WESTMORELAND COUNTY Loyalhanna Creek Bridge Replacement

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WESTMORELAND COUNTYLoyalhanna Creek Bridge Replacement Project

S.R. 0982, Section M01

WETLAND IDENTIFICATION AND DELINEATIONREPORT

PREPARED FOR:

DISTRICT 12-0

PREPARED BY:

Mackin Engineering CompanyRIDC Park West

117 Industry DrivePittsburgh, PA 15275

October 2004

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary...................................................................... 3

I. Introduction ............................................................................. 3

II. Background............................................................................. 3

III. Wetland Identification and Delineation Methodology ....... 3

IV. Results .................................................................................... 4

Wetland A........................................................................................................................................ 5Wetland B ....................................................................................................................................... 5Wetland C ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Figures .......................................................................................... 6Figure 1 Project Area Topography .............................................................................................................................. 7Figure 2 Project Area Aerial ....................................................................................................................................... 8Figure 3 Project Area Soils ......................................................................................................................................... 9Figure 4 Project Area NWI Wetlands .......................................................................................................................... 10Figure 5 Project Area Wetlands ..................................................................................................................................11

APPENDIX A.............................................................................. 12Wetland Data Forms, Functional Assessments, and Photographs ................................................ 12

References ................................................................................... 26

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Executive Summary

Mackin Engineering Company conducted a jurisdictional wetland identification and delineation studyas part of a Level 1b Categorical Exclusion Evaluation (CEE) for the Pennsylvania Department of Transpor-tation District 12-0 in September 2004. During the course of this investigation, three palustrine wetlandstotaling 5,989.35 square meters (1.48 acres) were identified and delineated. These wetlands were classi-fied as combinations of palustrine emergent (PEM), palustrine open water (POW), palustrine forested(PFO), and palustrine scrub shrub (PSS) systems. The palustrine wetlands were flagged, surveyed, andtheir boundaries transferred onto project area mapping.

I. Introduction

This report presents the methodology and results of a jurisdictional wetland investigation and delinea-tion conducted by Mackin Engineering Company for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District12-0. Documentation contained herein was prepared in accordance with PennDOT Strike-Off-Letter 430-91-92, dated September 4, 1991.

The project was located at the Loyalhanna Bridge on SR 0982, in Derry and Unity Townships and theBorough of Latrobe, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (Figures 1 & 2). This investigation was initiatedin September 2004.

II. Background

Replacement of the Loyalhanna Bridge on SR 0982 will require the completion of a Level 1b CEE tosatisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act regulations. As part of this CEE, Mackincompleted a site reconnaissance to identify any significant environmental features, including jurisdictionalwetlands. The results of the delineation will be used to determine the extent of impacts to wetlands thateventually may occur as a result of construction activities.

III. Wetland Identification and Delineation Methodology

Jurisdictional wetlands within the project area were identified and delineated through a combination ofliterature/data review and field investigation. A review of the following sources was conducted:

• United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic mapping (Figure 1)• Unites State Geological Survey (USGS) aerial photography (Figure 2)• Westmoreland County Soil Survey (Figure 3) and Hydric Soils Listing• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapping (Figure 4)• Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) mapping

The field investigation was completed in two phases. The first was a site reconnaissance to determinethe presence of jurisdictional wetlands. Areas that appeared to be wet or contained hydrophytic vegetationwere examined in the field. Soils, hydrology, and vegetation were investigated to determine if these areas

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were wetlands. Areas that fulfilled the necessary wetland criteria, or were marginal in nature, were noted onthe project mapping.

The second phase of the investigation consisted of a delineation of the wetland boundaries within in theproject area. This detailed investigation utilized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands DelineationManual (1987, Technical Report Y-87-1) Routine Determination Method. Each area was investigated toconfirm its status as a wetland and to determine the location of the wetland/upland boundary. Each areaconfirmed to be a jurisdictional wetland was flagged at the wetland/upland boundary. The wetland bound-aries were then surveyed and plotted onto project area mapping (Figure 5).

Wetlands were classified utilizing the methods outlined in Classification of Wetlands and DeepwaterHabitats of the United States (Cowardin et. al, 1979). In addition, water sources were classified accordingto the definitions in An Approach for Assessing Wetland Functions Using Hydrogeomorphic Classification,Reference Wetlands, and Functional Indices (1995, Technical Report WRP-DE-9). Data concerning soils,hydrology, vegetation, wetland functions, and photographs were also collected for each wetland (AppendixA).

