ 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 Soils Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Remarks: Wetter than normal per WETS methodology. Wetland A out-pit.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5-m diameter)
Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 4 (A) 1.
2. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across all Strata: 4 (B) 3.
4. Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100% (A/B) 0 = Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3-m diameter) Prevalence Index worksheet:
1. Rubus armeniacus 40 Y FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
2. OBL species x 1 =
3. FACW species x 2 =
4. FAC species x 3 =
5. FACU species x 4 =
40 = Total Cover UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1-m diameter) Column Totals: (A) (B)
1. Phalaris arundinacea 20 Y FACW Prevalence Index = B/A = 2. Ranunculus repens 40 Y FAC
3. Poa sp. 40 Y FAC* Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. ☐ 1 – Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. ☒ 2 – Dominance Test is > 50%
6. ☐ 3 – Prevalence Index is ≤ 3.01
7. ☐ 4 – Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 8.
9. ☐ 5 – 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: 3-m diameter)
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 0
Remarks: *Presumed FAC.
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM –
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: DP-2
HYDROLOGY
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 2/2 100 - - - - Silt loam -
6-8 10YR 4/3 85 7.5YR 4/6 15 C M. PL Sandy loam -
8-16 10YR 2/1 60 7.5YR 4/6 5 C M. PL Sandy loam Mixed matrix
8-16 10YR 3/2 30 7.5YR 4/6 5 C M\, PL Sandy loam Mixed matrix
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains . 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☒ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present, unless
disturbed or problematic.
☐ 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:
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 (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A
& 4B) (B9) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1,
2, 4A & 4B) ☐ High Water Table (A2)
☐ 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 Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Wetland Hydrology
Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in): -
Water Table Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in): -
Saturation Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in): -
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
1
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): Wetland A Date of site visit: December 6, 2021
Rated by: S. Presster, P. Heltzel Trained by Ecology? ☒Y ☐N Date of training: March 2021
HGM Class used for rating: Depressional Wetland has multiple HGM classes? ☒Y ☐N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map: Google Earth, DOE Water Quality Atlas
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY III (based on functions ☒ or special characteristics ☐)
1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
☐ Category I – Total score = 23 - 27
☐ Category II – Total score = 20 - 22
☒ Category III – Total score = 16 - 19
☐ Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based
on Ratings 7 7 5 19
2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY
Estuarine I II
Wetland of High Conservation Value I
Bog I
Mature Forest I
Old Growth Forest I
Coastal Lagoon I II
Interdunal I II III IV
None of the above ☒
Score for each
function based
on three
ratings
(order of ratings
is not
important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
2
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4 1
Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2 2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1 2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2 2
Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3 3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 4
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2 5
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3 6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
3
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods?
☒NO – go to 2 ☐YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it
is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to
score functions for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater
and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
☒NO – go to 3 ☐YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
☐The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any
plants on the surface at any time of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size;
☐At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m).
☒NO – go to 4 ☐YES – The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
☐The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
☐The water 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,
☐The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
☒NO – go to 5 ☐YES – The wetland class is Slope
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and
shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft
deep).
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
☐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 at least once every 2 years.
For questions 1-7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
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, identify which hydrologic criteria in
questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
4
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
☒NO – go to 6 ☐YES – The wetland class is Riverine
NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not
flooding
6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the
surface, at some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior
of the wetland.
☐NO – go to 7 ☒YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank
flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be
maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural
outlet.
☐NO – go to 8 ☐YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM
classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small
stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY
WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT
AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the
wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or
more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2
is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the
total area.
HGM classes within the wetland unit
being rated
HGM class to
use in rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake Fringe Lake Fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake Fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake Fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or if you have
more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the
rating.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
5
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
☐ Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet).
points = 3
☒ Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet.
points = 2
☐ Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing. points = 1
☐ Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1
2
D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions).☐Yes = 4 ☒No = 0 0
D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes):
☒ Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area points = 5
☐ Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 1/2 of area points = 3
☐ Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 1/10 of area points = 1
☐ Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants < 1/10 of area points = 0
5
D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation:
This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual.
☐ Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
☐ Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
☒ Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
0
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 7
Rating of Site Potential If score is: ☐12-16 = H ☒6-11 = M ☐0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? ☐Yes = 1 ☒No = 0 0
D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in
questions D 2.1-D 2.3? Source: Click here to enter text. ☐Yes = 1 ☒No = 0 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above 2
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: ☐3 or 4 = H ☒1 or 2 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine
water that is on the 303(d) list? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality
(answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? ☒Yes = 2 ☐No = 0 2
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 4
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2-4 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
6
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation
D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
☐ Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet). points = 4
☒ Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently
flowing outlet. points = 2
☐ Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1
☐ Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing. points = 0
2
D 4.2. Depth of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands
with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part.
