HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS W BCBC WL 0620
Wetland Delineation
Western Parcel of
Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus
Bozeman, MT
Prepared for:
Sanderson Stewart
Billings, MT
Prepared by:
Hyalite Environmental, LLP
P.O. Box 90 Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 (406) 600-9450
June 2020
i Wetland Delineation Report Hyalite Environmental, LLP Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus June 2020
Table of Contents List of Figures ii
1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Site Description 1
3.0 Methods 1 4.0 Results and Discussion 2 4.1 Results and Discussion – Hydrology 2
4.2 Results and Discussion – Soils 3
4.3 Results and Discussion – Vegetation 3
5.0 Wetlands and Waters of the US Summary 4
6.0 References Cited 5
Figures
Appendix A: ExamplePhotographs Appendix B: Delineation Data Sheets
Appendix C: Additional Methodology Information
ii Wetland Delineation Report Hyalite Environmental, LLP Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus June 2020
List of Figures
Figure 1. Site location
Figure 2. Aerial photo of project site
Figure 3. Color infrared aerial photo of project site
Figure 4. Wetland Delineation Map
Figure 5. National Wetland Inventory Map
Figure 6. Topographic Contour Map
Figure 7. Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil Map
1 Wetland Delineation Report Hyalite Environmental, LLP Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus June 2020
1.0 INTRODUCTION A wetland assessment and delineation were conducted by Hyalite Environmental, LLP (Hyalite), at the request of Sanderson Stewart, for a proposed utility crossing of a stream on the
western parcel of the Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus, in Bozeman, MT. This report provides the delineation for the wetlands on the parcel of interest. Hyalite personnel performing the work were Chris Thelen, P.E., and Carol Lee-Roark, Ph.D.
2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION
The proposed project is located on the northwestern edge of Bozeman, just east of Davies Lane and west of the primary parcel for the Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus (Figures 1 and 2). It is within Section 26, Township 1 South, Range 5 East, PMM in Gallatin County. The property of interest contains an area that has been previously used as open space and irrigation water
source for a residential property. Representative site photos are included in Appendix A. Section Line Ditch is tributary to Cattail Creek just within the southern boundary of the parcel of interest. Cattail Creek flows northward the length of the parcel. Cattail Creek is dammed just south of Westlake Road, and the resulting pond backs up onto the northern end of the parcel
of interest. The pond that backs up onto the parcel of interest was constructed sometime between 1995 and 2003 (via Google historical aerial photos). South of the parcel, there is a pond that is currently associated with the Trout Meadows Subdivision. The pond south of the parcel of interest was constructed before 1995 (via Google
historical aerial photos). The Bozeman 6W Exp Farm weather station (241047), located west of the property, has recorded the average annual total precipitation as 16.21 inches (Western Regional Climate Center, 2020). The average total annual snowfall is 49.2 inches, and the average snow depth is
around 1 inch. The average maximum temperature is recorded as 82.5° Fahrenheit (F) in July,
and average minimum temperature as 33.7° F in January.
3.0 METHODS
The field investigation and delineation of wetland areas followed the methods of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) as authorized by 1977 Executive Order and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and explained in the 1987 COE Wetlands Manual (COE, 1987; WTI, 1999). The updated methods of the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) were followed (COE, 2010). A review of published records, survey maps and interviews with appropriate experts or persons with specific knowledge of the site were used to finalize the delineation. Hyalite used aerial photos, calibrated and quantified survey data from Sanderson Stewart, and field investigations and field measurements by Hyalite to delineate and map the wetlands. The field
delineation forms from Hyalite’s field investigations are included in Appendix B. Additional
2 Wetland Delineation Report Hyalite Environmental, LLP Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus June 2020
methodology information describing the delineation process and indicators, jurisdictional determination, and specific references used, are included in Appendix C.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Figure 4 shows the results of the wetland delineation. In the Smith hydrogeomorphic classification, Wetland WL-1 is riverine (in-channel and fringe) wetlands along Cattail Creek (Appendix A: Photos 1, 3-7). In the Smith hydrogeomorphic classification, Wetland WL-2 is lacustrine fringe (Appendix A: Photo 2).
The delineation was constrained to only include wetlands that will impact potential development within the project boundaries, although the wetlands are part of wetlands that extend beyond the property boundaries.
