Wetland Delineation Report - Tacomacms.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater/Schuster/Appendices/AppE.pdf · 4.3 Hydric Soils ... Grette Associates wetland delineation collected data and

APPENDIX E

Wetland Delineation Report

CITY OF TACOMA – CENTER FOR URBAN WATER SCHUSTER SLOPE MANAGEMENT AREA WETLAND AND STREAM DELINEATION AND ANALYSIS REPORT

CITY OF TACOMA – CENTER FOR URBAN WATER SCHUSTER SLOPE MANAGEMENT AREA WETLAND AND STREAM DELINEATION AND ANALYSIS REPORT PREPARED FOR: CITY OF TACOMA – CENTER FOR URBAN WATERS ATTN: DESIREE POOLEY 326 EAST D ST. TACOMA, WA 98421 PREPARED BY: GRETTE ASSOCIATESLLC

2102 NORTH 30TH STREET, SUITE A TACOMA, WASHINGTON 98403 (253) 573-9300

JULY 22, 2015 ______________________________________ __________________ CHAD WALLIN DATE BIOLOGIST

City of Tacoma – Center of Urban Waters i July 22, 2015 Schuster Slope Management Area Grette Associates, LLC Wetland and Stream Delineation and Analysis Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 1 2 FEATURE SUMMARY ............................................................................................. 1 3 EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS ............................................................................... 2

3.1 Local Critical Areas Inventory............................................................................ 3 3.2 National Wetlands Inventory .............................................................................. 3 3.3 Sensitive Wildlife and Plants .............................................................................. 4 3.4 Soil Information .................................................................................................. 4 3.5 Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 4

4 METHODS ................................................................................................................. 4 4.1 Hydrophytic Vegetation ...................................................................................... 5 4.2 Wetland Hydrology ............................................................................................. 5 4.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................................ 6 4.4 Stream Identification ........................................................................................... 6

5 WETLAND RESULTS .............................................................................................. 6 5.1 Wetland A ........................................................................................................... 6

5.1.1 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 6 5.1.2 Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 6 5.1.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................................... 6

5.2 Wetland B ........................................................................................................... 7 5.2.1 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 7 5.2.2 Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 7 5.2.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................................... 7

5.3 Wetland C ........................................................................................................... 7 5.3.1 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 7 5.3.2 Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 8 5.3.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................................... 8

5.4 Wetland D ........................................................................................................... 8 5.4.1 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 8 5.4.2 Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 8 5.4.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................................... 8

5.5 Wetland E............................................................................................................ 8 5.5.1 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 8 5.5.2 Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 9 5.5.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................................... 9

5.6 Wetland F ............................................................................................................ 9 5.6.1 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 9 5.6.2 Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 9 5.6.3 Hydric Soils ........................................................................................................... 9

5.7 Wetland G ........................................................................................................... 9 5.7.1 Vegetation ............................................................................................................ 10 5.7.2 Hydrology ............................................................................................................ 10 5.7.3 Hydric Soils ......................................................................................................... 10

5.8 Wetland H ......................................................................................................... 10 5.8.1 Vegetation ............................................................................................................ 10 5.8.2 Hydrology ............................................................................................................ 10 5.8.3 Hydric Soils ......................................................................................................... 10

City of Tacoma – Center of Urban Waters ii July 22, 2015 Schuster Slope Management Area Grette Associates, LLC Wetland and Stream Delineation and Analysis Report

6 STREAM RESULTS ................................................................................................ 10 6.1 Type Np Streams (Streams A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I)........................................... 11 6.2 Type Ns-1 Streams (Stream E) ......................................................................... 11 6.3 Type Ns-2 Streams (Streams J and K) .............................................................. 11

7 DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................... 11 7.1 Wetland Categorization .................................................................................... 11 7.2 Wetland Functions and Values ......................................................................... 12 7.3 Regulatory Considerations ................................................................................ 12 7.4 Disclaimer ......................................................................................................... 12

8 BIOLOGIST QUALIFICATIONS ........................................................................... 13 8.1 Chad Wallin ...................................................................................................... 13

9 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 13

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Vicinity map ............................................................................................................... 1 Figure 2. City of Tacoma critical area inventory ........................................................................ 3

LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Wetland delineation summary ..................................................................................... 2 Table 2. Stream identification summary .................................................................................... 2 Table 3. Definitions for USFWS plant indicator status ............................................................. 5 Table 4. Wetland rating and categorization summary ............................................................. 11

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A. Wetland Delineation Map Sheets Appendix B. Wetland Datasheets Appendix C. Wetland Rating Forms

City of Tacoma – Center for Urban Waters 1 July 22, 2015 Schuster Slope Management Area Grette Associates, LLC Wetland and Stream Delineation and Analysis Report

1 INTRODUCTION Grette Associates, LLC is under contract with the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services to perform a wetland and stream delineation and analysis along the Schuster Slope Management Area (SSMA). The SSMA is located west of Schuster Parkway between S 4th St and Ruston Way (Figure 1). The purpose of this assessment is to document all wetlands and streams in the SSMA for use in preparing the Schuster Slope Landscape Management Plan. Figure 1. Vicinity map

2 FEATURE SUMMARY Grette Associates Pierce County qualified wetland specialists visited the area on April 27 and April 28, 2015 to conduct an assessment for the presence of jurisdictional wetlands and streams within the SSMA.

Schuster Slope Management Area


Grette Associates collected wetland delineation data and delineated eight (8) wetland features (Wetland A through H) that contained all three wetland criteria (Appendix A). Paired data plots were sampled to determine the location of upland and wetland areas. Boundary flags and sample plot locations were marked with surveyors flagging. Field datasheets and wetland rating forms are presented in Appendix B and C, respectively.

The wetlands identified within the SSMA were rated using the Washington State Department of Ecology’s (Ecology) Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western WA - Revised (Hruby 2004). A summary of the delineated wetlands is provided below in Table 1. Table 1. Wetland delineation summary

Feature Size

(Approximate) Cowardin

Class Hydrology Modifier HGM Class

Wetland Category

Buffer Width

A 627 sq. ft. PEM Saturation Slope IV 50 ft. B 2,673 sq. ft. PEM Saturation Slope IV 50 ft. C 22,897 sq. ft. PEM/SS Saturation Slope IV 50 ft. D 8,910 sq. ft. PEM Saturation Slope IV 50 ft. E 870 sq. ft. PEM/SS Saturation Slope IV 50 ft. F 612 sq. ft. PEM/SS Seasonally Flooded Depression III 75 ft. G 673 sq. ft. PEM/SS Seasonally Flooded Depression III 75 ft. H 1,334 sq. ft. PEM Saturation Slope IV 50 ft.

In addition to the wetlands delineated, 11 streams were identified within the SSMA (Appendix A). Due to the narrow width of the streams, rather than flagging the left and right bank ordinary high water mark (OHWM) the center line of each channel was flagged. On average, the channels of the identified streams were approximately 16 inches in width. A summary of identified streams is provided below in Table 2. Table 2. Stream identification summary

Feature Stream Type Buffer Width A Np 100 ft. B Np 100 ft. C Np 100 ft. D Np 100 ft. E Ns-1 75 ft. F Np 100 ft. G Np 100 ft. H Np 100 ft. I Np 100 ft. J Ns-2 25 ft. K Ns-2 25 ft.

3 Existing Site Conditions The SSMA is a steep northeasterly slope that faces Commencement Bay. This slope consists of a deciduous forest dominated by big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and red


alder (Alnus rubra). Beneath the forested canopy, the slope is dominated by an assortment of native and non-native shrubs and herbaceous vegetation.

3.1 Local Critical Areas Inventory The City of Tacoma’s govME website was queried to identify any known critical areas within the general area the SSMA (City of Tacoma 2015). According to govME, there is six (6) known or high probability wetlands and one stream mapped within or near the SSMA (Figure 2). Figure 2. City of Tacoma critical area inventory

3.2 National Wetlands Inventory The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was queried to determine if previously-identified wetlands are present on or near the SSMA (USFWS 2015). According to the NWI Interactive Online Mapper, there are no wetlands identified within the SSMA.

