HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200873 Ver 1_2020.5.28 Dawsons Crossroads New 115kV DP PJD_20200702
Preliminary Jurisdictional
Determination Request
Dawson’s Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
Halifax County, NC
May 28, 2020
Submitted For:
Submitted To:
U.S.A.C.E., Wilmington District
George L. Phillips
3331 Heritage Trade Drive, Suite 105
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
George.L.Phillips@usace.army.mil
Submitted By:
Dewberry Engineers Inc.
551 Piney Forest Road
Danville, Virginia 24540
434-797-4497
Page 1 of 2
May 28, 2020
United States Army Corps of Engineers
ATTN: George L. Phillips
3331 Heritage Trade Drive, Suite 105
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
George.L.Phillips@usace.army.mil
RE: Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination Request
Dawson’s Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point, Halifax County, NC
Dear Mr. Phillips:
On March 30, 2020 Dewberry Engineers Inc. (Dewberry) conducted a wetland and
Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) investigation on approximately 0.8 acres within the existing
Dominion Energy right-of-way (ROW) easement. The site currently an overhead
transmission line. The proposed project is for a new Delivery Point (DP) due to poor
reliability. This includes the construction of the new 115kV Dawson’s Crossroads DP, set
approximately 0.02 miles from line 1015, between structures 80 and 81. The project site
is located in Halifax County, North Carolina (36.165839, -77.515131).
Figure 1 provides an aerial view of the project area.
DELINEATION FINDINGS
The methods used to identify jurisdictional WOTUS, including wetlands, were those set
forth in the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual (Y-87-I) and the Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf
Coastal Plain Region (ERDC/EL TR-10-20). Prior to the site visit, Dewberry conducted
an online investigation of the property reviewing federal and state databases that provide
information regarding the site characteristics of the subject property. During the site
visit, Dewberry traversed the project route identifying wetland and WOTUS. Where
appropriate, field staff collected and recorded soil profiles, observed and recorded the
vegetation and hydrology of each wetland type. WOTUS and wetlands located within
project area were flagged in the field with survey ribbon.
The USGS Dawson Crossroads, North Carolina 2019 quadrangle map was initially used
to decipher information on topography and stream channels prior to the site visit. It is
provided as Figure 2. The USGS topographic map shows the site as consisting of forested
wetlands. The topographic map identified no mapped streams within the project area.
The field delineation confirmed the presence of wetlands within the project area.
The National Wetland Inventory (NWI) map was generated from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Wetland Mapper and is provided as Figure 3. The NWI map was used
to help identify mapped wetlands prior to the site visit. The online NWI map illustrated
George L. Phillips
Dawson’s Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
May 28, 2020
Page 2 of 2
Freshwater Forested/Shrub wetlands within the project area. The field delineation
confirmed the presence of wetlands within the project area.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey for Halifax County, North
Carolina was used as a resource to assist with identifying and classifying soil types present
at the site prior to the site visit and is included as Figure 4. The digital Soil Survey Map
illustrated three (3) soil types within the project area. The digital soil survey revealed (2)
hydric soil types, Chastain and Bibb soils, 0-1% slopes, frequently flooded (CbA) and
Exum silt loam, 0-2% slopes (ExA), within the project area. The field delineation
confirmed the presence of hydric soils within the project boundary.
The delineated WOTUS boundaries were located with a Trimble GPS and are shown on
the WOTUS exhibit included as Appendix A of this report. Site photographs are
provided as Appendix B. Wetland Determination Data Forms are provided as
Appendix C. North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NCWAM) forms are
provided as Appendix D.
Dewberry requests a USACE preliminary jurisdictional determination (PJD) of the
delineated area described above. Please contact me at kshumaker@dewberry.com or
(434)549-8510 set a date and time to meet at the site for confirmation.
Sincerely,
Dewberry Engineers Inc.
Katherine Shumaker
Environmental Scientist
Troy A. Shelton, PWS, PWD
Senior Environmental Scientist
Environmental Department Manager
KJS\tas\kjs
Enclosures
P:\50126335\Adm\Reports\2020.5.28 Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV DP PJD.docx
Jurisdictional Determination Request
Version: May 2017 Page 1
This form is intended for use by anyone requesting a jurisdictional determination (JD) from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District (Corps). Please include all supporting
information, as described within each category, with your request. You may submit your request
via mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Requests should be sent to the appropriate project
manager of the county in which the property is located. A current list of project managers by
assigned counties can be found on-line at:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/RegulatoryPermitProgram/Contact/CountyLocator.aspx,
by calling 910-251-4633, or by contacting any of the field offices listed below. Once your
request is received you will be contacted by a Corps project manager.
ASHEVILLE & CHARLOTTE REGULATORY
FIELD OFFICES
US Army Corps of Engineers
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
General Number: (828) 271-7980
Fax Number: (828) 281-8120
RALEIGH REGULATORY FIELD OFFICE
US Army Corps of Engineers
3331 Heritage Trade Drive, Suite 105
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
General Number: (919) 554-4884
Fax Number: (919) 562-0421
WASHINGTON REGULATORY FIELD OFFICE
US Army Corps of Engineers
2407 West Fifth Street
Washington, North Carolina 27889
General Number: (910) 251-4610
Fax Number: (252) 975-1399
WILMINGTON REGULATORY FIELD OFFICE
US Army Corps of Engineers
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
General Number: 910-251-4633
Fax Number: (910) 251-4025
INSTRUCTIONS:
All requestors must complete Parts A, B, C, D, E, F and G.
NOTE TO CONSULTANTS AND AGENCIES: If you are requesting a JD on behalf of a
paying client or your agency, please note the specific submittal requirements in Part H.
NOTE ON PART D – PROPERTY OWNER AUTHORIZATION: Please be aware that
all JD requests must include the current property owner authorization for the Corps to
proceed with the determination, which may include inspection of the property when
necessary. This form must be signed by the current property owner(s) or the owner(s)
authorized agent to be considered a complete request.
NOTE ON PART D - NCDOT REQUESTS: Property owner authorization/notification for
JD requests associated with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
projects will be conducted according to the current NCDOT/USACE protocols.
NOTE TO USDA PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS: A Corps approved or preliminary JD
may not be valid for the wetland conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of
1985. If you or your tenant are USDA Program participants, or anticipate participation in
USDA programs, you should also request a certified wetland determination from the local
office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, prior to starting work.
Jurisdictional Determination Request
Version: May 2017 Page 2
A. PARCEL INFORMATION
Street Address: _______________________________________________
City, State: _______________________________________________
County:
Parcel Index Number(s) (PIN):
B. REQUESTOR INFORMATION
Name:
Mailing Address:
_________________________________________
Telephone Number: _________________________________________
Electronic Mail Address: ________________________________________
Select one:
I am the current property owner.
I am an Authorized Agent or Environmental Consultant1
Interested Buyer or Under Contract to Purchase
Other, please explain. ________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
C. PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION2
Name:
Mailing Address:
Telephone Number:
Electronic Mail Address:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Must provide completed Agent Authorization Form/Letter.
2 Documentation of ownership also needs to be provided with request (copy of Deed, County GIS/Parcel/Tax Record).
Jurisdictional Determination Request
Version: May 2017 Page 3
D.PROPERTY ACCESS CERTIFICATION3,4
By signing below, I authorize representatives of the Wilmington District, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps) to enter upon the property herein described for the purpose of conducting on-
site investigations, if necessary, and issuing a jurisdictional determination pursuant to Section
404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. I, the
undersigned, am either a duly authorized owner of record of the property identified herein, or
acting as the duly authorized agent of the owner of record of the property.
Print Name
Capacity: Owner Authorized Agent5
Date
Signature
E.REASON FOR JD REQUEST: (Check as many as applicable)
I intend to construct/develop a project or perform activities on this parcel which would be
designed to avoid all aquatic resources.
I intend to construct/develop a project or perform activities on this parcel which would be
designed to avoid all jurisdictional aquatic resources under Corps authority.
