Florida Soils Presentation

51
SOIL SCIENTISTS PERFORMING WETLAND DELINEATIONS Mark S. McClain October 19, 2009

Transcript of Florida Soils Presentation

Page 1: Florida Soils Presentation

SOIL SCIENTISTS PERFORMING WETLAND DELINEATIONS

Mark S. McClainOctober 19, 2009

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Objective The objective of this lecture is to examine the

importance of having an adequate knowledge of soil science to be able to perform wetland delineations.

A brief history of the regulations relative to jurisdictional waters, wetlands, and delineation procedures will be covered.

A Florida case study will be presented showing the importance of soil knowledge in wetland delineations.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Why was the topic of wetland delineations selected?

Wetland delineations are an important application of environmental soil science.

Wetland delineations are a meaningful opportunity that soil scientists should take advantage of as a part of their careers.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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The Clean Water Act

The Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972 is commonly known as the Clean Water Act (CWA).

The basis of the CWA was enacted in 1948 and was called the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, but the Act was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972. The "Clean Water Act" became the Act's common name with amendments in 1977.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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The Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq. (1972)

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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The Clean Water Act 404(b)(1) Guidelines

Under section 404(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), these Guidelines are applicable to the specification of disposal sites for discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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What are Waters of the U.S.?

All waters which are currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide.

All interstate waters including interstate wetlands.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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What are Waters of the U.S.?

All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent and ephemeral streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use, degradation or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce including any such waters.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Wetland Delineation Manual

The US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual became effective in 1987 with revisions made in 1991, 1992, and 1997.

The US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual is used as the legal and technical means of evaluating and delineating wetlands in the field.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Baseline Information Aerial Photographs USGS Topographic Map USFWS Wetland Inventory Map USDA-NRCS Soil Survey Map Soil Data Mart Hydric Soils List Develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)

from this information and later add GPS locations of the wetland delineation and sampling points.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Jurisdictional Wetlands Jurisdictional wetlands must have all three

criteria:› Hydrophytic Vegetation› Hydric Soils› Wetland Hydrology

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Hydrophytic Vegetation

Hydrophytic vegetation is defined herein as the sum total of macrophytic plant life that occurs in areas where the frequency and duration of inundation or soil saturation produce permanently or periodically saturated soils of sufficient duration to exert a controlling influence on the plant species present.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Wetland Indicator Categories

Indicator Code

Wetland Type

OBL Obligate Wetland

FACW Facultative Wetland

FAC FacultativeFACU Facultative

UplandUPL Obligate

Upland

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Hydric Soils

Definition: Hydric soils are those soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season for the development of anaerobic conditions in the upper part. The anaerobic conditions in a hydric soil favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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c 2009 Mark S. McClain

Hydric Soils Must have conditions suitable for the

formation of redoximorphic features. The soil conditions necessary for reduction are:› Soil› Water› Anaerobic conditions› Microorganisms› Energy Source (i.e., organic matter)

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Guide for Hydric Soil Determinations

Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (Hurt and Vasilas, 2006)

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Wetland Hydrology Periodically inundated or have soils saturated

to the surface at some time during the growing season for sufficient duration to develop hydric soils and support vegetation typically adapted for life in periodically anaerobic soil conditions.

The presence of water has an overriding influence on characteristics of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic and reducing conditions.

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Jurisdictional Wetlands A jurisdictional wetland must have all three

criteria:› Hydrophytic Vegetation› Hydric Soils› Wetland Hydrology

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Three Criteria for Wetland Delineations

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Delineation Boundaries by Soil Scientists and Biologists

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Delineation Boundaries by Soil Scientists and Biologists

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Biologists emphasize the extent and taxonomy of plants and the presence of indicator plants.

Soil Scientists emphasize the geomorphic landform, soil morphology, soil classification, soil hydrology, and plant identification.

