59. This section describes general procedures for making routine wetland determinations. It is assumed that the user has already completed all applicable steps in Section B, [If it has been determined that it is more expedient to conduct an onsite inspection than to search for available information, complete STEPS 1 through 3 of Section B, and PROCEED TO Subsection 2.] and a routine method has been tentatively selected for use (Section C). Subsections 1-3 describe steps to be followed when making a routine determination using one of the three levels described in Section C. Each subsection contains a flowchart that defines the relationship of steps to be used for that level of routine determinations.
NOTE: The selected method must be considered tentative because the user may be required to change methods during the determination.

60. This subsection describes procedures for making wetland determinations when sufficient information is already available (Section B) on which to base the determination. A flowchart of required steps to be completed is presented in Figure 13, and each step is described below.

Equipment and materials

61. No special equipment is needed for applying this method. The following materials will be needed:

a. Map of project area (Section B, STEP 2).
b. Copies of DATA FORM 1 (Appendix B).
c. Appendices C and D to this manual.

Procedure

62. Complete the following steps, as necessary:

• STEP 1 - Determine Whether Available Data Are Sufficient for Entire Project Area. Examine the summarized data (Section B, STEPS 5, 7, and 9) and determine whether the vegetation, soils, and hydrology of the entire project area are adequately characterized. If so, PROCEED TO STEP 2. If all three parameters are adequately characterized for a portion, but not all, of the project area, PROCEED TO Subsection 3. If the vegetation, soils, and hydrology are not adequately characterized for any portion of the area, PROCEED TO Subsection 2. & STEP 2 - Determine Whether Hydrophytic Vegetation Is Present. Examine the vegetation data and list on DATA FORM 1 the dominant plant species found in each vegetation layer of each community type. NOTE: A separate DATA FORM 1 will be required for each community type. Record the indicator status for each dominant species (Appendix C, Section 1 or 2). When more than 50 percent of the dominant species in a plant community have an indicator status of OBL, FACW, and/or FAC, hydrophytic vegetation is present [For the FAC-neutral option, see paragraph 35a.]. If one or more plant communities comprise of hydrophytic vegetation, PROCEED TO STEP 3. If none of the plant communities comprise hydrophytic vegetation, none of the area is a wetlands Complete the vegetation section for each DATA FORM 1.

• STEP 3 - Determine Whether Wetland Hydrology Is Present. When one of the following conditions applies (STEP 2), it is only necessary to confirm that there has been no recent hydrologic alteration of the area:

a. The entire project area is occupied by a plant community or communities in which all dominant species are OBL (Appendix C, Section 1 or 2).

b. The project area contains two or more plant communities, all of which are dominated by OBL and/or FACW species, and the wetland-nonwetland boundary is abrupt (e.g. a Spartina alterniflora marsh bordered by a road embankment).

If either a or b applies, look for recorded evidence of recently constructed dikes, levees, impoundments, and drainage systems, or recent avalanches, mudslides, beaver dams, etc., that have significantly altered the area hydrology. If any significant hydrologic alteration is found, determine whether the area is still periodically inundated or has saturated soils for sufficient duration to support the documented vegetation (a or b above). When a or b applies and there is no evidence of recent hydrologic alteration, or when a or b do not applv and there is documented evidence that the area is periodically inundated or has saturated soils, wetland hydrology is present. Otherwise, wetland hydrology does not occur on the area. Complete the hydrology section of DATA FORM 1 and PROCEED TO STEP 4.

[Footnote: There must be documented evidence of periodic inundation or saturated soils when the project area:
a. Has plant communities dominated by one or more FAC species;
b. Has vegetation dominated by FACW species but no adjacent community dominated by OBL species;
c. Has a gradual, nondistinct boundary between wetlands and nonwetlands; and/or
d. Is known to have or is suspected of having significantly altered hydrology.]

• STEP 4 - Determine Whether the Soils Parameter Must Be Considered. When either a or b of STEP 3 applies and there is either no evidence of recent hydrologic alteration of the project area or if wetland hydrology presently occurs on the area, hydric soils can be assumed to be present. If so, PROCEED TO STEP 6. Otherwise PROCEED TO STEP 5.

• STEP 5 - Determine Whether Hydric Soils Are Present. Examine the soils data (Section B, STEP 7) and record the soil series or soil phase on DATA FORM 1 for each community type. Determine whether the soil is listed as a hydric soil (Appendix D, Section 2). If all community types have hydric soils, the entire project area has hydric soils. (CAUTION: If the soil series description makes reference to inclusions of other soil types, data must be field verified). Any portion of the area that lacks hydric soils is a nonwetland. Complete the soils section of each DATA FORM 1 and PROCEED TO STEP 6.

