Laserfiche WebLink
water table. Soils were analyzed for color using the Munsell Soil Color Chart. Soil color is based <br />on hue, value, and chroma. The COE manual requires analysis of soil color immediately below <br />the "A" horizon, or ten inches, whichever is less. A mineral hydric soil usually has either a matrix <br />chroma of 2 or less in mottled soil, or a matrix chroma of 1 or less in unmottled soil. <br />HYDROLOGY <br />An area is considered to have wetland hydrology when the soil is inundated or saturated for a <br />significant period (usually a week or more) during the growing season. Direct observation of <br />hydrology can be made during the growing season or field indicators can be used. Primary <br />indicators include visual observation of inundation or saturation, water marks, sediment deposits, <br />and drainage patterns. Secondary indicators include the presence of oxidized rhizospheres (rust <br />coloration around living roots), water-stained vegetation, morphological plant adaptations, and <br />local soil survey data. <br />In addition to evaluation of vegetation for identification of wetlands, presence of threatened or <br />endangered plant species were also considered in this study. Two potential threatened and <br />endangered species may occur in the vicinity: Utes Ladies Tresses Orchid (Spiranthes diluviahs) <br />and Colorado Butterfly Plant (Gaura neomexicana coloradensis). <br />RESULTS <br />Preliminary data collection included reviewing and obtaining existing information, maps, and <br />aerial photography. A wetland delineation was completed on the southern portion of the <br />property in 2005 (Keammerer, 2005). <br />COUNTY SOIL SURVEYS <br />The Soil Survey of Weld County Area, Colorado published in 1980 by the USDA, Soil <br />Conservation Service was used to identify soils at the site (Exhibit II). The soil series type within <br />the project area include: <br />Aquolls and Aquents, gravelly substratum (Map unit 3) - These are nearly level soils on <br />bottomlands and floodplains that occur across the center of the property. Aquolls and Aquents <br />are deep, poorly drained soils that are formed in recent alluvium. No one pedon is typical. Soils <br />typically have a mottled, mildly alkaline to moderately alkaline loamy or clayey surface layer and <br />are layer of sand and gravel to 48 inches. The water table is at or near the surface in spring and <br />during peak irrigation season. Thus these soils are subjected to excessive runoff. Wetlands 4, 7, <br />8, 9 and 10 occur in this soil type. <br />Bankard Sandy Loam, 0 - 3 percent (map unit 10) - are deep, somewhat excessively drained <br />soils on flood plains that occur along the Cache La Poudre River. They are formed in stratified <br />3