☐ Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet. points = 7
☐ Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet. points = 5
☒ Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet. points = 3
☐ The wetland is a “headwater” wetland. points = 3
☐ Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water. points = 1
☐ Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in). points = 0
3
D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin
contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.
☐ The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit. points = 5
☐ The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit. points = 3
☒ The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit. points = 0
☐ Entire wetland is in the Flats class. points = 5
0
Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above 5
Rating of Site Potential If score is: ☐12-16 = H ☐6-11 = M ☒0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions of the site?
D 5.1. Does the wetland receive stormwater discharges? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at
>1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above 3
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: ☒3 = H ☐1 or 2 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1. The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around
the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met.
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down-gradient into areas where flooding has
damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds):
• ☒ Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
• ☐ Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down-gradient. points = 1
☐ Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
☐ The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that
the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood.
Explain why: points = 0
☐There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0
2
D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan?
☐Yes = 2 ☒No = 0 0
Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above 2
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2-4 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
7
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat
H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat?
H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the
Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold
of ¼ ac or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked.
☐ Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4
☒ Emergent 3 structures: points = 2
☐ Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1
☒ Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0
If the unit has a Forested class, check if:
☒ The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover)
that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
2
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover
more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
☐ Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3
☒ Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2
☐ Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1
☒ Saturated only 1 type present: points = 0
☒ Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
☐ Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
☐ Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
☐ Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
2
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name
the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle
If you counted: ☒ > 19 species points = 2
☐ 5 - 19 species points = 1
☐ < 5 species points = 0
2
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or
the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you
have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high.
☐ None = 0 points ☐ Low = 1 point ☒ Moderate = 2 points
All three diagrams in
this row are
☐ HIGH = 3points
2
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Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
8
H 1.5. Special habitat features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points.
☒ Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long).
☒ Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland.
☐ Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) AND/OR overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m)
over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m).
☐ Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree
slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered
where wood is exposed).
☐ At least ¼ ac of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are
permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians).
☐ Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of
strata).
2
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above 10
Rating of Site Potential If score is: ☐15-18 = H ☒7-14 = M ☐0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = 0% + [0.4%/2) = 0.2%
If total accessible habitat is:
☐ > 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3
☐ 20-33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2
☐ 10-19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1
☒ < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
0
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2 = 2.2% + 13.0%/2) = 8.7%
☐ Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3
☐ Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
☐ Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches points = 1
☒ Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
0
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If
☐ > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
☒ ≤ 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points = 0
-2
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above -2
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: ☐4-6 = H ☐1-3 = M ☒< 1 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rated.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
☐ It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page)
☐ It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
☐ It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species
☐ It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources
☐ It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan,
in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
☒ Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1
☐ Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
1
Rating of Value If score is: ☐2 = H ☐ 1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
9
WDFW Priority Habitats
Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can
be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington.
177 pp. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/)
Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE: This question is
independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat.
☐ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha).
☐ 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).
☐ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock.
☐ Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade crest – Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a
multi- layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) > 32 in (81 cm) dbh
or > 200 years of age. Mature forests – Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 in (53 cm) dbh; crown cover
may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally
less than that found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest.
☐ Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the
oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158 – see web link above).
☒ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other.
☐ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a
wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 – see web link above).
☒ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to
provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources.
☐ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore,
and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW
report – see web link on previous page).
☐ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils,
rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human.
☐ Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation.
☐ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of basalt,
andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.
☐ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to
enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 in (51 cm) in western
Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12 in (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft
(6 m) long.
Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed
elsewhere.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
10
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Wetland Type
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the category when the appropriate criteria are met.
Category
SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands
Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
☐ The dominant water regime is tidal,
☐ Vegetated, and
☐ With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt ☐Yes –Go to SC 1.1 ☒No= Not an estuarine wetland
SC 1.1. Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area
Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151?
☐Yes = Category I ☒No - Go to SC 1.2
Cat. I
SC 1.2. Is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions?
☐ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has
less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartina, see page 25)
☐ At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or
un- mowed grassland.
☐ The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water,
or contiguous freshwater wetlands. ☐Yes = Category I ☒No= Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV)
SC 2.1. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High
Conservation Value? ☒Yes – Go to SC 2.2 ☐No – Go to SC 2.3
SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value?
