The Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: January 1987 - Final Report

By The Corps of Engineers

The 1987 edition is used by the Corps of Engineers to provide guidance for identifying and delineating wetlands. Wetland delineation is a critical step in regulatory and environmental assessments, as it helps determine the presence and boundaries of wetlands for the purpose of compliance with various federal and state wetland protection laws. Purpose: The manual is primarily used by regulatory agencies, consultants, and landowners to define and identify wetlands. It helps ensure consistent and standardized wetland delineation procedures throughout the United States. Development: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) developed the manual in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Three Parameters Approach: The manual outlines a three-parameter approach for identifying wetlands based on hydrology, vegetation, and soil characteristics. Wetlands are defined as areas that exhibit specific combinations of these three parameters. Hydrology: Wetlands typically have saturated or inundated soil conditions for a significant portion of the growing season. Vegetation: Wetlands are characterized by the presence of hydrophytic (water-loving) plants adapted to wet conditions. Soils: Wetlands often have hydric soils, which are soils that develop under wet conditions and exhibit specific characteristics. Regional Supplements: The Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual provides national guidance but also allows for the development of regional supplements. Regional supplements provide additional information and guidance specific to certain geographic areas, helping to address regional variations in wetland types and characteristics. Regulatory Significance: Wetland delineation conducted according to the manual's guidelines can have regulatory implications. For example, it is often used to determine whether a proposed project will impact wetlands and whether a permit under the Clean Water Act Section 404 is required for activities that might impact wetlands. Professional Expertise: Wetland delineation is a specialized field, and many professionals, such as wetland scientists, ecologists, and environmental consultants, are trained to conduct these assessments accurately. In some cases, consultation with regulatory agencies may be necessary to determine the appropriate approach and regulatory requirements for specific projects.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CR92MH9P
• ISBN13: 9798873567959
• Release Date: January 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 142 Pages
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.3" x 8.5"