WETLAND LEGEND


3.3 Sensitive Wildlife and Plants The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) database on-line mapper was queried to determine if state or federally listed fish or wildlife species occur on or near the SSMA (WDFW 2015). According to the PHS database, the SSMA is mapped as a biodiversity area and corridor for terrestrial species. No additional critical areas are mapped in the area, including known bald eagle nests. The Washington Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) Natural Heritage Information System was queried to determine if the SSMA occur in a location reported to contain high quality natural heritage wetland occurrences or occurrences of natural heritage features commonly associated with wetlands. According to WDNR data dated September 24, 2014, there are no records of rare plants or high quality native ecosystems occurring on or in the vicinity of the SSMA.

3.4 Soil Information According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2015), the soils within the SSMA were not mapped by the NRCS.

3.5 Hydrology The SSMA is largely undeveloped and likely infiltrates most of the precipitation that falls within the SMMA. However, due to the steepness of the slope and soil conditions, the SSMA contains numerous groundwater seeps that expose shallow groundwater. Any surface water that originates from the groundwater seeps flows downslope towards stormwater ditches along Schuster Parkway and conveyed into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system.

In addition to the seeps, residential outfalls and degraded stormwater features were observed along portions of the SSMA. These features appear to be collecting and conveying stormwater from areas above the SSMA and directing the stormwater to the identified streams along the SSMA. These identified streams flow downslope towards a stormwater ditches along Schuster Parkway and conveyed into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system.

4 METHODS The SSMA was traversed and data collected to confirm wetland boundaries. Wetlands were delineated according to the procedures described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps’) Federal Wetland Delineation Manual (1987), and the Corps’ Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (2010). Paired data plots and soil test pits were excavated to evaluate wetland and upland conditions. Guidance from the Corps’ Regional Supplement was used to evaluate the data at each data point. The boundaries of each wetland were established based on changes in vegetation, field indicators of hydric soils, water levels at or below 12 inches, topographic changes, and best professional judgment. Data plots were established in and adjacent to the wetland.


The location of the wetland boundaries were defined by placement of florescent pink flagging tape. The location of each data plot was defined by the placement of orange flagging tape. The wetland boundary flagging was labeled alpha-numerically (i.e. A-2), where the letter designates the wetland and the number designates the specific flag angle point.

Plants were determined to be more or less associated with wetlands based on their wetland indicator (FAC) status. The percent dominance for each plant strata was determined using the 50-20 Rule, which is the recommended method for selecting dominant species from a plant community in instances where quantitative data are available (USACE 2010). In utilizing this rule, dominant species are the species that individually or collectively account for more than 50 percent of the total coverage of vegetation in the stratum plus any other species that, by itself, accounts for at least 20 percent of the total.

4.1 Hydrophytic Vegetation The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the NWI have established a rating system that has been applied to commonly occurring plant species on the basis of their frequency of occurrence in wetlands (Table 3). Species indicator status expresses the range in which plants may occur in wetlands and non-wetlands (uplands). Under this system, vegetation is considered hydrophytic when there is an indicator status of facultative (FAC), facultative wetland (FACW) or obligate wetland (OBL) (Table 3). The hydrophytic vegetation criterion for wetland determination is met when more than 50 percent of the dominant species in the plant community are FAC or wetter. The Corps’ National Wetland Plant List (Lichvar 2014) was used to determine vegetation indicator status. Table 3. Definitions for USFWS plant indicator status

Plant Indicator Status Category

Indicator Status Abbreviation

Definition (Estimated Probability of Occurrence)

Obligate Upland UPL Occur rarely (<1 percent) in wetlands, and almost always (>99 percent) in uplands

Facultative Upland FACU Occur sometimes (1 percent to <33 percent) in wetlands, but occur more often (>67 percent to 99 percent) in uplands

Facultative FAC Similar likelihood (33 percent to 67 percent) of occurring in both wetlands and uplands

Facultative Wetland FACW Occur usually in wetlands (>67 percent to 99 percent), but also occur in uplands (1 percent to 33 percent)

Obligate Wetland OBL Occur almost always (>99 percent) in wetlands, but rarely occur in uplands (<1 percent)

Not Listed NL Not listed due to insufficient information to determine status

4.2 Wetland Hydrology Evidence of permanent or periodic inundation (water marks, drift lines, drainage patterns), or soil saturation to the surface for 12 consecutive days or more during the growing season meets the hydrology criterion. Oxidized root channels in the top 12 inches and hydrogen sulfide are primary indicators, and water-stained leaves and geomorphic position are secondary indicators of wetland hydrology.


