HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland Delineation 002-341-026WLSTECH COMPANY
Environmental Consulting - Site Permitting
WETLAND DELINEATION
201 NEBEL DRIVE
SEQUIM, WASHINGTON 98382
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL # 002-34-1026
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
41011 `4'd
'# 'PFZR8CN COUNTY
SCD
- t -
July 2017
G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D. and Paul Ruben
Submitted to:
JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT
OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, Washington 98368
Submitted by:
WESTECH COMPANY
P.O. Box 2876
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
P.O. Box 2876 - Port Angeles, Washington 98362 -• Telephone: (360) 565-1333
email: brad@westechcompany.com
WETLAND DELINEATION
201 NEBEL DRIVE
SEQUIM, WASHINGTON 98382
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL # 002-34-1026
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
July 2017
G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D. and Paul Ruben
Copyright 2017 by G. Bradford Shea, Westech Company — All Rights Reserved
Submitted to;
JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT
OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, Washington 98368
Submitted by:
WESTECH COMPANY
P.O. Box 2876
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Property (Site) is an approximately 2,1 acre parcel located at 201 Nebel Drive in
Sequim, Washington. The Site is listed as Jefferson County Assessor's Parcel
#002341026 and is located in the Northeast Quarter of Section 34, Township 30 North,
Range 2 West (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4). The Site owner's mailing address is Nebel Drive
LLC, 1516 Ph Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119-3219.
The Site is located in Jefferson County immediately west of Discovery Bay. The parcel
is located on the northwestern coastline of that marine water (Figures 1-4). The Owner
intends to place a new pool on existing asphalt area adjacent to the existing house
(Figure 5).
Nebel Drive, LLC., contracted Westech Company (Westech) to conduct a Wetland
Delineation for the Site. Westech's Scope of Work was to conduct field investigations, and
research necessary, to delineate and rate the wetland and determine the buffer required
under the Jefferson County Codes (Jefferson County 2017a). Chapter 2.0 describes the
Methodology used to conduct this Wetland Delineation. Chapter 3.0 contains results of the
Wetland Delineation.
Field investigations of the wetland were conducted by Dr. G. Bradford Shea in April 2017
and Dr. Shea and Mr. Paul Ruben in June 2017. Dr. Shea reviewed photographic and
other site documentation and delineated the marine Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)
and the boundaries of an on-site wetland. Dr. Shea and Mr. Ruben documented on-site
conditions at one station (for vegetation, soils and hydrology), which was located inside of
the delineated wetland. Dr. Shea then conducted a preliminary rating of the Wetland
based on the Department of Ecology (DOE) Rating System for Western Washington (DOE
2014). The Wetland boundaries and buffers (where appropriate) have been marked in the
field.
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2.0 METHODS
The Wetland was delineated and rated according to procedures required by the Jefferson
County Code (JCC). The JCC requires that wetlands be identified and delineated
according to procedures in the 1997 Washington State Department of Ecology's (DOE)
Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (Ecology Publication
No. 96-94 or as amended) (JCC 18.22.300).
Since the State of Washington now defers to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USAGE
or Corps) wetland delineation methods, this wetland was delineated according to the
Corps' Wetland Manual (USACE 1987) and the Regional Supplement for the Western
Mountains, Valleys and Coast Region (USACE 2010). The Wetland was rated by the
methods outlined in the Washington State Department of Ecology's Wetland Rating
System for Western Washington (DOE 2014).
The following methods are drawn from the Corps' Regional Supplement (USACE 2010).
The Corps' manual defines wetlands as those "areas that are inundated or saturated by
surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under
normal circumstances, do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions." Wetlands are defined by the following three criteria:
1. Vegetation_: Prevalent vegetation consisting of macro-phytes (macro-phytic
vegetation) adapted to areas with wetland hydrologic and soil conditions.
2. Hydric soils: Soils that are histosols, in aquic suborders or that show certain
characteristics associated with poor draining, very poor draining or ponding for a
long duration during the growing season.
3. Hydrology: Evidence that the area is inundated or saturated to the surface between
5 and 12.5 percent of the growing season in most years.
Evidence of at least one (usually two) wetland indicators from each of these three
categories is generally required to identify an area as a wetland.
Preliminary data gathering consisted of the examining U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
maps, county parcel, wetlands, and topographic maps, aerial photographs and Natural
Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) soil surveys. Because these sources were
insufficient to make a determination, additional information on site vegetation, soils and
hydrology was unavailable, and the Site did not appear to have the complexity to require a
comprehensive determination, a Routine Determination with Onsite Inspection was used.
WW1 521-NebelDriveW D. RPT/071117/mas
Because the wetland on -Site was less than five acres, the procedure for "Areas Equal to
or Less Than 5 Acres in Size" was used. The wetland and its boundaries were initially
estimated by noting likely areas of topographic and vegetative distinction between
wetlands and uplands. The routine method for delineating wetlands begins with the
identification of plant communities, as uplands and wetlands are often occupied by
different assemblages of species determined by combinations of environmental
influences.
These plant communities were identified and evaluated for the presence or absence of
hydrophytic vegetation. The wetland indicator status of the dominant species is used to
determine the presence of hydrophytic vegetation. Each species has an indicator status
defined according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (USDA 2012). A
species indicator status refers to the relative frequency at which the species occurs in
jurisdictional wetlands. Wetland plant species (OBL, FACW and/or FAC) must constitute
greater than 50 percent of the dominant vegetation to meet Department of Ecology (DOE)
criterion for hydrophytic vegetation (USACE 2010).
Since non-dominant plants in the wetlands were scattered irregularly throughout, small
transects could not be utilized to estimate percent coverage. Accordingly, a combination
of on -Site visual inspection and aerial maps were used to estimate percent coverage.
These estimates were used to conduct a dominance test with 50120 selection as
described in the Corps manual (USAGE 2010).
Wetland plants were primarily identified in the field, with subsequent collection and keying
when necessary. Plants were identified using the following sources:
Pojar and MacKinnon 1994 (Updated 2004)
Guard 1995
Cooke 1997
Hitchcock and Cronquist 1973
Lyons 1997
Taylor 1995
Keying of plants using magnifying lenses and dissecting microscope was used as
necessary. Determination of wetland indicator status utilized regional keys published by
USDA. This indicator replaced the previous U.S. Fish and Wildlife key in June 2012
(USDA 2012).