I intend to construct/develop a project or perform activities on this parcel which may
require authorization from the Corps, and the JD would be used to avoid and minimize
impacts to jurisdictional aquatic resources and as an initial step in a future permitting
process.
I intend to construct/develop a project or perform activities on this parcel which may
require authorization from the Corps; this request is accompanied by my permit application
and the JD is to be used in the permitting process.
I intend to construct/develop a project or perform activities in a navigable water of the
U.S. which is included on the district Section 10 list and/or is subject to the ebb and flow of
the tide.
A Corps JD is required in order obtain my local/state authorization.
I intend to contest jurisdiction over a particular aquatic resource and request the Corps
confirm that jurisdiction does/does not exist over the aquatic resource on the parcel.
I believe that the site may be comprised entirely of dry land.
Other:___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3 For NCDOT requests following the current NCDOT/USACE protocols, skip to Part E.
4 If there are multiple parcels owned by different parties, please provide the following for each additional parcel on a
continuation sheet.
5 Must provide agent authorization form/letter signed by owner(s).
Jurisdictional Determination Request
Version: May 2017 Page 4
F. JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION (JD) TYPE (Select One)
I am requesting that the Corps provide a preliminary JD for the property identified herein.
A Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) provides an indication that there may
be “waters of the United States” or “navigable waters of the United States”on a property.
PJDs are sufficient as the basis for permit decisions. For the purposes of permitting, all
waters and wetlands on the property will be treated as if they are jurisdictional “waters of
the United States”. PJDs cannot be appealed (33 C.F.R. 331.2); however, a PJD is
“preliminary” in the sense that an approved JD can be requested at any time. PJDs do
not expire.
I am requesting that the Corps provide an approved JD for the property identified herein.
An Approved Jurisdictional Determination (AJD) is a determination that
jurisdictional “waters of the United States” or “navigable waters of the United
States” are either present or absent on a site. An approved JD identifies the limits of
waters on a site determined to be jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act and/or
Rivers and Harbors Act. Approved JDs are sufficient as the basis for permit
decisions. AJDs are appealable (33 C.F.R. 331.2). The results of the AJD will be
posted on the Corps website. A landowner, permit applicant, or other “affected
party” (33 C.F.R. 331.2) who receives an AJD may rely upon the AJD for five years
(subject to certain limited exceptions explained in Regulatory Guidance Letter 05-
02).
I am unclear as to which JD I would like to request and require additional information
to inform my decision.
G. ALL REQUESTS
Map of Property or Project Area. This Map must clearly depict the boundaries of the
review area.
Size of Property or Review Area acres.
The property boundary (or review area boundary) is clearly physically marked on the site.
Jurisdictional Determination Request
Version: May 2017 Page 5
H. REQUESTS FROM CONSULTANTS
Project Coordinates (Decimal Degrees): Latitude: ______________________
Longitude: ______________________
A legible delineation map depicting the aquatic resources and the property/review area.
Delineation maps must be no larger than 11x17 and should contain the following: (Corps
signature of submitted survey plats will occur after the submitted delineation map has been
reviewed and approved).6
North Arrow
Graphical Scale
Boundary of Review Area
Date
Location of data points for each Wetland Determination Data Form or tributary
assessment reach.
For Approved Jurisdictional Determinations:
Jurisdictional wetland features should be labeled as Wetland Waters of the US, 404
wetlands, etc. Please include the acreage of these features.
Jurisdictional non-wetland features (i.e. tidal/navigable waters, tributaries,
impoundments) should be labeled as Non-Wetland Waters of the US, stream, tributary,
open water, relatively permanent water, pond, etc. Please include the acreage or linear
length of each of these features as appropriate.
Isolated waters, waters that lack a significant nexus to navigable waters, or non-
jurisdictional upland features should be identified as Non-Jurisdictional. Please
include a justification in the label regarding why the feature is non-jurisdictional (i.e.
“Isolated”, “No Significant Nexus”, or “Upland Feature”). Please include the acreage
or linear length of these features as appropriate.
For Preliminary Jurisdictional Determinations:
Wetland and non-wetland features should not be identified as Jurisdictional, 404,
Waters of the United States, or anything that implies jurisdiction. These features can be
identified as Potential Waters of the United States, Potential Non-wetland Waters of
the United States, wetland, stream, open water, etc. Please include the acreage and
linear length of these features as appropriate.
Completed Wetland Determination Data Forms for appropriate region
(at least one wetland and one upland form needs to be completed for each wetland type)
____________________________________________________________________________
6 Please refer to the guidance document titled “Survey Standards for Jurisdictional Determinations” to ensure that the
supplied map meets the necessary mapping standards. http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Permit-
Program/Jurisdiction/
Jurisdictional Determination Request
Version: May 2017 Page 6
Completed appropriate Jurisdictional Determination form
• PJDs, please complete a Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination Form7 and include the
Aquatic Resource Table
• AJDs, please complete an Approved Jurisdictional Determination Form8
Vicinity Map
Aerial Photograph
USGS Topographic Map
Soil Survey Map
Other Maps, as appropriate (e.g. National Wetland Inventory Map, Proposed Site
Plan, previous delineation maps, LIDAR maps, FEMA floodplain maps)
Landscape Photos (if taken)
NCSAM and/or NCWAM Assessment Forms and Rating Sheets
NC Division of Water Resources Stream Identification Forms
Other Assessment Forms
_____________________________________________________________________________
7 www.saw.usace.army.mil/Portals/59/docs/regulatory/regdocs/JD/RGL_08-02_App_A_Prelim_JD_Form_fillable.pdf
8 Please see http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Permit-Program/Jurisdiction/
Principal Purpose: The information that you provide will be used in evaluating your request to determine
whether there are any aquatic resources within the project area subject to federal jurisdiction under the regulatory authorities referenced above. Routine Uses: This information may be shared with the Department of Justice and other federal, state, and local
government agencies, and the public, and may be made available as part of a public notice as required by federal law. Your name and property location where federal jurisdiction is to be determined will be included in the
approved jurisdictional determination (AJD), which will be made available to the public on the District's website
and on the Headquarters USAGE website.
Disclosure: Submission of requested information is voluntary; however, if information is not provided, the
request for an AJD cannot be evaluated nor can an AJD be issued.
Appendix 2 - PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION (PJD) FORM
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. REPORT COMPLETION DATE FOR PJD:
B. NAME AND ADDRESS OF PERSON REQUESTING PJD:
C. DISTRICT OFFICE, FILE NAME, AND NUMBER:
D. PROJECT LOCATION(S) AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
(USE THE TABLE BELOW TO DOCUMENT MULTIPLE AQUATIC RESOURCES AND/OR
AQUATIC RESOURCES AT DIFFERENT SITES)
State: County/parish/borough: City:
Center coordinates of site (lat/long in degree decimal format):
Lat.: Long.:
Universal Transverse Mercator:
Name of nearest waterbody:
E. REVIEW PERFORMED FOR SITE EVALUATION (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):
Office (Desk) Determination. Date:
Field Determination. Date(s):
TABLE OF AQUATIC RESOURCES IN REVIEW AREA WHICH “MAY BE” SUBJECT TO REGULATORY
JURISDICTION.
Site
number
Latitude
(decimal
degrees)
Longitude
(decimal
degrees)
Estimated amount
of aquatic resource
in review area
(acreage and linear
feet, if applicable)
Type of aquatic
resource (i.e., wetland
vs. non-wetland
waters)
Geographic authority
to which the aquatic
resource “may be”
subject (i.e., Section
404 or Section 10/404)
1) The Corps of Engineers believes that there may be jurisdictional aquatic resources in
the review area, and the requestor of this PJD is hereby advised of his or her option
to request and obtain an approved JD (AJD) for that review area based on an
informed decision after having discussed the various types of JDs and their
characteristics and circumstances when they may be appropriate.