4.3 Hydric Soils Soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper soil horizons are considered hydric soils. Field indicators include histosols, the presence of a histic epipedon, a sulfidic odor, low soil chroma, and gleying. Soil conditions were compared to the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils detailed in the Corps’ Regional Supplement.

4.4 Stream Identification Additionally, OHWM determinations were completed using Ecology’s current stream OHWM manual and guidance (Olson and Stockdale 2010). Due to the narrow size of the streams, rather than flagging the left and right bank OHWM, the center line of each channel was flagged. On average, the channels of the identified streams were approximately 16 inches in width.

5 WETLAND RESULTS The assessment identified eight (8) wetland features located within the SSMA that met all three wetland criteria defined by USACE’s Regional Supplement (2010). Paired data plots were sampled at each wetland to determine the location of uplands and wetlands.

5.1 Wetland A Wetland A is a Palustrine Emergent Seasonally Saturated wetland that is approximately 627 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a slope wetland. Wetland A is situated along the toe of the Schuster Slope near the intersection of Schuster Parkway and S 4th St (Appendix A).

5.1.1 Vegetation The vegetation within Wetland A consists of emergent vegetation dominated by giant horsetail (Equisetum telmateia) and nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). Other emergent vegetation observed within the wetland was bedstraw (Galium spp.). 5.1.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland A is primarily provided by shallow groundwater. This wetland is situated at the base of Schuster Slope where groundwater daylights from the surface prior to flowing downslope towards a stormwater ditch along Schuster Parkway and into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system. During the wetland delineation, saturation was observed at 6 inches and the water table was observed at 12 inches. Additional wetland hydrology indicators observed included oxidized rhizospheres along living roots.

5.1.3 Hydric Soils The soils within the City of Tacoma are not mapped by the NRCS (2015). Soils within the wetland typically consisted of an upper layer (0-5 inches) of a very dark gray (10YR3/1) silt loam with depleted layers (5-21 inches) beneath. The upper depleted layer (5-8 inches) consists of a gray (5YR5/1) silty sand with prominent dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) redox concentrations within the matrix. The deeper depleted layer (8-21 inches) observed consisted of a dark gray (10YR4/1) silty sand with prominent yellowish


brown (10YR4/6) redox concentrations within the matrix. Soils within Wetland A met the Depleted Matrix hydric soil indicator.

5.2 Wetland B Wetland B is a Palustrine Emergent Seasonally Saturated wetland that is approximately 2,673 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a slope wetland. Wetland B is located north of Wetland A along the toe of Schuster Slope (Appendix A).

5.2.1 Vegetation The vegetation within Wetland B consists of emergent vegetation dominated by giant horsetail, lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), and English ivy (Hedera helix). Other vegetation observed within the wetland consisted of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis). These shrubs were in small patches or were individual species within the wetland and did not meet the threshold to be considered a vegetation class within the wetland.

5.2.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland B is primarily provided by shallow groundwater. This wetland is situated at the base of Schuster Slope where groundwater daylights from the surface prior to flowing downslope towards a stormwater ditch along Schuster Parkway and into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system. During the wetland delineation, saturation was observed at 8 inches and the water table was observed at 10 inches.

5.2.3 Hydric Soils Soils within the wetland typically consisted of an upper layer (0-8 inches) of black silt with a layer (8-14 inches) of dark gray (10YR4/1) silt with prominent dark yellowish brown (10YR4/1) redox concentrations beneath. A restrictive layer consisting of moderate size rock was observed at approximately 14 inches. Soils within Wetland B met the Depleted Below Dark Surface hydric soil indicator.

5.3 Wetland C Wetland C is a Palustrine Emergent/Scrub-Shrub Seasonally Saturated wetland that is approximately 22,897 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a slope wetland. This wetland feature is considered a mosaic wetland based on its geomorphic position. Wetland C is located along an area where Schuster Slope is extremely steep (Appendix A). This area consists of a mixture of upland and wetland areas, where the upland areas are likely depositional areas from past slope failures. Due the constraints of the terrain, the hazardous area was not traversed and it was assumed that this area contained both wetland and upland areas.