Areas with plant communities dominated by hydrophytic vegetation were then evaluated
for wetland hydrology and hydric soils. Wetland hydrology refers to "all hydrological
characteristics of areas that are periodically inundated or have soils saturated to the
surface at some time during the growing season.' These are areas with evidence that
the presence of water has an overriding influence on the characteristics of vegetation
and soils due to anaerobic and reducing conditions (USACE 2010).
WW1 521 -NebelDriveWD,RPT/071117/mas
An area has wetland hydrology if it is inundated or saturated to the surface continuously
for at least five percent (5%) of the growing season in most years. The level of
inundation can range from permanently inundated to irregularly inundated/saturated.
The level of inundation/saturation can be impacted by precipitation, topography and soil
characteristics.
Hydrology is often the least exact of the parameters used to delineate wetland edges
because it is the most ephemeral and leaves the least reliable traces in the landscape
after water tables or floods have receded. Therefore, indicators of wetland hydrology
are sometimes difficult to find in the field. However, it is essential that a wetland area is
periodically inundated or has saturated soils for a sufficient duration during the growing
season.
Based on Corps recommendations, Westech staff noted areas with evident
characteristics of wetland hydrology. In general, places with wetland hydrology show
evidence that the presence of water has had an overriding influence on characteristics
of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic and chemically -reducing conditions.
Hydrologic conditions were determined through examination of topographic relief and
drainage patterns. Soil moistness was determined by hand and, in the event of standing
water, depth to standing water was noted. Field indicators of wetland hydrology include
such features as watermarks, historic records, and visual observation of saturated soils or
inundation.
Evidence of hydric soils was checked along the apparent wetland boundary. These are
soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during
the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper layers. These soils are
identified in the field mainly by morphological features such as color patterns, organic
matter accumulation, and observation of inundation.
Soils were sampled to depths of up to 18-24 inches using a wetland shovel. Soil
consistency was determined by feeling for grain size and texture. Soil moisture was
determined at that time. In the event of saturated conditions in the hole, depth to standing
water was noted. Soil color was determined through comparison of field samples with
standard Munsell Color Charts (Munsell 1994). Soil was also examined for presence of
redox features, gley or other indicators of anaerobic soil oxidation. If one or more of these
indicators was present in the wetlands, the soil was considered hydric.
The wetland was determined based on the Routine 4n -Site Field Method used by the
Corps using a combination of vegetation, soil and hydrology indicators. The boundaries of
the wetland were determined by first mapping each plant community area as wetland or
non -wetland. The general wetland boundary was determined by the interface of these two
mapping units.
WW1 521 -NebelDriveWD. RPT/071117/mas
Wetland boundaries were confirmed and the boundary locations narrowed down by
sampling specific transects along wetland boundaries. Various points were sampled for
vegetation, soil and hydrology in order to pinpoint the location of wetland boundaries.
Appendix B contains a data form for one sample from a typical area in the delineated
wetland.
The wetland boundary was indicated in the field by the use of pink flagging tape tied to 48"
wooden stakes. The lagoon and shoreline Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) were
marked using a Garmin Oregon 550t handheld GPS unit.
Buffer widths were determined based the Jefferson County Critical Areas Code and
marked in the field with orange and black diagonal striped tape. The wetland Field Data
Station and associated soil test pit was indicated by blue and white diagonal flagging and
stakes containing the test pit number (labeled VSH-# for vegetation, soils and hydrology
stations).
Site visits were carried out by Dr. Shea during April 2017 and by Dr. Shea and Mr. Ruben
during June 2017. This report was carried out jointly by Dr. Shea with assistance from Ms.
Mary Ann Shea, Mr. Ruben and Mr. Trevor Shea. Exploration of the Property (Site)
involved noting Site characteristics such as hydrology and soil conditions. A botanical
study involving identification of the plant species found growing on the Site was also
conducted.
The wetland edge was delineated and photographic documentation was acquired
(Appendix A). Measurements for mapping purposes were made using a fiberglass tape
measure.
WW1521-Nebe{DriveWD.RPT/071117/mas 10
3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS
3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Property (Site) is located in Jefferson County at the west side of Discovery Bay.
The northwestern and northern edge of the Site lies at sea level. The southwestern and
eastern edges are between 30 and 50 feet above msl, respectively.
The Site is vegetated by lowland meadow and shoreline dominated by an herbaceous
layer of fescue (Festuca pratensis), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), white
clover (Trifolium repens), and English daisy (Bellis perennis). Upland and wetland plants
are described in more detail below (Table 1).
The northern edge of the parcel abuts Discovery Bay and the western edge is adjacent to
a lagoon formed by Discovery Bay. The properties surrounding the site appear to be semi -
forested single-family homes on lots of five acres or smaller. Properties to the southwest
appear to be single family units on lots of five acres or larger. The Site is zoned as Rural
Residential 1:5 indicating an allowance of one residence per five acres. The shorelines
to the immediate west and north of the Site have a Conservancy Shoreline Designation.
Wetland
Westech's field investigation determined that one wetland is located on the Site (See
Figure 6). The wetland is a slope emergent wetland which seeps into the lagoon near
Discovery Bay.
The wetland on the Site receives water from precipitation and overland flow across the
south to north and east to west slope. The wetland characteristics are often shaped by the
adjacent micro -topography. These slope wetlands appear to receive water from direct
precipitation, and runoff from adjacent elevated areas.
WW1 521 -NebelDriveWD. RPT/071117/mas 11
TABLE 1. LIST OF PLANT SPECIES: ON-SITE WETLAND
(201 Nebel Drive)
Common Name
Wetland
Scientific Name
A rostis ca illaris
Poa ratensis
Indicator*
FAC
FAC
Bentgrass_
Kentucky bluegrass
American vetch
Vicia americana
FAC
Creeping buttercup
Ranunculus re ens
FACW
_Upland
Medow Fescue
Festuca pratensis
FACU
Field mustard
Brassica ra a
FACU
Herb-robert
Geranium robertianum
FACU
Common dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
FACU
English daisy
Bellis perennis
FACU
White clover
Trifolium re ens
FACU
*Indicators: UPL = Upland plant, FACU= Facultative Upland Plant (more upland than
wetland), FAC = Facultative (borderline wetland plant), FACW = Facultative
Wetland Plant (prefers wetland conditions), OBL = Obligate (only found in
wetlands), N1=No Indicator (a species for which there is insufficient data to provide
an indicator determination), ORN=Ornamental, non-native.
