Developing a project site that may contain wetlands or streams requires that due diligence be performed to determine whether any federally or state protected resources are present. This process has many steps that can be confusing to landowners and developers, so in an attempt to clear up confusion and facilitate proper procedures, we have defined and outlined the major steps below.
Wetland Determination
The goal of a wetland determination (sometimes also called a preliminary assessment or delineation) is to establish whether or not aquatic resources, such as wetlands or streams, are present on the site and, therefore, whether a complete wetland delineation is needed. The wetland determination begins with an off-site review of a site’s history, topography, and soil types, and continues with a cursory on-site visit. Mapping of water features present on the site is generally not conducted during this visit (although approximate boundaries may be established), and soil pits may or may not be dug. A report stating whether wetlands or streams are present on site, but not providing acreages or exact boundaries, is produced by the wetland scientist and submitted to the client for consideration.
Wetland Delineation
The goal of a wetland delineation is to determine whether or not jurisdictional aquatic resources (e.g., wetlands or streams) are present on the site and, if present, to map their boundaries. The wetland delineation differs from the determination in that it involves a much more detailed on-site investigation into the soils, vegetation, and hydrology. In addition, the boundaries of any aquatic resources found on-site will mapped using a global positioning system (GPS) unit.
Wetland Assessment
A wetland assessment is done to determine the relative quality of the wetland. In Ohio, wetlands are categorized using the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM). The ORAM categorizes wetlands on a scale from 1 to 3, with Category 1 being the lowest quality and 3 being the highest. The category of wetland present on a site determines the ratio at which mitigation for impacts to the wetland will be required by regulatory agencies. Wetland assessments are generally conducted at the time of the wetland delineation to avoid the need for a second field visit. The ORAM requires that state and federal agencies be contacted and allowed to comment on whether threatened and endangered T&E species are known to inhabit the site, or whether the site provides critical habitat for T&E species. Therefore, MAD Scientist & Associates (MAD) typically recommends that wetland assessments include an analysis of the potential for the site to provide critical habitat for (T&E) species.
Permitting Process
Depending on the type and intensity of proposed impacts to wetlands or streams, a permit may need to be obtained from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). MAD will advise their clients as to what permits, if any, are needed, based on the scope of the proposed impacts. The USACE has two types of Section 404 permits that can be applied for, based on the intensity of the proposed impact: Individual permits are for large impacts, and their application process is highly involved and may require more than a year to obtain, while general nationwide permits are for minor impacts and are relatively simple and require only a few months to obtain. If an individual permit is needed, a Section 401 Water Quality Certification must also be obtained from the Ohio EPA. Ohio EPA is also responsible for issuing Isolated Wetland Permits, if a wetland lacks a significant nexus to a regulated water body and therefore is not subject to USACE jurisdiction.
All of MAD’s team members are highly-skilled and experienced wetland delineators. In addition, MAD has performed dozens of wetland assessments and assisted many clients in obtaining Nationwide, Individual and Isolated Wetland Permits. Should you need wetland delineation, assessment, or permitting services, we will be happy to assist!
~Jennie
http://www.environmentalconsultingohio.com/