5.3.1 Vegetation The vegetation within Wetland C consists of emergent and scrub-shrub vegetation that is dominated by giant horsetail, lady fern, water parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa), English ivy, salmonberry, and Himalayan blackberry.


5.3.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland C is primarily provided by shallow groundwater. This wetland is situated along the Schuster Slope where groundwater daylights from the surface prior to flowing downslope towards a stormwater ditch along Schuster Parkway and into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system.

5.3.3 Hydric Soils Soils observed within Wetland C consisted of an upper layer (0-5 inches) of black (5YR2.5/1) gravelly silty loam with distinct dark reddish brown (5YR3/4) redox concentrations within the matrix. Below this upper layer, contained a layer (5-18 inches) of black (5YR2.5/1) sandy silt. Delignified wood debris was observed in this layer. Soils observed within Wetland C met the Loamy Mucky Mineral hydric soil indicator.

5.4 Wetland D Wetland D is a Palustrine Emergent Seasonally Saturated wetland that is approximately 8,910 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a slope wetland. Wetland D is situated within a small bench along the Schuster Slope that appears to be part of an old dirt access road (Appendix A).

5.4.1 Vegetation The vegetation within Wetland D consists of emergent vegetation dominated by giant horsetail, water parsley and nightshade. These species appear to be highly invasive within the wetland and have out-competed any other vegetation.

5.4.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland D is primarily provided by shallow groundwater. This wetland is situated along the Schuster Slope where groundwater daylights from the surface and flows across the wetland area prior to infiltrating back into the soils. During the wetland delineation, saturation was observed at the surface and the water table was observed at 12 inches.

5.4.3 Hydric Soils Soils observed within Wetland D consisted of an upper layer (0-10 inches) of very dark gray (10YR3/1) gravelly sand with a layer (10-22 inches) of dark gray (7.5YR4/1) clayey silty sand with brown (7.5YR4/4) redox concentrations beneath. Soils observed within Wetland D met the Depleted Below Dark Surface hydric soil indicator.

5.5 Wetland E Wetland E is a Palustrine Emergent Seasonally Saturated wetland that is approximately 870 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a slope wetland. Wetland E is located along the toe of Schuster Slope (Appendix A).

5.5.1 Vegetation Vegetation within this wetland consists of emergent and shrub vegetation that is dominated by horsetail and salmonberry. English ivy was also observed to be growing within the wetland and appears to have somewhat adapted to wet soils.


5.5.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland E is primarily provided by shallow groundwater. This wetland is situated at the base of Schuster Slope where groundwater daylights from the surface prior to flowing downslope towards a stormwater ditch along Schuster Parkway and into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system. During the wetland delineation, saturation and the water table were observed at the surface.

5.5.3 Hydric Soils Soils observed within Wetland E consisted of an upper layer (0-6 inches) of very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) sandy silt with a layer (6-22 inches) of dark gray silty sand with prominent brown (7.5YR4/4) redox concentrations within the matrix beneath. Soils observed within Wetland E met the Depleted Below Dark Surface hydric soil indicator.

5.6 Wetland F Wetland F is a Palustrine Emergent/Scrub-Shrub Seasonally Flooded wetland that is approximately 612 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a depressional wetland (Appendix A). Wetland F is situated within a small depression that is located along an old dirt access road.

5.6.1 Vegetation Vegetation within this wetland consists of emergent and shrub vegetation that is dominated by lady fern, giant horsetail, and salmonberry. The vegetation within this wetland is largely established along its perimeter. Due to seasonal hydrology, the center of the wetland is sparsely vegetated.

5.6.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland F is primarily provided by flows from Stream H and shallow groundwater. During seasonally high flows, water from Stream H flows into the wetland from the north and to the south before flowing northeast into Stream F (Appendix A). During seasonally low flows, the wetlands outlet may have intermittent flows.