WW1521-Nebel DriveWD.Tab 110711171mas 12
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Wetland boundaries were determined by first noting likely areas of topographic and
vegetative distinction between wetland and uplands. The wetland contained saturated
soils and patches of creeping buttercup (FAC), which provided the clearest markers of
wetland location. The wetland transitioned gradually from wetland to upland as marked by
a micro rise in elevation. Evidence of hydric and non -hydric soils corresponded with the
change in landscape elevation and plant variation.
Hydrological indicators, such as saturated soils, are evident characteristics of wetland
hydrology, places where the presence of water has an overriding influence on
characteristics of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic and chemically -reducing
conditions. These included standing water and saturation in the root zone (See Figure 6
and Appendix B).
The vegetation, soils, and hydrology of the Site are described in more detail in the
following subsections. Results of these three factors at the test pit locations (Figure 6) are
contained in Appendix B. Figure 6 shows the location of the wetland relative to nearby
features. Site photographs are shown in Appendix A.
Vegetation
Table 1 lists wetland vegetation and upland vegetation on the site adjacent to the wetland
boundary. Dominant vegetation in the herbaceous layer of the wetland included
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) (FAC) and creeping buttercup (FAC). No canopy or
subcanopy was present on the Site.
Tables 2 shows the results of a 50120 dominance test conducted following the
guidelines of the Corps (USACE 2010)_ As this table indicates, 100 percent of dominant
species in the wetland were rated OBL, FACW or FAC. The vegetation in this wetland
can, therefore, be characterized as hydrophytic for the purposes of delineating the
wetlands.
The upland area adjacent to the wetland was dominated by meadow fescue, white
clover (FACU), and English daisy (UPL). This combination of species does not meet
Corps criterion for hydrophytic vegetation because less than 50 percent of dominants
are OBL, FAC or FACW.
VWV1521-NebelDriveWD. RPT/071117/mas 14
TABLE 2. DOMINANCE TEST USING 50120 RULE FOR PLANT SELECTION (WETLAND A)
(201 Nebel Drive)
STRATUM
Herb
SCIENTIFIC NAME
WETLAND
PERCENT
INDICATOR
_--COVER
STATUS
Poa pratensis
FAC
Ranunculus repens
FACW
Vicia americana
FAC
ABSOLUTE
DOMINANT?
PERCENT
_--COVER
40
Yes
25
Yes
20
Yes
_.___-.
Total cover 85% _
50/20 Thresholds:
50% total cover = 42.5
_ 20% total cover = 17.0
Hydrophytic Total number of dominant species across all strata = 3
Vegetation Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW or FAC : 100%
Determination Therefore, the community is hydrophytic by Indicator 2 (Dominance
Test)
WW1521-Nebel DriveWD.Tab2/071117/mas 15
Soils
"Hydric soils" is a name for soils commonly found in wetlands. These soils are .identified
mainly by morphological features such as color patterns, organic matter accumulation,
or observation of inundation. A soil may be considered hydric if it is inundated (flooded
or ponded) for at least one continuous week during the growing season in most years
((USACE 2010). Westech staff looked for field indicators of hydric soil conditions as
recommended by the Corps. If one or more of these indicators was present in the
wetlands, the soil was considered hydric (USACE 2010).
Westech staff examined existing MRCS soil surveys of the Site. The NRCS maps two
soils on the Site (NRCS 2017). The soils mapped by the NRCS on the Site include:
Coastal Beaches (Co) have a slope between one to five percent and a depth to
water table between 0 to 72 inches. Coastal Beaches are frequently flooded.
Tukev araveilvloam 0 to 15 percent slogeLLTuCl is a moderately well drained
soil with a depth between 20 to 40 inches to its restrictive layer. It has a very low
to moderately low capacity to transmit water in its most limiting layer (0.00 to 0.06
in/hr) and a depth to the water table of 18 to 36 inches. This soil is recorded as
having a low water storage capacity in its profile (about 3.9 inches) and no
frequency of flooding or ponding.
Coastal Beaches and Tukey gravelly loam soils do not appear on the NRCS national
hydric soils list (NRCS 2017).
Because NRCS soil surveys do not necessarily capture small scale variation, Westech
staff conducted additional field studies of the soils. To examine soils in the wetland
boundaries, Westech staff dug soil pits and observed soil characteristics. The location of
the soil pits examined by Westech are shown in Figure 6. The VSH-1 plot (vegetation,
soils and hydrology) are located within a representative wetland area. The location of the
plot has been marked in the field using a wooden stake tied with blue and white striped
flagging. The soil information taken at the sample point is highlighted in Table 3.
As Table 3 indicates, soils within the wetland near the wetland edge (VSH-1) were silty
clay soils with matrix with a value/chroma of 3/1 (10YR; 1.00%) Between zero to six inches
in depth. Soils were silty clay 3/1 (10YR; 42%) and 8% redox features 416 (7.5YR)
between six to ten inches in depth. Soils were also clay 6N (Gley 1; 42%) and 8% redox
features 4/6 (7.5YR) between six to ten inches in depth.. Between ten and 15 inches, soils
were clay 6N (Gley 1; 92%) and 8% redox features 416 (7.5YR). These soils are clayey
mucks, which show a reduced matrix that indicates regular inundation in the root zone.
Saturated soil was present to the surface in this area.
