1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual

The 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual is the official technical standard used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for identifying and delineating wetlands in accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This manual provides comprehensive guidance on the three-parameter approach (hydrology, hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation) for wetland determination and delineation procedures. Below are key sections covering methodology, technical criteria, field procedures, and regulatory applications.

1. Introduction and Purpose 2. Wetland Definition and Criteria 3. Three-Parameter Approach 4. Hydrology Indicators 5. Hydric Soils Identification 6. Hydrophytic Vegetation 7. Field Delineation Procedures 8. Data Collection Methods 9. Problematic Wetland Situations 10. Regulatory Framework 11. Appendices and References

Introduction and Purpose

The 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual establishes standardized procedures for identifying wetlands subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.

Section	Description
Background	Historical context and regulatory basis for wetland delineation
Scope	Applicability to Section 404 permitting and enforcement
Objectives	Standardization of wetland identification methods nationwide
Authority	Clean Water Act Section 404 regulatory authority
Implementation	Use by Corps districts and other federal agencies

Wetland Definition and Criteria

Wetlands are defined as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soils.

Jurisdictional Wetlands: Areas meeting all three wetland criteria
Wetland Criteria: Hydrology, hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation
Exclusions: Certain agricultural and prior converted croplands
Special Cases: Atypical situations requiring additional analysis

IMPORTANT! All three parameters must be present for positive wetland identification.

Three-Parameter Approach

The manual employs a three-parameter approach requiring positive indicators for hydrology, hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation.

Hydrology: Evidence of surface water or soil saturation
Hydric Soils: Soils formed under anaerobic conditions
Hydrophytic Vegetation: Plants adapted to wet conditions
Positive Indicators: Field indicators for each parameter
Thresholds: Minimum requirements for wetland determination

NOTE: Some wetlands may lack obvious surface water but still meet all three criteria.

Hydrology Indicators

Primary Indicators: Surface water, soil saturation within 12 inches
Secondary Indicators: Water marks, drift lines, sediment deposits
Duration: Saturation for 5% of growing season minimum
Frequency: Recurrent inundation or saturation patterns
Monitoring: Piezometers, observation wells, staff gauges
Documentation: Field notes, photographs, data recordings

Hydric Soils Identification

Hydric soils demonstrate characteristics developed under anaerobic conditions caused by prolonged saturation.

Field Indicators: Gleyed matrix, mottling, organic layers, hydrogen sulfide odor.

Soil Colors: Chroma 2 or less in upper horizons, redoximorphic features. Soil Texture: Organic soils (peat, muck), mineral soils with hydric indicators. Soil Sampling: Auger samples, soil pits, profile descriptions. Classification: Using USDA Soil Taxonomy and hydric soils lists.

Hydrophytic Vegetation

Vegetation dominated by species adapted to life in saturated soil conditions.

Identify dominant plant species in the community
Calculate prevalence index using species wetland indicator status
Determine if vegetation is hydrophytic (prevalence index < 3.0)
Document plant community composition and structure

Wetland Indicator Status: OBL (obligate wetland), FACW (facultative wetland), FAC (facultative), FACU (facultative upland), UPL (upland).

Field Delineation Procedures

Systematic approach for wetland boundary determination in the field.

Pre-fieldwork preparation and background research
Initial site reconnaissance and preliminary assessment
Transect establishment and data point selection
Data collection at representative locations
Wetland boundary flagging and mapping
Quality control and verification sampling

Equipment: Soil auger, flags, GPS, data forms, camera, Munsell soil color book.

Data Collection Methods

Standardized methods for collecting and recording wetland delineation data.

Parameter	Data Collection Method	Documentation
Hydrology	Visual observation, monitoring wells	Hydrology data form
Soils	Soil pits, auger samples	Soil description form
Vegetation	Plant inventory, cover estimates	Vegetation data form
Site Data	GPS coordinates, photographs	Site characterization form

Problematic Wetland Situations

Special circumstances requiring additional analysis and documentation.

Atypical situations: Recently disturbed areas, agricultural lands, artificially created wetlands, problematic hydric soils, vegetation manipulation, seasonal variations, drought conditions, and areas with conflicting indicators.

Regulatory Framework

The manual operates within the context of federal wetland regulations and policies.

Clean Water Act Section 404: Regulatory authority for discharges into waters of the United States
Memorandum of Agreement: Between EPA and Corps regarding wetland jurisdiction
Jurisdictional Determinations: Formal Corps decisions on wetland status
Enforcement: Compliance and enforcement procedures
Appeals Process: Procedures for challenging delineation determinations

Appendices and References

Appendix	Content	Purpose
Appendix A	Regional Supplements	Regional-specific guidance and indicators
Appendix B	Plant Lists	Wetland indicator status for plant species
Appendix C	Soil Information	Hydric soil criteria and field indicators
Appendix D	Data Forms	Standardized field data collection forms
Appendix E	References	Technical references and supporting documents

Updates: Regional supplements may modify or supplement national guidance.

Contact: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Offices for regional implementation.