2)In any circumstance where a permit applicant obtains an individual permit, or a
Nationwide General Permit (NWP) or other general permit verification requiring “pre-
construction notification” (PCN), or requests verification for a non-reporting NWP or
other general permit, and the permit applicant has not requested an AJD for the
activity, the permit applicant is hereby made aware that: (1) the permit applicant has
elected to seek a permit authorization based on a PJD, which does not make an
official determination of jurisdictional aquatic resources; (2) the applicant has the
option to request an AJD before accepting the terms and conditions of the permit
authorization, and that basing a permit authorization on an AJD could possibly result
in less compensatory mitigation being required or different special conditions; (3) the
applicant has the right to request an individual permit rather than accepting the terms
and conditions of the NWP or other general permit authorization; (4) the applicant can
accept a permit authorization and thereby agree to comply with all the terms and
conditions of that permit, including whatever mitigation requirements the Corps has
determined to be necessary; (5) undertaking any activity in reliance upon the subject
permit authorization without requesting an AJD constitutes the applicant’s acceptance
of the use of the PJD; (6) accepting a permit authorization (e.g., signing a proffered
individual permit) or undertaking any activity in reliance on any form of Corps permit
authorization based on a PJD constitutes agreement that all aquatic resources in the
review area affected in any way by that activity will be treated as jurisdictional, and
waives any challenge to such jurisdiction in any administrative or judicial compliance
or enforcement action, or in any administrative appeal or in any Federal court; and (7)
whether the applicant elects to use either an AJD or a PJD, the JD will be processed
as soon as practicable. Further, an AJD, a proffered individual permit (and all terms
and conditions contained therein), or individual permit denial can be administratively
appealed pursuant to 33 C.F.R. Part 331. If, during an administrative appeal, it
becomes appropriate to make an official determination whether geographic
jurisdiction exists over aquatic resources in the review area, or to provide an official
delineation of jurisdictional aquatic resources in the review area, the Corps will
provide an AJD to accomplish that result, as soon as is practicable. This PJD finds
that there “may be” waters of the U.S. and/or that there “may be” navigable waters of
the U.S. on the subject review area, and identifies all aquatic features in the review
area that could be affected by the proposed activity, based on the following
information:
SUPPORTING DATA. Data reviewed for PJD (check all that apply)
Checked items should be included in subject file. Appropriately reference sources
below where indicated for all checked items:
Maps, plans, plots or plat submitted by or on behalf of the PJD requestor:
Map: ___________________________________________________.
Data sheets prepared/submitted by or on behalf of the PJD requestor.
Office concurs with data sheets/delineation report.
Office does not concur with data sheets/delineation report. Rationale: ___________________.
Data sheets prepared by the Corps: _______________________________________________.
Corps navigable waters’ study: ____________________________________________________.
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Atlas: ___________________________________________.
USGS NHD data.
USGS 8 and 12 digit HUC maps.
U.S. Geological Survey map(s). Cite scale & quad name: _______________________________.
Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey. Citation: ___________________________.
National wetlands inventory map(s). Cite name: ______________________________________.
State/local wetland inventory map(s): _______________________________________________.
FEMA/FIRM maps: ____________________________________________________________.
100-year Floodplain Elevation is: ________________.(National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929)
Photographs: Aerial (Name & Date): ___________________________________________.
or Other (Name & Date): ____________________________________________.
Previous determination(s). File no. and date of response letter: __________________________.
Other information (please specify): _________________________________________________.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information recorded on this form has not necessarily
been verified by the Corps and should not be relied upon for later jurisdictional
determinations.
Signature and date of Signature and date of
Regulatory staff member person requesting PJD
completing PJD (REQUIRED, unless obtaining
the signature is impracticable)1
1 Districts may establish timeframes for requestor to return signed PJD forms. If the requestor does not respond
within the established time frame, the district may presume concurrence and no additional follow up is
necessary prior to finalizing an action.
Katherine Shumaker Dewberry Engineers Inc.
0300719
13 Bridges Road, Scotland Neck, NC 27874
Nancy Reid, Dominion Energy
Nancy Reid, Dominion Energy, 10900 Nuckols Rd, Glenn Allen, VA 23060
804-273-3394
Figure 1
Aerial Project Area Map
Figure 1: Aerial Site Map
Dawson’s Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
Google Earth Imagery Date 3/4/2018
Project Area
36.165839⁰
‐77.515131⁰
Figure 2
Topographic Project Area Map
Figure 2: USGS Topographic Map
Dawson’s Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
USGS Quadrangle: Dawson Crossroads, NC 2019
Project Area
36.165839⁰
‐77.515131⁰
Figure 3
National Wetland Inventory Map
Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Standards and Support Team,wetlands_team@fws.gov
Wetlands
Estuarine and Marine Deepwater
Estuarine and Marine Wetland
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
Freshwater Pond
Lake
Other
Riverine
March 23, 2020
0 0.1 0.20.05 mi
0 0.2 0.40.1 km
1:7,284
This page was produced by the NWI mapperNational Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the Wetlands Mapper web site.
Figure 4
NRCS Web Soil Survey
Soil Map—Halifax County, North Carolina
(Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point)
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
4/3/2020
Page 1 of 3400517040051904005210400523040052504005270400529040053104005330400517040051904005210400523040052504005270400529040053104005330273710273730273750273770273790273810
273690 273710 273730 273750 273770 273790 273810
36° 9' 59'' N 77° 30' 57'' W36° 9' 59'' N77° 30' 52'' W36° 9' 53'' N
77° 30' 57'' W36° 9' 53'' N
77° 30' 52'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 18N WGS84
0 40 80 160 240
Feet
0 10 20 40 60
Meters
Map Scale: 1:847 if printed on A portrait (8.5" x 11") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause
misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil
line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of
contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed
scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator
projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the
Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more
accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as
of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Halifax County, North Carolina
Survey Area Data: Version 22, Sep 16, 2019
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales
1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Mar 15, 2016—Oct
26, 2017
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor
shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Soil Map—Halifax County, North Carolina
(Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point)
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
4/3/2020
Page 2 of 3
Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
CbA Chastain and Bibb soils, 0 to 1
percent slopes, frequently
flooded
1.1 78.6%
EmB Emporia fine sandy loam, 2 to
6 percent slopes
0.1 6.6%
ExA Exum silt loam, 0 to 2 percent
slopes
0.2 14.8%
Totals for Area of Interest 1.4 100.0%
Soil Map—Halifax County, North Carolina Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
4/3/2020
Page 3 of 3
Appendix A
Wetland Exhibit
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WETLAND FLAGSWA14 - WA 17 108.5108107.5107106.5106
1
0
5.5
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2
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CN ES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS UserCommunity
Legend
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Ä ÄÄ Ä ÄÄ ÄPALUST RINEEMERGENT (PEM)WET LAND LIM ITS
PRO JECT LIM ITS
0.5 FT CO NTO URS 4805 LAKE BROOK DRIVE, SUITE 200GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA 23060PHONE: 804.290.7957FAX: 804.290.7928DATE:PROJ. NO:SCALE:PROJECT:TITLE:SHEET NO:5/6/202050126335DAWSON'S CROSSROADSNEW 115KV DELIVERY POINTHALIFAX COUNTY, NCWATERS OF THE U.S. DELINEATION MAP11" = 100'I
Dewberry Engineers Inc.0 100 20050Feet
SITE DATA:TOTAL PROJECT AREA = 0.80 +/- ACTOTAL WATERS OF THE U.S. = 0.18 +/- AC
WETLANDSTOTAL PEM = 0.18 +/- ACTOTAL WETLANDS = 0.18 +/- AC
Appendix B
Site Photographs
Dawson’s Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
Halifax County, North Carolina
Wetland WA
Wetland WA
Dawson’s Crossroads New 115kV Delivery Point
Halifax County, North Carolina
Wetland WA
Wetland WA
Appendix C
Wetland Determination Data Forms
City / County: Date:
State:
Lat:36.165730
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes X No
Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes X No
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes X No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes X No Yes No X
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No X
Surface Water Present? Yes No X Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No X Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No X Depth (inches):Yes No X
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Halifax
Sideslope
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
TAS/KJS ‐ Dewberry
Dominion
Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV Delivery PointProject / Site:
Applicant / Owner:
Investigator(s):
Subregion (LRR or MLRA):
Emporia fine sandy loam, 2‐6% slopesSoil Map Unit Name :
‐77.515039
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ‐ Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Remarks:
Upland data point for WA
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland?