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Florida Case Study Cecil Field (Old Navy Base) in Duval County,

Florida Soil transect and wetland delineation of

sandy poorly drained soils (somewhat poorly drained inclusions mapped as Albany fine sand) to very poorly drained muck soils

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© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Duval County, Florida

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Longitudinal Cross-Section of Landform

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gg

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Site #1 VegetationVEGETATIONCommon Name Scientific Name Wetland

Indicator Status

Slash pine Pinus elliotti FACWGallberry Ilex coriacea FACWWax myrtle Myrica cerifera FAC+Saw palmetto Serenoa repens FACULowbush blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium NO

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

There is >60% hydrophytic vegetation, therefore the criterion is met.

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Site #1 SoilsSOILSLEON (Sandy, siliceous, thermic Aeric Alaquods): Poorly DrainedSoil Horizon

Depth (inches)

Matrix Color Soil Texture

Redoximorphic Features

A 0-3 10YR 2/1 finesand

10YR 2/1 (60%) 10 YR 6/1 (40%)

Eg1 3-10 10YR 6/1 finesand

10YR 3/1 organic coatings(20 % in upper part to 0 % in lower part)

Eg2 10-15 10YR 6/1 finesand

10YR 7/1 organic matter depletions (20%)

Bh 15-20+ 7.5YR 3/3 (50%)7.5YR 2.5/1 (50%)

sand > 95 % of sand grains have organic coatings

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Site #1 Hydric Soil Indicators

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

This soil appears to be hydric because of the low chroma colors in the upper portion of the profile.

Does not meet the criteria for:› S6. Stripped Matrix › S7. Dark Surface› No other hydric soil indicators

Therefore this soil is not hydric.

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Site #1 Hydrology

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Does this site have wetland hydrology? Field Observations:

› Depth of Surface Water: Not applicable› Depth of Free Water in Pit: >20 inches› Depth to Saturated Soil: >20 inches

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Site #1 Hydrology Graphic

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Surface InundationSoil Surface

Saturation

Depth of inundation: absent

Depth to saturation: >20”

Depth to water: >20”

Soil Pit

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Site #1 Wetland Hydrology Indicators

Primary Indicators:› None

Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):› FAC-Neutral Test

Therefore this site does not have wetland hydrology.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Is Site #1 a Jurisdictional Wetland?

A jurisdictional wetland must have all three criteria:› Hydrophytic Vegetation? Yes› Hydric Soils? No› Wetland Hydrology? No

Site #1 is not a jurisdictional wetland.

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Site #2 VegetationVEGETATIONCommon Name Scientific Name Wetland

Indicator Status

Slash pine Pinus elliottii FACWGallberry Ilex coriacea FACWSaw palmetto Serenoa repens FACUFetterbush Lyonia lucida FACWWoolly huckleberry Gaylussacia mosieri FACW

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

There is >80% hydrophytic vegetation, therefore the criterion is met.

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Site #2 SoilsSOILSLYNN HAVEN (Sandy, siliceous, thermic Typic Alaquods): Very Poorly DrainedSoil Horizon

Depth (inches)

Matrix Color

Soil Texture

Redoximorphic Features

A 0-12 10YR 2/1 fine sand 10YR 2/1 (80%)10YR 7/1 (20%)

Eg 12-16 N 6/0 fine sand >80% uncoated sand grains

Bh 16-20+ 5YR 3/2 fine sand sand grains have organic coatings

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Site #2 Hydric Soil Indicators

This soil appears to be hydric because of the low chroma colors in the upper portion of the profile.

Meets the criteria for:› S6. Stripped Matrix› S7. Dark Surface

Therefore this soil is hydric.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Site #2 Hydrology

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Does this site have wetland hydrology? Field Observations:

› Depth of Surface Water: Not applicable› Depth of Free Water in Pit: 12 inches› Depth to Saturated Soil: 6 inches

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Site #2 Hydrology Graphic

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Surface InundationSoil Surface

Saturation

Depth of inundation: absent

Depth to saturation: 6”

Depth to water: 12”

Water Level

Soil Pit

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Site #2 Wetland Hydrology Indicators

Primary Indicators:› Saturated in Upper 12 inches

Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):› FAC-Neutral Test

Therefore this site does have wetland hydrology.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Is Site #2 a Jurisdictional Wetland?

