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2005 updateAC Roth ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES June 27, 2005 Gina Coccia, Planner Edmonds Community Services Department 121 5th Avenue N. Edmonds, WA 98020 115 North 49th Street - Seattle, Washington 98103 206.784.4755 - FAX 206.789.0664 tonyroth@comcast.net Ref: Wetlands Rating Reclassification, 7701 171st Street SW, Edmonds Dear Ms. Coccia: This letter is to supplement the May 2003 critical areas study for Talbot Park Estates. On April 5, 2005 1 met with Paul Dent on the above -referenced site to re-evaluate the classification of the wetlands associated with Talbot Park, using the City of Edmonds Wetland Field Data Form (attached). My analysis supports the determination that the associated wetland should be rated as a Category III wetland, with 50 foot buffers, consistent with Edmonds Community Development Code. From a discussion today with Mr. Dent, his project has been re -designed to avoid intrusion into any critical area buffer. Please contact me with any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, AC Roth Environmental Services UL"' Tony Roth Senior Biologist Attachment: City of Edmonds Wetland Field Data Form c: Paul Dent Biological Evaluation Wetland Assessment Endangered Species Act Documentation Environmental Planning, Documentation, and Permitting City of Edmonds Wetland Field Data Form Name of wetland (if known) -rUX.6,+ PCLA- fC Location: SEC TWNSHP Z7 RNGE 0* (attach map of wetland to form) see Person(s) Rating Wetland: A r Affiliation: Okc RO-tK fR rp- , . c_ S Project Name/Description: RkA l emu. A6kc,a Date of Site Visit: 200 Category Based on Combined Total Score for Functions Assessments I II III HIV Total Score for Water Quality Functions Assessment Total Score for Hydrologic Functions Assessment Total Score for Habitat Functions Assessment Combined Total Score for Functions Assessmen Category I = Score > 70 i Category II = Score 51-69 Category III = Score 30-50 + Category IV = Score < 30 1 Determine wetland hydrogeomorphic class based upon criteria provided on page 2. Complete water quality, hydrologic and habitat functions assessment as directed for the class of wetland being rated and enter scdres as indicated above. Final wetland category is based upon a total (combined) score for functions assessment per the score criteria provided above. or Category I or II Based on Criteria in ECDC 20.50.010(B) 111 Specific Criteria wetland field data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page 1 Wetland Hydrogeomorphic Class Determine the hydrogeomorphic class of the wetland being rated based upon the criteria provided below. Water quality and hydrologic functions assessments are based upon the specific hydrogeomorphic class of a wetland. 1. Are the water levels in the wetland usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during s )? N go to 2 YES — Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES — Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO — Estuarine Wetland Estuarine wetlands meet Criteria for Catebory I or II wetlands regardless of total score for functions assessment per ECDC 23.50.010(13). 2. Is the topography within the wetland flat and precipitation the only source (>90%) of water to it OR the wetland in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to FDepressional ce, at some time of the year.? NO — go to 3. Does the wetland meet both of the following criteria? The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8 ha) are permanently inundated (ponded or flooded); At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 in)? NO — go to 4 YES — Lake Fringe 4. Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria? The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual), The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. -----The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NO - go to 5 YES — Slope 5. Is the wetland in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank stream flooding? (The flooding should occur at least once every two years, on the average and the wetland can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.) NO - go to 6 YES — Riverine llydrogeomorph' class of wetland based on above: Depressional Riverine/Freshwater Tidal Fringe Lake Fringe Slope Class I or 11 Wetland Based Upon Other Criteria wetland field data form.doelrev.2004.12.20 Page 2 Water Quality Functions Assessment Complete section 1 below for the hydrogeomorphic class of the wetland to be rated only by circling points under each question. If the answer to section 2 is YES, then multiply the combined number of points from section 1 by 2 and enter this value as the total score for water quality functions assessment on page 1. 1. Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? Depressional Wetlands D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland: Wetland is a depression with no surface water outlet Points = 3 Wetland has an intermittently flowing, or highly constricted, -outlet Points = 2 Wetland has an unconstricted surface outlet Points = 1 Wetland is flat and has no obvious outlet, or outlet is a ditch Poin D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface is clay, organic, or smells 7((Iiydrogen �e or rotten eggs). YES oints = 4 NO Points = 0 D 1- Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest class): Wetland has persistent vegetation > = 95% of area Points = 5 Wetland has persistent vegetation > = 1/2 of area Points C 33 Wetland has persistent vegetation > = 1/10 of area Points =1 Wetland has persistent vegetation <1/10 of area Points = 0 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs. Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland Points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland Points 2 Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland Points = Score section 1 for Depressional Wetland Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event: Depressions cover >3/4 area of wetland Points = 8 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland Points = 4 Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland Points = 2 No depressions present Points = 0 R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Forest or shrub > 2/3 the area of the wetland Points = 8 Forest or shrub > 1/3 area of the wetland Points = 6 Emergent plants > 2/3 area of wetland Points = 6 Emergent plants > 1/3 area of wetland Points = 3 Forest, shrub, and emergent < 1/3 area of wetland Points = 0 Score section 1 for Riverine and Freshwater Tidal fringe Wetlands wetland field data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page 3 0 Lake Fringe Wetlands L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore Vegetation is more than 33ft (10m) wide Points = 6 Vegetation is more than 16 (5m) wide and <33ft Points = 3 Vegetation is more than 6ft (2m) wide and <16 ft Points =1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft (2m) wide Points = 0 L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. In this case the herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form (called emergent class) or an underrstory in a shrub or forest community. Herbaceous plants cover >90% of the vegetated area Points = 6 Herbaceous plants cover >2/3 of the vegetated area Points = 4 Herbaceous plants cover >1/3 of the vegetated area Points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 2/3 vegetated area Points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area Points = 1 Aquatic bed cover > 2/3 of the vegetated area Points = 0 - Score section 1 for Lake Fringe Wetlands Slope Wetlands S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of wetland: Slope isl% or less Points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% Points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5% Points =1 Slope is greater than 5% Points = 0 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface is clay; organic, or smells anoxic (hydrogen sulfide or rotten eggs). _ YES Points=3 NO Paints=0 S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface. Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area Points = 6 Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area Points— 3 Dense, woody, vegetation >'/z of area -Points = 2 Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area Points— 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation Points = 0 S .1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation -in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for. the. description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface.. Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area Points = 6 Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetatidn > 1/2 of area Points = 3 Dense, woody, vegetation > V2 of area Points = 2 ' Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area Points: =1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation Points = 0 Score section 1 for .Slope Wetlands wetland field data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page 4 2. Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Indicate which of the following conditions provide the sources ofpollutants. Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland. A stream/culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas or roads. / Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft of wetland. _ _ The stream linked to a riverine wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. A lake fringe wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards or supports gasoline or diesel power boats. Other If answer to section 2 is YES multiply score from section 1, by 2 for total score water quality functions assessment. Otherwise enter score from section 1 as total. Total Score Water Quality Functions Assessment wetland f eld data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page S Mla Hydrologic Functions Assessment Complete section 1 below for the hydrogeomorphic class of the wetland to be rated only by circling points under each question. If the answer to .section 2 is YES, then multiply the combined number of points from section I by 2 and enter this value as the total score for hydrologic functions assessment on page 1. 1. Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? Depressional Wetlands D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out o e wetland: Wetland has no surface water outlet Points Wetland has an intermittently flowing, or hig y constricted, outlet Points = 2 Wetland has an unconstricted surface outlet Points = 0 Wetland is flat and drains by surface flow or a ditch Points = 0 D 1.2 Depth of storage/ponding during wet periods: Marks of ponding are at least 3 ft above the surface Points = 7 The wetland is a "headwater" wetland" Points = 5 Marks are at least 2 ft grtom 7 surface Points =.5% 7 Marks are at least 6 in. surface Points Wetland is flat but has small depressions on th�rface that trap water Points = 1 No marks of ponding above 6 in., or wetland has only saturated soils Points = 0 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland itself. The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of wetland Points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the wetland Points = 3 The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area,of the wetland Points 0 Score section 1 for Depressional Wetlands Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands R 1.