• STEP 6 - Wetland Determination. Examine the DATA FORM 1 for each community type. Any portion of the project area is a wetland that has:

a. Hydrophytic vegetation that conforms to one of the conditions identified in STEP 3a or 3b and has either no evidence of altered hydrology or confirmed wetland hydrology.

b. Hydrophytic vegetation that does not conform to STEP 3a or 3b, has hydric soils, and has confirmed wetland hydrology.

If STEP 6a or 6b applies to the entire project area, the entire area is a wetlands Complete a DATA FORM 1 for all plant community types. Portions of the area not qualifying as a wetland based on an office determination might or might not be wetlands. If the data used for the determination are considered to be highly reliable, portions of the area not qualifying as wetlands may properly be considered nonwetlands. PROCEED TO STEP 7. If the available data are incomplete or questionable, an onsite inspection (Subsection 2) will be required.

• STEP 7 - Determine Wetland Boundary. Mark on the base map all community types determined to be wetlands with a W and those determined to be nonwetlands with an N. Combine all wetland community types into a single mapping unit. The boundary of these community types is the interface between wetlands and nonwetlands.

63. This subsection describes procedures for routine determinations in which the available information (Section B) is insufficient for one or more parameters. If only one or two parameters must be characterized, apply the appropriate steps and return to Subsection 1 and complete the determination. A flowchart of steps required for using this method is presented in Figure 14, and each step is described below.

Equipment and materials

64. The following equipment and materials will be needed:

a. Base map (Section B, STEP 2).
b. Copies of DATA FORM 1 (one for each community type and additional copies for boundary determinations).
c. Appendices C and D.
d. Compass.
e. Soil auger or spade (soils only).
f. Tape (300 ft).
g. Munsell Color Charts (Munsell Color 1975) (soils only).

Procedure

65. Complete the following steps, as necessary:

• STEP 1 - Locate the Project Area. Determine the spatial boundaries of the project area using information from a USGS quadrangle map or other appropriate map, aerial photography, and/or the project survey plan (when available). PROCEED TO STEP 2.

• STEP 2 - Determine Whether an Atypical Situation Exists. Examine the area and determine whether there is evidence of sufficient natural or human-induced alteration to significantly alter the area vegetation, soils, and/or hydrology. NOTE: Include possible offsite modifications that may affect the area hydrology. If not, PROCEED TO STEP 3.

If one or more parameters have been significantly altered by an activity that would normally require a permit, PROCEED TO Section F and determine whether there is sufficient evidence that hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and/or wetland hydrology were present prior to this alteration. Then, return to this subsection and characterize parameters not significantly influenced by human activities. PROCEED TO STEP 3.

• STEP 3 - Determine the Field Characterization Approach to be Used. Considering the size and complexity of the area, determine the field characterization approach to be used. When the area is equal to or less than 5 acres in size (Section B,-STEP 3) and the area is thought to be relatively homogeneous with respect to vegetation, soils, and/or hydrologic regime, PROCEED TO STEP 4. When the area is greater than 5 acres in size (Section B, STEP 3) or appears to be highly diverse with respect to vegetation, PROCEED TO STEP 18.

• STEP 4 - Identify the Plant Community Type(s). Traverse the area and determine the number and locations of plant community types. Sketch the location of each on the base map (Section B, STEP 2), and give each community type a name. PROCEED TO STEP 5.

• STEP 5 - Determine UThether Normal Environmental Conditions Are Present. Determine whether normal environmental conditions are present by considering the following:

a. Is the area presently lacking hydrophytic vegetation or hydrologic indicators due to annual or seasonal fluctuations in precipitation or ground-water levels?

b. Are hydrophytic vegetation indicators lacking due to seasonal fluctuations in temperature?

If the answer to either of these questions is thought to be YES, PROCEED TO Section G. If the answer to both questions is NO, PROCEED TO STEP 6.

• STEP 6 - Select Representative Observation Points. Select a representative observation point in each community type. A representative observation point is one in which the apparent characteristics (determine visually) best represent characteristics of the entire community. Mark on the base map the approximate location of the observation point. PROCEED TO STEP 7.

• STEP 7 - Characterize Each Plant Community Type. Visually determine the dominant plant species in each vegetation layer of each community type and record them on DATA FORM 1 (use a separate DATA FORM 1 for each community type). Dominant species are those having the greatest relative basal area (woody overstot,y),* greatest height (woody understory), greatest percentage of areal cover (herbaceous understory), and/or greatest number of stems (woody vines). PROCEED TO STEP 8.

