WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT LACKAWANNA CUT-OFF ...

WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT 

LACKAWANNA CUT-OFF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE 

RESTORATION PROJECT 

Andover to Delaware River 

New Jersey Portion of the Non-MOS 

Prepared for: NJ TRANSIT 

Prepared by: Jacobs Engineering 

OCTOBER 2008

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NJ TRANSIT LACKAWANNA CUT-OFF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE RESTORATION PROJECT 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 

2.0 METHODOLOGY 3 

2.1 Surface Waters 3 

2.2 Existing Soils 4 

3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION 5 

4.0 SUMMARY 6 

APPENDIX 

Wetlands Mapping 

Wetland Delineation Pictures 

Wetland Delineation Data Sheets

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

NJ TRANSIT is considering the restoration of passenger rail service in Northwest New 

Jersey and Northeast Pennsylvania along a corridor commonly referred to as the 

Lackawanna Cut-Off. The purpose of this project is to implement a passenger rail service 

that will effectively and efficiently improve travel in the Northeast Pennsylvania/ 

Northwest New Jersey to New York City corridor. The project will utilize existing 

transportation rights-of-way to limit environmental impacts while benefiting the region’s 

economy by providing a new modal option for travelers. 

The 28-mile portion of the inactive corridor to be restored in New Jersey, from Port 

Morris to the Delaware River Bridge, is known as the Lackawanna Cut-Off. The 

Lackawanna Cut-Off is currently an inactive railroad alignment through Morris, Sussex 

and Warren Counties in New Jersey. It was purchased by the State of New Jersey in 

2001. In Pennsylvania, the alignment through Monroe, Wayne and Lackawanna 

Counties, from the Delaware River Bridge to Scranton, is approximately 60 miles in 

length. The majority of the Pennsylvania alignment is an active railroad with both freight 

service and limited recreational passenger service. 

This report is a summary of the wetland delineation prepared between the proposed 

Andover Station in Andover Township, Sussex County, New Jersey and the Delaware 

River Viaduct in Knowlton Twp., Warren County, a distance of approximately 21 miles. 

The project would traverse Andover Borough, Green Twp., Sussex County and 

Frelinghuysen Twp., Blairstown Twp., and Knowlton Twp., Warren County. This report 

is a supplement to an earlier study done on the easternmost section of the proposed 

project between the Port Morris Yard in Roxbury Township, Morris County and the 

proposed Andover Station, the Minimal Operable Segment (MOS). This report is the 

New Jersey portion of the non-MOS. A separate report was prepared for the 

Pennsylvania portion of the non-MOS. 

It is important to note that portions of the Andover to Knowlton alignment traverse the 

Highlands physiographic province of New Jersey. In August 2004, the Highlands Water 

Protection and Planning Act (Highlands Act) was adopted by the State of New Jersey. 

The Highlands Act places more stringent environmental regulations on most forms of 

development as a means to protect important watersheds and natural resources endemic 

to the Highlands region. The Lackawanna Cut-Off project, however, is exempt from the 

Highlands Act regulations as is stated in Section 30 Exemptions and Grandfathering, 

Number 12 with “the reactivation of rail lines and rail beds existing on the date of 

enactment of this act”. 

In 2003 and 2005 several freshwater wetland field reviews were performed of the entire 

21-mile alignment and potential station location areas. Linear isolated wetland areas were 

identified adjacent to and within the existing right-of-way property boundaries. These 

linear wetlands functioned as former railroad drainage swales during active operation 

generally where the right-of-way is located within an earth cut.

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2

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2.0 METHODOLOGY 

In September, and October 2008, environmental professionals from Jacobs Engineering 

performed a wetland investigation/delineation of the 21-mile inactive project corridor 

west of Andover Station, Sussex County, to the Delaware River Viaduct in Knowlton 

Twp., Warren County. Our objective was to identify, delineate, and evaluate the wetlands 

adjacent to or within the proposed right-of way, which may have the potential to be 

impacted by the proposed project. The delineation was performed in accordance with the 

methodology set forth in the 1989 interagency Federal Manual for Identifying and 

Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. The resultant boundaries have been located by 

survey for inclusion on the right-of-way plan mapping. 