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map (Figure 5) is obsolete. The NWI map indicates
wetlands broader than the currently existing wetlands delineated in the June 2020 field investigation. Field indications and anecdotal information suggest that the parcel of interest is drier than in the previous decade.
A discussion of the hydrology, vegetation and soils that characterize the wetlands is presented
in the following sections. The sampling locations are identified on Figure 4, and the field delineation sheets are included in Appendix B. 4.1 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION – HYDROLOGY
Wetland WL-1, the fringe and in-stream wetlands, receive water from two sources: Cattail Creek, and the irrigation flows in Section Line Ditch that flow into Cattail Creek at the southern boundary of the parcel of interest.
Water level in five wells ranging from 200 to 650 feet east of Cattail Creek indicate groundwater
levels 8 to 19 feet below the ground surface. Comparison of elevations suggests that the stream loses flow to groundwater throughout the parcel of interest. No groundwater monitoring was conducted for this wetland delineation.
The groundwater gradient flows north-northwest (Slagle, 1995). The regional groundwater
setting for the site is within the groundwater discharge zone of the alluvial fan sloping northward from the mountains bounding the southern edge of the Gallatin Valley. Locally, ground water flows toward Cattail Creek as well as the regional north-northwestward gradient.
Wetland WL-2, the pond wetlands, is created by a dam across Cattail Creek just south of
Westlake Road. The dam is not on the parcel of interest. The pond area within the parcel of interest is less than 2 meters deep.
3 Wetland Delineation Report Hyalite Environmental, LLP Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus June 2020
4.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION – SOILS Soils within the assessment area are comprised of the Blackdog silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes unit. The Blackdog series consists of very deep, well drained soils that formed in loess on relict
stream terraces. The Blackdog silt loam unit is not identified as a hydric soil (NRSC, 2020). Previous agricultural modifications and development in the area have likely altered / moved the stream channel from its historic bed, resulting in altered soils and hydrology. These changes likely affect the historic wetland soil profile. The results of the soil test pits are included on the delineation data sheet forms in Appendix B
4.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION – VEGETATION Wetland WL-1 includes aquatic plants within the stream channel, and emergent herbaceous plants grading into a fringe surrounding the stream. The dominant fringe vegetation is Phalaris
arundinacea (reed canary grass, FACW), Alopecurus pratensis (meadow foxtail, FAC), and
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass, FAC). The grasses grade quickly to a dryer upland community dominated by Bromis inermis (smooth brome, UPL) with increasing distance from the stream. Phalaris arundinacea is an aggressive colonizer, often moving up hillsides and slopes adjacent to streams. Its location only close adjacent to the stream in this wetland supports
the other indicators that the stream loses flow to groundwater.
Salix exigua (sandbar willow, FACW) has become established adjacent to the stream. The landowner has planted Populus xbrayshawii (hybrid balsam poplar) on the banks and slopes surrounding the stream. This hybrid tree was developed by a cross between P. angustifolia
(narrow leaf poplar) and P. balsamifera (black cottonwood). Closest to the stream there is a narrow fringe of obligate species, including Scirpus microcarpus (panicled bulrush) and several Carex (sedge) species (Appendix A: Photos 3 and 5).
The upland is characterized by mowed pasture grasses. The dominant grass is Bromus inermis (smooth brome). Wetland WL-2 includes the aquatic and emergent vegetation in the small, shallow pond that is created by damming Cattail Creek at Westlake Road (Appendix A: Photo 2).
4 Wetland Delineation Report Hyalite Environmental, LLP Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus June 2020
5.0 WETLANDS AND WATERS OF THE U.S. SUMMARY The property of interest contains both riverine wetlands (WL-1) and lacustrine fringe wetlands (WL-2).
Wetland
Designation
Hydrogeomorphic
Class (Smith)
Likely COE
Jurisdictional Status
Areal Extent
WL-1 Perennial, lower riverine Jurisdictional 13,425 square feet (0.31 acres)
WL-2 Lacustrine fringe Jurisdictional 2,800 square feet (0.06 acres) Total 16,225 square feet (0.37 acres) Any waters or wetlands that are considered waters of the U.S. as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (Appendix C) fall under the jurisdiction of the COE and will need Section 404
permitting through the COE if impacts (fill) occur. It is important to note that the COE makes
the final determination regarding the status of waters of the U.S., jurisdictional wetlands and mitigation requirements.
