Wetlands are protected by both state and federal agencies due to their functions and values to humans and the natural environment. Wetlands are identified by the presence of hydrophytic plants, hydric soils and indications of surface or subsurface water. The proper identification and delineation of wetlands is vital at the beginning of project planning. Aqua-Terra is fully experienced in all aspects of wetland identification, delineation, impact minimization, permitting, design, mitigation construction and monitoring. Aqua-Terra is also recognized by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) as qualified to conduct surveys for the wetland dependent bog turtle.
Wetland Regulatory Authority & Definitions
Wetlands fall under the regulatory authority of both Federal and State agencies. Federal laws governing wetland areas are found in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. These acts are administered, implemented and enforced by the EPA and USACE. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s wetland regulations are included in Title 25 – Environmental Protection, Chapter 105 – Dam Safety and Waterway Management and are under the PADEP’s jurisdiction, with assistance from County Conservation Districts. For regulatory purposes, wetlands are identified by the criteria established by the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987 Manual). Both USACE and PADEP define wetlands as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal conditions do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, bogs, marshes, and similar areas. The PADEP defines a watercourse as a channel or conveyance of surface water having defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent flow. PADEP defines a floodway as the channel of the watercourse and portions of the adjoining floodplains which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the 100-year frequency flood. Unless otherwise specified, the boundary of the floodway is as indicated on maps and flood insurance studies provided by FEMA. In an area where no FEMA maps or studies have defined the boundary of the 100-year frequency floodway, it is assumed, absent evidence of the contrary, that the floodway extends from the stream to 50 feet from the top of the bank of the stream.
Wetland Characteristics
Wetlands fall under the regulatory authority of both Federal and State agencies. Federal laws governing wetland areas are found in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. These acts are administered, implemented and enforced by the EPA and USACE. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s wetland regulations are included in Title 25 – Environmental Protection, Chapter 105 – Dam Safety and Waterway Management and are under the PADEP’s jurisdiction, with assistance from County Conservation Districts. For regulatory purposes, wetlands are identified by the criteria established by the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987 Manual). Both USACE and PADEP define wetlands as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal conditions do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, bogs, marshes, and similar areas. The PADEP defines a watercourse as a channel or conveyance of surface water having defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent flow. PADEP defines a floodway as the channel of the watercourse and portions of the adjoining floodplains which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the 100-year frequency flood. Unless otherwise specified, the boundary of the floodway is as indicated on maps and flood insurance studies provided by FEMA. In an area where no FEMA maps or studies have defined the boundary of the 100-year frequency floodway, it is assumed, absent evidence of the contrary, that the floodway extends from the stream to 50 feet from the top of the bank of the stream.