A jurisdictional wetland must have all three criteria:› Hydrophytic Vegetation? Yes› Hydric Soils? Yes› Wetland Hydrology? Yes› Jurisdictional Wetland? Yes

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Site #3 VegetationVEGETATIONCommon Name Scientific Name Wetland

Indicator Status

Slash pine Pinus elliottii FACWSweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua FAC+Red maple Acer rubrum FACDrummond's maple Acer rubrum var. drummondii OBLSweetbay Magnolia virginiana FACW+Wax myrtle Morella cerifera FAC+Swamp titi Cyrilla racemiflora FACW

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

There is 100% hydrophytic vegetation, therefore the criterion is met.

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Site #3 SoilsSOILSSURRENCY (Loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Arenic Umbric Paleaquults): Very Poorly Drained

Soil Horizon

Depth (inches)

Matrix Color

Soil Texture Redoximorphic Features

Oi 1-0 moss and leaf litter

A 0-12 N 2/ mucky fine sand

10YR 2/1 (95%)10YR 7/1 (5%)

Eg 12-32 2.5Y 5/210YR 4/2

sand 2.5Y 5/2 (95%)10YR 4/2 (5%)

Btg 32-36+ 10YR 7/2 sandy loam with pockets of loamy sand

10YR 6/6 masses of oxidized iron andfew clay coated sand grains

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Site #3 Hydric Soil Indicators

This soil appears to be hydric because of the low chroma colors in the upper portion of the profile.

Meets the criteria for: S7. Dark Surface A7. 5 cm Mucky Mineral Therefore this soil is hydric.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Site #3 Wetland Hydrology Indicators

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Does this site have wetland hydrology? Field Observations:

› Depth of Surface Water: Evidence of inundation

› Depth of Free Water in Pit: 2 inches› Depth to Saturated Soil: 0 inches

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Site #3 Hydrology Graphic

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

Surface InundationSoil Surface

Saturation

Depth of inundation: evidence present

Depth to saturation: 0”

Depth to water: 2”

Water Level

Soil Pit

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Site #3 Wetland Hydrology Indicators

Primary Indicators:› Inundated› Saturated in Upper 12 inches› Water Marks› Drift Lines› Sediment Deposits› Drainage Patterns in Wetlands

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Site #3 Wetland Hydrology Indicators

Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):› Oxidized Root Channels› Water-Stained Leaves› Local Soil Survey Data› FAC-Neutral Test

Therefore this site does have wetland hydrology.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Is Site #3 a Jurisdictional Wetland?

A jurisdictional wetland must have all three criteria:› Hydrophytic Vegetation? Yes› Hydric Soils? Yes› Wetland Hydrology? Yes› Jurisdictional Wetland? Yes

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Wetland Delineation Summary

Site Number(Soil Series)

Hydrophytic Vegetation

Hydric Soil

Wetland Hydrology

Jurisdictional Wetland

1 Leon Yes No No No2 Lynn Haven Yes Yes Yes Yes3 Surrency Yes Yes Yes Yes

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Wetland Delineation Perspectives

Site #1: LEON Site #2: LYNN HAVEN Site #3: SURRENCY

Wetland Delineation (Biologist)

Non-Hydric Soil Hydric Soil Hydric Soil

Wetland Delineation (Soil Scientist)

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Conclusion

The wetland delineation regulations can be difficult to navigate.

A thorough knowledge of soil science is essential to perform accurate wetland delineations.

Soil Scientists are trained to properly understand and interpret soil morphology and soil hydrology.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Conclusion

It is imperative that the soil scientist doing the delineation have an adequate knowledge of botany or consult with a botanist.

When the delineation of hydrophytic vegetation is over-emphasized as compared to the extent of hydric soils, the wetland delineation is typically exaggerated.

© 2009 Mark S. McClain

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Opportunities for Soil Scientists

Results of NSCSS Professional Practice Survey: Who is the Professional Soil Consultant and What Do They Want? Source: Joseph Schuster in Soil Profiles © 2009 VOLUME XVII, NUMBER 3: September 2009 Page 2

© 2009 Mark S. McClain