HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland Supplemental 901112046YYES TECH COMPANY
Environmental Consulting - Site Permitting
January 15, 2018
Ms. Donna Frostholm
Jefferson County Department of Community Development
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Dear Ms. Frostholm:
This letter is regarding comments received by Spring Rain Farm (a local organic farm) owned by
Mr. John Bellow and Ms. Roxanne Hudson, P.O. Box 1015, Chimacum, WA 98325. The Site
address is 187 Covington Drive and the parcel is identified as APN# 901-11-2046. The Case
number referred to in your letter of November 15, 2017 is Case # SEP17-00124.
Your comment is that the County requires a field data form supporting the fact that the area was
not designated as a wetland in our Wetland Delineation Report, since the County map appears
to show a wetland in the central area of the property. You also requested a Figure showing the
locations of the test plot(s).
Characteristics of Organic Farm Field
We have included below a brief description of the plants, soils and hydrology in the central area
of the property. This area is currently an organic farm field and has been operated as such for
approximately the past ten years. Prior to this, the owner, Mr. Bellow, asserts that the area was
used as a corral area for horses and other uses (when he purchased the property in 2008).
The area has low topography relative to other areas, and has dark organic soils, which has been
extensively altered by soil amendments by the owner/farmer. Due to organic farm operations,
the field is regularly watered by sprinklers in addition to normal rainfall.
Since the area was extensively used for cultivation of organic vegetables, Westech Company
did not include this in our previous wetland analysis, even though we noted that County
mapping showed this area as a wetland. In our experience, we often find many wetlands not on
County maps and occasionally find absence of wetlands where they are mapped.
P.O. Box 2876, Port Angeles, Washington 98362 - Telephone: (360) 565-1333
email: brad@westechcompany.com
Donna Frostholm
January 15, 2018
Page Two
Findings
Westech has performed supplemental work to document the Organic Farm field as requested by
the County. Data forms are attached for test plots within the field (VSH-1) and in an upland area
adjacent to the field (VSH-2) at the southwest corner of the field, roughly in the center of the
Property.
Vegetation
We found that plants within the field are upland plants, generally vegetables and berries
(raspberry plants near our test pits). These plants are upland plants which require relatively well
drained soils to survive. There are also planted grasses and strawberry in the area, but these
are located outside of the field area and outside of our test plot (See attached vegetation -soils -
hydrology (VSH) data forms (VSH-1) for the field vegetation.
Upland vegetation adjacent to the field's southwest corner are shown in the VSH-2 data form
(attached). This area is 1-2 feet higher in elevation than the field and appears to be weedy
vegetation typical of heavily used areas near the field and an adjacent driveway. These data
forms indicate clear dominance of upland vegetation. Plants include plantain (Plantago
lanceolata), English daisy (Bellis perennis), American vetch (Vicia Americana), dandelion
(Taraxacum officionale), scattered grasses (Poa spp.) and moss.
Soils
The soils in VSH-1 (the farm field) are a dark rich organic loam, however, there is little or no clay
in the field soils. The field soils are silt loams and sandy silt loams, underlain by sandy loams in
the lower root zone. While dark soils may be indicative of wetlands (2/2 on Munsell Charts),
these soils appear to be dark due to organic constituents (typical of soils of areas which may
have previously been in a floodplain). These soils are moderately well drained to well drained.
They have silty loam near the surface and sandy silt loam in the lower root zone.
Soils in VSH-2 are clearly upland soils. The Munsell charts show a chroma/value rating of 3/2
near the surface and 5/3 in the mid -root zone, underlain by hardpan. This soil appear to be
sandy gravelly loams and gravelly sand underlain by glacial till. These are moderately drained,
but somewhat less well drained than the field area.
Hydrology
Hydrology was dry to moist in VSH-1 at the time of sampling on December 6, 2017. Drip
irrigation was apparently being applied daily at that time. Sample point VSH-2 was also found to
be dry to moist at that time. Precipitation had occurred earlier that week.
P.O. Box 2876, Port Angeles, Washington 98362 - Telephone: (360) 565-1333
email: brad@westechcompany.com
Donna Frostholm
January 15, 2018
Page Three
Quadrats VSH-1 and VSH-2 at the two Soil Test Pit locations are shown on the map in Figure 1
(attached). Data forms for the two quadrats are also attached.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Our professional judgement is that the organic garden area (farm field) in the center of the
property does NOT constitute a Wetland in accordance with definitions of the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, the State of Washington or the Jefferson County Code.
The organic farm field area is relatively uniform and consistent in terms of soil type. Historically,
those soils may have been part of the Chimicum Creek floodplain and have a mixture of rich
organic components, giving them a dark color. However, the mixture of silt and sand make
these soils moderately well drained and they do not qualify as hydric in our professional opinion.
The vegetation is upland and these plants would not survive if the soils had high clay content, as
would be expected in hydric soils. Quadrat and soil test pit location VSH-1 is representative of
soils throughout the farm field.
Westech Company recommends that the owner be permitted to place the septic system
drainfield as designed. That drainfield is planned for an area located at least 52 feet from the
edge of the organic farm field (southeast corner). Conversations with Mr. Mike Deeney (the
septic designer) indicate that the drainfield can be set back 20-30 feet further if necessary. The
proposed building site is at a distance of roughly 80 feet from the organic farm field. Since the
farm field is NOT a wetland in our professional opinion, there is no need for any buffer setback
for the drainfield or the building envelope.
