WETLAND DELINEATION - City of Bellingham, WA · The review area is currently undeveloped, ... western red cedar (Thuja plicata), ... skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum ), and sword

O C T O B E R 2 0 0 5

Prepared By:

NORTHWEST ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, LLC

121 Park Ridge Road

Bellingham, WA 98225

360.734.9484

WETLAND DELINEATION FOR THE

FAIRHAVEN HIGHLANDS

BELLINGHAM, WA

Prepared For:

GREENBRIAR NORTHWEST ASSOCIATES, LLC

LANGABEER AND TULL

PO Box 1678


WETLAND DELINEATION FOR THE FAIRHAVEN H IGHLANDS PROJECT I

NORTHWEST ECOLOGICAL SERVICES , LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 BACKGROUND 1

1.1 BACKGROUND 1 1.2 SCOPE OF WORK 1

2.0 METHODS 2

3.0 ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 3

3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS 3 3.1.1 VEGETATION 3 3.1.2 SOILS 5 3.1.3 HYDROLOGY 6 3.1.4 WILDLIFE 7

3.2 WETLAND AND BUFFER FUNCTIONS AND WETLAND CATEGORIZATION 8 3.2.1 DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY CATEGORIZATION 8

3.2.2 CITY OF BELLINGHAM CATEGORIZATION 15

4.0 DETERMINATION AND REGULATTIONS 15

5.0 DISCLAIMER 17

APPENDICES

A: LITERATURE REVIEWED B: FIGURES C: DATA SHEETS D: PHOTOGRAPHS E: SPECIES LISTS

WETLAND DELINEATION FOR THE FAIRHAVEN H IGHLANDS PROJECT 1


1.0 BACKGROUND

1.1 Background

Northwest Ecological Services, LLC (NES) was retained to prepare a wetland delineation for a

proposed residential development on three parcels located on Chuckanut Drive in Bellingham,

Washington. Contracted work is intended to be included with Wetland/Stream Permit

application submissions to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Washington State

Department of Ecology (DOE), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the

City of Bellingham.

1.2 Scope of Work

The scope of work included field delineating a total of 77.9 (+/-) acres on three lots (Parcel

#370212359328, #370212364207, #370212478165) located on Chuckanut Drive in Bellingham,

Washington (Section 12, Township 37N, Range 02E, W.M.) (Figure 1). The site is currently

undeveloped and primarily vegetated with native forest. A delineation report was previously

prepared by Shapiro and Associates in September of 1992. Wetlands delineated by NES

included wetlands which were newly identified, wetlands which appeared to be a different size

or be in a slightly different location, and/or wetlands that were likely to be affected by the

proposed development. Two wetlands (Wetlands BB and FF) identified in the original report

(Shapiro 1992) are discussed in this report, but were not re-delineated in the field because they

did not meet the above criteria.

This report describes existing conditions, identifies critical areas and assesses existing wetland

and buffer functions, for City of Bellingham critical areas and other agencies with authority

over wetlands.

Responsible Party:

David Edelstein

Greenbriar Northwest Associates, LLC

2200 Division Street


Phone: 360.676.1799

Project Contact:

Bob Tull

Langabeer and Tull

PO Box 1678


Phone: 360.671.6460



2.0 METHODS

Vikki Jackson, Michele Bodtke, and Molly Glynn of Northwest Ecological Services, LLC visited

the site on March 25th, March 29th, April 1st, October 10th and October 13th of 2005. Wetland

identification and delineation followed the “Routine Determination” (On-site Methodology)

described in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory,

1987). This methodology requires evidence that at least one positive wetland indicator must be

found for each of three parameters (vegetation, soils, and hydrology) to make a positive

wetland determination. An area is not considered a regulatory wetland if indicators for any one

of these three parameters are not observed under normal environmental conditions. Methods

for each of these parameters are as follows:

• Vegetation: The plant community at each sample site is considered to be hydrophytic

(wetland) vegetation if more than 50 percent of the dominant species from all strata have

obligate wetland, facultative wetland, and/or facultative indicator status. Indicator status is

taken from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Reed, 1988 and 1993). Dominant species are

considered to be the three most abundant species in each vegetation layer. When only one or

two vegetation layers are present, then up to five dominant species from each vegetation

layer are recorded and considered in the determination of hydrophytic vegetation. The

wetland indicator status for each dominant species is then used to determine whether the

plant community is dominated by hydrophytic vegetation.