5 Wetland Delineation Report Hyalite Environmental, LLP Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus June 2020
6.0 REFERENCES CITED COE –see U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Department of Natural Resource Conservation, 2020. "Water Right Query System." Retrieved
June 2020, http://nris.state.mt.us/apps/dnrc2002/waterrightmain.asp Hackett, O.M., F.N. Visher, R.G. McMurtrey, and W.L. Steinhilber, 1960. “Geology and Ground-Water Resources of the Gallatin Valley, Gallatin County, Montana.” US
Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1482.
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2020. "Ground Water Information Center." Retrieved June 2020, from http://mbmggwic.mtech.edu/
NRCS – see Natural Resource Conservation Service
Natural Resource Conservation Service, 2020. Soil Data Mart, Map for Gallatin County. Retrieved June 2020 from https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm?TARGET_APP=Web_Soil_
Survey_application_khywn5555clxnl45sh4fcvm1
NRIS – see Natural Resource Information System - Montana State Library Natural Resource Information System Montana State Library, 2020. Geographic Information
Clearinghouse. Retrieved from http://geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/ June 2020.
Slagle, Steven E., 1995. “Geohydrologic Conditions and Land Use in the Gallatin Valley, Southwestern Montana, 1992-93”. US Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 95-4034.
US Army Corps of Engineers, 1987. “Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.” US Army Corps of Engineers Technical Report Y-87-1: Vicksburg, MS. US Army Corps of Engineers, 2010. “Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
(Version 2.0)”. May 2010. Western Regional Climate Center, 2018. Bozeman 6W Exp Farm weather station (241047). Retrieved October 2018 from https://wrcc.dri.edu/
WTI, 1999. Wetland Training Institute, Inc. “Wetland Delineation Lecture Notes Based on Corps of Engineers 1987 Manual.” With revisions through 2018, WTI 99-1: Glenwood, NM.
Figures
Figure 5. National Wetland Inventory Map
Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS,USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community
Wetlands
Estuarine and Marine Deepwater
Estuarine and Marine Wetland
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
Freshwater Pond
Lake
Other
Riverine
June 22, 2020
0 0.045 0.090.0225 mi
0 0.075 0.150.0375 km
1:2,826
This page was produced by the NWI mapperNational Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the Wetlands Mapper web site.
Appendix A
Example Photographs
Photo 1. Wetland WL-1. Fringe and in-channel wetlands, Cattail Creek. Looking N.
Photo 2. Wetland WL-2. Stream inlet and head of pond created on Cattail Creek
by dam at Westlake Road. Looking WSW.
Photo 3. Wetland WL-1 at location of proposed utility crossing. Looking SE.
Photo 4. Wetland WL-1. Showing narrow fringe wetlands on steep bank,
slightly wider fringe on less steep bank. Looking SSW.
Photo 5. Wetland WL-1. Looking E.
Photo 6. Wetland WL-1. Looking NNW.
Photo 7. Sample from Soil Pit SP-1 in Wetland WL-1.
Appendix B
Delineation Data Sheets
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point:
Investigator(s): Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes NoHydric Soil Present? Yes NoWetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator Tree Stratum (Plot size:) % Cover Species? Status 1.2.3.4.
= Total Cover Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: ) 1.2.
3.
4.5. = Total Cover Herb Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.3.4.5.
6.
7.8.9.10.
11.
= Total Cover Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:) 1.2.
= Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL species x 1 = FACW species x 2 = FAC species x 3 = FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 = Column Totals: (A)(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation 2 - Dominance Test is >50% 3 - Prevalence Index is 3.01
4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks:
[
[
Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus Bozeman / Gallatin 6/19/20
Billings Clinic MT SP-1
C. Thelen, C. Lee-Roark Section 26, Township 1 S, Range 5 East
flood plains linear / concave 0-4
E - Rocky Mountain Forests and Rangeland 45.7202 111.0819
50B - Blackdog silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes PEM1A
X
X
X
X
X X
Wetland WL-1
all
*see note below about Hybrid Balsam Poplar
7
7
yN IHybrid Balsam Poplar (Populus xbrayshawii)4
5
all 80%
Narrowleaf willow (Salix exigua) 5
5
y FACW
30 60
50 150
all
Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis)
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
25
25
25
75
y
y
y
FACW
FAC
FAC
80 210
2.625
not present
0
X
Tree stratum dominated by planted non-native hybrid created by Populus angustifolia (FACW) x P. balsamifera (FAC). Also present in herbaceous
layer: panicled bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus) OBL, water sedge (Carex aquatilis) OBL, beaked sedge (C. utriculata) OBL, wooly sedge (C. pellita).
