The 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual for Eastern Mountains provides comprehensive guidance for identifying and delineating wetlands in the Eastern Mountain region of the United States. This manual establishes the three-parameter approach (hydrology, hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation) for wetland determination and includes regional supplements specific to mountainous terrain. Below are key sections covering methodology, field indicators, regional considerations, and implementation procedures.
The 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual provides the primary technical guidance for identifying and delineating wetlands under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in the Eastern Mountains region.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Clean Water Act Section 404 |
| Geographic Scope | Eastern Mountain regions including Appalachians |
| Primary Use | Regulatory wetland delineation |
| Technical Approach | Three-parameter methodology |
| Regional Adaptation | Mountain-specific indicators and considerations |
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.
NOTE: All three parameters must be present for wetland designation in most cases.
The manual employs a systematic three-parameter approach for wetland identification and delineation.
IMPORTANT: Regional supplements provide mountain-specific guidance for parameter interpretation.
Primary field indicators for wetland identification in Eastern Mountain regions.
Hydrology Indicators: Surface water, saturation within 12 inches, water marks, drainage patterns
Soil Indicators: Hydric soil matrix, mottling, organic layers, redox features
Vegetation Indicators: FACW, OBL species prevalence, wetland plant communities
Mountain-Specific: Slope wetlands, seepage indicators, spring-fed areas
Standardized procedures for collecting wetland delineation data in mountainous terrain.
Field Equipment: Soil auger, Munsell color charts, vegetation guides, GPS, camera
Step-by-step procedures for wetland boundary determination in Eastern Mountains.
Boundary Marking: Use flagging, stakes, or GPS coordinates for accurate boundary representation.
Comprehensive documentation necessary for regulatory wetland delineations.
Challenging wetland determination scenarios in Eastern Mountain regions.
Difficult Cases: Former wetlands, agricultural areas, disturbed sites, atypical hydrology
Mountain Challenges: Intermittent streams, steep slope wetlands, groundwater-fed systems
Resolution: Use best professional judgment, consult regional supplements, seek technical guidance
The manual operates within the framework of Clean Water Act Section 404 and Corps of Engineers regulatory program. Jurisdictional determinations based on manual guidance are used for permit decisions, enforcement actions, and compliance monitoring. State and local wetland regulations may provide additional requirements.
| Resource | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| National Wetland Plant List | Official wetland plant indicators | Vegetation parameter determination |
| Field Indicators of Hydric Soils | Soil identification guide | Hydric soil verification |
| Regional Supplements | Area-specific guidance | Mountain wetland applications |
| Technical Standards | Delineation protocols | Standardized procedures |
| Training Materials | Educational resources | Professional development |
Updates: Consult current regional supplements for latest methodology.
Contact: USACE District Regulatory Offices for technical assistance