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/NHPwetlandviewer ☐Yes = Category I ☒No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland?
http://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_nh_wetlands_trs.pdf
☐Yes – Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 ☒No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on
their website? ☐Yes = Category I ☒No = Not a WHCV
Cat. I
SC 3.0. Bogs
Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key
below. If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
SC 3.1. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in or
more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? ☐Yes – Go to SC 3.3 ☒No – Go to SC 3.2
SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep
over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or
pond? ☐Yes – Go to SC 3.3 ☒No = Is not a bog
SC 3.3. Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30%
cover of plant species listed in Table 4? ☐Yes = Is a Category I bog ☒No – Go to SC 3.4
NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory, you may substitute that criterion by
measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the
plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog.
SC 3.4. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the
species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy?
☐Yes = Is a Category I bog ☒No = Is not a
bog
Cat. I
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
11
SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands
Does the wetland have at least 1 contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA
Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer YES you will still need to rate
the wetland based on its functions.
☐ Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered
canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of
age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in (81 cm) or more.
☐ Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR
the species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in (53 cm).
☐Yes = Category I ☒No = Not a forested wetland for this section
Cat. I
SC 5.0. Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons
Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland 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
☐ The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains ponded water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5
ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the
bottom)
☐Yes – Go to SC 5.1 ☒No = Not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
SC 5.1. Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions?
☐ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has
less than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100).
☐ At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or
un- mowed grassland.
☐ The wetland is larger than 1/10 ac (4350 ft2)
☐Yes = Category I ☐No = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands
Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? If
you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its habitat functions.
In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:
☐ Long Beach Peninsula: Lands west of SR 103
☐ Grayland-Westport: Lands west of SR 105
☐ Ocean Shores-Copalis: Lands west of SR 115 and SR 109
☐Yes – Go to SC 6.1 ☒No = not an interdunal wetland for rating
SC 6.1. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M
for the three aspects of function)? ☐Yes = Category I ☐No – Go to SC 6.2
SC 6.2. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger?
☐Yes = Category II ☐No – Go to SC 6.3
SC 6.3. Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac?
☐Yes = Category III ☐No = Category IV
Cat I
Cat. II
Cat. III
Cat. IV
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
If you answered No for all types, enter “Not Applicable” on Summary Form NA
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Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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Wetland name or number: Click here to enter text.
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2014 Ecology Wetland Rating Form Figures
901 S OUTH G RADY W AY
Wetland A (Depressional) ............................................................................................................................. 1
Figure 1. Cowardin plant classes – D1.3, H1.1, H1.4 ................................................................................ 1
Figure 2. Hydroperiods, outlet(s), and 150-ft area – D1.1, D1.4, H1.2, D2.2, D5.2 .................................. 2
Figure 3. Map of the contributing basin – D4.3, D5.3 .............................................................................. 3
Figure 4. Undisturbed habitat and moderate-low intensity land uses within 1 km from wetland edge
including polygon for accessible habitat – H2.1, H2.2, H2.3 .................................................. 4
Figure 5. Screen-capture of 303(d) listed waters in basin – D3.1, D3.2 ................................................... 5
Figure 6. Screen-capture of TMDL map for sub-basin in which unit is found – D3.3 ............................... 6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Page left blank intentionally to allow for duplex printing.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Features depicted are not to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 1
WETLAND A (DEPRESSIONAL)
Figure 1. Cowardin plant classes – D1.3, H1.1, H1.4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Features depicted are not to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 2
Figure 2. Hydroperiods, outlet(s), and 150-ft area – D1.1, D1.4, H1.2, D2.2, D5.2
Outlet
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Features depicted are not to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 3
Figure 3. Map of the contributing basin – D4.3, D5.3
Contributing basin
Wetland A
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Features depicted are not to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 4
Figure 4. Undisturbed habitat and moderate-low intensity land uses within 1 km from wetland edge
including polygon for accessible habitat – H2.1, H2.2, H2.3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Features depicted are not to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 5
Figure 5. Screen-capture of 303(d) listed waters in basin – D3.1, D3.2
Wetland A
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65
Features depicted are not to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 6
Figure 6. Screen-capture of TMDL map for sub-basin in which unit is found – D3.3
Wetland unit located in the
Black River drainage basin
(HUC = 171100130305)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6314EAD5-0BEB-42DD-88C0-371F2EBC8E65