IV. Results

Review of the Westmoreland County Soil Survey and Hydric Soils List revealed that, Holly andMonongahela soil series, which are hydric soils, exist within the project area. In addition, Lobdell andWeinback soil series, which contain hydric components, are also located within the project area. One othersoil type (Udorthents silt loam), which is not a hydric soil and does not include hydric inclusions, occurswithin the project area. Hydric soils and soils with hydric components are often associated with wetlands.Figure 3 shows the type and locations of the project area soils. Table 1 summarizes the soils located withinthe project area.

In addition to Loyalhanna Creek, which is designated a riverine system, a review of the NWI mappingindicated one wetland existed within the project area (Figure 4). This wetland was identified by NWI as aPFO1A system (Palustrine Forested Broad-Leaved Deciduous Temporarily Flooded). During the wetlanddelineation field view, the presence of this NWI wetland was not confirmed.

The field investigation revealed a total of three wetland systems within the project area. Thesewetland areas were classified as a combination of palustrine emergent (PEM), palustrine open water

Map Symbol Name Hydric Soils or InclusionsHo Holly silt loam HydricLo Lobdell silt loam Hydric inclusions

MoA and MoB Monongahela silt loam HydricWeA Weinback silt loam Hydric inclusionsUaB Udorthents None

Table 1. Project Area Soils

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(POW), palustrine forested (PFO) and palustrine scrub shrub (PSS) systems. Descriptions of each of thesesystems are presented in the following paragraphs. Figure 5 illustrates the location of each wetland withinthe project area.

Wetland A

Wetland A was a 1,429.34 square meter (0.35 acre) PEM, PSS, and POW wetland. This systemwas located to the southeast of the SR 982 Bridge. The dominant emergent vegetation was sweet flag(Acorus calamus), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), watercress (Nasturium officinale), falsenettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), soft rush (Juncus effusus), and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis). Thedominant forested vegetation included sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis) and black willow (Salix nigra).

Munsell soil colors in the wetland were as follows. Matrix colors ranged from 10YR 3/1 with bright,few mottles of 5YR 5/8. Soil textures were silty clay with some fill present from sewer line construction.The wetland was inundated in 10% of its area and soils were saturated to the surface. Apparent sources ofhydrology included an intermittent stream channel.

Wetland B

Wetland B was a 2,865.52 square meter (0.71 acre) PEM and PFO wetland. This system waslocated to the northeast of the SR 982 Bridge. The dominant emergent vegetation was common cattail(Typha latifolia), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), watercress (Nasturium officinale), falsenettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), soft rush (Juncus effusus), and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis). Thedominant forested vegetation included sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis).

Munsell soil colors in the wetland were as follows. Matrix colors ranged from 10YR 4/1 with few andfaint mottles of 5YR 4/6. Soil textures were silty clay. The wetland soils were saturated to the surface.Apparent sources of hydrology included roadway runoff and overland flows

Wetland C

Wetland C was a 1,699.68 square meter (0.42 acre) PEM, PSS, and POW wetland. This systemwas located to the southwest of the SR 982 Bridge. The dominant emergent vegetation was marsh bed-straw (Galium palustre), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), watercress (Nasturium officinale),and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica). The dominant shrub vegetation included red-osier dogwood(Cornus stolonifera) and black willow (Salix nigra).

Munsell soil colors in the wetland were as follows. Matrix colors were gley 3N with few and faintmottles of 2.5YR 3/6. Soil textures were silty clay with some fill present from sewer line construction. Thewetland was inundated in 10% of its area and soils were saturated to the surface. Apparent sources ofhydrology included an intermittent stream channel.

In addition to these delineated wetland areas, instream vegetation was noted on both the east and westof the bridge within the Loyalhanna Creek bank (Refer to Photo 4). Since this area is within the definedbed and bank of the Loyalhanna Creek and the substrate was rocky and not defined as a soil, these areasare considered deep water habitats and were not delineated as a part of this report.

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Figures

7Figure 1 Project Area Topography

8Figure 2 Project Area Aerial

9Figure 3 Project Area Soils

10Figure 4 Project Area NWI Wetlands

11Figure 5 Project Area Wetlands

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APPENDIX A

Wetland Data Forms, Functional Assessments, andPhotographs

Project Loyalhanna Bridge Replacement Project

Owner PENNDOT District 12-0Biologist(s) SLM/JMV

Date 9/27/2004

County Westmoreland

State PA

Normal Circumstances ?

Atypical Situation ?

