PERMFILE56403

• Permit No: M1999058
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 6/4/1999
• From: DEPT OF ARMY
• To: DMG
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District
402 Rood Avenue, Room 142
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501-2563
May 11, 1999
WETLANDS DELINEATION CONSULTANTS
Increasingly, potential applicants for Department of the Army permits are hiring environmental
consultants to do wetlands determinations and delineations for them. In addition, because of Federal
budgetary and work farce constraints, we are requesting that many potential applicants have wetlands
delineations done by consultants. Under existing constraints, the Corps of Engineers will field verify es
many wetlands delineations as possible. We recommend that wetlands delineations performed by consultants be
submitted for review and verification at least one month in advance of a submittal of a Department of the
Army permit application.
All wetlands delineations will be reviewed to insure compliance with the methodology contained in
the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual dated January 1987 and that sufficient information is
provided to justify the wetlands/upland boundaries as shown on the delineation map(s). Ta obtain a
jurisdictional determination letter from the Western Colorado Regulatory Office, ell consultant-prepared
wetlands delineations shall contain:
1. A wetlands delineation map depicting a point to point survey of the wetlands boundary
as flagged by the consultant in the field. The consultant should review the survey for accuracy before
submittal to this office. We prefer topographic maps with contour intervals of one or two feet and at a
scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet. However, these specifications may very depending upon the scope of the
delineation and the nature of the project. In certain situations, a point to point survey of the wetlands
boundary may not be required. However, the boundary must be reproducible in same manner. The consultant
should contact this office for approval before submitting a delineation without a point to point survey. In
ell cases, the wetlands boundary must be marked with survey flagging or stakes in the field before this
office will conduct a site inspection to verify the delineation. The flags or stakes must be sequentially
numbered and those numbers shall appear on the survey for each point;
2. The type(s) of wetlands present, such as riparian willow, wet meadow, marsh, etc.,
should be shown on the delineation map. The respective sizes in acres of each type should be included
either on the map or in a report;
3. The location of all san~le sites should be shown on the delineation map(s);
4. Wetlands delineation data forms, or similar data sheets, for each sample site, cross-
referenced to the sites should be shown on the delineation map(s). The data for each sample site shall
clearly list the indicators for the soils, vegetation
end hydro Logy, and shall include the basis for determining whether the sample site is wetlands or upland.
The nuaber of senple sites will vary depending upon the size and shape of the wetlands, the degree of
difficulty in differentiating wetlands and upland, width of transition zones, etc.;
5. A site location map, preferably a 7.5-minute USGS quadrangle, shall be included and any
other pertinent maps of the site; and
6. A brief written report shall be included with the suGni ttal. This report should list
the property owner(s) and/or the developer(s) requesting the delineation. The report shell also describe
the nature of the proposed development, end when a permit appLi cation will be submitted for the project.
Your report should explain the basis for the wetlands boundary location and any problems or questionable
areas. The dates of the actual field work should also be included in this narrative.
Wetlands delineations that are complete and accurate will be acknowledged in writing by the Corps of
Engineers. In the event that work force constraints preclude timely field verifications, qualified approval
may be issued by this office. However, prior to definitive regulatory approvals, such as a letter of no
Federal jurisdiction, nationwide general permit verification, individual permit issuance, etc., wetlands
maps will be field verified by the Corps of Engineers.
We have attached a wetlands delineation field data sheet for photocopying and field use. This form
should be used for wetlands delineations subject to Corps of Engineers verification. If you and/or your
consultants have questions regarding wetlands delineation procedures, please contact the U. S. Army, Corps
of Engineers, Sacramento District in Grand Junction, Colorado at telephone number [phone].