Existing natural resource mapping and aerial photography of the project study area was 

reviewed prior to conducting our field investigations in 2003, 2005 and 2008. Sources 

included the relevant United States Geological Survey (USGS), 7.5 Minute Topographic 

Quadrangles, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) freshwater 

wetland and linear wetland mapping, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) 

soils information and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National 

Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps. 

2.1 Surface Waters 

Surrounding surface waters and tributaries in the vicinity of the project station locations 

and right-of-way include; 

Sussex County 

Lubbers Run - FW2-TM 

Lake Lackawanna - FW2-NT 

Dallis Pond - FW2-NT 

Wolf Lake - FW2-NT 

Wright Pond - FW2-NT 

Hemlock Lake - FW2-TM-C1 

Andover Junction Brook - FW2-TM-C1 

Warren County 

Pequest River - FW2-TM 

Bear Brook – FW2-TP-C1 

Bear Creek – FW1-TM 

East Branch Bear Brook - FW2-TP-C1 

Camp Wasigan Creek – FW2-NT 

Paulina Creek – FW2-TM 

Paulins Kill – FW2 -TM 

Delaware River - NWSR 

FW1 = Freshwater 1; FW2 = Freshwater 2; TP = Trout Production; TM = Trout Maintenance; NT = Non-Trout Producing; C1 = 

Category 1; NWSR = National Wild and Scenic River 

3

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2.2 Existing Soils 

General Soils 

In Sussex County, the general soils near the project alignment are the Rockaway Rock 

outcrop-Whitman association, which consists of steep and very steep, deep, well drained 

gravelly to very stony loamy soils, rock outcrops and nearly level deep, very poorly 

drained, extremely stony loamy soils. 

The general soils in Warren County adjacent to the rail alignment are the Bath Nassau 

series consisting of gently sloping to very steep, shallow and deep, well drained and 

somewhat excessively drained loamy soils. Hazen Hero Fredon soils are present 

surrounding the Paulins Kill and surrounding floodplains. This general soil unit consists 

of nearly level to very steep, deep, well drained and poorly drained soils, on river 

terraces, outwash terraces and kames. 

Soil sampling points were taken during field investigations in order to determine the 

presence or absence of hydric soils throughout the project study area and to determine 

their limits. Large amounts of railroad ballast were still present along and adjacent to the 

right-of way. In some instances this prohibited reliable soil examination. Soil samples 

also contained railroad ballast/cinder/ash particulate from former railroad operations. In 

some instances, it was difficult to obtain reliable soil samples for hydric soil examination 

and identification. 

Station Location 

The specific soil type at the Blairstown station is Nassau Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 45 

percent slope. This soil consists of very steep, somewhat excessively drained, shallow 

soil rock outcrop. The soil is typically found on hills that are inclined in many directions 

because of irregular bedrock exposure. 

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3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION 

Following are descriptions of each of the delineated freshwater wetland/state open waters 

complexes between Andover Station and the Delaware Water Gap Viaduct: 

Green Twp., Sussex County 

Wetland Areas A/B: Linear wetland, saturated soils 6-8” (10YR 2/1 and 3/2), standing 

water in areas. Dominant vegetation included: Phragmites australis (common reed) 

FACW, Toxicodendren radicans (poison ivy). Picture 1, 2. 

Wetland Areas C/D: Linear wetland, saturated soils (10YR 2/1), with standing water in 

areas. Dominant vegetation included: Phragmites australis (common reed) FACW, 

Toxicodendren radicans (poison ivy). Picture 3, 4. 

Wetland Areas E/F: Linear wetland, inundated 6 to 8”. (10YR 1/1) Dominant vegetation 

included: Acer rubrum (red maple) FAC, Impatiens capensis (jewel weed) FACW, 

Toxicodendren radicans (poison ivy), Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York fern) FAC. 

Picture 5, 6. 

Frelinghuysen, Twp. and Blairstown Twp., Warren County. 

Wetland Areas G/H: Linear wetland adjacent to right-of-way; unmapped stream 

standing/flowing water. Dominant vegetation included: Acer rubrum (red maple) FAC, 

Impatiens capensis (jewel weed) FACW. Soils, 10 YR 3/2, no mottles. Pictures 7, 8. 

