1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements

The 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, along with its regional supplements, provides standardized methodology for identifying and delineating wetlands across the United States. This comprehensive guidance establishes the three-parameter approach (hydrology, hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation) for wetland determination and includes region-specific adaptations to account for ecological variations. Below are key sections covering methodology, regional applications, technical criteria, implementation procedures, and regulatory context.

1. Methodology Overview 2. Regional Supplements 3. Technical Criteria 4. Field Procedures 5. Data Collection Methods 6. Documentation Requirements 7. Regulatory Framework 8. Training and Certification 9. Updates and Revisions 10. Reference Materials 11. Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology Overview

The manual establishes the three-parameter approach for wetland identification and delineation.

Parameter	Description
Hydrology	Presence of water at or near surface for sufficient duration
Hydric Soils	Soils formed under conditions of saturation
Hydrophytic Vegetation	Plant species adapted to wet conditions
Wetland Determination	All three parameters must be present
Delineation	Mapping wetland boundaries in field
Atypical Situations	Special circumstances requiring deviation
Problem Areas	Areas difficult to classify using standard methods
Regional Adaptation	Modifications for ecological regions
Field Indicators	Observable evidence of wetland conditions
Data Quality	Ensuring accurate and reliable results

Regional Supplements

Regional supplements provide specific guidance for different ecological regions of the United States.

Alaska Region: Addresses permafrost and northern wetland types
Arid West Region: Covers desert and semi-arid wetland systems
Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: Focuses on coastal and tidal wetlands
Caribbean Islands: Addresses tropical wetland ecosystems
Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: Covers Appalachian and eastern uplands
Great Plains: Addresses prairie potholes and playa wetlands
Hawaii and Pacific Islands: Covers tropical and volcanic wetland systems
Midwest Region: Addresses glacial lake and riverine wetlands
Northcentral and Northeast: Covers boreal and temperate wetlands
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast: Addresses western montane systems

IMPORTANT! Always use the appropriate regional supplement for accurate wetland delineation.

Technical Criteria

Hydrology Indicators: Primary evidence includes water marks, drainage patterns, sediment deposits
Hydric Soil Indicators: Soil color (chroma), mottling, organic matter content, redox features
Hydrophytic Vegetation: Dominance of wetland plant species, prevalence index calculations
Growing Season: Region-specific determination of biological activity period
Wetland Boundaries: Transition zones between wetland and upland areas
Data Collection: Standardized forms and measurement protocols
Quality Assurance: Procedures for verifying delineation accuracy
Technical Review: Peer review process for complex delineations

Field Procedures

Standardized field methods for wetland identification and boundary determination.

Site Preparation: Review aerial photos, topographic maps, soil surveys before field visit.

Field Equipment: Soil auger, Munsell color charts, vegetation guides, GPS unit, data forms, camera. Site Assessment: Walk entire site, identify potential wetland areas, establish transects. Data Collection: Document hydrology indicators, collect soil samples, record vegetation data. Boundary Determination: Mark wetland-upland transition using flags or stakes. Documentation: Complete standardized data forms with photographs and maps.

Data Collection Methods

Standard protocols for collecting and recording wetland data.

Hydrology Data: Record water levels, saturation duration, flooding frequency
Soil Characterization: Describe soil profiles, document hydric soil indicators
Vegetation Sampling: Use plot methods, record species composition and cover
Photographic Documentation: Take representative photos of site conditions
Mapping: Create accurate site maps with wetland boundaries

Note: All data must be collected during appropriate season and conditions.

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation necessary for regulatory compliance.

Delineation Report: Complete description of methods and findings
Data Forms: Completed standardized data collection forms
Site Maps: Accurate maps showing wetland boundaries and features
Photographs: Representative photos of site conditions and indicators
Supporting Data: Soil descriptions, vegetation lists, hydrology evidence
Quality Assurance: Documentation of review and verification procedures
Certification: Professional certification of delineation accuracy
Regulatory Submittal: Package for agency review and approval

REQUIREMENT: Maintain complete records for minimum of five years.

Regulatory Framework

Legal and regulatory context for wetland delineation under Clean Water Act.

Agency	Role	Authority
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers	Regulatory program administration	Section 404 Clean Water Act
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	Oversight and guidance	Clean Water Act authority
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service	Technical assistance	Fish and wildlife expertise
Natural Resources Conservation Service	Wetland conservation	Agricultural wetlands
State Agencies	State wetland programs	State laws and regulations

Training and Certification

Professional development requirements for wetland delineators.

Basic Training: 40-hour wetland delineation course. Advanced Courses: Regional supplement training. Field Experience: Minimum two years under supervision. Certification: Professional wetland delineator certification available. Continuing Education: Annual training requirements. Proficiency Testing: Periodic skill assessment. Professional Organizations: Society of Wetland Scientists, etc.

Updates and Revisions

Process for updating manual and regional supplements.

Revision Cycle: Manual reviewed every 5-10 years. Regional Supplements: Updated as new science emerges. Public Comment: Opportunity for stakeholder input. Technical Review: Peer review by scientific experts. Agency Coordination: Interagency review process. Implementation: Phased implementation of changes. Training: Updated training for new procedures.

Reference Materials

Primary Manual: 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual
Regional Supplements: All 10 regional guidance documents
Technical References: National Wetland Plant List, Hydric Soils List
Training Materials: Corps wetland delineation course materials
Regulatory Guidance: Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines
Scientific Literature: Peer-reviewed wetland science publications
Digital Resources: Online databases and mapping tools
Field Guides: Portable field identification guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Category	Answer
When are regional supplements required?	Application	Required for all delineations in covered regions since implementation dates
How long is delineation valid?	Duration	Typically 1-5 years depending on site conditions and regulations
What training is required?	Qualifications	40-hour course plus regional supplement training
How to handle disputed delineations?	Resolution	Technical review process with agency consultation
Are there digital tools available?	Technology	Yes, various mapping and data collection applications

Technical Support: Contact Corps District regulatory offices for assistance.

Additional Resources: www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program/