Are vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed?
Are vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
Crayfish Burrows (C8)
Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Geomorphic Position (D2)
Water‐Stained Leaves (B9)
FAC‐Neutral Test (D5)
Aquatic Fauna (B13)
Marl Deposits (B15) (LRR U)
Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
Sparsely Vegatated Concave Surface (B8)
Drainage Patterns (B10)
Moss Trim Lines (B16)
Dry‐Season Water Table (C2)Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
Thin Muck Surface (C7)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one is required; check all that apply)
HYDROLOGY
Surface Water (A1)
High Water Table (A2)
Saturation (A3)
Water Marks (B1)
Sediment Deposits (B2)
Drift Deposits (B3)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
Iron Deposits (B5)
Secondary Indicators (minimum of two required)
Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
LRRP/MLRA133A
(If no, explain in Remarks)
Local relief (concave,
convex, none):
Section, Township, Range:
Slope (%):Convex
NWI Classification:
<10
UPL
Long:WGS1984Datum:
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM ‐ Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region
NC DP1Sampling Point :
3/30/2020
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
Field Observations:
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Sphagnum moss (D8) (LRR T, U)
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Created in leiu of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region ‐ Version 2.0 Data Form
Absolute Dominant Indicator
(Plot Size: ) % Cover Species? Status
1.3 (A)
2.
3.
4.4 (B)
5.
6.
7.75.0%(A/B)
0= Total Cover
50% of total cover: 0 20% of total cover: 0
Prevalence Index Worksheet:
(Plot Size: )
1.OBL species 5 5
2.FACW species 0
3.FAC species 20 60
4.FACU species 5 20
5.UPL species 0
6.Column Totals: 30 85 (B)
7.
0= Total Cover 2.83333
50% of total cover: 0 20% of total cover: 0
(Plot Size: ) Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
1.X Dominance Test is >50%
2.X Prevalence Index is ≤3.0¹
3.Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹
4.(Explain)
5.
6.
7.
0= Total Cover
50% of total cover: 0 20% of total cover: 0
(Plot Size: 5' )
1. 10 Y FAC
2. 10 Y FAC
3. 5 Y OBL
4. 5 Y FACU
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
30 = Total Cover
50% of total cover: 15 20% of total cover: 6
(Plot Size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0= Total Cover XNo
50% of total cover: 0 20% of total cover: 0
Dominance Test Worksheet:
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Yes
x1=
x2=
x3=
x4=
x5=
(A)
Hydrophytic
Vegetation Present?
Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Tree Stratum
Sapling/ Stratum
Herb Stratum
Andropogon virginicus
Smilax rotundifolia
Juncus effusus
Trifolium repens
Remarks: (If observed, list morphological adaptations below).
Percent of Dominant Species that Are OBL,
FACW, or FAC:
Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata:
Sapling ‐ Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 20 ft
(6m) or more in height and less than 3 in. (7.6cm) DBH.
Shrub ‐ Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 3 to 20
ft (1 to 6m) in height.
Herb ‐ All herbaceous (non‐woody) plants, including herbaceous
vines, regardless of size and woody plants, except woody vines, less
than approximately 3 ft (1m) in height.
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Total % Cover of: Multipy by:
¹ Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic
Tree ‐ Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 20 ft
(6m) or more in height and 3 in. (7.6cm) or larger in diameter at
breast height (DBH).
Woody Vine Stratum
VEGETATION ‐ Use scientific names of plants.DP1Sampling Point:
Definitions of Vegetation Strata:
Shrub Stratum
Created in leiu of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region ‐ Version 2.0 Data Form
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to ducment the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth
(Inches)% % Type¹ Loc² Texture
60 40 C M L
70 30 C M L
90 10 C M SiL
X
Yes X No
² Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Present?
Restricitve Layer (if observed):
Depth (inches):
Type:
2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR S)
Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20 (MLRA 153B)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
³ Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Dark Surface (S7) (LRR P, S, T, U)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 149A)
SOIL
Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR S, T, U)
Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR S, T, U)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (LRR O)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
0‐3
3‐8
8‐14
Color (moist)
Matrix
Color (moist)
10YR 6/4
7.5YR 4/2
Redox Features
5YR 3/1
5YR 2.5/1
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5)
Organic Bodies (A6) (LRR P, T, U)
¹ Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains.
7.5YR 4/22.5YR 5/3
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) (LRR O, S)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Sandy Redox (S5)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
5 cm Mucky Mineral (A7) (LRR P, T, U)
Muck Presence (A8) (LRR U)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR P, T)
Depleted Below Dark Suface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (MLRA 150A)
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)Reduced Vertic (F18) (outside MLRA 150A,B)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³:
Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20) (MLRA 149A, 153C, 153D)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR O)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Marl (F10) (LRR U)
Depleted Ochric (F11) (MLRA 151)
Iron‐Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR O, P, T)
Umbric Surface (F13) (LRR P, T, U)
DP1
Remarks:
Hydric Soil Indicators:
Sampling Point:
Remarks
Redox streaky through matrix
Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) (LRR T, U)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (LRR P, S, T)
Delta Ochric (F18) (MLRA 151)
Reduced Vertic (F18) (MLRA 150A, 150B)
Created in leiu of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region ‐ Version 2.0 Data Form
City / County: Date:
State:
Lat:36.165839
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes X No
Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes X No
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes X No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes X No Yes X No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes X No
XX
X
X
Surface Water Present? Yes X No Depth (inches): 1
Water Table Present? Yes X No Depth (inches): 5
Saturation Present? Yes No X Depth (inches):Yes X No
(includes capillary fringe)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
Field Observations:
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Sphagnum moss (D8) (LRR T, U)
Wetland Hydrology Present?
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM ‐ Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region
NC DP2Sampling Point :
3/30/2020
LRRP/MLRA133A
(If no, explain in Remarks)
Local relief (concave,
convex, none):
Section, Township, Range:
Slope (%):Concave
NWI Classification:
<5
PEM
Long:WGS1984Datum:
Water Marks (B1)
Sediment Deposits (B2)
Drift Deposits (B3)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
Iron Deposits (B5)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one is required; check all that apply)
HYDROLOGY
Surface Water (A1)
High Water Table (A2)
Saturation (A3)
Secondary Indicators (minimum of two required)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
Sparsely Vegatated Concave Surface (B8)
Drainage Patterns (B10)
Moss Trim Lines (B16)
Dry‐Season Water Table (C2)
Crayfish Burrows (C8)
Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Geomorphic Position (D2)
Water‐Stained Leaves (B9)
FAC‐Neutral Test (D5)
Aquatic Fauna (B13)
Marl Deposits (B15) (LRR U)
Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
Thin Muck Surface (C7)
Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
Remarks:
Wetland WA
Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland?
Are vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed?
Are vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Halifax
Swale
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
TAS/KJS ‐ Dewberry
Dominion
Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV Delivery PointProject / Site:
Applicant / Owner:
Investigator(s):
Subregion (LRR or MLRA):
Chastain and Bibb soils, 0‐1% slopes, frequently sloodedSoil Map Unit Name :
‐77.515131
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ‐ Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Created in leiu of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region ‐ Version 2.0 Data Form
Absolute Dominant Indicator
(Plot Size: ) % Cover Species? Status
1.6 (A)
2.
3.
4.6 (B)
5.
6.