• STEP 8 - Record Indicator Status of Dominant Species. Record on DATA FORM 1 the indicator status (Appendix C, Section 1 or 2) of each dominant species in each community type. PROCEED TO STEP 9.

• STEP 9 - Determine Whether Hydrophytic Vegetation Is Present. Examine each DATA FORM 1. When more than 50 percent of the dominant species in a community type have an indicator status (STEP 8) of OBL, FACW, and/or FAC,** hydrophytic vegetation is present. Complete the vegetation section of each DATA FORM 1. Portions of the area failing this test are not wetlands. PROCEED TO STEP 10.

• STEP 10 - Apply Wetland Hydrologic Indicators. Examine the portion of the area occupied by each plant community type for positive indicators of wetland hydrology (PART III, paragraph 49). Record findings on the appropriate DATA FORM 1. PROCEED TO STEP 11.

• STEP 11 - Determine Whether Wetland Hydrology Is Present. Examine the hydrologic information on DATA FORM 1 for each plant community type. Any portion of the area having a positive wetland hydrology indicator has wetland hydrology. If positive wetland hydrology indicators are present in all community types, the entire area has wetland hydrology. If no plant community type has a wetland hydrology indicator, none of the area has wetland hydrology. Complete the hydrology portion of each DATA FORM 1. PROCEED TO STEP 12.

This term is used because species having the largest individuals may not be dominant when only a few are present. To determine relative basal area, consider both the size and number of individuals of a species and subjectively compare with other species present. For the FAC-neutral option, see paragraph 35a.

• STEP 12 - Determine Whether Soils Must Be Characterized. Examine the vegetation section of each DATA FORM 1. Hydric soils are assumed to be present in any plant community type in which:

a. All dominant species have an indicator status of OBL.

b. All dominant species have an indicator status of OBL or FACW, and the wetland boundary (when present) is abrupt.

When either a or b occurs and wetland hydrology is present, check the hydric soils block as positive on DATA FORM 1 and PROCEED TO STEP 16. If neither a nor b applies, PROCEED TO STEP 13.

[Footnote: The soils parameter must be considered in any plant community in which:
a. The community is dominated by one or more FAC species.
b. No community type dominated by OBL species is present.
c. The boundary between wetlands and nonwetlands is gradual or nondistinct.
d. The area is known to or is suspected of having significantly altered hydrology.]

• STEP 13 - Dig a Soil Pit. Using a soil auger or spade, dig a soil pit at the representative location in each community type. The procedure for digging a soil pit is described in Appendix D, Section 1. When completed, approximately 16 inches of the soil profile will be available for examination. PROCEED TO STEP 14.

• STEP 14 - Apply Hydric Soil Indicators. Examine the soil at each location and compare its characteristics immediately below the A-horizon or 10 inches (whichever is shallower) with the hydric soil indicators described in PART III, paragraphs 44 and/or 45. Record findings on the appropriate DATA FORM l's. PROCEED TO STEP 15.

• STEP 15 - Determine Whether Hydric Soils Are Present. Examine each DATA FORM 1 and determine whether a positive hydric soil indicator was found. If so, the area at that location has hydric soil. If soils at all sampling locations have positive hydric soil indicators, the entire area has hydric soils. If soils at all sampling locations lack positive hydric soil indicators, none of the area is a wetlands Complete the soil section of each DATA FORM 1. PROCEED TO STEP 16.

• STEP 16 - Make Wetland Determination. Examine DATA FORM 1. If the entire area presently or normally has wetland indicators of all three parameters (STEPS 9, 11, and 15), the entire area is a wetlands If the entire area presently or normallv lacks wetland indicators of one or more parameters, the entire area is a nonwetland. If only a portion of the area presently or normally has wetland indicators for all three parameters, PROCEED TO STEP 17.

• STEP 17 - Determine Wetland-Nonwetland Boundary. Mark each plant community type on the base map with a W if wetland or an N if nonwetland. Combine all wetland plant communities into one mapping unit and all nonwetland plant communities into another mapping unit. The wetland-nonwetland boundary will be represented by the interface of these two mapping units.

• STEP 18 - Establish a Baseline. Select one project boundary as a baseline. The baseline should parallel the major watercourse through the area or should be perpendicular to the hydrologic gradient (Figure 15). Determine the approximate baseline length. PROCEED TO STEP 19.