Although there is some thistle, the lack of forbs suggests broadleaf herbicide use. Indications of mowing in upland outside of the stream fringe.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3: Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present, Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Depth (inches):Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required) Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, High Water Table (A2) MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):(includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
[
[[
[
[
SP-1
0-3
3-14 10 Y/R 4/1 10 YR 5/4 10 RM PL
Root zone
many fine roots
x
Hit cobbles at approximately 14 inches, unable to dig below that depth. Soils were saturated,
standing water at 12 inches in soil pit.
x
x
x x
Hydrology within wetlands occur adjacent to stream channel in low topographic areas (ie. point
bars, lowest stream terraces). Evidence of inundation from stream overflows was observed.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point:
Investigator(s): Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes NoHydric Soil Present? Yes NoWetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator Tree Stratum (Plot size:) % Cover Species? Status 1.2.3.4.
= Total Cover Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: ) 1.2.
3.
4.5. = Total Cover Herb Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.3.4.5.
6.
7.8.9.10.
11.
= Total Cover Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:) 1.2.
= Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL species x 1 = FACW species x 2 = FAC species x 3 = FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 = Column Totals: (A)(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation 2 - Dominance Test is >50% 3 - Prevalence Index is 3.01
4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks:
[
Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus Bozeman / Gallatin 6/19/20
Billings Clinic MT WL-2
C. Thelen, C. Lee-Roark Section 26, Township 1 S, Range 5 East
flood plains linear / concave 0-4
E - Rocky Mountain Forests and Rangeland 45.7209 111.0819
50B - Blackdog silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes PABFh
X
X
X
X
X X
Wetland WL-2
all
not present
all
not present
5
all
both emergent and subaqueous plants >=50 y OBL
not present
X
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3: Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present, Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Depth (inches):Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required) Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, High Water Table (A2) MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):(includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
[
[
[
;
WL-2
no soil pit, inundated
x
Inundated
X
x
This area is the upstream end of a surface water pond created by a dam across Cattail Creek just
south of Westlake Road (not on the parcel of interest).
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point:
Investigator(s): Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes NoHydric Soil Present? Yes NoWetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator Tree Stratum (Plot size:) % Cover Species? Status 1.2.3.4.
= Total Cover Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: ) 1.2.
3.
4.5. = Total Cover Herb Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.3.4.5.
6.
7.8.9.10.
11.
= Total Cover Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:) 1.2.
= Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL species x 1 = FACW species x 2 = FAC species x 3 = FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 = Column Totals: (A)(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation 2 - Dominance Test is >50% 3 - Prevalence Index is 3.01
4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks:
;
;
Western Parcel of Billings Clinic Bozeman Campus Bozeman / Gallatin 6/19/20
Billings Clinic MT SP-2
C. Thelen, C. Lee-Roark Section 23, Township 1 South, Range 5 East
flood plains linear / concave 0-4
E - Rocky Mountain Forests and Rangeland 45.7202 111.0819
50B - Blackdog silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes PEM1A
X
X
X
X
X X
upland
all
2
2
yN IHybrid Balsam Poplar (Populus xbrayshawii)0
2
all 0%
not present
all 80 400
Smooth brome (Bromis inermis 80
80
yU P L 80 400
5.00
not present
0
X
Although thistles are present, the lack of forbs suggests maintenance of the area with a broad-leaf
herbicide. The area is also mowed.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3: Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present, Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Depth (inches):Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required) Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, High Water Table (A2) MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):(includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
4A, and 4B) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Geomorphic Position (D2)
SP-2
0-6
3-20" 10 YR 2/1
Root zone, many medium roots
silty loam, dry
x
Soils were consistent color / consistency with depth. Very dry, blocky, crumbly. Fine roots present
in 6-16 inch range.
x
x
x x
APPENDIX C
Additional Methodology Information
METHODOLOGY
The Section 404 definition of the Clean Water Act for a wetland is “an area that is inundated
or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and
under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life
in saturated soil conditions” (33 CFR 328.3, 40 CFR 230.3). For an area to be classified as a
Jurisdictional wetland, it must be considered a water of the US and meet the criteria for
hydrology, vegetation, and soils as set by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The following
methodology for determining if an area meets the four criteria is presented below (WTI,
1999).
