The protocol started with a vegetation survey utilizing existing protocols from the Corps, USFWS, NWI classification system and the CNHP to create a new platform for field data collection, storage and analysis. This new platform utilizes “technology” for field data collection that can account for ecological status and that is consistent with state and federal systems in both wetland delineations (aquatic determinations) and wetland banking projects. The new platform allows for transparency among Users and is scientifically and legally defensible. The new platform was created from site vegetation surveys, other field data collection, graphic information system (GIS) mapping/analysis and utilizes publically available and private data. Because wetland banking projects can takes many years, overall costs for large areas are generally less and allow for growth over time without data loss among potentially changing personnel or consultants.

USFWS NWI mapped wetland areas were flown via a commercially available unmanned aerial system (drone) (under $2,200) at a 4-cm horizontal resolution and processed at 20-cm resolution. Drone Deploy software was utilized to process and stitch images into an aerial map. These aerial maps were utilized in iPads for vegetation base mapping and were flown within two weeks of vegetation field mapping. Drone Deploy software was also utilized for remote sensing analysis under NDVI to assess plant health within polygon areas. NDVI data were also compared to the field vegetation polygons (wetter or drier vegetation results) for accuracy and future status and trends in future banking efforts. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) GIS soils data were utilized within GIS analysis.

Data were analyzed in GIS to determine areas that would potentially, or currently, meet wetland criteria (therefore not an area for a wetland bank) and areas suitable for potential wetland mitigation banking because in the past they may of been wetlands but would now be classified as uplands. The vegetation survey was designed to provide a geospatial ArcGIS database of field mapped plant community types defined by the wetland indicator status of the three dominant species within all vegetation strata (tree, shrub and herbaceous). Field data were collected utilizing ESRI Field Maps program and the Survey 123 program configured with the Data Collection Map that resides on ArcGIS Online (AGOL). Most of the field vegetation data were collected with the Field Maps App where the App displays background data for reference and has the ability to input polygons, points and attribute data into the Data Collection Database.

The vegetation data is ranked by the compiled wetland indicator status and was imported into ArcGIS along with the NRCS mapped soils and NWI data. While the vegetation data can be utilized as a stand alone document for wetland type, dominance and community type, the GeosTeam utilized the above data with the GIS analyst tools in a variety of intercepts to better understand areas that potentially support future mitigation banking efforts.

This protocol is cost effective and can be utilized to produce platforms that can be accessed by interagency teams, and other scientists to further regulatory and restoration objectives.

With significant snowmelt and flooding expected over the next several months, emergency activities may need to be conducted in waterways. Certain activities may involve work or structures in navigable waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and/or discharges of dredged or fill material in waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

The Corps’ Sacramento District has a number of options available for those needing to conduct activities in waterways during emergency situations.