• Soils: Soil test pits are hand dug to approximately 16 inches and soils are examined for

hydric soil indicators. These formal soil test pits are labeled with a data point number and

located on site delineation map. Colors of the soil matrix, and mottling or gleying, if present,

are measured immediately below the upper dark horizon using a Munsell color chart

(Kollmorgen 1975).

• Hydrology: Site specific hydrology is assessed by an inspection of each site. Depth to

shallow groundwater and/or saturation in each test pit is recorded, as are observations of

other indicators of hydrology including water marks, drift lines, sediment deposits, and

drainage patterns. These data provided information on timing and duration of ponding

and/or saturation in the study area. Upland/wetland boundaries are delineated by locating

the transition where soils, vegetation, or hydrology no longer indicate that wetland

parameters are met.

Data sheets for the delineation are located in Appendix C of this report. Wetlands were flagged

in the field with pink survey flags. A professional survey of the field delineation was prepared

by Ronald T. Jepson and Associates; and is included as Figure 2. Photographs taken during the

site visits are located in Appendix D of this report.



3.0 ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

3.1 Existing Conditions

The review area is currently undeveloped, and primarily vegetated with native trees and

shrubs. The site is bound by Chuckanut Drive to the southwest and property lines on the

remaining sides. The area can be accessed via a well developed trail system. The subject parcels

are zoned single family residential with density of one unit per 5,000 square feet. Single family

homes are located on parcels to the south and west, and the lots to the north and east remain

undeveloped. Parcels to the east are owned by the City of Bellingham and zoned public, the

parcel to north is also owned by the City, but is zoned residential. Overall, the review area

slopes moderately west-southwest. Figure 3 is a 2002 aerial photograph that depicts near

current conditions.

3.1.1 Vegetation

The majority of the review area is primarily vegetated with native trees and shrubs; with

exception of a previously disturbed area in the northern section of the project area which was

once an active gravel pit. Five primary plant communities were identified within the review

area: Upland forest, upland meadow, palustrine forested wetland, palustrine scrub-shrub

wetland, and palustrine emergent wetland. The following describes general characteristics and

dominant species within each of the plant communities. A list of species observed within the

review area is shown in Appendix E.

• Upland Forest (UF). This plant community is located throughout the review area, and is

the dominant plant community on-site. Two distinct upland forest communities are

located on-site. A conifer dominated forest is located in the northeast and southwest

portion of the review areas. Dominant canopy species observed in this area included

western red cedar (Thuja plicata), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and grand fir (Abies

grandis). The understory was dominated by sword fern (Polystichum munitum) and large

areas of bare ground. Additional species observed in this community included vine

maple (Acer circinatum), Indian plum (Oemleria cerasiformis), red elderberry (Sambucus

racemosa), Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor), spiny wood fern (Dryopteria expansa), salal

(Gaultheria shallon), low Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa), orange honeysuckle (Lonicera

ciliosa), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), and trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus).

A mixed deciduous/ coniferous forest is located in most remaining areas, with a dense

shrub and/or herbaceous understory. Dominant species observed in this upland forest

community included western red cedar, big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Douglas fir,

grand fir, red alder (Alnus rubra), black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera), paper birch

(Betula papyrifera), and vine maple. Common understory species observed included

Indian plum, salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), red elderberry, thimbleberry (Rubus

parviflorus), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Oceanspray, sword fern, spiny wood fern,

fringecup (Tellima grandiflora), salal, low Oregon grape, Dewey’s sedge (Carex deweyana),

Henderson’s sedge (Carex hendersonii), orange honeysuckle, piggy-back-plant (Tolmiea

menziesii), red huckleberry, and trailing blackberry. Himalayan blackberry (Rubus



discolor), Ivy (Hedra sp.), and Herb-Robert (Geranium robertianum) non-native, invasive

species were also observed within this community.