• STEP 19 - Determine the Required Number and Position of Transects. Use the following to determine the required number and position of transacts (specific site conditions may necessitate changes in intervals):

Divide the baseline length by the number of required transacts. Establish one transect in each resulting baseline increment. Use the midpoint of each baseline increment as a transect starting point. For example, if the baseline is 1,200 ft in length, three transacts would be established--one at 200 ft, one at 600 ft, and one at 1,000 ft from the baseline starting point. CAUTION: All plant community types must be included. This may necessitate relocation of one or more transect lines. PROCEED TO STEP 20.

• STEP 20 - Sample Observation Points Along the First Transect. Beginning at the starting point of the first transect, extend the transect at a 90-deg angle to the baseline. Use the following procedure as appropriate to simultaneously characterize the parameters at each observation point. Combine field-collected data with information already available and make a wetland determination at each observation point. A DATA FORM 1 must be completed for each observation point.

a. Determine whether normal environmental conditions are present. Determine whether normal environmental conditions are present by considering the following:

(1) Is the area presently lacking hydrophytic vegetation and/or hydrologic indicators due to annual or seasonal fluctuations in precipitation or ground-water levels?
(2) Are hydrophytic vegetation indicators lacking due to seasonal fluctuations in temperature?

If the answer to either of these questions is thought to be YES, PROCEED TO Section G. If the answer to both questions is NO, PROCEED TO STEP 20b.

b. Establish an observation point in the first plant community type encountered. Select a representative location along the transect in the first plant community type encountered. When the first plant community type is large and covers a significant distance along the transect, select an area that is no closer than 300 ft to a perceptible change in plant community type. PROCEED TO STEP 20c.

c. Characterize parameters. Characterize the parameters at the observation point by completing (1), (2), and (3) below:

(1) Vegetation. Record on DATA FORM 1 the dominant plant species in each vegetation layer occurring in the immediate vicinity of the observation point. Use a 5-ft radius for herbs and saplings/shrubs, and a 30-ft radius for trees and woody vines (when present). Subjectively determine the dominant species by estimating those having the largest relative basal area (woody overstory) This term is used because species having the largest individuals may not be dominant when only a few are present. To use relative basal area, consider both the size and number of individuals of a species and subjectively compare with other species present., greatest height (woody understory), greatest percentage of areal cover (herbaceous understory), and/or greatest number of stems (woody vines). NOTE: Plot size may be estimated, and plot size may also be varied when site conditions warrant. Record on DATA FORM 1 any dominant species observed to have morphological adaptations (Appendix C, Section 3) for occurrence in wetlands, and determine and record dominant species that have known physiological adaptations for occurrence in wetlands (Appendix C, Section 3). Record on DATA FORM 1 the indicator status (Appendix C, Section 1 or 2) of each dominant species. Hydrophytic vegetation is present at the observation point when more than 50 percent of the dominant species have an indicator status of OBL, FACW, and/or FAC** For the FAC-neutral option, see paragraph 35a.; when two or more dominant species have observed morphological or known physiological adaptations for occurrence in wetlands; or when other indicators of hydrophytic vegetation (PART III, paragraph 35) are present. Complete the vegetation section of DATA FORM 1. PROCEED TO (2).

(2) Soils. In some cases, it is not necessary to characterize the soils. Examine the vegetation of DATA FORM 1. Hydric soils can be assumed to be present when:
(a) All dominant plant species have an indicator status of OBL.
(b) All dominant plant species have an indicator status of OBL and/or FACW (at least one dominant species must be OBL).* Soils must be characterized when any dominant species has an indicator status of FAC.

When either (a) or (b) applies, check the hydric soils blank as positive and PROCEED TO (3). If neither (a) nor (b) applies but the vegetation qualifies as hydrophytic, dig a soil pit at the observation point using the procedure described in Appendix D, Section 1. Examine the soil immediately below the A-horizon or 10-inches (whichever is shallower) and compare its characteristics (Appendix D, Section 1) with the hydric soil indicators described in PART III, paragraphs 44 and/or 45. Record findings on DATA FORM 1. If a positive hydric soil indicator is present, the soil at the observation point is a hydric soil. If no positive hydric soil indicator is found, the area at the observation point does not have hvdric soils and the area at the observation point is not a wetland. Complete the soils section of DATA FORM 1 for the observation point. PROCEED TO (3) if hydrophytic vegetation (1) and hydric soils (2) are present. Otherwise, PROCEED TO STEP 20d.