5.6.3 Hydric Soils Soils observed within Wetland F consisted of an upper layer (0-4 inches) of very dark brown (10YR2/2) loamy silt with a layer (4-10 inches) of very dark gray (10YR3/1) sand with prominent brown (7.5YR4/4) redox concentrations beneath. During soil sampling, a strong hydrogen sulfide odor was observed, indicating hydric soils.

5.7 Wetland G Wetland G is a Palustrine Emergent/Scrub-Shrub Seasonally Flooded wetland that is approximately 673 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a depressional wetland (Appendix A). Wetland G is situated within a distinct topographical depression located north of Stream I.


5.7.1 Vegetation Vegetation within this wetland consists of emergent and shrub vegetation that is dominated by slough sedge (Carex obnupta) and salmonberry. However, likely due to the wood waste and debris within the wetland, the vegetation within the wetland is sparse. A majority of vegetation is growing along the perimeter of the wetland.

5.7.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland G is primarily provided by shallow groundwater and direct precipitation. No identifiable inlet or outlet was observed within Wetland G.

5.7.3 Hydric Soils Soils observed within Wetland G consisted of a layer (0-10 inches) of black (10 YR2/1) silt with a high content of delignified wood debris. During soil sampling, a strong hydrogen sulfide odor was observed, indicating hydric soils.

5.8 Wetland H Wetland H is a Palustrine Emergent Seasonally Saturated wetland that is approximately 1,334 square feet in size and is hydrogeomorphically classified as a slope wetland. This feature is situated on an old dirt access road that is located north of Stadium High School’s athletic field and appears to have developed wetland conditions since its abandonment (Appendix A).

5.8.1 Vegetation Vegetation within this wetland consists of emergent vegetation dominated by giant horsetail and creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens). Species observed within the wetland that were not dominant consisted of bentgrass (Agrostis spp.) and marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata).

5.8.2 Hydrology Hydrologic support for Wetland H is primarily provided by shallow groundwater. This wetland is situated along a cut slope where an old dirt road was constructed. As a result, shallow groundwater seeps from the toe of the cut slope, providing hydrology to the wetland.

5.8.3 Hydric Soils Soils observed within Wetland H consisted of a layer (0-5 inches) of a very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) sandy silt with a layer (5-10 inches) of dark gray (7.5YR4/1) loamy sand with prominent strong brown (7.5YR4/6) redox concentrations beneath. Below 10 inches is a very restrictive gravelly layer that is largely impenetrable with a shovel.

6 STREAM RESULTS The assessment performed within the SSMA identified 11 streams. Of these 11 streams, there are eight (8) Type Np streams, one (1) Type Ns-1 stream, and two (2) Type Ns-2 streams within the SSMA. Due to the narrow size of the streams, rather than flagging the left and right bank ordinary high water mark (OHWM), the center line of each channel was flagged.


6.1 Type Np Streams (Streams A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I) Type Np streams are natural waters within the bankfull width of a defined channel that have perennial flow and do not provide fish habitat (TMC 13.11.410). The streams identified within the SSMA that are typed as a Type Np stream are generally very narrow (less than 24 inches in bankfull width) and steep ( more than 16 percent slope) which are characteristics that are presumed to not support fish. According to TMC 13.11.420, Type Np streams are subject to a 100 foot stream buffer.

6.2 Type Ns-1 Streams (Stream E) Type Ns-1 streams are seasonal non-fish bearing streams in which surface flows are not present for at least some portion of the year and are physically connected by an above ground channel system to Type F or Type Np streams (TMC 13.11.410). Stream E originates from a seasonal groundwater seep and joins Stream C prior to flowing into a stormwater ditch and conveyed into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system. According to TMC 13.11.420, Type Ns-1 streams are subject to a 75 foot stream buffer.

6.3 Type Ns-2 Streams (Streams J and K) Type Ns-1 streams are seasonal non-fish bearing streams in which surface flows are not present for at least some portion of the year and are not physically connected by an above ground channel system to Type F or Type Np streams (TMC 13.11.410). Stream J and K are perennial streams that originate from groundwater seeps and are isolated from any Type F or Type Np streams. These two stream flow down slope until intercepting a stormwater ditch and conveyed into the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system. According to TMC 13.11.420, Type Ns-2 streams are subject to a 25 foot stream buffer.

