Wetland Assessment

Wetland assessments involve the identification of lowland areas and streams for the presence of wetlands as identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and USEPA. Under the guidelines for wetland delineation published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1987, three characteristics of wetlands must be evident. These characteristics include hydrology features that establish the ability to hold or convey water; vegetative features that establish a trend toward obligate wetland species among facultative species of vegetation; and hydric soils that exhibit features of oxide concretions due to the general anaerobic characteristics of wetland soils. A determination must be made whether the wetland areas satisfy the regulatory definition of wetlands. The process is a two-fold effort that involves the identification of wetland areas on National Wetland Inventory maps, topographic maps, and aerial photographs followed by wetland verification that includes a field delineation of the areal extent of wetland. Filling and/or disruption of wetlands requires a wetland permit that is approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with input from USFWS and USEPA.

Environmental Realty Services personnel have experience in the identification and delineation of wetlands and have assisted clients in obtaining wetland permits for projects requiring construction activity in wetlands.

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