WWI 521 -Nebel DriveW D.RP"T/071117/mas 16
TABLE 3. SITE SOILS
(201 Nebel Drive)
Loc tionlDe th inches
TY2e
ValuelChroma
Redox (Colorl°Jal
Plot #VHS -1 Wetland
0-6 _
Silty Clay
3/1 10Y_ _R)
8%C 4/6 7.5YR
6-10 _
10-18
Sil Cla
311 tl0YR
8%C 4/6 (7.5YR
Clay -
Gle 1-6N
8%C 4/6 7.5YR
Plot # VHS -2 U land
0-3 _
Gravelly sand
_
5/1 10YR
3+
Hardpan
N/A
WW1521-NebelDriveWD.Tab3/071117/mas 17
Hydrology
Numerous factors (e.g., precipitation, topography, soil permeability, and plant cover)
influence the wetness of an area. The water source for this wetland comes from a
combination of direct precipitation, runoff from adjacent elevated areas, and a high water
table. Hydrologic indicators across the wetlands included areas of saturation in the root
zone (USACE 2010).
3.2 LAND USES AND HABITAT VALUES
Wetlands are transitional areas between upland and aquatic environments where water is
present long enough to form distinct soils, and where specialized, water -tolerant plants
grow. Wetlands serve a variety of functions such as transferring surface water into the
ground, thereby recharging groundwater supplies. Wetlands trap water along with
sediments and pollutants providing stormwater detention and filtration. They also mitigate
flood impacts; and provide wildlife habitat.
Wetland buffers are important because they reduce the adverse impacts of adjacent land
uses on wetlands. The buffers serve to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, filter suspended
solids, nutrients and toxic substances and moderate impacts of stormwater runoff. As
such, buffers serve to preserve wetland functions. They also provide important habitat for
wildlife living in and around the wetland.
The wetlands are situated uphill from a shoreline located along a gradual downward slope
running south to north and east to west, parallel to Nebel Drive. The wetlands occur on a
slope located within an open meadow on the Site.
3.3 WETLAND TYPES AND BUFFERS
One freshwater slope wetland (Wetland A) and portions of Discovery Bay marine shoreline
(Wetland C) are located within the boundaries of the Property (Site). A lagoon and
estuarine wetland (Wetland B) are located west of the Site.
The Discovery Bay Shoreline is located at the northern edge of the Property and has a
very narrow band of wetland vegetation in some areas (Wetland C).
WW1521-Nebel DriveWD.RPT/o71117/mas 18
The wetland (Wetland A) was found to be an emergent slope wetland, located about 165
feet west of Nebel Drive and sloping downward to the north and west. The boundary of
this wetland has been flagged with Wetland Delineation Tape placed on 48 inch wooden
stakes. GPS readings have been taken of the stake locations and utilized in preparation of
the map in Figure 6.
Wetland RaiinQ
The buffer sizes to be applied at this Site are governed by the Jefferson County Critical
Areas Code. In order to establish buffer sizes, Jefferson County requires that wetlands be
rated using the Washington State Department of Ecology's Wetland Rating System for
Western Washington (WDOE 2014). In this system, wetland ratings are based on:
1. Water Quality Function (i.e., Does the wetland have the ability to improve water
quality?)
2. Hydrologic Function (i.e., Does the wetland decrease flooding and/or erosion?)
3. Habitat Function (i.e.., Does the wetland provide habitat for many species?)
In Washington, wetland rating categories are based on the rarity of the type of wetland, our
ability to replace it, its sensitivity to adjacent human disturbances, and the functions it
performs. The objective of the rating system is to divide wetlands into groups that have
similar needs for protection.
The on -Site slope wetland was rated as a Category IV wetland with an overall score of
12 points. The wetland had a water quality score of 4, a hydrologic score of 4, and a
habitat score of 4 (See Wetland Rating Forms in Appendix C).
The Discovery Bay shoreline on the Site has been mapped with GPS as has the near
boundary of the estuarine wetland/lagoon which is mainly on the adjacent parcel. On
both of these areas, the edge of the estuary coincided with the Ordinary High Water
Mark (OHWM) which has been used to mark the wetland boundary. Both of these
water bodies and the estuarine wetland (which is along the edge of the lagoon) are
considered to be Category I Wetlands based on characteristics (see wetland rating
forms in Appendix C).
Wetland Buffers
The in -wetland habitat for the on-site slope wetland had limited plant species diversity
and was highly disturbed (lawn area). The Jefferson County Codes requires 40 foot
buffers to protect these functions in areas of moderate land uses (JCC 18.22).
WW1521-NebelDriveWD.RPT/071117/mas 19
The wetland boundary was marked in the field by pink "Wetland Delineation" tape tied to
48" wooden stakes. The data stations have been marked by blue and white -striped tape
(see Appendix B).
The lagoon and OHWM of the shoreline have been marked with a Garmin Oregon 550t
handheld GPS unit since some locations were outside of the Site boundary. The various
buffer zones were measured and marked with orange -black striped tape for the
wetlands where appropriate, however, such marking was not useful or appropriate in
paved and landscaped areas around the existing residence.
Shoreline buffers and buffers from the estuarine wetland bordering the lagoon are 150
feet (plus a 10 foot setback for buildings). The buffers have been established using
GPS coordinates (see Figure 6).
Distances from the wetlands (closest distance) to the pool -site and comparison to the
required buffers are as follows:
Wetland
Type
Buffer
Pool Site
A
On-site slope wetland
40
93
B
Shoreline to the north
150
217
C
Estuarine wetland to the west
150
171
As shown in the Table above, the pool -site is outside of the required buffer zones in all
cases.
3.4 JEFFERSON COUNTY WETLAND MAP
Jefferson County online maps show wetlands west of the parcel in the lagoon and
Discovery Bay. No other wetlands are shown on the parcel (Jefferson County 2017b).
WWI 521-NebelDriveWD.RPT/0711171mas 20
4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 CONCLUSIONS
A wetland, lagoon, marine shoreline, and their corresponding buffer zones were identified
on the Site. Figure 6 shows the location and extent of the mapped wetlands. The on-site
emergent slope wetland has been rated according to state guidelines and classified as a
Category IV wetland (Wetland A).
The marine shoreline has a narrow Category I Estuarine Wetland on-site (Wetland C),
extending into Discovery Bay. The lagoon, which is located on the adjacent property to
the west has a fringe estuarine wetland (Wetland B) which has been rated on
Characteristics as a Category I Wetland.