Water of the US
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act defines waters of the US to include: waters which were
or could be used for interstate or foreign commerce; all interstate waters including interstate
wetlands; all other waters including intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent
streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes,
or natural ponds, the use of degradation of which could affect interstate or foreign
commerce; all impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the US; tributaries of
aforementioned waters; territorial seas; and wetlands adjacent to aforementioned waters
(other than wetlands).
According to 33 CFR 328.4(c), the limits of jurisdiction in non-tidal waters are as follows:
In the absence of adjacent wetlands, the jurisdiction extends to the ordinary high
water mark, or
When adjacent wetlands are present, the jurisdiction extends beyond the ordinary
high water mark to the limit of the adjacent wetlands,
When the water of the US consists only of wetlands the jurisdiction extends to the
limit of the wetland.
Waters of the US are regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Any impacts to waters
of the US (including jurisdictional wetlands) require review and approval (Section 404
permitting) by the Corps. Final jurisdictional determination is always made by the Corps.
Methods -- Hydrology
The technical criterion for wetland hydrology has been established as permanent or periodic
inundation, or soil saturation for a significant period during the growing season (5% - 12.5%
continual duration dependent upon certain conditions). Soils saturated greater than 12.5%
of the time are considered wetlands. Areas saturated to the surface for less than 5% of the
growing season are non-wetlands. Wetland hydrology exists if field indicators are present as
indicated on the field delineation sheets.
Site-specific resources used to identify site hydrology following the technical criteria of the
COE Wetland Delineation Manual (COE, 1987) include:
1 Appendix C
Topographic maps and digital aerial orthophotos from the US Geological Survey
(USGS, NRIS);
Hydrological data from the Montana Department of Natural Resource
Conservation (DNRC), Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Montana Department
of Environmental Quality (NRIS);
Water rights data from DNRC (DNRC);
National Wetland Inventory data (USFWS);
Ground water information from the Local Water Quality District (LWQD);
Ground water information from the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
(MBMG);
Published ground water research and/or published reports with ground water
data.
In addition, the following guidance and supplements issued by the COE and Montana
Natural Heritage Program may have been used to help assess the project specifics:
Jones, W.M. (2004) "Ecologically Significant Wetlands in the Missouri
Headwaters: Jefferson, Lower Madison, Lower Gallatin, and Upper Red Rock River
Watersheds." Montana Natural Heritage Program. Retrieved from
http://nhp.nris.mt.gov/Reports_List.asp?key=4
Jones, W.M. (2001) "Ecologically Significant Wetlands in the Upper
Yellowstone River Watershed, including the Boulder, Clarks Fork Yellowstone,
Shields, and Stillwater River Drainages." Montana Natural Heritage Program.
Retrieved from http://nhp.nris.mt.gov/Reports_List.asp?key=4
Kudray, G.M. and T. Schemm. (2006) "Yellowstone River Wetland / Riparian
Change Detection Pilot Study." Montana Natural Heritage Program. Retrieved from
http://nhp.nris.mt.gov/Reports_List.asp?key=4
US. Army Corps of Engineers. (2008). "Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (Version 2.0)”, US Army
Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. September 2008.
US. Army Corps of Engineers. (2010). " Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plains Region (Version 2.0)”, US
Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. March 2010
US. Army Corps of Engineers. (2010). "Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast
Region (Version 2.0)"; US Army Engineer Research and Development Center,
Vicksburg, MS. May 2010
2 Appendix C
Methods -- Soils
Wetlands soils are soils that have been classified as hydric, or have characteristics that are
associated with reducing soil conditions. A hydric soil is a soil that has formed under
conditions of saturation, ponding or flooding long enough during the growing season to
develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil profile. Hydric indicators include
mottles, sulfidic odor, organic soil material, saturation, and gleyed or low-chroma color as
determined by a Munsell Soil Color Chart (Munsell, 1994).
Site-specific resources used to identify hydric soils, following the technical criteria of the
COE Wetland Delineation Manual (COE, 1987) include:
The published soils survey for the area (NRCS and MAES).