Community ID A

Cowardin Class 80 PEM, 5 PFO

10 POW, 5 PSS

VEGETATION

Acorus calamus H OBL

Dichanthelium clandestinum H FAC

Symplocarpus foetidus H OBL

Nasturtium officinale H OBL

Boehmeria cylindrica H FACW+

Platanus occidentalis T FACW-

Salix nigra T FACW+

Polygonum sagittatum H OBL

Juncus effusus H FACW+

Onoclea sensibilis H FACW

Impatiens sp H FACW

Verbesina alternifolia H FAC

%Dominant OBL,FACW,FAC 100

Remarks

Recorded Data

Stream,Lake,Tide Gauge

Aerials

No Recorded Data

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0

0

Inundated

Saturated <12"

Water Marks

Drift Lines

Sediment Deposits

Drainage Patterns

Oxidized Root Channels

Water-Stained Leaves

Local Soil Survey Data

FAC Neutral Test

Other

Remarks Intermittent stream channel flowing through the area tha connects to Wetland C through a roadway culvert.

Depth to Free Water (in)

Depth of Surface Water (in)

HYDROLOGY

Depth to Saturated Soil (in)

WETLAND HYDROLOGY INDICATORS

Primary Secondary

Problem Area ?

Dominant Species >50% Stratum Status Dominant Species >50% Stratum Status

Remarks 19 flags (left open ended to east) - 5 photos - 0.35 acres

WETLAND DATA FORM

* indicates lack of indicator status due to level of taxanomic identification

Drainage Class poorly drained

Taxonomy Subgroup Fluventic Haplaquepts

Field Confirmation ?

Depth (in)

8-12

Horizon

B

Matrix

10 YR 3/1

Mottle

5YR 5/8

Texture/Concretions/Structure

silty clay

8-12 B Gley 3/N 5YR 5/6 silty clay

Histosol

Histic Epipedon

Sulfidic Odor

Aquic Moisture Regime

Reducing Conditions

Gleyed/Low Chroma

Concretions

High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils

Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils

Local Hydric Soils Listing

National Hydric Soils Listing

Other

Remarks Sewer line running through area - some fill present in soil samples.

Hydrophytic Vegetation ?

Wetland Hydrology ?

Hydric Soils ?

Jurisdictional Wetland Present?

Remarks

SOILS

PROFILE DESCRIPTION

HYDRIC SOIL INDICATORS

WETLAND DETERMINATION

Abundance/Contrast

bright, few

few, faint

Phase AT

Series Atkin Silt Loam

WETLAND FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT EVALUATION FORMCONSIDERATIONS AND RATIONALE

WETLAND ID: A

Prepared By: SLM

Groundwater Recharge/Discharge: N

Wetland Description: Palustrine emergent, Palustrine open water

Cowardin Classification: 80 PEM, 10 POW, 5 PFO, 5 PSS

Wetland Area: 0.35

Wetland Impact:Area of Wetland Impact

Is Wetland Disturbed?

Type of Disturbance: Sewer line

Is Wetland Hydrologically Isolated?

Water Source: intermittent stream flow

Hydrodynamics: unidirectional

Hydrogeomorphic Setting: riverine (nonperennial)

Is Wetland Designated as EV?

Adjacent Land Use: forestedWatershed Size: 299 sq mileWatershed Location: low

2, 3, 5, 7, 11

FUNCTION RATIONALEHydrology is provided by an intermittent stream

COMMENTS

Floodflow Alteration: Y 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 19, 21 Flood flow alteration is provided by this wetland

Sediment/Toxicant Retention: 1 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19 Signs of AMD deposits were present

Nutrient Removal/Retention/Transformation N 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17 .No known source of nutrients above wetland

Production Export: N 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 No high production is evident

Streambank/Shoreline Stabilization: N 2, 5, 7, 10 Intermittent stream channel is diffuse through out wetland

Wildlife Habitat: Y 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 18, 19 Signs of amphibians were present but not in large numbers.

Aquatic Habitat: Y 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 19, 20, 21, 22 Size of wetland limits fish habitat but macroinvertebrates are present.

* - indicates that the function is being performed to a marginal degree1 - indicates the principal function being performed

PROJECT NO: 4374001

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Photo 1 Wetland A - Facing East



Date 9/27/2004

County Westmoreland

State PA



Community ID B

Cowardin Class 30 PEM,

70 PFO

VEGETATION

Onoclea sensibilis H FACW

Typha latifolia H OBL



Impatiens sp H FACW

Platanus occidentalis T FACW-


Polygonum sagittatum H OBL

Ranunculus spp H


Juncus effusus H FACW+


Remarks

Recorded Data


Aerials

No Recorded Data

0

0

2

Inundated

Saturated <12"

Water Marks

Drift Lines

Sediment Deposits

Drainage Patterns




FAC Neutral Test

Other

Remarks Roadway runoff and overland flows



HYDROLOGY



Primary Secondary

Problem Area ?