Wetland Areas I/J: Linear wetland; low chroma soils 10YR 3/2. Dominant vegetation 

included: Acer rubrum (red maple) FAC, Impatiens capensis (jewel weed) FACW, 

Toxicodendren radicans (poison ivy). Pictures 9, 10. 

Wetland Areas K/L: Linear wetland adjacent to right-of-way, water stained leaves, 

saturated soils at 6-12”, 10YR 2/2. Dominant vegetation included: Toxicodendren 

radicans (poison ivy), Quercus palustris (Pin oak). Pictures 11, 12. 

Wetland Areas M/N: Linear wetland adjacent to right-of-way. Dominant vegetation 

included: Acer rubrum (red maple) FAC Toxicodendren radicans (poison ivy) 

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) FACU, Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) 

FACU-. Saturated soils at 6-12”, 10YR 2/1. Pictures 13, 14. 

Wetland Areas O: Linear wetland adjacent to right-of-way; Soils 10YR 2/2 mottles 4/3. 

Dominant vegetation: Cornus foemina (stiff dogwood) FAC-, Acer rubrum (red maple) 

FAC. Pictures 15, 16. 

Wetland Areas P/Q: Linear wetland adjacent to right-of-way; water stained leaves; Soils 10YR 

2/2 mottles 3/4. Dominant vegetation included: Toxicodendren radicans (poison ivy), 

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) FACU; Cornus foemina (stiff dogwood) FAC-. 

Pictures 17, 18. 

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4.0 SUMMARY 

A total of nine (9) freshwater wetland areas were delineated along the project right-ofway 

in New Jersey west of the proposed Andover Station location. The wetlands 

delineated consisted of linear freshwater wetlands and deciduous wooded wetlands 

complexes. The linear wetland complexes most likely developed where former railroad 

drainage swales functioned during active operation, generally where the existing right-ofway 

is located within an earth cut. 

It is assumed that some of the delineated freshwater wetland areas may be classified by 

the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) as Intermediate or 

Exceptional in resource value. Exceptional resource value wetlands are designated a 150foot 

transition area buffer, and a 50-foot transition area buffer is designated for 

intermediate resource value wetlands. Wetlands that are of ordinary resource value have 

no transition area buffer. The resource value classification may affect the types of 

freshwater wetland permits that will need to be applied for in the future. 

The first step in the New Jersey regulatory process is to submit a Letter of Interpretation 

(LOI) package to the NJDEP Land Use Regulation department. The LOI will provide 

approved wetland limits to determine the exact amount of permanent wetland disturbance 

acreage. The LOI, once issued, will serve as the regulatory document verifying the 

wetland boundaries, and is valid for a period of five (5) years. 

Disturbances to freshwater wetland complexes will be minimized to the greatest extent 

possible throughout the design process and during project implementation. 

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7 

APPENDIX

WETLANDS LOCATION MAP 

LACKAWANNA CUT OFF STUDY 

Engineering and Surveying 

GREEN TOWNSHIP 

1 of 1

MATCH LINE - SEE BELOW 

MATCH LINE - SEE ABOVE 




FRELINGHUYSEN TOWNSHIP 

1 of 1




BLAIRSTOWN TOWNSHIP 

1 of 1

LACKAWANNA CUT-OFF WETLAND DELINEATION PICTURES – Sept. and Oct. 2008 

1. A/B line looking west 

2. A/B line looking east 

3. C/D line looking west

4. C/D line looking east 

5. E/F line looking west 

6. E/F line looking west

7. G/H line looking east 

8. G/H looking west 

9. I/J looking north

10. I/J looking west 

11. K/L looking east 

12. K/L looking west

13. M/N line looking east 

14. M/N line looking west 

15. O line looking west

16. O line looking east 

17. P/Q line looking east 

18. P/Q line looking west

DATA FORM 

ROUTINE ONSITE DETERMINATION METHOD 1 

Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: Sept. 29, 2008 

Project/Site: Lackawanna Cut-Off right of way State: NJ County: Sussex 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: A/B Wetland 

Do normal environmental conditions exist at the plant community? 

Yes X No (If no, explain) 

Has the vegetation, soils, and/or hydrology been significantly disturbed? 