• Upland Meadow (UM). This plant community is located in the northern portion of the

review area where the gravel pit and access roads used to be. This community supports

a mix of predominately non-native grasses, weedy herbaceous species, and larg areas of

bare ground (60% in some places). Species observed included tall fescue (Festuca

arundinacea), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), velvet grass (Holcus lanatus), English

plantain (Plantago lanceolata), bentgrass (Agrostis sp.), hairy cats paw (Hypochaeris

radicata), common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), reed canarygrass, Scotch broom (Cytisus

scoparius), sweet vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and creeping buttercup.

Himalayan blackberry and Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense) both non-native, invasive

species were also observed within this community.

• Palustrine Forested Wetland (PFO). This plant community is located in Wetlands AA,

AY, BB, CC, JJ, and KK. Wetlands AA, AY, BB, and JJ have a deciduous canopies

dominated by red alder and black cottonwood. Wetlands CC and KK have a canopies

dominated by western red cedar and an understory dominated by slough sedge (Carex

obnupta), water parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa) and areas of bare ground and/or standing

water. Additional species observed within the PFO wetlands included Pacific willow

(Salix lucida), salmonberry, skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum), and sword fern on

hummocks.

• Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland (PSS). This plant community is located in Wetlands

AY, BB, DD, FF, JJ, and LL. Dominant species observed included salmonberry, hardhack

(Spiraea douglasii), black twinberry (Lonicera involucrata), and red osier-dogwood (Cornus

stolonifera). This plant community is interspersed with the PFO community in Wetland

BB, and interspersed with the PEM community in Wetlands DD, FF and JJ. The PSS

community is dominant in Wetlands AY and LL.

• Palustrine Emergent Wetland (PEM). This plant community is located in Wetlands AA,

AX, CC, DD, EE, FF, GG, HH, and KK. Wetlands AA and AX are located in a disturbed

area where the gravel pit used to be. The PEM community in this area is dominated by

grasses and weedy herbaceous species. Species observed included reed canarygrass

(Phalaris arundinacea), soft rush (Juncus effusus), tall horsetail (Equisetum arvense),

creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), bentgrass (Agrostis capillaries), hairy cats paw

(Hypochaeris radicata), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), slender rush (Juncus tenuis), velvet

grass (Holcus lanatus), and tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris). The PEM community

observed in Wetlands EE and GG had a mix of native and non-native species including

slough sedge, skunk cabbage, piggy-back-plant, large leaf avens (Geum macrophyllum),

creeping buttercup, lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), American brooklime (Veronica

americana), stinging nettles, reed canarygrass, and tall mannagrass (Glyceria elata). The

PEM community in Wetland FF included species similar to those found in Wetlands EE

and GG, and was also interspersed with a PSS community dominated by salmonberry.

The PEM community in Wetlands CC, HH and KK was dominated by slough sedge,

water parsley and areas of bare ground and/or standing water.



3.1.2 Soils

The SCS Soil Survey map indicates the presence of Chuckanut Loam, bedrock substratum (#26)

on 15 to 30% slopes, Everett- Urban Land Complex (#52) on 5 to 20% slopes, and Squalicum-

Urban Land Complex (#159) on 5 to 20% slopes in the vicinity of the review area (Figure 4).

Chuckanut loam is a deep, well drained soil located on toe slopes and slide slopes of foothills,

which formed in a mixture of volcanic ash and colluvium derived from glacial drift and

sandstone. Nati, Squalicum and Bellingham soils are also included in this soil series. The

Everett- Urban land complex is typically 50% Everett gravelly sandy loam and 30% urban land.

Urban land includes areas covered by streets, buildings and other structure that obscure soil, so

identification is not possible. Everett gravelly sandy loam is a deep, well drained soil located on

outwash terraces, which formed in a mixture of volcanic ash and alluvium over glacial outwash

and glacial till. Chuckanut, Squalicum Sehome, Whatcom and Labounty soils are also included

in this soil series. Squalicum- Urban land complex is typically 50% Squalicum gravelly loam and

30% urban land. Squalicum gravelly loam is deep, moderately well drained soil located on

foothills, which formed in a mixture of volcanic ash, loess, and slope alluvium over glacial till.