Remarks 41 flags - 2 photos - some small upland inclusions included withinwetland delineation boundary - 0.71 acres

WETLAND DATA FORM





Depth (in)

8-12

Horizon

B

Matrix

10 YR 4/1

Mottle

5YR4/6


silty clay

Histosol

Histic Epipedon

Sulfidic Odor


Reducing Conditions

Gleyed/Low Chroma

Concretions





Other

Remarks


Wetland Hydrology ?

Hydric Soils ?


Remarks

SOILS

PROFILE DESCRIPTION



Abundance/Contrast

few, faint

Phase AT



WETLAND ID: B

Prepared By: SLM


Wetland Description: Palustrine emergent, Palustrine forested

Cowardin Classification: 30 PEM, 70 PFO

Wetland Area: 0.71



Type of Disturbance:


Water Source: roadway runoff, precipitation, overland flow

Hydrodynamics: vertical

Hydrogeomorphic Setting: Depression (Open, Surface Water)



2, 3, 11

FUNCTION RATIONALENo signs of groundwater discharge or recharge were present

COMMENTS

Floodflow Alteration: 1 1, 2, 4, 5,6 ,7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21 Flood flow alteration is provided by this wetland

Sediment/Toxicant Retention: Y 1, 2, 3, 4,7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 Sediment deposits were present



Streambank/Shoreline Stabilization: NA

Wildlife Habitat: Y 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 18, 19 Signs of wildlife were present

Aquatic Habitat: N 1, 2,, 9, 15, 19, 20 No aquatic habitat was present.


PROJECT NO: 4374001

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Photo 2 Wetland B - Facing East



Date 9/27/2004

County Westmoreland

State PA



Community ID C

Cowardin Class 80 PEM. 10 POW

10 PSS

VEGETATION

Cornus stolonifera S FACW+

Galium palustre H OBL




Dichanthelium clandestinum H FAC

Salix nigra T FACW+


Impatiens sp. H FACW


Remarks

Recorded Data


Aerials

No Recorded Data

12

0

0

Inundated

Saturated <12"

Water Marks

Drift Lines

Sediment Deposits

Drainage Patterns




FAC Neutral Test

Other

Remarks Intermittent stream channel flowing through the area. Hydrologically connected through a culvert under SR 0982 toWetland A.



HYDROLOGY



Primary Secondary

Problem Area ?


Remarks 21 flags - 1 photo - 0.42 acres

WETLAND DATA FORM





Depth (in)

8-12

Horizon

B

Matrix

Gley 3/N

Mottle

2.5 YR 3/6


gley - some organic soils

Histosol

Histic Epipedon

Sulfidic Odor


Reducing Conditions

Gleyed/Low Chroma

Concretions





Other

Remarks


Wetland Hydrology ?

Hydric Soils ?


Remarks

SOILS

PROFILE DESCRIPTION



Abundance/Contrast

few faint

Phase AT



WETLAND ID: C

Prepared By: SLM


Wetland Description: Palustrine emergent, Palustrine open water, Palustirne scrub shrub

Cowardin Classification: 80 PEM, 10 POW, 10 PSS

Wetland Area: 0.42



Type of Disturbance: Sewer line


Water Source: intermittent stream flow

Hydrodynamics: unidirectional

Hydrogeomorphic Setting: riverine (nonperennial)



2, 3, 5, 7, 11

FUNCTION RATIONALEHydrology is provided by an intermittent stream

COMMENTS

Floodflow Alteration: Y 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 19, 21 Flood flow alteration is provided by this wetland

Sediment/Toxicant Retention: 1 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19 Signs of AMD deposits were present



Streambank/Shoreline Stabilization: N 2, 5, 7, 10 Intermittent stream channel is diffuse through out wetland

Wildlife Habitat: Y 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 18, 19 Signs of amphibians were present but not in large numbers.

Aquatic Habitat: Y 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 19, 20, 21, 22 Size of wetland limits fish habitat but macroinvertebrates are present.


PROJECT NO: 4374001

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Photo 3 Wetland C - Facing North

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Photo 4 Instream Vegetation - Facing East

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References

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (1993). Pennsylvania Code: Title 25. Environmental Resources.Department of Environmental Resources: Chapter 93. Water Quality Standards. Commonwealth ofPennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA.

Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. (1979). Classification of Wetlands andDeepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC.

Smith, R.D., Ammann, A., Bartoldus, C., and Brinson, M. M. (1995). An Approach for AssessingWetland Functions Using Hydrogeomorphic Classification, Reference Wetlands, and Functional Indices,Technical Report WRP-DE-9. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service (1992). Soil Survey ofWestmoreland County Pennsylvania. National Cooperative Soil Survey, Washington, D.C.

Environmental Laboratory. (1987). Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual, TechnicalReport Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

WESTMORELAND COUNTY Loyalhanna Creek Bridge Replacement

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