Jefferson County requires buffer widths of 40 feet for Category IV wetlands with moderate
intensity of land uses for properties over one acre in size, which applies to the Site.
Wetland boundaries and buffers (where appropriate) have been marked in the field. The
Category I wetlands require a buffer zone of 150 feet.
The proposed pool -site is located outside of the wetland buffers for Wetlands A, B and C.
Locations are shown in Figure 6.
4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Westech recommends that all development on the Site take place outside of wetland
buffer. The distances from the proposed pool -site are all greater than the required buffers.
Standard erosion control measures including a silt fence between the construction zone
and the wetland should be adequate to prevent any erosion impacts to the wetland during
construction.
WW1521-NebelDriveWD RPT/071117/mas 21
5.0 REFERENCES
Cooke, S.S. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington
and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society. Seattle, Washington.
Google Earth. 2017. Online mapping software. www.googleearth.com. Imagery date:
July 28, 2016.
Guard, J. 1995. Wetiand Plants of Oregon and Washington, Lone Pine Publishing.
Renton, Washington.
Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of
Washington Press. Seattle, Washington.
Jefferson County. 2017a. Critical Areas Code website. http:llwww.co,gefferson.wa.us/
commdevelopment/Critical%20Areas%200r+finance%20Web%2OFiles/CAOrd03-
0317-08.pdfi
Jefferson County. 2017b. Online Interactive Mapping website.
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.uslidms/mapserver.shtml
Lyons, C.P. 1997. Wildflowers of Washington. Lone Pine Publishing. Renton,
Washington.
Munsell. 1994. Munsell Soil Color Charts. GretagMacbeth. New Windsor, New York,
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2017. Hydric Soils.
http://soils.usda.gov/use/hydric/.
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 1994 (Updated 2004). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Lone Pine Publishing Company. Redmond, Washington.
Taylor, R. 1995. Northwest Weeds. Mountain Press Publishing Company. Missoula
Montana.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2010. Re conal Su cement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains Valle s and Coast
Regions (Version 2,0 1. May 2010. Washington, D.C.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 1987. Wetland Delineation Manual.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2012. 2012 National Wetland Plant List.
http://Plants.usda.gov/core/watiandSearch.
WWI 521 -Nebel DriveWD.RPT1071117/mas 22
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 1981. Quadrangle Map of Quilcene, Washington.
Scale 1:24,000. Published 1953, Photo -revised 1981. Denver, Colorado.
Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). 2014. Washington State Wetlands Ratinq
Sy
stem for Western Washington. Thomas Hruby. Publication #14-06-029.
Olympia, Washington.
Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). 1997. Washington State Wetlands
Identification and Delineation Manual. Publication #. 96-94. Olympia, Washington.
WW1521-NebelDriveWD. RPT1071117lmas 23
APPENDICIES
WW1 521 -NebelDriveWD. RPT1071117/mas 24
APPENDIX A
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
WW1 521-NebelDrive.APPA/071117/mas A-1
1) Looking west from the existing home -site showing wetland area (mid -ground)
and adjacent estuarine lagoon wetland and Discovery Bay (background)
2) Northern portion of home -site showing Discovery Bay shoreline. i
WW1 521-NebelDrive.APPA1071117/mas A-2
West side of home -site showing slope wetland area on near side of line of
existing trees along the property line.
lli
4) Proposed pool site at south end of existing home (shed to be moved and pool
will extend from house into shed location).
WW1 521 -Nebel Drive.AP PA/071117/mas A-3
APPENDIX B
WETLAND DATA FORMS
WW1 521 -Nebel DriveWD,APPB/071117/mas B-1
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: g City/County: � .f L '_�. Sampling Date2-
Applicant/Owner: State: rA Sampling Point:
Investigator(s): i A . �} z � ,(r /�� , �1 Z cl an, Township, Range_
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc )� oe <r[{jeal relief (concavofconvex, none).
442.24!a �Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR): u r Lat: d' Long: 1c, _ 6 iii' p{�atum:
Soil Map Unit Name: i N1M classrficatlon,
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical fo this time of year? Y s ✓ N' (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation / , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
4ct.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Is the Sampled Area
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes _y/_ No within a Wetland? Yes ,,/ _ No
Remarks
L, a
VEGETATION - Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: —V)
1 C-�-
2.
3.
4.
Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet:
% Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
=
SaplimfShrub Stratum (Plot size:Total Cover}
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Herb Stratum (Plot size: _ = Total Cover
�
2. - / .
3.
4. Jyif'trt
5.
6.
7.-
8.-
9-
10.
.8.9._10.
11.
Woody Vint Stratum (Plot size: '� ) Total Cover
1.
2. -
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
= Total Cover
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (t})
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 = of
FAC species x 3 =
FACU species a x 4 =
UPL species x5=
Column Totals: - (A) _ (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = �_
Hydrophytic Vegetation indicators:
1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
2 - Dominance Test is >50%
_ 3 - Prevalence Index is 53.0'
4 - Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
_ 5 - Wetland Non -Vascular Plants'
_ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation /
Present? Yes if No
(/l�. (f✓7/L ! [d�J� 7ti. iX 'e pt4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2 0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
rrome Description: (Describe to f.he depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Golor (moist) % Tvno Loc Texture Remarks
i _ c:=c:oncentranon D=De detian RM=Reduced Matrix CS =Covered or Coated Sand Grains.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)
_ Histosol (Al)
_ Sandy Redox (S5)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
_ Stripped Matrix (S6)
_ Black Histic (A3)
_ Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
_ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
_ Depleted Matrix (F3)
_ Thick Dark Surface (Al2)
_ Redox Dark Surface (176)
_ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1)
_ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type .d_La,4- ,
Depth (inches): -�
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Sc
_ 2 cm Muck (A10)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
_ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
'Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Primary Indicators (minimum of one r gp)red: check
all that apply)
§egogdary Indicators f2 or more f auiredl
Surface Water (Al)
_ Water -Stained Leaves (139) (except
_ Water -Stained Leaves (139) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2)
MLRA 1, 2,4A, and 4B)
4A, and 4B)
�[ Saturation (A3)
_ Salt Crust (B11)
_ Drainage Patterns (1310)
Water Marks (B1)
Aquatic Invertebrates (1313)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
_ Sediment Deposits (62)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
_ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
_ Drift Deposits (63)
_ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3)
_ Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (134)
__. Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
_ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (135)
_ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
_ FAC -Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (136)
— Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A)
_ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
_ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (137)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Frost -Heave Hummocks (D7)
_ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
meia Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes _ No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes f No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes �� No Depth (inches): L� Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
(includes capillary fringe)_
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available-
Remarks:
vailable:
Fiemarks:
�`�- �..[ /f �yL i Lpj f'vG 1�.�iQ c ,� ��•� r / ®� T'tLY_� � �i'�i,• C�LGA'T,4r��
4'e --
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: �-, 5,4e,-4 i2414?'' City/County: - H2 4 Z12n , Sampling Date: _U/ II7
Applicant/Owner: State: L4,44 Sampling Point- VJ'Ll_
Investigator(s):Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): {/ 1�1v[1s �Focat relief (concave, convex, none), 41, Slope (%): 7
Subregion (LRR): A ILat: °'+ -- Long: I.2- �Y-41? atum.