• No Department of the Army Permit Needed.  There are many emergency activities in waters of the U.S. that do not require a Department of the Army (DA) permit, such as using a backhoe to remove debris and sediment from a non-navigable waterway to an upland area without any return water. Customers should talk to the Sacramento District on strategies to execute emergency work without triggering the need for a permit.
• Maintenance exemption under Section 404(f) of the Clean Water Act.  Section 404 of the CWA includes exemptions for certain types of activities that involve a discharge of material into waters of the U.S.  Exempt from the need to obtain a DA permit is emergency reconstruction of recently damaged parts, of currently serviceable structures like dikes, dams, levees, riprap, causeways, bridge abutments or approaches, and transportation structures. The exemption does not cover any modification that changes the character, scope, or size of the original fill design. Emergency reconstruction must occur within a reasonable period of time after damage occurs to qualify for the exemption. Note this only covers activities under Section 404 of the CWA. Notification to the Sacramento District in not required before proceeding with the work. More info at:https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permitting/Section-404-Exemptions/
• Regional General Permit 8 (Emergency Repair and Protection).  The majority of emergency activities in waters of the U.S. not covered by 404 exemption may be verified by this office under Regional General Permit 8 (RGP8).  RGP8 authorizes structures or work in or affecting navigable waters of the United States and the discharge of dredged or fill material in WOUS for necessary repair or protection of existing structures, facilities or fills where an imminent threat to life or property exists due to unforeseen events during an emergency incident. RGP8 requires the Sacramento District be notified in advance with verifications being issued within 48 hours of notification. Authorized work must be completed within 14 days of verification. More info at:http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permitting/Regional-and-Programmatic-General-Permits/
• Nationwide Permit 3 (Maintenance). For activities not covered above, Nationwide Permit 3 (NWP3) authorizes the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of any previously authorized, currently serviceable structure, or fill, or of any currently serviceable structure or fill authorized by 33 CFR 330.3, provided the structure or fill is not to be put to uses differing from those uses specified or contemplated for it in the original permit or the most recently authorized modification. Minor deviations in the structure’s configuration or filled area, including those due to changes in materials, construction techniques, requirements of other regulatory agencies, or current construction codes or safety standards that are necessary to make the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement are authorized. NWP3 also authorizes the removal of accumulated sediments and debris in the vicinity of existing structures (e.g., bridges, culverted road crossings, water intake structures, etc.) and/or the placement of new or additional riprap to protect the structure. NWP3 requires the Sacramento District be notified in advance when activities involve the removal of accumulated sediments or debris; however, we recommend notification to the District in all situations. More info at:https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permitting/Nationwide-Permits/2021NWPs/
• Emergency Procedures.  In rare circumstances, activities not covered by exemption or authorized under RGP8 or NWP3 (or other NWP) that need a DA permit may be processed through the Corps’ emergency procedures. Once approved by higher headquarters, emergency procedures allow the Sacramento District to expeditiously make a permit decision following coordination with state and federal agencies.  After the event, a public notice is issued and any necessary consultations completed. The procedures require the submission of a complete application for a standard permit to the Sacramento District.

If you or your organization believes an emergency activity is necessary in waters of the United States, contact your nearest Sacramento District Regulatory Division office.

California

Sacramento Office – (916) 557-5250

Redding Office – (530) 223-9534

Nevada

Reno Office – (775) 799-8230

Utah

Bountiful Office – (801) 295-8380

You can also send an email to their general email box at [email protected].

Copied directly from an email sent April 25, 2023 from Mr. Michael S Jewell, Chief, Regulatory Division

US Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District

1325 J Street, Room 1350, Sacramento, CA 95814

https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/

Biden WOTUS Rules:  While the new rules are not in place in certain states, they are in many. Regulatory definitions coupled with scientific methods are a challenge to even the most ardent professional.

Why is this so confusing?  Waters of the United States/Wetlands (WOTUS) definitions have been evolving since 1972 since navigable waters were defined in the Clean Water Act.  Due to litigation and changing environmental needs there have been substantive changes in 1973-1975, 1980, 1985, 1986-1988, 1993, 2001, 2006, 2015, 2019, 2021, and now the 2023 rules implemented on March 20, 2023.

The March 20, 2023, rules focus heavily on the “relatively permanent” and the “significant nexus” standard(s).  “Significantly affect” applies to tributaries, adjacent wetlands, and (a)(5) waters and the final rule text specifies that “significantly affect” requires a “material influence” on the chemical, physical, or biological integrity of an (a)(1) water.  At GeosUAS in addition to UAS technology we’re hydrologists; we can assist you not only is it a WOTUS, but we can also assist whether it’s potentially subject to Corps/EPA jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

See my next post for more information.

I am a wetland hydrologist/environmental scientist and unmanned aerial pilot, who started her career in 1991 after a re-tooling of a paralegal/landman. The re-tooled me included two master’s degrees and several professional certifications along the way for Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control and a California QSD/QSP. Then in 2014, I started a self-education program in remote sensing and mapping for unmanned aerial systems, i.e., drones. I’ve never looked back. This page chronicles what I’ve learned over the past four years.

What I want to bring to you is the solution. I’ve spent countless hours with equipment, software, and hardware, so you don’t have to. You’ll recognize me, out in the wild, with my small unmanned fixed wings and quadcoptrers. I generally have one of my kids, colleagues or grandkids with me.