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Summarize overall biological,chemical and physical functions being performed. <br /> C. SIGNIFICANT NEXUS DETERMINATION <br /> A significant nexus analysis will assess the flow characteristics and functions of the tributary itself and the <br /> functions performed by any wetlands adjacent to the tributary to determine if they significantly affect the chemical, <br /> physical,and biological integrity of a TNW. For each of the following situations,a significant nexus exists if the <br /> tributary, in combination with all of its adjacent wetlands,has more than a speculative or insubstantial effect on <br /> the chemical,physical and/or biological integrity of a TNW. Considerations when evaluating significant nexus <br /> include, but are not limited to the volume,duration,and frequency of the flow of water in the tributary and its <br /> proximity to a TNW,and the functions performed by the tributary and all its adjacent wetlands. It is not appropriate <br /> to determine significant nexus based solely on any specific threshold of distance(e.g. between a tributary and its <br /> adjacent wetland or between a tributary and the TNW).Similarly,the fact an adjacent wetland lies within or outside <br /> of a floodplain is not solely determinative of significant nexus. <br /> Draw connections between the features documented and the effects on the TNW,as identified in the Rapanos <br /> Guidance and discussed in the Instructional Guidebook.Factors to consider include,for example: <br /> • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands(if any), have the capacity to carry pollutants or flood <br /> waters to TNWs, or to reduce the amount of pollutants or flood waters reaching a TNW? <br /> • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands(if any), provide habitat and lifecycle support functions for <br /> fish and other species, such as feeding, nesting,spawning,or rearing young for species that are present in the TNW? <br /> • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands(if any), have the capacity to transfer nutrients and organic <br /> carbon that support downstream foodwebs? <br /> • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands(if any), have other relationships to the physical,chemical, <br /> or biological integrity of the TNW? <br /> Note:the above list of considerations is not inclusive and other functions observed or known to occur should be <br /> documented below: <br /> 1. Significant nexus findings for non-RPW that has no adjacent wetlands and flows directly or indirectly into <br /> TNWs. Explain findings of presence or absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary itself,then go to <br /> Section III.D: <br /> 2. Significant nexus findings for non-RPW and its adjacent wetlands,where the non-RPW flows directly or <br /> indirectly into TNWs. Explain findings of presence or absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary in <br /> combination with all of its adjacent wetlands,then go to Section III.D- <br /> 3. Significant nexus findings for wetlands adjacent to an RPW but that do not directly abut the RPW.Explain <br /> findings of presence or absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary in combination with all of its adjacent <br /> wetlands,then go to Section III.D: <br /> D. DETERMINATIONS OF JURISDICTIONAL FINDINGS.THE SUBJECT WATERS/WETLANDS ARE(CHECK ALL THAT <br /> APPLY): <br /> 1. TNWs and Adjacent Wetlands. Check all that apply and provide size estimates in review area: <br /> TNWs: linear feet width(ft), Or, acres. <br /> Wetlands adjacent to TNWs: acres. <br /> 2. RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. <br /> [� Tributaries of TNWs where tributaries typically flow year-round are jurisdictional. Provide data and rationale <br /> indicating that tributary is perennial: <br /> Tributaries of TNW where tributaries have continuous flow"seasonally' (e.g , typically three months each year)are <br /> jurisdictional. Data supporting this conclusion is provided at Section III B Provide rationale indicating that <br /> tributary flows seasonally: <br /> Provide estimates for jurisdictional waters in the review area(check all that apply): <br /> ® Tributary waters: linear feet <br /> ID Other non-wetland waters: acres. <br /> Identify type(s)of waters: <br /> 3. Non-RPWs$that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. <br /> 8See Footnote#3. <br /> 5 <br />