Soil Map Unit Name: l t NWI classification:_
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for t& time of year? Yes t/ Na (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation / , Soil_ or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes Na
Are Vegetation Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) A
�fCt(/cvfl
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features. etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes_yNo-,/—
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Is the Sampled Area
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No within a Wetland? Yes No:
VtLit I A I IUN - Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: �1���) % Cover Species? Status
1. �T
2
3.
4
=
SaplirxqIShruta StratumTotal Cover. (Plot size: �J
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Herb Stratum (Plot size: ) = Total Cover 6
3.
ice -=;tilt
4. r `-A
5.
6.-
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
=
Wood Vine StratumTotal Cover_ (Plot size: �)
1.
2.
=
%Bare Ground in Herb Stratum O Total Cover
Kemart(s:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: _ (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Tolal' % Cover of:
Multiply by;
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x3=
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x5=
Column Totals: �Z (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A=
1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
_ 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
_ 3 - Prevalence Index is 53.0'
_ 4 - Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
_ 5 - Wetland Non -Vascular Plants'
_ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast -Version 2 0
SOIL
lve,4.-/ ,C.'e f -
Sampling Painl:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
finches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type Loc Texture k Remarks
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. ZLocation: PL=Pore Linin.q, M=Matrix,
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils':
_ Histosol (Al)
_ Sandy Redox (S5)
_ 2 cm Muck (A10)
_ Histic Epipedon (A2)
_ Stripped Matrix (S6)
_ Red Parent Material (rF2)
_ Black Histic (A3)
_ Loamy Mucky Mineral (171) (except MLRA 1)
_ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
_ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
_ Depleted Matrix (F3)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
_ Thick Dark Surface (Al2)
_ Redox Dark Surface (F6)
'Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
_ Sandy Mucky Mineral (Sl)
_ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Redox Depressions (F8)
unless disturbed or problematic
Restrictive Layer (if present): 6
Type: P 1
Depth (inches): ,r �� Hydric Soil Present? Yes No 1 '
Remarks:,�
�`=�7` • �� �' .ter �J
HYDROLOGY
vveuana nyaroiogy inorcators:
Primaryndicators (minimum of one reauired: check all that apply)
$econ#ary Indicators (2 or rpgre reouircd)
Surface Water (Al)
_ Water -Stained Leaves (139) (except
_ Water -Stained Leaves (69) (MLRA 1, 2,
_ High Water Table (A2)
MLRA 1, 2,4A, and 4B)
4A, and 413)
Saturation (A3)
_ Salt Crust (B11)
_ Drainage Patterns (1310)
_ Water Marks (B1)
_ Aquatic Invertebrates (613)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (82)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
_ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
_ Drift Deposits (133)
_ Oxidized Rhlzospheres along Living Roots (C3)
_ Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
_ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
_ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (135)
_ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
_ FAC -Neutral Test (05)
Surface Soil Cracks (86)
_ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A)
_ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (137)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Frost -Heave Hummocks (D7)
_ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches): _
Water Table Present? Yes No, epth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches): Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No �;
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, prevlous inspections), if available:
Remarks
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast — Version 2.0
APPENDIX C
WETLAND RATING FORM AND MAPS
WWI 521 -Nebel DriveWD.APPC/071117/mas G-1
C_ Wetland name or number 6j), C_
RATING SUMMARY - Western Washington
f f P,S"Tl.lc!: f'i 11 t' /17
Name of wetland (or ID #); ����� � � -"[3E' � 1f.`c ' Date of site visit;
Rated by . 6. 11"C Trained by Ecology? ''(es No Date of trainfn�"C41
} jiitt�4� sc �:..lxl4i'IrtE-.
HGM Class used for rating I Wetlan(Lf1s multiple HGM classea f --'Y N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map--��
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY) (based on functions or special characteristics -Z)
1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
Category I — Total score = 23 - 27
Category II —Total score = 20 - 22
Category III — Tota I score W 16 - 19
Category IV -- Total score T 9 - 15 "SIC%VIE
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Estuarine
Circle the appropriate ratings
Wetland of High Conservation Value
Site Potential
H M L
H M
H M L
I
Landscape Potential
W M,: L
H M, L
H M L
Interdunal
Value
H M L
H M L
H M L
TOTAL
!Score Based on
Ratings
2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC
CATEGORY
Estuarine
Wetland of High Conservation Value
1
Bog
I
Mature Forest
I
Old Growth Forest
I
Coastal Lagoon
Interdunal
1 II III IV
None of the above
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015
Score for each
function based
on three
ratings
(order of ratings
is not
important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5=H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3=L,L,L
Wetland name or number' r'� C„
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of;
To answerquestions;
Figure #
Cowardin plant classes
H droperlods
D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4
L 1.2
D 1.4, H 1.2
L 2.2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods)
D 1.1, D 4.1
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland l'can be added to anotherfigure)
D 2.21 D 5.2
S4.1
Map of the contributing basin
D 4.3, D 5.3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
_
1 km Polygon; Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2. 1, H 2.2, H 2.3
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
_
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website)
.D 3. 1, D 3.2
S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web)
D 3.3
S3.3
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions;
Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
L 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
L 2.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another igurej R 2.4
H 2. 1, H 2.2, H 2.3
L 3.1, L 3.2 Y�
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web)
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to onotherpyure) R 4.1
S4.1
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure)
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
r^
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website)
Lake Fringe Wetlands
Map of:
To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes
L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
L 1.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland icon be added to anotherfigure)
L 2.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2. 1, H 2.2, H 2.3
L 3.1, L 3.2 Y�
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web)
I L 3.3
Slope Wetlands
Map of:
To answer questions;
Figure #
Cowardin plant classes
H 1.1, H 1.4
-
Hydroperiods
H 1.2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
S 1.3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S4.1
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure)
S 2.1, S 5.1
r^
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetiand edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website)
S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TIVIDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web)
S3.3
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014Update
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015
Wetland name or number_
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
For questions 1-7, the. criteria. described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic cr iteria listed.in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you
:provably have a unit with multiple .HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in
questions 1-7 apply, acid go to Question 8,
1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods?
