The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have defined wetlands to be “...those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.” This definition includes the presence of three parameters: water at or above the surface for a significant period of time during the growing season, hydrophytic (water-loving) plants, and hydric soils with characteristics resulting from saturated conditions. ACE has published the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987) as a guide in determining the limits of wetland jurisdiction.

If a landowner proposes a project on a property which contains jurisdictional wetlands, it is important to have the wetlands delineated early in the planning process. The wetland delineation, in many instances, determines the available space for development and becomes critical when preparing a wetland permit request. An incorrect delineation may result in either a wetland mistakenly being classified as uplands, possibly resulting in a violation, or in an upland area unnecessarily being protected as a wetland.

ECOSCIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

EcoScience Corporation (ESC) has seasoned, experienced staff qualified to recognize and evaluate all types of wetland systems found in the Southeastern United States. ESC biologists have evaluated wetlands on sites ranging from one acre to more than 15,000 acres in size. Staff skills include:

Wetland Determinations
The presence of wetlands on a property can dictate the value of land and ultimately how the property can be used. Typically, landowners want to know whether wetlands are present so they can make good investments and land use decisions.

Preliminary wetland determinations are brief inspections to determine the presence and extent of jurisdictional areas. This task is best suited for determining the extent of wetlands on a property without conducting extensive field work.

Wetland Delineations
Wetland delineations are required to determine the exact location of the wetland limits for project engineering and design work. In most cases, delineations are also needed before preparing wetland permit applications.

A delineation involves a more in-depth study of a site to mark the locations of the wetland limits. The delineated boundary is marked with colored flagging tape to aid agency reviewers and surveyors.

Wetland Reporting
Written reports with maps can be prepared which describe the wetlands found on the property and the types of wetland permits that may be required if any of the wetlands are impacted. These reports are valuable tools in making decisions on purchasing a property, selecting a road corridor, constructing a subdivision, designing a landfill, or beginning other types of development projects.

GPS Mapping
ESC works to increase efficiency and effectiveness in providing wetland delineation information to clients by using the latest technological advancements. Biologists have the option of using laser and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to map wetland lines as they are being delineated. Our Trimble Pro XRS GPS system with sub-meter accuracy affords mapping grade, state-of-the-art technology for delineations. Once completed in the field, delineation data is corrected and processed with survey grade software. Mapping is completed using MicroStation, AutoCad, ArcView GIS, or CorelDRAW software.

SUMMARY

Wetland determinations, delineations, and mapping have long been the basis of ESC work. We take pride in having successfully performed wetlands work on projects large and small throughout the Southeast. Call the experts at EcoScience Corporation to assist you with your wetland concerns.