Yes No X (If yes, explain) 

VEGETATION 

Dominant Plant Species Indicator Status Stratum 

Phragmites australis FACW herbaceous 

Toxicodendren radicans FAC herbaceous 

Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: Over 100% 

Is the hydrophytic vegetation criterion met? 

Rationale: Yes 

SOILS 

Series/Phase: Subgroup 2 : 

Is the soil on the hydric soil list? No 

Is the soil a histosol? No Is the soil mottled? No mottles were observed 

Matrix color: 10 YR 2/1 and 3/2 Mottle colors: none 

Other hydric soil indicators: 

Is the hydric soil criterion met? 

Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? In areas Surface water depth: 3-4” 

Is the soil saturated? yes At what depth? 6-8” 

Other evidence of wetland hydrology: Standing water 

Is the wetland hydrology criterion met? 

Rationale: 

JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION AND RATIONALE 

Is the plant community a wetland? Yes X No 

Rationale for jurisdiction decision: 

1 

This data can be used for the Hydric Soil Assessment Procedure and the Plant Community Assessment 

Procedure. 

2 

Classification according to “Soil Taxonomy.”

DATA FORM 


Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: Sept.29, 2008 


Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: C/D Wetland 


Yes No (If no, explain) 


Yes No (If yes, explain) 

VEGETATION 


Phragmites australis FACW herbaceous 


Thelypteris noveboracensis FAC herbaceous 

Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: 100% 


Rationale: 

SOILS 



Is the soil a histosol? Is the soil mottled? No 

Matrix color: 10YR2/1 Mottle colors: 



Rationale: Low chroma, saturated 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? In areas Surface water depth: 2-4” 


Other evidence of wetland hydrology: 


Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 


Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: Sept.29, 2008 


Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: Upland 





VEGETATION 



Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: 


Rationale: 

SOILS 



Is the soil a histosol? Is the soil mottled? 

Matrix color: Mottle colors: 



Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? No Surface water depth: 

Is the soil saturated? At what depth? 



Rationale: 


Is the plant community a wetland? Yes No X 


1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 


Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: Sept. 29, 2008 

Project/Site: Lackawanna Cut-Off right-of-way State: NJ County: Sussex 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: E/F Wetland 





VEGETATION 


Impatiens capensis FACW herbaceous 

Acer Rubrum FAC overstory 





Rationale: 

SOILS 




Matrix color: 10 YR 1/1 Mottle colors: none 



Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? Yes Surface water depth: 6-12” 

Is the soil saturated? Yes At what depth? 



Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 


Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: Oct. 1, 2008 

Project/Site: Lackawanna Cut-Off right-of-way State: County: Warren 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: G/H 





VEGETATION 


Impatiens capensis FACW herbaceous 

Acer Rubrum FAC overstory 



Rationale: 

SOILS 


Is the soil on the hydric soil list? 

Is the soil a histosol? Is the soil mottled? no 

Matrix color: 10YR 3/2 Mottle colors: 



Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? yes Surface water depth: 


Other evidence of wetland hydrology: Stream adjacent tot right of way 


Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 




Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: I/J line 





VEGETATION 


Acer rubrum FAC overstory 

Imapatiens capensis FACW herbaceous 




Rationale: 

SOILS 




Matrix color: 10 YR 3/2 Mottle colors: 



Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? Surface water depth: 

Is the soil saturated? Yes At what depth? 6-8 



Rationale: 



Rationale for jurisdiction decision: Linear wetland 

1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 




Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: K/L 





VEGETATION 



Quercus palustris FACW overstory 



Rationale: 

SOILS 



Is the soil a histosol? Is the soil mottled? no 




Rationale: Low chroma 

HYDROLOGY 



Other evidence of wetland hydrology: Drainage pattern, water stained leaves 


Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 




Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: M/N 





VEGETATION 



Parthenocissus quinquefolia FACU herbaceous 



Rationale: 

SOILS 




Matrix color: 10 YR 2/1 Mottle colors: no 




HYDROLOGY 





Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 



Project/Site: Lackawanna Cut-Off right-of-way State: County: Sussex 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: O 





VEGETATION 


Cornus foemina FAC- shrub 




Rationale: 

SOILS 




Matrix color: 10 YR 22 Mottle colors: 4/3 



Rationale: Low chroma, mottling, reducing conditions 

HYDROLOGY 


Is the soil saturated? yes At what depth? 3-6 



Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 



Project/Site: Lackawanna Cut-Off right-of-way State: County: Sussex 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: P/Q 





VEGETATION 


Cornus foemina FAC- shrub 


Parthenocissus quinquefolia FACU herbaceous 



Rationale: 

SOILS 




Matrix color: 10 YR 2/2 Mottle colors: 3/4 




HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? no Surface water depth: 

Is the soil saturated? No, moist At what depth? 