(3) Hydrology. Examine the observation point for indicators of wetland hydrology (PART III, paragraph 49), and record observations on DATA FORM 1. Consider the indicators in the same sequence as presented in PART III, paragraph 49. If a positive wetland hydrology indicator is present, the area at the observation point has wetland hydrology. If no positive wetland hydrologic indicator is present, the area at the observation point is not a wetland. Complete the hydrology section of DATA FORM 1 for the observation point. PROCEED TO STEP 20d.

d. Wetland determination. Examine DATA FORM 1 for the observation point. Determine whether wetland indicators of all three parameters are or would normally be present during a slgnificant portion of the growing season. If so, the area at the observation point is a wetland. If no evidence can be found that the area at the observation point normally has wetland indicators for all three parameters, the area is a nonwetland. PROCEED TO STEP 20e.

e. Sample other observation points along the first transect. Continue along the first transect until a different community type is encountered. Establish a representative observation point within this community type and repeat STEP 20c - 20d. If the areas at both observation points are either wetfands -or nonwetlands, continue along the transect and repeat STEP 20c - 20d for the next community type encountered. Repeat for all other community types along the first transect. If the area at one observation point is wetlands and the next observation point is nonwetlands (or vice versa), PROCEED TO STEP 20f.

f. Determine wetland-nonwetland boundary. Proceed along the transect from the wetland observation point toward the nonwetland observation point. Look for subtle changes in the plant community (e.g. the first appearance of upland species, disappearance of apparent hydrology indicators, or slight changes in topography). When such features are noted, establish an observation point and repeat the procedures described in STEP 20c - 20d. NOTE: A new DATA FORM 1 must be completed for this observation point, and all three parameters must be characterized by field observation. If the area at this observation point is a wetlands proceed along the transect toward the nonwetland observation point until upland indicators are more apparent. Repeat the procedures described in STEP 20c - 20d. If the area at this observation point is a nonwetland, move lialfway back along the transect toward the last documented wetland observation point and repeat the procedure described in STEP 20c - 20d. Continue this procedure until the wetlandnonwetland boundary is found. It is not necessary to complete a DATA FORM 1 for all intermediate points, but a DATA FORM 1 should be completed for the wetland-nonwetland boundary. Mark the position of the wetland boundary on the base map, and continue along the first transect until all community types have been sampled and all wetland boundaries located. CAUTION: In areas where wetlands are interspersed among nonwetlands (or vice versa), several boundary determinations will be required. When all necessary wetland determinations have been completed for the first transect, PROCEED TO STEP 21.

• STEP 21 - Sample Other Transects. Repeat procedures described in STEP 21 for all other transacts. When completed, a wetland determination will have been made for one observation point in each community type along each transect, and all wetland-nonwetland boundaries along each transect will have been determined. PROCEED TO STEP 22.

• STEP 22 - Synthesize Data. Examine all completed copies of DATA FORM 1, and mark each plant community type on the base map. Identify each plant community type as either a wetland (W) or nonwetland (N). If all plant community types are identified as wetlands, the entire area is wetlands. If all plant community types are identified as nonwetlands, the entire area is nonwetlands. If both wetlands and nonwetlands are present, identify observation points that represent wetland boundaries on the base map. Connect these points on the map by generally following contour lines to separate wetlands from nonwetlands. Walk the contour line between transacts to confirm the wetland boundary. Should anomalies be encountered, it will be necessary to establish short transacts in these areas, apply the procedures described in STEP 20f, and make any necessary adjustments on the base map.

66. In some cases, especially for large projects, adequate information may already be available (Section B) to enable a wetland determination for a portion of the project area, while an onsite visit will be required for the remainder of the area. Since procedures for each situation have already been described in Subsections 1 and 2, they will not be repeated. Apply the following steps:

• STEP 1 - Make Wetland Determination for Portions of the Project Area That Are Already Adequately Characterized. Apply procedures described in Subsection 1. When completed, a DATA FORM 1 will have been completed for each community type, and a map will have been prepared identifying each community type as wetland or nonwetland and showing any wetland boundary occurring in this portion of the project area. PROCEED TO STEP 2.

• STEP 2 - Make Wetland Determination for Portions of the Project Area That Require an Onsite Visit. Apply procedures described in Subsection 2. When completed, a DATA FORM 1 will have been completed for each plant community type or for a number of observation points (including wetland boundary determinations). A map of the wetland (if present) will also be available. PROCEED TO STEP 3.

• STEP 3 - Synthesize Data. Using the maps resulting from STEPS 1 and 2, prepare a summary map that shows the wetlands of the entire project area. CAUTION: Wetland boundaries for the two maps will not always match exactly. When this occurs, an additional site visit will be required to refine the wetland boundaries. Since the degree of resolution of wetland boundaries will be greater when determined onsite, it may be necessary to employ procedures described in Subsection 2 in the vicinity of the boundaries determined from Subsection 1 to refine these boundaries.