56. All wetland delineation methods described in this manual can be grouped into two general types: routine and comprehensive. Routine determinations (Section D) involve simple, rapidly applied methods that result in sufficient qualitative data for making a determination. Comprehensive methods (Section E) usually require significant time and effort to obtain the needed quantitative data. The primary factor influencing method selection will usually be the complexity of the required determination. However, comprehensive methods may sometimes be selected for use in relatively simple determinations when rigorous documentation is required.

57. Three levels of routine wetland determinations are described below. Complexity of the project area and the quality and quantity of available information will influence the level selected for use.

a. Level 1 - Onsite Inspection Unnecessary. This level may be employed when the information already obtained (Section B) is sufficient for making a determination for the entire project area (see Section D., Subsection 1).

b. Level 2 - Onsite Inspection Necessary. This level must be employed when there is insufficient information already available to characterize the vegetation, soils, and hydrologyof the entire project area (see Section D, Subsection 2).

c. Level 3 - Combination of Levels 1 and 2. This level should be used when there is sufficient information already available to characterize the vegetation, soils, and hydrology of a portion, but not all, of the project area. Methods described for Level 1 may be applied to portions of the area for which adequate information already exists, and onsite methods (Level 2) must be applied to the remainder of the area (see Section D, Subsection 3).

58. After considering all available information, select a tentative method (see above) for use, and PROCEED TO EITHER Section D or E, as appropriate. NOTE: Sometimes it may be necessary to change to another method described in the manuaz, depending on the quality of available information and/or recent changes in the prospect area.