Rationale: Drainage pattern water stained leaves debris. 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT 

LACKAWANNA CUT-OFF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE 

RESTORATION PROJECT 

Upper Mt. Bethel Township to Scranton 

Pennsylvania Portion of the Non-MOS 

Prepared for: NJ TRANSIT 

Prepared by: Jacobs Engineering 

OCTOBER 2008


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 2 

2.0 METHODOLOGY 4 

2.1 Surface Waters 4 

2.2 Existing Soils 5 

3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION 6 

4.0 SUMMARY 7 

APPENDIX 

Pocono Mountain and Tobyhanna Station Plans 

Wetlands Mapping 

Wetland Delineation Pictures 

Wetland Delineation Data Sheets 

1


1.0 INTRODUCTION 

NJ TRANSIT is considering the restoration of passenger rail service in Northwest New 

Jersey and Northeast Pennsylvania along a corridor commonly referred to as the 

Lackawanna Cut-Off. The purpose of this project is to implement a passenger rail service 

that will effectively and efficiently improve travel in the Northeast 

Pennsylvania/Northwest New Jersey to New York City corridor. The project will utilize 

existing transportation rights-of-way to limit environmental impacts while benefiting the 

region’s economy by providing a new modal option for travelers. 

The 28-mile portion of the inactive corridor would be restored in New Jersey, from Port 

Morris to the Delaware River Bridge is currently an inactive railroad alignment through 

Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties in New Jersey. In Pennsylvania, the alignment 

through Northampton, Monroe, Wayne, and Lackawanna Counties, from the Delaware 

River Viaduct to Scranton, is approximately 60 miles in length. 

This report is a summary of the wetland delineation prepared between the Delaware 

River Viaduct in Upper Mt. Bethel Twp., Northampton County to Scranton, Lackawanna 

County. The majority of the alignment in Pennsylvania is an active railroad with both 

freight service and limited recreational passenger service. The project enters 

Pennsylvania in Upper Mt. Bethel Twp. via the existing Delaware River Viaduct where 

the connection would be restored to the existing freight rail right-of-way at Slateford 

Junction. The project would then join with the active railroad that runs between Slateford 

Junction and Scranton. The project would traverse the following municipalities: 

Northampton: Upper Mount Bethel Township 

Monroe County: Coolbaugh Township, Tobyhanna Township, Mount Pocono 

Borough, Paradise Township, Barrett Township Pocono Township, 

Stroud Township, Borough of East Stroudsburg, Smithfield 

Township and Delaware Water Gap Borough. 

Wayne County: Lehigh Township. 

Lackawanna County: City of Scranton, Borough of Dunmore, Roaring Brook 

Township, Elmhurst Township, Moscow Township, Covington 

Township and Clifton Township. 

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2.0 METHODOLOGY 

In October 2008, environmental professionals from Jacobs Engineering performed a 

wetland investigation/delineation of the entire alignment in Pennsylvania from the 

Delaware River Viaduct in Upper Mt. Bethel Twp. to the proposed Scranton Yard 

location. Our objective was to identify, delineate, and evaluate the wetlands adjacent to or 

within the proposed right-of way, as well as those that may potentially be impacted by 

station development. Freshwater wetland areas were confirmed and delineated in 

accordance with the methodology set forth in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland 

Delineation Manual. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination 

Form Instructional Guidebook (2007) was also used as a reference during wetland 

delineation field work. The resultant boundaries have been located by survey for 

inclusion on the right-of-way plan mapping. 

Existing natural resource mapping and aerial photography of the project study area was 

reviewed prior to conducting our field investigations. Sources included the relevant 

United States Geological Survey (USGS), PA, 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangles, 

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soils information and United States Fish 

and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps. 