7 DISCUSSION 7.1 Wetland Categorization To determine the categorization of the wetland within the SSMA based on function, the wetland classification guidelines in Ecology’s revised wetland rating system (Hruby 2004) were used. Based on this guidance, wetlands were given a score for each of three functions: Water Quality, Hydrology, and Habitat (Table 4). Table 4. Wetland rating and categorization summary

Feature Size

(sq. ft.) HGM Class Water

Quality Hydrology Habitat Total Category Buffer (ft.)

A 627 sq. ft. Slope 6 0 12 18 IV 50 ft. B 2,673 sq. ft. Slope 6 3 13 22 IV 50 ft. C 22,897 sq. ft. Slope 6 5 15 26 IV 50 ft. D 8,910 sq. ft. Slope 8 2 13 23 IV 50 ft. E 870 sq. ft. Slope 8 3 17 28 IV 50 ft. F 612 sq. ft. Depressional 10 8 20 38 III 75 ft. G 673 sq. ft. Depressional 10 12 19 40 III 75 ft. H 1,334 sq. ft. Slope 4 0 13 17 IV 50 ft.


7.2 Wetland Functions and Values All of the wetlands provide some level of water quality enhancement, hydrology, and habitat functions. However, as shown in Table 4, Wetland F and Wetland G provide greater water quality and hydrology wetland functions than the other wetlands. These wetlands likely filter out sediments and toxins from stormwater and shallow groundwater, preventing them from entering the Puget Sound through the City’s stormwater system. Being mapped as a biodiversity area and corridor for terrestrial species, the SSMA likely provides moderate wildlife habitat which includes small and large mammal foraging and refuge, and passerine foraging and refuge.

7.3 Regulatory Considerations Wetlands, streams, and drainage features are regulated by agencies at the local, state and federal levels. At the local level, wetlands above the OHWM are regulated under the City of Tacoma’s Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 13.11 TMC), or if within 200 feet of the marine shoreline, the City’s Shoreline Master Program (Chapter 13.10).

At the state level, wetlands are regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology through the State Clean Water Act (Section 401). The requirement for a Water Quality Certification from Ecology for wetland impacts is triggered by the applicant applying for a federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the Corps. In addition, in counties bordering the Puget Sound or Pacific Ocean, Ecology manages activities within wetlands through the Coastal Zone Management program. Ecology may also issue an Administrative Order, allowing them wetland regulatory authority without a federal nexus.

At the federal level, impacts (specifically dredging or filling) to aquatic features are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency through the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps administers the federal Clean Water Act (Section 404) for projects involving dredging or filling in Waters of the US (lakes, streams, marine waters, and most non-isolated wetlands). The Corps also regulates activities in tributaries to Waters of the US, including ditches, swales and canals with an established hydrologic connection.

While it is the regulatory agencies that make the final determination regarding jurisdictional status, project proponents can infer jurisdiction using the guidance provided by each agency or local government. This inference can be used to design a project based on the anticipated regulatory constraints within the project area. However, it is the project proponent’s responsibility to contact each potential regulating agency and confirm their regulatory status and requirements.

7.4 Disclaimer The findings and conclusions documented in this report have been prepared for specific application to this proposed project site. They have been developed in a manner consistent with that level of care and skill normally exercised by members of the environmental science profession currently practicing under similar conditions in the area. Our work was also performed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth


in our proposal. The conclusions and recommendations presented in this report are professional opinions based on an interpretation of information currently available to us and are made within the operation scope, budget, and schedule of this project. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made. In addition, changes in government codes, regulations, or laws may occur. Because of such changes, our observations and conclusions applicable to this site may need to be revised wholly or in part.

Wetland boundaries are based on conditions present at the time of the site visit and considered preliminary until the flagged wetland and/or drainage boundaries are validated by the appropriate jurisdictional agencies. Validation of the boundaries by the regulating agencies provide a certification, typically in writing, that the wetland boundaries verified are the boundaries that will be regulated by the agencies until a specific date or until the regulations are modified. Only the regulating agencies can provide this certification.

Since wetlands are dynamic communities affected by both natural and human activities, changes in wetland boundaries may be expected. Because of such changes, our observations and conclusions applicable to this site may need to be revised wholly or in part.