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (width of wetland)/(width of stream). If the ratio is more than 20 Points = 9 If the ratio is between 10 — 20 Points = 6 If the ratio is 5- <10 Points = 4 If the ratio is 1- <5 Points = 2 If the ratio is < 1 Points = 1 R 1.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as `forest or shrub ". Choose the points appropriate for the best description. Forest or shrub for >1/3 area OR Emergent plants > 2/3 area Points = 7 Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR Emergent plants > 1/3 area Points = 4 Vegetation does not meet above criteria Points = 0 Score section 1 for Riverine and Freshwater Tidal fringe Wetlands wetland field data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page 6 Lake Fringe Wetlands L 1.1 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): Choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland. > 3/4 of fringe vegetation is shrubs or trees at least 33 ft (1 Om) wide Points = 6 > 3/4 of fringe vegetation is shrubs or trees at least 6 ft. (2 m) wide Points = 4 > 1/4 of fringe vegetation is shrubs or trees at least 33 ft (10m) wide Points = 4 Fringe vegetation is at least 6 ft (2m) wide Points = 2 Fringe vegetation is less than 6 ft (2m) wide Points = 0 Score section 1 for Lake Fringe Wetlands Slope Wetlands S 1.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fit conditions in the wetland. Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland. (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough, to remain erect during surface flows) points = 6 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/2 area of wetland Points = 3 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area Points =1 More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled or vegetation is not rigid Points = 0 S 1.2 Characteristics of slope wetlands that hold back small amounts of flood flows: The slope wetland has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES Points = 2 NO Points = 0 Score section 1 for Slope Wetlands 2. Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? Answer YES if the wetland provides flood storage or reduction in water velocity to protect downstream or shoreline property and aquatic resources from flooding and/or erosion. Note which of the following conditions apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a stream that has flooding problems. Wetland drains to a stream that has flooding problems. , Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a stream that has flooding problems. Structures, facilities or natural resources exist downstream or along the shoreline (for lake fringe wetlands) that can be damaged by flooding. Other If answer to section 2 is YES multiply score from section 1 by 2 for total score hydrologic functions assessment. Otherwise enter score from section 1 as total. Total Score Hydrologic Functions Assessment ' wetland field data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page 7 Habitat Functions Assessment All hydrogeomorphic wetland classes. Complete section I and 2 by circling points under each question. Total score habitat,functions assessment is the combined (additive) total of sections land 2. 1. Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for wildlife species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure: Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) if the class covers more than 10% of the area of the wetland or %4 acre. Aquatic bed P-Thmergent plants ,-Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have >30% cover) Forested (areas where trees have >30% cover) Forested areas have 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub -canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: 4 types or more Points = 4 3 types Points = 2 2 types Points= P1 1 type Points = H 1.2. Hydroperiods: Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or %4 acre to count. _Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present Points = 3 Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present Points = 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present Point =1 Saturated only Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species: Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 f2. (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle ' If you counted: > 19 species Points = 2 5 - 19 species Points I < 5 species Points = 0 H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats: Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between types of vegetation (described in H 1.1), or vegetation types and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. None Points=0 Low Points=1 Moderate Points 2 wetland field data form.doc/rev,2004.12.20 Page $ --I �J I)i (D(: ) (*) (K) %'..1 . 0 r­III(, I I p.-inl M—Jel-al': 2 jIil)amlli I)Iiiitil it i111tllrl°l Ili_h lit4111> `! ) I 1 11 t,ou l x. c 1; 41r td Il oiv %BLOuiII In i1 1)t•: i.j IItroc- i%l)e. ;IMA v1)eII %%filer Illk filling. i" ahvaN." "I11Li H 1.5. Special Habitat Features: Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number ofpoints you put into the next column. Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (>4in. diameter and 6 ft long). Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft (lm) over a stream for at least 33 ft (I Om) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (>30degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present At least '/a acre of thin -stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated. (structures for egg- laby amphibians) 7Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants Point = Score section 1 for all hydrogeomorphic wetland classes H 2. Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? H2.1 Existing Buffers: Choose the description that best represents the condition of the natural buffer existing around the wetland. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. 100 m (330ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water >95% of circumference. No developed areas within undisturbed part of buffer. (relatively undisturbed also means no -grazing) Points = 5 100 m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference. Points = 4 50 m (170ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water >95% circumference. Points = 4 100 m (330ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference. Points = 3 wetland field data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page 9 M1 i 50 in (170ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference. Points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25 m (80ft) of wetland �2No irctui1ference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns are OK. Points = 2 paved areas or buildings within 50m of land-10m >50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns are OK. Point = 2 Vegetated buffers are <2m wide (6.6ft) or hea i y grazed for more than 95% of the circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland).Points = 0. H 2.2 Corridors and Connections: Choose the description that best represents connections from the wetland to other natural areas and wildlife habitat. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. The wetland is part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size. Points=4. The wetland is part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50ft wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size. OR a Lake -fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above. Points=2. The wetland is: 11 within 5 mi of a brackish or salt water estuary OR within 3 mi of a large'.field or pasture (>40 acres) OR within 1 mi of a lake greater than 20 acres? Points=1. If none of the above conditions are met. Points=0 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW: Which of the following priority habitats are within 330ft (100m) of the wetland? _Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. _Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 in (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. _Mature forests: Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old -growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. _Urban Natural Open Space: A priority species resides within or is adjacent to the open space and uses it for breeding and/or regular feeding; and/or the open space functions as a corridor connecting other priority habitats, especially those that would otherwise be isolated; and/or the open space is an isolated remnant of wetland f eld data form.doc/rev.2004.12.20 Page 10 02- natural habitat larger than 4 ha (10 acres) and is surrounded by urban development. Estuary/Estuary-like: Deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands, usually semi -enclosed by land but with open, partly obstructed or sporadic access to the open ocean, and in which ocean water is at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land. The salinity may be periodically increased above that of the open ocean by evaporation. Along some low -energy coastlines there is appreciable dilution of sea water. Estuarine habitat extends upstream and landward to where ocean -derived salts measure less than 0.5% during the period of average annual low flow. Includes both estuaries and lagoons. —Marine/Estuarine Shorelines: Shorelines include the intertidal and subtidal zones of beaches, and may also include the backshore and adjacent components of the terrestrial landscape (e.g., cliffs, snags, mature trees, dunes, meadows) that are important to shoreline associated fish and wildlife and that contribute to shoreline function (e.g., sand/rock/log recruitment, nutrient contribution, erosion control). If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats Points=4 If wetland has 2 priority habitats Points=3 If wetland has 1 priority habitat Point --I No habitats Points=0 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits. There are at least 3 other wetlands within '/z mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or %� other development. Points = 5 ( / The wetland is Lake -fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake �/ fringe wetlands within 1/z mile Points = 5 There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed Points = 3 The wetland is Lake -fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake - fringe wetland within 1/2 mile Points = 3 There is at least 1 wetland within-l/z mile. Points = 2 There are no wetlands within % mile. Points = 0 Score section 2 for all hydrogeomorphic wetland classes Add score for section 1 and section 2 for total score habitat functions assessment. wetland f eld data form.doc/rev.2004,12.20 Total Score Habitat Functions Assessment Page 11 N