1987 Wetland Delineation Manual - The Wetlands Regulation Center

Wetland Delination Manual, 1987 70
described in Sections D and E during the growing season will clearly result in a positive
wetland determination. However, these areas will appear to be unvegetated mudflats when
examined during the nongrowing season, and the area would not qualify at that time as a
wetland due to an apparent lack of vegetation.
Wetland determinations in problem areas
79. Procedures for making wetland determinations in problem areas are presented below.
Application of these procedures is appropriate only when a decision has been made in Section
D or E that wetland indicators of one or more parameters were lacking, probably due to normal
seasonal or annual variations in environmental conditions. Specific procedures to be used will
vary according to the nature of the area, site conditions, and parameters) affected by the
variations in environmental conditions. A determination must be based on the best evidence
available to the field inspector, including:
a. Available information (Section B).
b. Field data resulting from an onsite inspection.
c. Basic knowledge of the ecology of the particular community
type(s) and environmental conditions associated with the community type.
NOTE: The procedures described below should only be applied to parameters not adequately
characterized in Section D or E. Complete the following steps:
• STEP 1 - Identify the Parameter(s) to be Considered. Examine the DATA FORM 1 (Section
D or E) and identify the parameter(s) that must be given additional consideration. PROCEED
TO STEP 2.
• STEP 2 - Determine the Reason for Further Consideration. Determine the reason why the
parameters) identified in STEP 1 should be given further consideration. This will require a
consideration and documentation of:
a. Environmental condition(s) that have impacted the parameters).
b. Impacts of the identified environmental condition(s) on the parameter(s) in question.
Record findings in the comments section of DATA FORM 1. PROCEED TO STEP 3.
• STEP 3 - Document Available Information for Parameter(s) in Question. Examine the
available information and consider personal ecological knowledge of the range of normal
environmental conditions of the area. Local experts (e.g. university personnel) may provide
additional information. Record information on DATA FORM 1. PROCEED TO STEP 4.
• STEP 4 - Determine Whether Wetland Indicators are Normally Present During a Portion of
the Growing Season. Examine the information resulting from STEP 3 and determine whether
wetland indicators are normally present during part of the growing season. If so, record on
25 February 1997 Environmental Techncal Services Co. 834 Castle Ridge Rd Austin, Texas 78746