7.100.0%(A/B)
0= Total Cover
50% of total cover: 0 20% of total cover: 0
Prevalence Index Worksheet:
(Plot Size: )
1.OBL species 25 25
2.FACW species 35 70
3.FAC species 0
4.FACU species 0
5.UPL species 0
6.Column Totals: 60 95 (B)
7.
0= Total Cover 1.58333
50% of total cover: 0 20% of total cover: 0
(Plot Size: 10' ) Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
1. 30 Y OBL X Dominance Test is >50%
2.X Prevalence Index is ≤3.0¹
3.Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹
4.(Explain)
5.
6.
7.
30 = Total Cover
50% of total cover: 15 20% of total cover: 6
(Plot Size: 5' )
1. 30 Y FACW
2. 10 Y OBL
3. 10 Y OBL
4. 5 Y FACW
5. 5 Y OBL
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
60 = Total Cover
50% of total cover: 30 20% of total cover: 12
(Plot Size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0= Total Cover XNo
50% of total cover: 0 20% of total cover: 0
VEGETATION ‐ Use scientific names of plants.DP2Sampling Point:
Definitions of Vegetation Strata:
Shrub Stratum
Salix nigra
Remarks: (If observed, list morphological adaptations below).
Percent of Dominant Species that Are OBL,
FACW, or FAC:
Total Number of Dominant Species Across
All Strata:
Sapling ‐ Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 20 ft
(6m) or more in height and less than 3 in. (7.6cm) DBH.
Shrub ‐ Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 3 to 20
ft (1 to 6m) in height.
Herb ‐ All herbaceous (non‐woody) plants, including herbaceous
vines, regardless of size and woody plants, except woody vines, less
than approximately 3 ft (1m) in height.
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Total % Cover of: Multipy by:
¹ Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic
Tree ‐ Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 20 ft
(6m) or more in height and 3 in. (7.6cm) or larger in diameter at
breast height (DBH).
Woody Vine Stratum
Herb Stratum
Arundinaria gigantea
Typha latifolia
Juncus effusus
Impatiens capensis
Ludwigia alternifolia
Tree Stratum
Sapling Stratum
Dominance Test Worksheet:
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Yes
x1=
x2=
x3=
x4=
x5=
(A)
Hydrophytic
Vegetation Present?
Number of Dominant Species That Are
OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Created in leiu of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region ‐ Version 2.0 Data Form
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to ducment the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth
(Inches)% % Type¹ Loc² Texture
100 L
60 40 C M L
X
Yes X No
DP2
Remarks:
Hydric Soil Indicators:
Sampling Point:
Remarks
Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) (LRR T, U)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (LRR P, S, T)
Delta Ochric (F18) (MLRA 151)
Reduced Vertic (F18) (MLRA 150A, 150B)
Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20) (MLRA 149A, 153C, 153D)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR O)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Marl (F10) (LRR U)
Depleted Ochric (F11) (MLRA 151)
Iron‐Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR O, P, T)
Umbric Surface (F13) (LRR P, T, U)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) (LRR O, S)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Sandy Redox (S5)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
5 cm Mucky Mineral (A7) (LRR P, T, U)
Muck Presence (A8) (LRR U)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR P, T)
Depleted Below Dark Suface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (MLRA 150A)
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)Reduced Vertic (F18) (outside MLRA 150A,B)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³:
7.5YR 3/2
7.5YR 3/2
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5)
Organic Bodies (A6) (LRR P, T, U)
¹ Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains.
SOIL
Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR S, T, U)
Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR S, T, U)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (LRR O)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
0‐2
2‐14
Color (moist)
Matrix
Color (moist)
7.5YR 4/4
Redox Features
² Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Present?
Restricitve Layer (if observed):
Depth (inches):
Type:
2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR S)
Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20 (MLRA 153B)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
³ Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Dark Surface (S7) (LRR P, S, T, U)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 149A)
Created in leiu of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region ‐ Version 2.0 Data Form
Appendix D
North Carolina Wetland Assessment
Method (NC WAM) Data Forms
NC WAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
USACE AID # NCDWR#
Project Name Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV
Delivery Point Date of Evaluation 3/30/2020
Applicant/Owner Name Dominion Energy Wetland Site Name WA.1
Wetland Type Bottomland Hardwood Forest Assessor Name/Organization K.Shumaker - Dewberry
Level III Ecoregion Southeastern Plains Nearest Named Water Body Deep Creek
River Basin Tar-Pamlico USGS 8-Digit Catalogue Unit 03020102
County Halifax NCDWR Region Raleigh
Yes No Precipitation within 48 hrs? Latitude/Longitude (deci-degrees) 36.165839, -77.515131
Evidence of stressors affecting the assessment area (may not be within the assessment area)
Please circle and/or make note on the last page if evidence of stressors is apparent. Consider departure from reference, if appropriate, in
recent past (for instance, within 10 years). Noteworthy stressors include, but are not limited to the following.
• Hydrological modifications (examples: ditches, dams, beaver dams, dikes, berms, ponds, etc.)
• Surface and sub-surface discharges into the wetland (examples: discharges containing obvious pollutants, presence of nearby septic
tanks, underground storage tanks (USTs), ho g lagoons, etc.)
• Signs of vegetation stress (examples: vegetation mortality, insect damage, disease, storm damage, salt intrusion, etc.)
• Habitat/plant community alteration (examples: mowing, clear-cutting, exotics, etc.)
Is the assessment area intensively managed? Yes No
Regulatory Considerations - Were regulatory considerations evaluated? Yes No If Yes, check all that apply to the assessment area.
Anadromous fish
Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect
Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
Publicly owned property
N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HQW, ORW, or Trout
Designated NCNHP reference community
Abuts a 303(d)-listed stream or a tributary to a 303(d)-listed stream
What type of natural stream is associated with the wetla nd, if any? (check all that apply)
Blackwater
Brownwater
Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) Lunar Wind Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? Yes No
Is the assessment area’s surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver? Yes No
Does the assessment area experience overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions? Yes No
1. Ground Surface Condition/Vegetation Condition – assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider alteration to the ground surface (GS) in the assessment area and vegetation structure (VS) in the
assessment area. Compare to reference wetland if applicable (see User Manual). If a reference is not applicable, then rate the assessment
area based on evidence an effect.
GS VS
A A Not severely altered
B B Severely altered over a majority of the assessment area (ground surface alteration examples: vehicle tracks, excessive
sedimentation, fire-plow lanes, skidder tracks, bedding, fill, soil compact ion, obvious pollutants) (vegetation structure
alteration examples: mechanical disturbance, herbicides, salt intrusion [where appropriate], exotic species, grazing, less
diversity [if appropriate], hydrologic alteration)
2. Surface and Sub-Surface Storage Capacity and Duration – assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface storage capacity and duration (Surf) and sub -surface storage capacity and duration (Sub).
Consider both increase and decrease in hydrology. A ditch ≤ 1 foot deep is considered to affect surface water only, while a ditch > 1 foot
deep is expected to affect both surface and sub-surface water. Consider tidal flooding regime, if applicable.
Surf Sub
A A Water storage capacity and duration are not altered.
B B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
C C Water storage capacity or duration are substantially altered (typically, alteration sufficient to result in vegetation change )
(examples: draining, flooding, soil compaction, filling, excessive sedimentation, underground utility lines).
3. Water Storage/Surface Relief – assessment area/wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box in each column. Select the appropriate storage for the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT).
AA WT
3a. A A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 deep
B B Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 6 inches to 1 foot deep
C C Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
D D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. A Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is greater than 2 feet
B Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is between 1 and 2 feet
C Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is less than 1 foot
4. Soil Texture/Structure – assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box from each of the three soil property groups below. Dig soil profile in the dominant assessment area landscape feature.
Make soil observations within the top 12 inches. Use most recent National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils guidance for regional
indicators.
4a. A Sandy soil
B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redox imorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redox imorphic features
D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
B Soil ribbon ≥ 1 inch
4c. A No peat or muck presence
B A peat or muck presence
5. Discharge into Wetland – opportunity metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface pollutants or discharges (Surf) and sub-surface pollutants or discharges (Sub). Examples
of sub-surface discharges include presence of nearby septic tank , underground storage tank (UST), etc.