2.1 Surface Waters 

Surrounding surface waters and tributaries in the vicinity of the project station location 

and right-of-way with watercourse classifications include: 

Northampton County 

Delaware River - NWSR 

Slateford Creek – CWF 

Monroe County 

Caledonia Creek - CWF 

Cherry Creek - CWF 

Broadhead Creek – HQ, CWF, MF 

Sambo Creek - CWF, MF 

Paradise Creek - HQ, CWF 

Cranberry Creek - HQ, CWF 

Devils Hole Creek - HQ, CWF 

Tank Creek - HQ, CWF 

Yankee Run - HQ, CWF 

Forest Hill Run - HQ, CWF 

Pocono Summit Lake - HQ, CWF 

Hawkey Run - HQ, CWF 

Tobyhanna Creek - HQ, CWF 

Hummler Run - HQ, CWF 

4


Wayne County 

Lehigh River - HQ, CWF 

Larsen Pond - HQ, CWF 

Lackawanna County 

Roaring Brook - HQ, CWF 

East Branch Roaring Brook - HQ, CWF 

Elhurst Reservoir - HQ, CWF 

Langan Creek - HQ, CWF 

Surface Water Classification: CWF = Cold Waters Fisheries; MF – Migratory Fishes; HQ CWF = High Quality Cold Water 

Fisheries; NWSR = National Wild and Scenic River. 

2.2 Existing Soils 

In Pennsylvania, the existing rail alignment is located within five physiographic 

provinces known as the Great Valley, Blue Mountain, Glaciated Low Plateau, Glaciated 

Pocono Plateau and Anthracite Valley sections within Northampton, Monroe, Wayne and 

Lackawanna Counties. 

The general soils in Northampton County in the vicinity of the railroad alignment consist 

of the Conotton-red hook-urban land association. The general soil association description 

includes extremely stony soils on ridges, less rocky, well-drained soils in lowland areas. 

In Monroe County, the Wyoming-Chenango-Pope association is found on nearly level to 

slightly sloping lands adjacent to the right-of-way and tend to be deep and well to 

excessively drained underlain by glacial outwash and alluvium. The Wellsboro- 

Lackawanna-Morris soil association is also adjacent to the right-of-way and is 

characterized by deep, well drained to somewhat poorly drained soils in level and gently 

sloping areas. The soils in Wayne County consist of Wellsboro-Lackawanna-Morris and 

Volusia-Mardin-Lordstown. These soils are in the vicinity of the proposed alignment. In 

Lackawanna County, the Wellsboro-Morris-Oquaga association consists of soils formed 

in glacial till derived from sandstone and shale on broad rolling uplands. 

Station Locations 

Specific soil descriptions located at each proposed station location are as follows: 

Scranton Station Area - Ur - Urban Land – urban structures cover more that 85 

percent of the soils. Soils are variable and require onsite investigation. 

Tobyhanna Station Area - Cy - Cut and Fill land – disturbed or altered land. 

Pocono Mountain Station Area – WxB - Wurtzboro extremely stony loam, 0 to 8 

percent slopes and CnB - Chippewa and Norwich extremely stony soils 0 to 8 

percent slopes. 

Analomink Station Area – Cy - Cut and Fill land - disturbed or altered land. 

East Stroudsburg Station Area - WyB – Wyoming gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 8 

percent slope. 

Delaware Water Gap Station Area - Cy - Cut and Fill land- disturbed or altered 

land. 

5


3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION 

Following are descriptions of each of the delineated freshwater wetland/state open waters 

complexes between the Delaware Water Gap Viaduct and Scranton, starting with the 

station areas where wetlands were identified: 

Pocono Mountain Station Area 

Wetland Area PA-A - Deciduous wooded wetland complex located northeast down 

gradient form potential station location. Deciduous wooded wetland complex associated 

with Hawkey Run (RU2BH). Saturated soils in some areas, low chroma soils present 

(10YR 2/2 and 2/1); gleying; mottles (10YR 7/4). Vegetation: Quercus palustris (Pin 

oak), Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York fern) FAC, Sphagnum (peat moss) (NL), 

Acer rubrum (red maple). See surveyed wetlands mapping plan sheet 1. Pictures 1-3. 