Please feel free to contact me at 360-565-1333 or by email if you have any questions regarding
this report. Thank you.
Sincerely,
G. Bradford S;a, Ph.D., REPA, ABI
Senior Envir nmental Scientist/Ecologist
P.O. Box 2876, Port Angeles, Washington 98362 - Telephone: (360) 565-1333
email: brad@westechcompany.com
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WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM — Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Ste. r City/County: gj-:e ova- Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner
State:. 4-� .Sampling Point: V q�,% -�
Investigator(s): tv` Section, Township, Range: _-$ `r7 9 yrs } I
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): 'T� /�� ,�� Local relief (concave, convex, none) Slope (%):�
Subregion (LRR): a LA.1 Lat: �F� {� R( Long: !� � :'" � I +rr" �11�atum:
Soil Map Unit Name: f WI classification:
Are climatic /hydrologic coedit ns on the site typical for is time of YIr? Yes _ No (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.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS — Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes Noa_
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Is the Sampled Area
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No _ within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION — Use scientific names of plants.
Kemarx&
Dominance Test worksheet.
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: _ _ (g)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Absolule
Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: )
% Cover
Species? Status
l
FAC species
x 3 =
2—
.
x 4 =
--
3.
Column Totals:
(A)
4.
= Total Cover
Saolino/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
I
1. ZA
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: )
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
—
8.
—
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: }
1. A41A
2.
C)
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Kemarx&
Dominance Test worksheet.
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: _ _ (g)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of:
Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1
FACW species
X2=
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
(A/B)
(B)
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 f�
Present? Yes No
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
SOIL Cb✓Sampling Point:
Profile Description: Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features _
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Tvrse oc� Texture ,Remarks
'T e: C=Concentration, D=De letion, 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 (172)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
_ Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (Al2)
_ Redox Dark Surface (F6)
_ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1)
_ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
_ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
_ Redox Depressions (178)
Restrictive Layer (If present):
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
Type:
_ Drift Deposits (133)
Depth (inches):
_ Geomorphic Position (D2)
_ `Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Ma
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Se
2 cm Muck (A10)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
_ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF1 2)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydric Soil Present? Yes
HYDROLOGY
No X
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Prima Indicator minimum of one re uired• check all that a 21y).
Secondary Indicators (2 or more req iAlred)
_ Surface Water (Al)
_ Water -Stained Leaves (139) (except
_ Water -Stained Leaves (139) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2)
MLRA 1, 2,4A, and 46)
4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3)
_ Salt Crust (B11)
_ Drainage Patterns (610)
Water Marks (61)
Aquatic Invertebrates (613)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (62)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
_ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
_ Drift Deposits (133)
_ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3)
_ Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (64)
_ 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 (66)
Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A)
_ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (67) _ Other (Explain in Remarks)
Frost -Heave Hummocks (D7)
_ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (68)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes
No yam_ Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes
No �' Depth (inches):._ ,
Saturation Present? Yes
No Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge,
aerial photos, previous
available:
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: City/County:XL.:,. Sampling Date: r y
Applicant/Owner: I.nom'
State: Sampling Point: .�-.
Investigator(s): Re- , " �._ 1�, '.r i �T^ Section, Township, Range: :E /.+ vm2wAZ Q
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): . _ .�� Local relief (concave, convex, none): AJ r��� _ Slope (%):
49t -
Subregion (LRR): - Let: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Wi classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic co/di s on the site typical l' r this time of, ar? Yes No (If nexplain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation _Z, 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.)
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 No y within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION — Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum (Plot size _ )
2.
3.
Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet:
% Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species
_ That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
4.
Total Cover
lin
Sap=
Sh b Stratum (Plot size:
]
1. _1!S�
2.
_.
3.
4.
5.
/, ✓ )
Herb Stratum (Plot size: �
= Total Cover
1.
R 0
y
2.
N
4.
S+
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
!.9 e = Total Cover
Woody
Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
l aro' = Total Cover
% Bare
Ground in Herb Stratum
Remarks: 1
(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: WB)
Prevalence Index worksheet-
---Total % Cover of: Multlpiv bv:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species <5,7 x 3 = l —
FACU species x 4 = �--
UPL species x 5 =
Column Totals: ['3T• (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 No ./
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast -Version 2.0
S0I11_45y c1�1 y Sampling Point:
Profile Descriptio (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox eatures
nnch'es]]f Color moist) % Color (moist) % –Type'or, Texture Rema
RM =Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated
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 (Si)
_ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
_ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (If present):
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
Type: .e��.
_ Drift Deposits (63)
Depth (inches):
_ Geomorphic Position (D2)
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
ns. 2Location: PL=Pore
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils':
_ 2 cm Muck (A10)
_ Red Parent Material (TF2)
Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
31ndicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
No !;
Hydric Soil Present? Yes
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one re uired• check all that a ply
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required
_ 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 4B)
_ Saturation (A3)
_ Salt Crust (B11)
_ Drainage Patterns (610)
Water Marks (61)
_ Aquatic Invertebrates (613)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (132)
_ 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 (64)
_ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
_ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
_ Iron Deposits (65)
Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
_ FAC -Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (66)
_ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A)
_ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (67) _ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Frost -Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface
(138)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes
No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes
No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes
includes ca ilia fringe)
No Z Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology
Present? Yes No J
Data (stream gauge, monitoring
, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast –Version 2.0