Surf Sub
A A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
B B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetla nd and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
C C Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges (pathogen, particulate, or soluble) entering the assessment area a nd
potentially overwhelming the treatment capacity of the wetland (water discoloration, dead vegetation, excessive
sedimentation, odor)
6. Land Use – opportunity metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands)
Check all that apply (at least one box in each column). Evaluation involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. Consider sources draining
to assessment area within entire upstream watershed (WS), within 5 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (5M),
and within 2 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (2M).
WS 5M 2M
A A A > 10% impervious surfaces
B B B Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants
C C C ≥ 20% coverage of pasture
D D D ≥ 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
E E E ≥ 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
F F F ≥ 20% coverage of clear-cut land
G G G Little or no opportunity to improve water quality. Lack of opportunity may result from little or no disturbance in
the watershed or hydrologic alterations that prevent drainage and/or overbank flow from affecting the
assessment area.
7. Wetland Acting as Vegetated Buffer – assessment area/wetland complex condition metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands)
7a. Is assessment area within 50 feet of a tributary or other open water?
Yes No If Yes, continue to 7b. If No, skip to Metric 8.
Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the water body. Make buffer judgment based on the average width of wetland.
Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbed.
7b. How much of the first 50 feet from the bank is wetland? (Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the .water body. Make
buffer judgment based on the average width of wetland. Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbe d.)
A ≥ 50 feet
B From 30 to < 50 feet
C From 15 to < 30 feet
D From 5 to < 15 feet
E < 5 feet or buffer bypassed by ditches
7c. Tributary width. If the tributary is anastomosed, combine widths of channels/braids for a total width.
≤ 15-feet wide > 15-feet wide Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend in to the bank of the tributary/open water?
Yes No
7e. Is stream or other open water sheltered or exposed?
Sheltered – adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
Exposed – adjacent open water with width ≥ 2500 feet or regular boat traffic.
8. Wetland Width at the Assessment Area – wetland type/wetland complex condition metric (evaluate WT for all marshes and
Estuarine Woody Wetland only; evaluate WC for Bottomland Hardwood Forest, Headwater Forest, and Riverine Swamp Forest
only)
Check a box in each column for riverine wetlands only. Select the average width for the wetland type at the assessment area (WT) and
the wetland complex at the assessment area (WC). See User Manual for WT and WC boundaries.
WT WC
A A ≥ 100 feet
B B From 80 to < 100 feet
C C From 50 to < 80 feet
D D From 40 to < 50 feet
E E From 30 to < 40 feet
F F From 15 to < 30 feet
G G From 5 to < 15 feet
H H < 5 feet
9. Inundation Duration – assessment area condition metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands)
Answer for assessment area dominant landform.
A Evidence of short-duration inundation (< 7 consecutive days)
B Evidence of saturation, without evidence of inundation
C Evidence of long-duration inundation or very long-duration inundation (7 to 30 consecutive days or more)
10. Indicators of Deposition – assessment area condition metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands and all marshes)
Consider recent deposition only (no plant growth since deposition).
A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
B Sediment deposition is excessive, but not overwhelming the wetland.
C Sediment deposition is excessive and is overwhelming the wetland.
11. Wetland Size – wetland type/wetland complex condition metric
Check a box in each column. Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric evaluates three aspects of the wetland area: the
size of the wetland type (WT), the size of the wetland complex (WC), and the size of the forested wetland (FW) (if applicable , see User
Manual). See the User Manual for boundaries of these evaluation areas. If assessment area is clear-cut, select “K” for the FW column.
WT WC FW (if applicable)
A A A ≥ 500 acres
B B B From 100 to < 500 acres
C C C From 50 to < 100 acres
D D D From 25 to < 50 acres
E E E From 10 to < 25 acres
F F F From 5 to < 10 acres
G G G From 1 to < 5 acres
H H H From 0.5 to < 1 acre
I I I From 0.1 to < 0.5 acre
J J J From 0.01 to < 0.1 acre
K K K < 0.01 acre or assessment area is clear-cut
12. Wetland Intactness – wetland type condition metric (evaluate for Pocosins only)
A Pocosin is the full extent (≥ 90%) of its natural landscape size.
B Pocosin type is < 90% of the full extent of its natural landscape size.
13. Connectivity to Other Natural Areas – landscape condition metric
13a. Check appropriate box(es) (a box may be checked in each column). Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric
evaluates whether the wetland is well connected (Well) and/or loosely connected (Loosely) to the landscape patch, the contigu ous
naturally vegetated area and open water (if appropriate). Boundaries are formed by four -lane roads, regularly maintained utility line
corridors the width of a four-lane road or wider, urban landscapes, maintained fields (pasture and agriculture), or open water > 300
feet wide.
Well Loosely
A A ≥ 500 acres
B B From 100 to < 500 acres
C C From 50 to < 100 acres
D D From 10 to < 50 acres
E E < 10 acres
F F Wetland type has a poor or no connection to other natural habitats
13b. Evaluate for marshes only.
Yes No Wetland type has a surface hydrology connection to open waters/stream or tidal wetlands.
14. Edge Effect – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes and Estuarine Woody Wetland)
May involve a GIS effort with field adjustment. Estimate distance from wetland type boundary to artificial edges. Artificia l edges include
non-forested areas ≥ 40 feet wide such as fields, development, roads, regularly maintained utility line corridors, and clear -cuts. Consider
the eight main points of the compass. Artificial edge occurs within 150 feet in how many directions? If the assessme nt area is clear cut,
select option ”C.”
A 0
B 1 to 4
C 5 to 8
15. Vegetative Composition – assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes and Pine Flat)
A Vegetation is close to reference condition in species present and their proportions. Lower strata compo sed of appropriate
species, with exotic plants absent or sparse within the assessment area.
B Vegetation is different from reference condition in species diversity or proportions , but still largely composed of native species
characteristic of the wetland type. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clearcutting or clearing.
It also includes communities with exotics present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata.
C Vegetation severely altered from reference in composition, or expected species are unnaturally absent (planted stands of non -
characteristic species or at least one stratum inappropriately composed of a single species), or exotic species are dominant in at
least one stratum.
16. Vegetative Diversity – assessment area condition metric (evaluate for Non-tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (< 10% cover of exotics).
B Vegetation diversity is low or has > 10% to 50% cover of exotics.
C Vegetation is dominated by exotic species (> 50 % cover of exotics).
17. Vegetative Structure – assessment area/wetland type condition metric
17a. Is vegetation present?
Yes No If Yes, continue to 17b. If No, skip to Metric 18.
17b. Evaluate percent coverage of assessment area vegetation for all marshes only. Skip to 17c for non-marsh wetlands.
A ≥ 25% coverage of vegetation
B < 25% coverage of vegetation
17c. Check a box in each column for each stratum. Evaluate this portion of the metric for non-marsh wetlands. Consider
structure in airspace above the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT) separately.
AA WT
A A Canopy closed, or nearly closed, with natural gaps associated with natural processes
B B Canopy present, but opened more than natural gaps
C C Canopy sparse or absent
A A Dense mid-story/sapling layer
B B Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
C C Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
A A Dense shrub layer
B B Moderate density shrub layer
C C Shrub layer sparse or absent
A A Dense herb layer
B B Moderate density herb layer
C C Herb layer sparse or absent
18. Snags – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
A Large snags (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches DBH, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
A Majority of canopy trees have stems > 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH); many large trees (> 12 inches DBH) are
present.
B Majority of canopy trees have stems between 6 and 12 inches DBH, few are > 12 inch DBH.
C Majority of canopy trees are < 6 inches DBH or no trees.
20. Large Woody Debris – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Include both natural debris and man-placed natural debris.