Tobyhanna Station Area 

Wetland Area PA-B - Deciduous wooded wetland area located northwest of the station 

location. Saturated soils at surface 1-2”, low chroma soils present (10YR 2/1). 

Vegetation: Sphagnum (peat moss) (NL), Acer rubrum (red maple), Thelypteris 

noveboracensis (New York fern) FAC, Solidago sp. (golden rod); rhododendron 

(rhododendron) NL. See surveyed wetlands mapping plan sheet 2. Pictures 4-6. 

Right-of-Way Adjacent Wetland Areas between M.P. 110 and 111 

Wetland Area PA-C/D - State open water/herbaceous wetland adjacent to right-of-way; 

Identified on USGS Tobyhanna Quadrangle as Oakes Swamp and NWI mapping as 

PSS1F. Water flowing/standing; saturated soils -10 YR 2/1. Vegetation: Phragmites 

australis (common reed) FACW, Typha sp. (cat tail) FACW. See surveyed wetlands 

mapping plan sheet 3. Pictures 7 and 8. 

Wetland Area PA-E - State open water/herbaceous wetland adjacent to right-of-way; 


PEM1F, PUBHh. Inundated. Vegetation: Nymphaea sp. (water lily), Carex stricta 

(tussock sedge) OBL Verbascum thapsus (common mullein), Solidago sp. (golden rod), 

Acer rubrum (red maple). See surveyed wetlands mapping plan sheet 3. Picture 9. 

Wetland Area PA-F - State open water/herbaceous wetland adjacent to right-of-way; 


PEM1F, PUBHh and PEM1F. 10YR 1/1, inundated. Vegetation: Carex stricta (tussock 

sedge) OBL, Verbascum thapsus (common mullein), Acer rubrum (red maple). See 

surveyed wetlands mapping plan sheet 3. Pictures 10 and 11. 

Wetland Area PA-G - State open water/herbaceous wetland adjacent to right-of-way; 


PFO2/4E PFO1/SS1E. Soils 10 YR 1/1 inundated, saturated. Vegetation: Carex stricta 

(tussock sedge) OBL. Acer rubrum (red maple), Lindera benzoin (spice bush). See 

surveyed wetlands mapping plan sheet 3. Picture 12. 

6


4.0 SUMMARY 

In Pennsylvania, a total of six (6) wetland complexes were delineated within the project 

study area along the proposed alignment. The wetland complexes were delineated near 

the proposed Pocono Mountain and Tobyhanna station locations in addition to wetland 

complexes adjacent to the existing freight right-of-way. 

In Pennsylvania Title 25, Chapter 105 provides wetland permitting guidance, criteria and 

mitigation requirements. State wetland mitigation criteria include area ratios, function 

and value replacement and siting criteria. Area ratio criteria states that the wetland shall 

be replaced at a minimum area of replacement acres to affected acres of 1:1 ratio. The 

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and United States Army 

Corps of Engineers (ACOE) may require the area ratio to exceed 1:1 based on the 

determination of the area and how the functions and values of the particular wetland that 

will be destroyed. A 2:1 ratio may be required based on the determination of the area 

affected and the wetland resources function and values. PADEP/ACOE may additionally 

require the area ratio to exceed 2:1 based on the determination of the affected wetlands 

functions and values. 

The wetland areas delineated and surveyed were near the potential Pocono Mountain and 

Tobyhanna station locations and adjacent to the existing freight right-of-way. Theses 

wetland complexes would most likely not be impacted during station 

construction/rehabilitation activities. The resultant boundaries establish wetland limits for 

design engineers to avoid during the final design process. 

No impacts are expected to occur within the existing rail alignment through 

Pennsylvania. Permanent disturbances to freshwater wetland complexes are not 

anticipated; however if project plans change, and impacts are anticipated, they will be 

minimized to the greatest extent possible through the design process. 

