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Wetland Delineation Report for the Global Assets Mine Property, Weld County, Colorado <br /> 3.1.4 Vegetation <br /> The investigator determined the predominance of hydrophytic vegetation for each wetland <br /> plot in the field by estimating the percent cover of the species present and assigning the <br /> appropriate wetland indicator status, as listed in the National Wetland Plant List (Lichvar et <br /> al. 2014). 2DOT differentiated hydrophytic and non-hydrophytic (or upland) plant species by <br /> their respective indicator status, including facultative (FAC), facultative wetland (FACW), <br /> obligate (OBL), facultative upland (FACU), and upland (UPL). 2DOT determined plant <br /> communities with greater than 50%dominant hydrophytes(FAC or wetter)to meet the USACE <br /> criteria of a hydrophytic community. <br /> 3.1.5 Soils <br /> The investigator identified hydric soils according to criteria listed in the Regional Supplement <br /> and Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States:Field Indicators of Hydric Soils, Version <br /> 7.0 (U.S. Department of Agriculture 2010). The investigator excavated soil pits to a depth of <br /> up to 20 inches, and described the soil profile by horizon. Each horizon was assessed for soil <br /> color; thickness; the color, abundance, and contrast of redoximorphic features; soil texture; <br /> and comparison to mapped soils. The investigator used a Munsell Soil Color Chart to <br /> determine the color of the soil matrix and redoximorphic features (Munsell Color 2009) and <br /> studied the soil profile for hydric soil indicators listed in the Regional Supplement. If the soil <br /> profile displayed one or more hydric soil indicators or if other evidence indicated that the soil <br /> has been saturated for greater than 10-percent of the growing season, a positive hydric soil <br /> determination was made. <br /> 3.1.6 Hydrology <br /> The investigator determined wetland hydrology in the field by considering frequency and <br /> duration of inundation, visual observation of saturation in the upper 12 inches of the soil <br /> profile, and the presence of other primary wetland hydrology indicators, such as oxidized root <br /> channels, water-stained leaves, water marks, sediment deposits, or algal matting. Secondary <br /> indicators used to determine wetland hydrology included surface soil cracks, drift deposits, <br /> drainage patterns, saturation signatures on aerial photographs, or the FAC-Neutral test. If the <br /> area displayed one or more primary hydrology indicators or two or more secondary hydrology <br /> indicators, a positive hydrology determination was made. <br /> 3.1.7 Streams/Irrigation Ditches <br /> The investigator identified the presence/absence of lotic systems (e.g., creeks, rivers, human- <br /> made ditches) in the field pursuant to guidance provided in the USACE Regulatory Guidance <br /> Letter 05-05 regarding Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) identification (USACE 2005). An <br /> OHWM is a line on a shore established by fluctuations of water and indicated by physical <br /> characteristics such as a clear, natural line impressed on the bank; shelving; changes in the <br /> character of the soil; destruction of terrestrial vegetation;the presence of litter and debris; or <br /> other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas. The <br /> OHWM is the defining element for identifying the lateral limits of non-wetland waters. Federal <br /> jurisdiction over a non-wetland water of the U.S. typically extends to the OHWM. <br /> 8 2DOT <br />