A Large logs (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches in diameter, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
B Not A
21. Vegetation/Open Water Dispersion – wetland type/open water condition metric (evaluate for Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
Select the figure that best describes the amount of interspersion between vegetation and open water in the growing season. P atterned
areas indicate vegetated areas, while solid white areas indicate open water.
A B C D
22. Hydrologic Connectivity – assessment area condition metric (evaluate for riparian wetlands and Salt/Brackish Marsh only)
Examples of activities that may severely alter hydrologic connectivity include intensive ditching, fill, sedimentation, channelization, diversion,
man-made berms, beaver dams, and stream incision. Documentation required if evaluated as B, C, or D.
A Overbank and overland flow are not severely altered in the assessment area.
B Overbank flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
C Overland flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
D Both overbank and overland flow are severely altered in the assessment area.
Notes
Canopy Mid-Story Shrub Herb
NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name WA.1 Date of Assessment 3/30/2020
Wetland Type Bottomland Hardwood Forest Assessor Name/Organization K.Shumaker - Dewberry
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N) NO
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) NO
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N) YES
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N) NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N) NO
Sub-function Rating Summary
Function Sub-function Metrics Rating
Hydrology Surface Storage and Retention Condition LOW
Sub-surface Storage and
Retention Condition MEDIUM
Water Quality Pathogen Change Condition LOW
Condition/Opportunity LOW
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) NO
Particulate Change Condition HIGH
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Soluble Change Condition HIGH
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Physical Change Condition LOW
Condition/Opportunity LOW
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Pollution Change Condition NA
Condition/Opportunity NA
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) NA
Habitat Physical Structure Condition LOW
Landscape Patch Structure Condition LOW
Vegetation Composition Condition LOW
Function Rating Summary
Function Metrics Rating
Hydrology Condition LOW
Water Quality Condition MEDIUM
Condition/Opportunity MEDIUM
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Habitat Condition LOW
Overall Wetland Rating LOW
NC WAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
USACE AID # NCDWR#
Project Name Dawson's Crossroads New 115kV
Delivery Point Date of Evaluation 3/30/2020
Applicant/Owner Name Dominion Energy Wetland Site Name WA.2
Wetland Type Bottomland Hardwood Forest Assessor Name/Organization K.Shumaker - Dewberry
Level III Ecoregion Southeastern Plains Nearest Named Water Body Deep Creek
River Basin Tar-Pamlico USGS 8-Digit Catalogue Unit 03020102
County Halifax NCDWR Region Raleigh
Yes No Precipitation within 48 hrs? Latitude/Longitude (deci-degrees) 36.165261, -77.515054
Evidence of stressors affecting the assessment area (may not be within the assessment area)
Please circle and/or make note on the last page if evidence of stressors is apparent. Consider departure from reference, if appropriate, in
recent past (for instance, within 10 years). Noteworthy stressors include, but are not limited to the following.
• Hydrological modifications (examples: ditches, dams, beaver dams, dikes, berms, ponds, etc.)
• Surface and sub-surface discharges into the wetland (examples: discharges containing obvious pollutants, presence of nearby septic
tanks, underground storage tanks (USTs), ho g lagoons, etc.)
• Signs of vegetation stress (examples: vegetation mortality, insect damage, disease, storm damage, salt intrusion, etc.)
• Habitat/plant community alteration (examples: mowing, clear-cutting, exotics, etc.)
Is the assessment area intensively managed? Yes No
Regulatory Considerations - Were regulatory considerations evaluated? Yes No If Yes, check all that apply to the assessment area.
Anadromous fish
Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect
Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
Publicly owned property
N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HQW, ORW, or Trout
Designated NCNHP reference community
Abuts a 303(d)-listed stream or a tributary to a 303(d)-listed stream
What type of natural stream is associated with the wetla nd, if any? (check all that apply)
Blackwater
Brownwater
Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) Lunar Wind Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? Yes No
Is the assessment area’s surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver? Yes No
Does the assessment area experience overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions? Yes No
1. Ground Surface Condition/Vegetation Condition – assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider alteration to the ground surface (GS) in the assessment area and vegetation structure (VS) in the
assessment area. Compare to reference wetland if applicable (see User Manual). If a reference is not applicable, then rate the assessment
area based on evidence an effect.
GS VS
A A Not severely altered
B B Severely altered over a majority of the assessment area (ground surface alteration examples: vehicle tracks, excessive
sedimentation, fire-plow lanes, skidder tracks, bedding, fill, soil compact ion, obvious pollutants) (vegetation structure
alteration examples: mechanical disturbance, herbicides, salt intrusion [where appropriate], exotic species, grazing, less
diversity [if appropriate], hydrologic alteration)
2. Surface and Sub-Surface Storage Capacity and Duration – assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface storage capacity and duration (Surf) and sub -surface storage capacity and duration (Sub).
Consider both increase and decrease in hydrology. A ditch ≤ 1 foot deep is considered to affect surface water only, while a ditch > 1 foot
deep is expected to affect both surface and sub-surface water. Consider tidal flooding regime, if applicable.
Surf Sub
A A Water storage capacity and duration are not altered.
B B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
C C Water storage capacity or duration are substantially altered (typically, alteration sufficient to result in vegetation change )
(examples: draining, flooding, soil compaction, filling, excessive sedimentation, underground utility lines).
3. Water Storage/Surface Relief – assessment area/wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box in each column. Select the appropriate storage for the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT).
AA WT
3a. A A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 deep
B B Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 6 inches to 1 foot deep
C C Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
D D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. A Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is greater than 2 feet
B Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is between 1 and 2 feet
C Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is less than 1 foot
4. Soil Texture/Structure – assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box from each of the three soil property groups below. Dig soil profile in the dominant assessment area landscape feature.
Make soil observations within the top 12 inches. Use most recent National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils guidance for regional
indicators.
4a. A Sandy soil
B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redox imorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redox imorphic features
D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
B Soil ribbon ≥ 1 inch
4c. A No peat or muck presence
B A peat or muck presence
5. Discharge into Wetland – opportunity metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface pollutants or discharges (Surf) and sub-surface pollutants or discharges (Sub). Examples
of sub-surface discharges include presence of nearby septic tank , underground storage tank (UST), etc.
Surf Sub
A A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
B B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetla nd and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
C C Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges (pathogen, particulate, or soluble) entering the assessment area a nd
potentially overwhelming the treatment capacity of the wetland (water discoloration, dead vegetation, excessive
sedimentation, odor)
6. Land Use – opportunity metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands)
Check all that apply (at least one box in each column). Evaluation involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. Consider sources draining
to assessment area within entire upstream watershed (WS), within 5 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (5M),
and within 2 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (2M).
WS 5M 2M
A A A > 10% impervious surfaces
B B B Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants
C C C ≥ 20% coverage of pasture
D D D ≥ 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
E E E ≥ 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
F F F ≥ 20% coverage of clear-cut land
G G G Little or no opportunity to improve water quality. Lack of opportunity may result from little or no disturbance in
the watershed or hydrologic alterations that prevent drainage and/or overbank flow from affecting the
assessment area.
7. Wetland Acting as Vegetated Buffer – assessment area/wetland complex condition metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands)
7a. Is assessment area within 50 feet of a tributary or other open water?
Yes No If Yes, continue to 7b. If No, skip to Metric 8.
Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the water body. Make buffer judgment based on the average width of wetland.
Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbed.
7b. How much of the first 50 feet from the bank is wetland? (Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the .water body. Make
buffer judgment based on the average width of wetland. Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbe d.)
A ≥ 50 feet
B From 30 to < 50 feet
C From 15 to < 30 feet
D From 5 to < 15 feet
E < 5 feet or buffer bypassed by ditches
7c. Tributary width. If the tributary is anastomosed, combine widths of channels/braids for a total width.
≤ 15-feet wide > 15-feet wide Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend in to the bank of the tributary/open water?
Yes No
7e. Is stream or other open water sheltered or exposed?