7


8 

APPENDIX




COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP 

1 of 3





2 of 3

MATCH LINE - SEE BELOW 

MATCH LINE - SEE ABOVE 





3 of 3

LACKAWANNA CUT-OFF WETLAND DELINEATION PICTURES –Oct. 2008 

1. Pocono Mtn. station location PA-A line looking south 

2. Pocono Mtn. station location PA-A line looking north 

3. Pocono Mtn. station location PA-A line looking north

4. Tobyhanna station location PA-B line 

5. Tobyhanna station location PA-B line 

6. Tobyhanna station location PA-B line

7. PA-C line looking west 

8. PA-C line looking northeast 

9. PA-E line looking west

10. PA-F line looking west 

11. PA-F line looking east 

12. PA-G line looking southeast

DATA FORM 


Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: Oct.13, 2008 

Project/Site: Pocono Mtn. Station Location State: PA County: Monroe 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: PA-A 


Yes X No (If no, explain) 


Yes No X (If yes, explain) 

VEGETATION 


Acer rubrum FAC woody over-story 



Quercus palustris FACW Over story 

Cornus foemina 

Sphagnum moss 

FAC- 

NL 



Rationale: Yes 

SOILS 

Shrub 

herbaceous 



Is the soil a histosol? Is the soil mottled? No mottles were observed 

Matrix color: 10 YR 2/2 and 2/1 Mottle colors: 10 YR 7/4 



Rationale: Low chroma soils, mottling 

HYDROLOGY 





Rationale: Wetland area associated with Hawkey’s Run 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 



Project/Site: Pocono Mtn. Station Location State: PA County: Monroe 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: PA-A 





VEGETATION 


Acer rubrum FAC woody over-story 





Rationale: 

SOILS 







Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 



Other evidence of wetland hydrology: Drainage patterns 


Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 



Project/Site: Pocono Mtn. Station State: PA County: Monroe 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: Pocono Mtn. 

PA-A Upland 

Area 





VEGETATION 


Pinus Stobus 

FACU 

over story 

Collinsonia canadensi 

FAC+ 

herbaceous 

Solidago canadensis FACU herbaceous 

Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: 0 


Rationale: 

SOILS 







Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 





Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 



Project/Site: Tobyhanna Station State: PA County: Monroe 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: PA-B 





VEGETATION 


Sphagnum NL Herbaceous 

Acer rubrum FAC over story 

rhododendron NL woody under story 


Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: 75 % 


Rationale: 

SOILS 




Matrix color: 10 YR 2/1 Mottle colors: none 



Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 


Is the soil saturated? Yes At what depth? 1-3” 

Other evidence of wetland hydrology: Drainage patterns 


Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 









VEGETATION 


Solidago sp. FACU herbaceous 

Acer rubrum FAC over-story 

rhododendron NL woody under story 


Microstegium vimineum FAC herbaceous 

Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: 75 


Rationale: 

SOILS 







Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 


Is the soil saturated? yes At what depth? 1-2 “ 



Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 


Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: Oct 13, 2008 



Upland 





VEGETATION 


Solidago sp. FACU herbaceous 

Tsuga canadensis FACU overstory 

Daucus carota NL herbaceous 



Rationale: 

SOILS 







Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 


Is the soil saturated? No At what depth? 



Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 



Project/Site: Lackawanna Cut-Off right-of-way State: PA County: Monroe 

Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: PA-C/D 





VEGETATION 


Carex stricta OBL herbaceous 



Rationale: 

SOILS 







Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? Yes/partial Surface water depth: 6” in areas 


Other evidence of wetland hydrology: Drainage pattern 


Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 


Field Investigator(s): Steve Ricucci / Will Kunkle Date: October 16, 2008 


Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: PA-E 





VEGETATION 





Rationale: 

SOILS 







Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? yes Surface water depth: 1-2’ 

Is the soil saturated? Yes At what depth? 



Rationale: State open water 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 




Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: F 





VEGETATION 





Rationale: 

SOILS 




Matrix color: 10 YR 1/1 Mottle colors: 



Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? yes Surface water depth: 8-12” 

Is the soil saturated? yes At what depth? 



Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2 


DATA FORM 




Applicant/Owner: NJ TRANSIT Sample Designation: G 





VEGETATION 



Lindera benzoin FACW- understory 




Rationale: 

SOILS 







Rationale: 

HYDROLOGY 

Is the ground surface inundated? Yes Surface water depth: 2’-4’ 

Is the soil saturated? yes At what depth? 



Rationale: 




1 


Procedure. 

2

WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT LACKAWANNA CUT-OFF ...

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