NO go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe - go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe
Ifyour wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it
is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an E.stuat^ine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to
score functions for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is fiat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater
and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
60 go to 3 YES - The wetland class is Flats
Ifyour wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
—The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any
plants on the surface at anytime of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size;
_At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m).
t`NO go to 4 YES - The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Dons the entire wetland unit ineet all of the following criteria?
V The wetland is on a slope (slope can be verygradual),
'rhe water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from
seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a Swale without distinct banks,
The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
NO - go to 5YES The wetland class is Slope
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and
shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft
deep).
S. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that
stream or river,
The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years.
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015
Wetland name or number,_
NO - go to 6 YES - The wetland class is Riverine
NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not
flooding
6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the
surface, at some time during the yeah? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior
of the wetland.
NO - go to 7 YES - The wetland class is Depressional
7, is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank
flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be
maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural
outlet,
NO - go to 8 YES - The wetland class is Depressional
8, Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM
classes, For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small
stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides, GO BACK AND IDENTIFY
WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT
AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the
wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or
more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. if the area of the HGM class listed in column 2
is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the
total area,
HGM classes within the wetland unit
being rated
HGM class to
use in rating
Slope + Riverine
Riverine
Slope + Depressional
Depressional
Slope + Lake Fringe
Lake Fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake Fringe
Depressional
Riverine + Lake Fringe
Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
Ifyou are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, orifyou have
more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the
ra ting.
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 201d Update 4
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015
Wetland name or number'L.
SLOPE WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
S 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
S 2.2. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in question S 2.1?
Other sources Yes = 1 No 0
S 1.1. Characteristics of the average slope of the wetland: (o 1% slope has a 1 ft vertical drop in elevation for every
Total for S 2 Add the points in the boxes above
100 ft of horizontal distance)
Slope is 1% or less points = 3
Slope is > 1%-2% points = 2
Slope is > 2%-5% point5l�-j
Slope is greater than 5%p oints = 0
S 1,2. The soil 2 in below the surface for duff layerl is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions): Yes = 3 No 0
t`
S 1.3. Characteristics of the plants in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants:
Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the plants in the wetland. Dense means you
have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75116 cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher
than 6 in.
Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > 90% of the wetland area points = 6
Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > % of area points = 3
Dense, woody, plants > %2 of area points = 2
Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > % of area points =
Does not meet any of the criteria above for plants points 0
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is:_12 = H _6-11 = M v{p-5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
S 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
S 2.1. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft on the uphill side of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants?
Yes1 No= 0
r
( �I
S 2.2. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in question S 2.1?
Other sources Yes = 1 No 0
S 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality? Ans er YES
if there is a TMDL for the basin in which unit is found. Yes = 2 q = 0
Total for S 2 Add the points in the boxes above
l
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: ✓1-2 :CW !0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
S 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
S 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the
303(d) list? Yes = N)=0
r
( �I
_ _
S 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub -basin where water quality is an issue? At least one aquatic resource int basin is
on the 303(d) list. Yes = 1 = 0
S 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality? Ans er YES
if there is a TMDL for the basin in which unit is found. Yes = 2 q = 0
Total for S 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H _ -_3 = M r/0 L
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating form - Effective January 1, 2015
Record the rating on thefirst page
11
Wetland 11,1 Me nl• rsumbeI-
SLOPE WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators thatthe site functions to reduce flooding and stream:erosion
S 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion?
S 4.1. Characteristics of plants that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate
The sub -basin immediately down -gradient of site has flooding problems that result in damage to human or
for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland. Stems of plants should be thick enough (usually>'/8
natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds) points = 2
in), or dense enough, to remain erect during surface flows.
Surface flooding problems are in a sub -basin farther down -gradient points = 1
Dense, uncut, rigid plants cover > 90% of the area of the wetland points = 1
f�`�
All other conditions points �q_)
l4.•�
Rating of Site Potential If score is:_1 = M JA0
Record the rating on the first page
S 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the hydrologic functions of the site?
S 5.1. Is more than 25% of the area within 150 ft upslope of wetland in land uses or cover that generate excess
surface runoff? Yes;c i_l,No = 0
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: ^i _ ____0 = L Record the rating on the first page
S 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
S 6.1. Distance to the nearest areas downstream that have flooding problems:
The sub -basin immediately down -gradient of site has flooding problems that result in damage to human or
natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds) points = 2
Surface flooding problems are in a sub -basin farther down -gradient points = 1
No flooding problems anywhere downstream points = Q
S 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan?
Yes = 2 No=
Total for S 6 Add the points in the boxes above
P.
Rating of Value If score is: �2-4 = H _1 = M a -f 0 r"% Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014• Update 12
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015
Wetlaiid name or number_
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat
H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat?
H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the
Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold
of Y. ac or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked.
uatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4
_Emergent 3 structures: points = 2
_Scrub -shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1
Forested (areas where trees have > 30•9/o cover) 1 structure: points
If the unit has a Forested class, check if.•
The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub -canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover)
that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
H 1,2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover
more than 10% of the wetland or A ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
_ Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3
_Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2
Occasionally flooded or Inundated 2 types present: points = 1
'--'Saturated only 1 type present: points =C
Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft"
Different patches of the some species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name
the species. Don at include Eurasian m11foil, reed can arygrass, purple laosestrife, Canadian thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
5 - 19 species points = 1
5Dpecies points = 0
L
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether Interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or
the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you
have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high.
