1987 USACOE Wetlands Manual and Regional Supplement Training

The 1987 USACOE Wetlands Manual and Regional Supplement Training provides comprehensive guidance on wetland delineation methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and field assessment techniques as established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This training covers the three-parameter approach (hydrology, hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation), regional supplement applications, jurisdictional determinations, and compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Below are key sections for regulatory background, methodology, field procedures, regional variations, and certification requirements.

Regulatory Framework Overview

Key regulatory components: Clean Water Act Section 404, 1987 Corps Wetlands Delineation Manual, Regional Supplements, EPA coordination, and jurisdictional boundaries.

Wetland Delineation Methodology

Standardized approach for identifying and mapping wetland boundaries using established scientific criteria.

1. Preliminary Assessment: Review existing data, aerial photography, and soil surveys.
2. Field Verification: Conduct site visits during appropriate growing season.
3. Three-Parameter Analysis: Evaluate hydrology, soils, and vegetation indicators.
4. Boundary Determination: Mark wetland-upland interface based on parameter thresholds.
5. Documentation: Prepare delineation reports with supporting evidence.

IMPORTANT! Delineations must be conducted by qualified personnel following current Corps guidance and regional supplements.

Three-Parameter Approach

The foundation of wetland identification requiring positive indicators in all three parameters.

1. Hydrophytic Vegetation: Dominance of wetland plant species (>50% prevalence).
2. Hydric Soils: Soils formed under saturated conditions with specific morphological features.
3. Wetland Hydrology: Inundation or saturation at surface during growing season.
4. Indicator Thresholds: Minimum requirements for each parameter must be met.
5. Problematic Areas: Guidance for difficult-to-delineate situations.

NOTE: Some wetlands may qualify with two strong parameters when one is borderline.

Regional Supplements

• Northeast Supplement: Applicable to New England and Mid-Atlantic regions.
• Southeast Supplement: Covers Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain.
• Midwest Supplement: Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi regions.
• Western Mountains Supplement: Rocky Mountain and Sierra Nevada areas.
• Arid West Supplement: Desert and semi-arid western regions.
• Alaska Supplement: Arctic and subarctic wetland systems.
• Hawaii & Pacific Islands: Tropical and volcanic wetland types.
• Implementation Date: Regional supplements effective 2010-present.

Field Assessment Procedures

Standard field methods for parameter evaluation and data collection.

Vegetation Assessment: Plot sampling, dominance determination, indicator status, strata analysis.

Soil Examination: Soil pits, color patterns, redox features, texture analysis, hydric indicators.

Hydrology Indicators: Water marks, drift lines, sediment deposits, drainage patterns, saturation evidence.

Equipment: Soil auger, Munsell color charts, vegetation guides, GPS, data forms.

Data Collection & Documentation

Comprehensive documentation requirements for defensible delineations.

1. Site Characterization: Location, size, wetland type, surrounding land use.
2. Parameter Data: Detailed observations for vegetation, soils, and hydrology.
3. Photographic Evidence: Date-stamped photos of indicators and boundaries.
4. Mapping: Accurate boundary mapping with coordinates and reference points.
5. Report Preparation: Technical report following Corps format requirements.

Tip: Maintain detailed field notes and use standardized data forms for consistency.

Jurisdictional Determinations

Official Corps process for determining wetland regulatory status.

1. Preliminary JD: Initial assessment based on available information.
2. Approved JD: Formal determination following field verification.
3. Appeal Process: Procedures for challenging JD decisions.
4. Duration: Typically valid for 5 years unless site conditions change.
5. Verification: Corps review of consultant-prepared delineations.
6. Coordination: EPA and state agency input for significant cases.
7. Documentation: JD documentation in project files.
8. Mapping: Official wetland mapping in Corps GIS systems.

WARNING! Unauthorized alteration of wetlands may result in enforcement actions and penalties.

Training & Certification

Required training for qualified wetland delineators and regulatory staff.

Compliance & Enforcement

Regulatory compliance monitoring and enforcement procedures.

CAUTION! Violations may result in restoration requirements, mitigation, and substantial penalties.

Technical References

1987 Corps Wetlands Delineation Manual, Regional Supplements, National Wetland Plant List, Field Indicators of Hydric Soils, Corps Regulatory Guidance Letters, EPA Wetland Bioassessment Methods, State Wetland Program Guides, Academic Research Publications, Technical Notes and Updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Support: Corps District Regulatory Offices; EPA Wetlands Division

Training Resources: Corps Learning Center; EPA Wetland Training Institute