8 BIOLOGIST QUALIFICATIONS 8.1 Chad Wallin Chad Wallin is a Biologist with extensive training in wetland science and ecology restoration. Chad also has professional experience in stream and fish restoration, marine monitoring, mitigation monitoring, and fish and wildlife assessments.

Chad has earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington along with certificates in ecology restoration and wetland science.

For a list of representative projects, please contact him at Grette Associates. 9 REFERENCES Environmental Laboratory (Corps). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation

Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Hruby, T. 2004. Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Western Washington – Revised [Annotated version]. Washington State Department of Ecology Publication # 04-06-025.

Lichvar, R.W., M. Butterwick, N.C. Melvin, and W.N. Kirchner. 2014. The National Wetland Plant List: 2014 Update of Wetland Ratings. Phytoneuron 2014-41:1-42. Published 2 April 2014. ISSN 2153 733X.


Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2015. United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey [map online]. Queried June 15, 2015. URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/

Olson, P. and E. Stockdale. 2010. Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark on Streams in Washington State. Sencond Review Draft. Washington State Department of Ecology, Shorelines and Environmental Assistance Program, Lacey, WA. Ecology Publication # 08-06-001.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0), ed. J. S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, and C. V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2015. Wetland Mapper [map online].

National Wetlands Inventory Queried June 15, 2015. URL: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Wetlands-Mapper.html Interactive Layer = “Wetlands”.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2015. PHS on the Web [map online]. Priority Habitats and Species Queried June 15, 2015. URL: http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/.

http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/

http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Wetlands-Mapper.html

http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/

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City of Tacoma – Center for Urban Waters A July 22, 2015 Schuster Slope Management Area Grette Associates, LLC Wetland and Stream Delineation and Analysis Report

SCHUSTER SLOPE MANAGEMENT AREA WETLAND AND STREAM DELINEATION AND ANALYSIS REPORT APPENDIX A: WETLAND DELINEATION MAP

SCHUSTER PARKWAY

DESI

GNED

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4

PIER

CE, W

A1"

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0' 0"

07/09

/1507

/09/15

SMCW20

2.039

SCHUSTER SLOPE

MANAGEMENT AREA

WETLAND AREAS

LEGEND

WETLAND A

WETLAND B

WETLAND C

WETLAND D

WETLAND E

WETLAND F

WETLAND G

WETLAND H

STREAM A & B

STREAM C & E

STREAM D

STREAM I

STREAM F, G, & H

STREAMS

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2.039

SCHUSTER SLOPE

MANAGEMENT AREA

WETLAND AREA

50 FOOT CATEGORY

IV WETLAND BUFFER

AREA

LEGEND

WETLAND A

WETLAND B

WETLAND C

CIT

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SMCW20

2.039

SCHUSTER SLOPE

MANAGEMENT AREA

WETLAND AREA

WETLAND BUFFER AREAS

LEGEND

WETLAND D (50 FT. CATEGORY IV WETLAND BUFFER)

WETLAND E (50 FT. CATEGORY IV WETLAND BUFFER)

WETLAND F (75 FT. CATEGORY III WETLAND BUFFER)

CIT

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STREAM A & B

STREAM C & E

STREAM D

STREAM F, G, & H

STREAM I

WETLAND G (75 FT. CATEGORY III WETLAND BUFFER)

S. STADIUM WAY

100 FT. STREAM BUFFER AREA

DESI

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BY:

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SCAL

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4

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07/09

/1507

/09/15

SMCW20

2.039

SCHUSTER SLOPE

MANAGEMENT AREA

WETLAND AREA

WETLAND BUFFER AREAS

LEGEND

WETLAND H

CIT

Y O

F T

AC

OM

A -

CE

NT

ER

F

OR

U

RB

AN

WA

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STREAM J

STREAM K

S. STADIUM WAY

25 FT. STREAM TYPE Ns-2 BUFFER AREA

Documents

Wetland Delineation Report - Tacomacms.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater/Schuster/Appendices/AppE.pdf · 4.3 Hydric Soils ... Grette Associates wetland delineation collected data and