0
Nong` ints Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
All three diagrams
in this row
are HIGH = 3points
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13
Rating Form -- Effective January 1, 2015
Wetland name or number A
H 1.5. Special habitat features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points.
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
_____Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long).
Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland
Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m)
if total accessible habitat is:
over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m)
Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree
points 3
slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered
20-33% of 1 km Polygon
where wood is exposed)
At least % ac of thin -stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in a reqs that are
points = 1
permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg -laying by amphibians)
< 10% of 1 km Polygon
_Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of
strata)
Total for H 1 w Add the points in the boxes above
Calculate: %undisturbed habitat____+((%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2)_=,
Rating of Site Potential If score is:—,15-18 = H 7-14 = M _0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate; % undisturbed habitat_ ___+ [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2]—
if total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon
points 3
20-33% of 1 km Polygon
points 6
10-19% of 1 km Polygon
points = 1
< 10% of 1 km Polygon
points = 0
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: %undisturbed habitat____+((%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2)_=,
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon
points,�-
Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches
1
point -s` g-
Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches
points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon
points = 0
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If
> 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use
points (- 2
<- 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity
points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is:_4-6 = H = M) �< 1 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rafted.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
— It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page)
--- It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
— It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species
— It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources
— It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a
Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1
Site does not meet any of the criteria above points DI
Rating of Value If score is:_2 = H 1 = M Aj L Record the rating on thefirst page
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating form -- Effective January 1, 2015
Wetland name or number
WDFW Priority Habitats
Prin (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can
be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington,
177 pp. 1, Iu,aiM,c;u;•f i )IQ' Z y dt'.v0I I f, i, + or access the list from here:
Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE. This question is
independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat.
--- Aspen Stands: pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha).
Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and
wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report).
Herbaceous Balds; Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock.
Old-growth/Mature forests: Qjd-gs•owth west of Cascade crest - Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-
layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) > 32 in (81 cm) dbh or> 200
years of age. MaLure_forests - Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 in (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less
than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that
found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest.
— Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak
component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158 - see web link above).
— Riparian: The area adjacentto aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other.
— Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non -forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet
prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 -see web link above).
--- Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide
functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources.
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and
Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report -
see web link on previous page).
— (saves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess,void, orsystem of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock,
ice, or othergeological Formations and is large enough to contain a human.
Cliffs; Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation,
— Talus; Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 It (0.15 - 2,0 m), composed of basalt, andesiCe,
and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.
— Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to
enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 in (51 cm) in western
Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12 in (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft
(6 m) long,
Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed
elsewhere.
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15
Rating Form -- Effective January 1, 2015
t
Wetland narne or number
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Wetland Type --
Catego ry
Check off any criteria Chat apply to the wetland. Circle the category when the appropriate criteria are met.
SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands
Dop the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
,,The dominant water regime is tidal,
--legetated, and
—� With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes –Go to SC 1.1 No= Not an estuarine wetland
SC 1.1. Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area
Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or scientific Reserve designated under VAC 332-30-151?
Yes = Category 1 No )-Go to SC 1.2
Cat, I
SC 1.2. Is the vetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less
scat.
than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartlna, see page 25)
I
—At least X of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un -grazed or un -
owed grassland.
--Thewetland has at least two of the followin features: tidal channel r
g � depressions with open water, or
Cat. II
contiguous freshwater wetlands.Yes) Category I No = Category II
SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV)
SC 2.1. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High
Conservation Value? Yes -- Go to SC 2.2 No – Go to SC 2.3
Cat. I
SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value?
Yes= Categoryll No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland?
"tr.wi;1, .,py nI?; frost'dp...,l{,+;lilti SPBr"C!? ^1r1i1 )4N(alelit[js.7C]f
Yes–Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 No =Not a WHCV
SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on
their website? Yes = Category I No = Not a WHCV
SC 3.0. Bogs
Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key
below. if you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
SC 3.1. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in or
more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No – Go to SC 3.2
SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep
over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or
pond? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No = Is not a bog
SC 3.3. Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30%
cover of plant species fisted in Table 4? Yes = Is a Category I bog No – Go to SC 3.4
NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory, you may substitute that criterion by
measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5,0 and the
plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog.
Cat.
SC 3.4. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sltka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the
species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy?
Yes = Is a Category I bog No = Is not a bog
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form •- Effective January 1, 2015
Wetland name or number _ -r - —
SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands
Does the wetland have at least 1 contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA
Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitats? if you answer YES you will still need to rate
the wetland based on its functions.
-- Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi -layered
canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of
age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in (81 cm) or more,
— Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR the
species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in (53 cm),
Yes= Category I No = Not a forested wetland for this section
Cat. I
SC 5.0. Wetlands In Coastal Lagoons
Q�Sthe wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon?
6 The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from
i j iiarine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks
The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains ponded water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt)
during most of the year in at least a portion of the la,aon (needs to be measured near the bottom)
Cat. I
Yes - Go id SC 5.1 No = Not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
SC 5.1. DOs the wetland meet all of the following three conditions?
1 -The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has less
/than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100).
Cat. II
- At least Y. of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un -grazed or un -
mowed grassland.
ZThe wetland is larger than '/10 ac (4350 ft)
Yes = Category lj No = Category 11
SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands
Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? if
you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its habitat functions.
In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:
— Long Beach Peninsula: Lands west of SR 103
— Grayland-Westport: Lands west of SR 105
Cat I
— Ocean Shores-Copalis: Lands west of SR 115 and SR 109
Yes - Go to SC 6.1 No = not an interdunal wetland for rating
SC 6.1. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M
Cat. II
for the three aspects of function)? Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 6.2
SC 6.2. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger?
Yes = Category II No - Go to SC 6.3
Cat, II
SC 63, Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac?
Yes = Category III No = Category IV
Cat. IV
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
If you answered No for all types, enter "Not Applicable" on Summary Form
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 17
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015
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