Sheltered – adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
Exposed – adjacent open water with width ≥ 2500 feet or regular boat traffic.
8. Wetland Width at the Assessment Area – wetland type/wetland complex condition metric (evaluate WT for all marshes and
Estuarine Woody Wetland only; evaluate WC for Bottomland Hardwood Forest, Headwater Forest, and Riverine Swamp Forest
only)
Check a box in each column for riverine wetlands only. Select the average width for the wetland type at the assessment area (WT) and
the wetland complex at the assessment area (WC). See User Manual for WT and WC boundaries.
WT WC
A A ≥ 100 feet
B B From 80 to < 100 feet
C C From 50 to < 80 feet
D D From 40 to < 50 feet
E E From 30 to < 40 feet
F F From 15 to < 30 feet
G G From 5 to < 15 feet
H H < 5 feet
9. Inundation Duration – assessment area condition metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands)
Answer for assessment area dominant landform.
A Evidence of short-duration inundation (< 7 consecutive days)
B Evidence of saturation, without evidence of inundation
C Evidence of long-duration inundation or very long-duration inundation (7 to 30 consecutive days or more)
10. Indicators of Deposition – assessment area condition metric (skip for non-riparian wetlands and all marshes)
Consider recent deposition only (no plant growth since deposition).
A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
B Sediment deposition is excessive, but not overwhelming the wetland.
C Sediment deposition is excessive and is overwhelming the wetland.
11. Wetland Size – wetland type/wetland complex condition metric
Check a box in each column. Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric evaluates three aspects of the wetland area: the
size of the wetland type (WT), the size of the wetland complex (WC), and the size of the forested wetland (FW) (if applicable , see User
Manual). See the User Manual for boundaries of these evaluation areas. If assessment area is clear-cut, select “K” for the FW column.
WT WC FW (if applicable)
A A A ≥ 500 acres
B B B From 100 to < 500 acres
C C C From 50 to < 100 acres
D D D From 25 to < 50 acres
E E E From 10 to < 25 acres
F F F From 5 to < 10 acres
G G G From 1 to < 5 acres
H H H From 0.5 to < 1 acre
I I I From 0.1 to < 0.5 acre
J J J From 0.01 to < 0.1 acre
K K K < 0.01 acre or assessment area is clear-cut
12. Wetland Intactness – wetland type condition metric (evaluate for Pocosins only)
A Pocosin is the full extent (≥ 90%) of its natural landscape size.
B Pocosin type is < 90% of the full extent of its natural landscape size.
13. Connectivity to Other Natural Areas – landscape condition metric
13a. Check appropriate box(es) (a box may be checked in each column). Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric
evaluates whether the wetland is well connected (Well) and/or loosely connected (Loosely) to the landscape patch, the contigu ous
naturally vegetated area and open water (if appropriate). Boundaries are formed by four -lane roads, regularly maintained utility line
corridors the width of a four-lane road or wider, urban landscapes, maintained fields (pasture and agriculture), or open water > 300
feet wide.
Well Loosely
A A ≥ 500 acres
B B From 100 to < 500 acres
C C From 50 to < 100 acres
D D From 10 to < 50 acres
E E < 10 acres
F F Wetland type has a poor or no connection to other natural habitats
13b. Evaluate for marshes only.
Yes No Wetland type has a surface hydrology connection to open waters/stream or tidal wetlands.
14. Edge Effect – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes and Estuarine Woody Wetland)
May involve a GIS effort with field adjustment. Estimate distance from wetland type boundary to artificial edges. Artificia l edges include
non-forested areas ≥ 40 feet wide such as fields, development, roads, regularly maintained utility line corridors, and clear -cuts. Consider
the eight main points of the compass. Artificial edge occurs within 150 feet in how many directions? If the assessme nt area is clear cut,
select option ”C.”
A 0
B 1 to 4
C 5 to 8
15. Vegetative Composition – assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes and Pine Flat)
A Vegetation is close to reference condition in species present and their proportions. Lower strata compo sed of appropriate
species, with exotic plants absent or sparse within the assessment area.
B Vegetation is different from reference condition in species diversity or proportions , but still largely composed of native species
characteristic of the wetland type. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clearcutting or clearing.
It also includes communities with exotics present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata.
C Vegetation severely altered from reference in composition, or expected species are unnaturally absent (planted stands of non -
characteristic species or at least one stratum inappropriately composed of a single species), or exotic species are dominant in at
least one stratum.
16. Vegetative Diversity – assessment area condition metric (evaluate for Non-tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (< 10% cover of exotics).
B Vegetation diversity is low or has > 10% to 50% cover of exotics.
C Vegetation is dominated by exotic species (> 50 % cover of exotics).
17. Vegetative Structure – assessment area/wetland type condition metric
17a. Is vegetation present?
Yes No If Yes, continue to 17b. If No, skip to Metric 18.
17b. Evaluate percent coverage of assessment area vegetation for all marshes only. Skip to 17c for non-marsh wetlands.
A ≥ 25% coverage of vegetation
B < 25% coverage of vegetation
17c. Check a box in each column for each stratum. Evaluate this portion of the metric for non-marsh wetlands. Consider
structure in airspace above the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT) separately.
AA WT
A A Canopy closed, or nearly closed, with natural gaps associated with natural processes
B B Canopy present, but opened more than natural gaps
C C Canopy sparse or absent
A A Dense mid-story/sapling layer
B B Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
C C Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
A A Dense shrub layer
B B Moderate density shrub layer
C C Shrub layer sparse or absent
A A Dense herb layer
B B Moderate density herb layer
C C Herb layer sparse or absent
18. Snags – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
A Large snags (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches DBH, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
A Majority of canopy trees have stems > 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH); many large trees (> 12 inches DBH) are
present.
B Majority of canopy trees have stems between 6 and 12 inches DBH, few are > 12 inch DBH.
C Majority of canopy trees are < 6 inches DBH or no trees.
20. Large Woody Debris – wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Include both natural debris and man-placed natural debris.
A Large logs (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches in diameter, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
B Not A
21. Vegetation/Open Water Dispersion – wetland type/open water condition metric (evaluate for Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
Select the figure that best describes the amount of interspersion between vegetation and open water in the growing season. P atterned
areas indicate vegetated areas, while solid white areas indicate open water.
A B C D
22. Hydrologic Connectivity – assessment area condition metric (evaluate for riparian wetlands and Salt/Brackish Marsh only)
Examples of activities that may severely alter hydrologic connectivity include intensive ditching, fill, sedimentation, channelization, diversion,
man-made berms, beaver dams, and stream incision. Documentation required if evaluated as B, C, or D.
A Overbank and overland flow are not severely altered in the assessment area.
B Overbank flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
C Overland flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
D Both overbank and overland flow are severely altered in the assessment area.
Notes
Canopy Mid-Story Shrub Herb
NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name WA.2 Date of Assessment 3/30/2020
Wetland Type Bottomland Hardwood Forest Assessor Name/Organization K.Shumaker - Dewberry
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N) NO
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) NO
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N) YES
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N) NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N) NO
Sub-function Rating Summary
Function Sub-function Metrics Rating
Hydrology Surface Storage and Retention Condition LOW
Sub-surface Storage and
Retention Condition MEDIUM
Water Quality Pathogen Change Condition LOW
Condition/Opportunity LOW
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) NO
Particulate Change Condition HIGH
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Soluble Change Condition HIGH
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Physical Change Condition LOW
Condition/Opportunity LOW
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Pollution Change Condition NA
Condition/Opportunity NA
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) NA
Habitat Physical Structure Condition LOW
Landscape Patch Structure Condition LOW
Vegetation Composition Condition LOW
Function Rating Summary
Function Metrics Rating
Hydrology Condition LOW
Water Quality Condition MEDIUM
Condition/Opportunity MEDIUM
Opportunity Presence (Y/N) YES
Habitat Condition LOW
Overall Wetland Rating LOW