Published soil research and/or published reports with soil data.
Additional soil identification and technical resources routinely used include:
Hurt, G.W., P.M. Whited and R.F. Pringle (eds.), 1996. “Field Indicators of
Hydric Soils in the United States.” US Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Wetland Science Institute and Soils Division, in
cooperation with National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, version 3.2:
Washington, DC.
Pierce, Gary J., 1989. “Chapter 6: Wetland Soils.” In S.K. Maiumdar, R.P.
Brooks, F.J. Brenner and R.W. Tiner, Jr. (eds.), “Wetlands Ecology and
Conservation: Emphasis in Pennsylvania,” Pennsylvania Academy of Science:
Philadelphia, PA.
US Department of Agriculture, 1999. “Soil Taxonomy and Keys to Soil Taxon”.
Agriculture Handbook, 1999 revision: Washington, DC.
US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, 1981. “Soil Survey
Manual 430-V.” Issue 1, Washington, D.C.
Vepraskas, Michael J., 1999. “Redoximorphic Features for Identifying Aquic
Conditions.” North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences, Technical Bulletin 301: Raleigh, NC.
Methods -- Vegetation
Plants must be physiologically or morphologically adapted for life under saturated or
anaerobic soil conditions to grow in wetlands. Plant species have been assigned a wetland
indicator status by geographic region based on their probability to occur in a wetland. Plants
are categorized as obligate wet (OBL), facultative wetland (FACW), facultative (FAC),
facultative upland (FACU), or upland (UPL). An area is considered to have wetland
3 Appendix C
vegetation if more than 50% of the dominant plant species have an indicator status of FAC,
FACW or OBL.
Site-specific resources used to identify plants and plant communities, following the technical
criteria of the COE Wetland Delineation Manual (COE, 1987) include:
Field survey and identification of dominant plant species in tree, sapling/shrub,
herbaceous and woody vine strata;
Use of the online database of the Natural Heritage Program to identify plants
that have been previously identified in this area (MNHP); and
Online plants database for wetlands indicator status (USDA NRCS).
Additional plant identification and technical resources routinely used include:
Dorn, Robert D., 1984. "Vascular Plants of Montana." Mountain West
Publishing: Cheyenne, WY.
Gage, Edward and David J. Cooper. 2010. “Vegetation Sampling for Wetland
Delineation”. US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development
Center: ERDC/CRREL CR-10-2.
Hitchcock, A.S., 1971. "Manual of the Grasses of the United States, 2nd ed."
Revised by Agnes Chase, in two volumes. Dover Publications: New York, NY.
Hurd, Emerenciana G., Nancy L. Shaw, Joy Mastrogiuseppe, Lynda C.
Smithman and Sherel Goodrich, 1998. "Field Guide to Intermountain Sedges."
General Technical report RMRS-GTR-10, US Department of Agricutlure Forest
Service Rocky Mountain Research Station: Ogden, UT.
Lackschewitz, Klaus, 1991. "Vascular Plants of West-Central Montana --
Identification Guidebook." General Technical Report INT-277 US Department of
Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Research Station: Ogden, UT.
Lesica, Peter, and Peter Husby, 2001. "Field Guide to Montanan's Wetland
Vascular Plants." Montana Wetlands Trust: Helena, MT.
Montana Natural Heritage Program. "Wetland Indicator Category and County
Search." http://nhp.nris.state.mt.us/plants/index.html?guidebook.asp retrieved
9/15/2004.
US Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. The
PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data
Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
Weber, William A., 1976. "Rocky Mountain Flora, 5th ed." University Press of
Colorado: Boulder, CO.
4 Appendix C
Using the COE Routine Wetland Determination Method (COE, 1987), field investigations
will determine pertinent vegetation, soil and hydrology characteristics throughout the
proposed project site. If all three parameters exhibit wetland characteristics, a positive
wetland determination will be made for the area represented by each sampling location. If
any one of the parameters does not exhibit positive wetland indicators, the area will be
determined to be non-wetland. Delineation data sheets from field investigations are
included in the final delineation report.
If a wetland is also considered a water of the US, then that wetland would be considered
“jurisdictional” under the US Army Corps of Engineers and subject to Section 404
permitting requirements.
5 Appendix C