Chuckanut, Everett, Labounty, Sehome, and Whatcom soils are also included in this soils series.

Chuckanut loam, Everett and Squalicum soils are all listed as non-hydric on the Whatcom

County Area Hydric List (Whatcom County 1991); however mapped inclusions are listed as

hydric. Field observations appear to confirm this mapping, with wetlands soils being typical of

hydric soil inclusions.

The majority of observed upland soils were silt loams or gravelly silt loams, typically displaying

a matrix chroma of 3, 4 or 6, with no redoximorphic features within the upper 16 inches of the

soil column. Upland soils in the northeast portion of the review area had a loam top-soil which

displayed a matrix of 3 or 4, and a sandy loam sub-soil which displayed a matrix chroma of 3

with mottles (10YR 4/6) at eight inches.

Observed wetland soils were typically either mucky mineral, silt loam or clay loam soils. Mucky

mineral silt loam soils were observed in Wetlands CC, HH, and KK, which typically displayed a

matrix chroma of 10YR 2/1, with no redoximorphic features in the upper 16 inches of the soil

column. Soils observed in Wetlands FF, GG, JJ, and LL typically had a silt loam top-soil which

displayed a matrix chroma of 1 with no mottles, and a clayey silt loam sub-soil which displayed

a matrix chroma of 2, with mottles (10YR 5/6, 10YR 4/6, or 10YR 4/4). Wetlands DD and EE,

which appear to have been excavated, had gravelly silt loam soils more typical of the upland

soil plots. Soils in the wetlands displayed a matrix chroma of 2 with mottles (10YR 5/8)

throughout the soil profile. Wetlands AA, AX, and AY are all located in the area of the old

gravel pit. Wetland soils observed in this area typically had a sandy silt loam top-soil which

displayed a matrix chroma of 10YR 3/2 and a gravelly sandy loam sub-soil which displayed a

matrix chroma of Gley1 4/10Y; with no mottles.



3.1.3 Hydrology

The site is located at the break between the Padden Creek and Chuckanut Bay Watersheds.

Hydrology supporting the site wetlands appears to be provided primarily by surface runoff

feeding seasonal perched high water tables and/or localized groundwater seeps in some areas.

Chuckanut soils have a water table at a depth of six feet or greater year round. While, Everett

and Squalicum soils have a perched, seasonal high water table at a depth of 3.5 to 5.0 feet from

December to April (NRCS 1991). At the time of the March and April site visits, soils in bore

holes in all wetlands were saturated and standing water was observed most wetlands. At the

time of the October site visit, soils in all boreholes were moist to saturated, but no standing

water was observed within any of the on-site wetlands.

Wetlands AA, AX, AY, BB, CC, DD, EE, FF, GG, and HH are located in the Padden Creek

Watershed. Wetland BB is part of a larger wetland system which is located on the parcel to the

north, with only a small portion of the wetland extending on-site. Water contained within

Wetland BB appears to flow off-site to the northwest following the topography; and eventually

into Padden Creek. Wetland FF is a slope wetland which appears to be supported by surface

run-off and groundwater seeps; water contained within the wetland flows west down slope and

into the roadside drainage system in the adjacent residential development. At the time of the

March/April site visit, soils in Wetland FF were saturated, small depressions containing one to

two inches of standing water were observed within the wetland, and two small channelized

areas, approximately six inches wide, were located in the middle of the wetland. Wetland CC is

a large depressional wetland. At the time of the March/April site visits, approximately one to

two feet of standing water was observed in numerous ponded areas within Wetland CC. Water

contained in Wetland CC appears to flow off-site to the west via a small channel and then a

ditch along Chuckanut Drive; the ditch is connected to a tributary of Padden Creek.

Wetlands AA, AX, AY, DD, EE, GG and HH are all smaller depressional wetlands, which

appear to only overflow into the surrounding upland area during storm events. Wetland AA

contains a small area which becomes seasonally ponded with standing water to a depth of

approximately one foot, but the majority of the wetland appears to be seasonally saturated to

surface. Water marks in Wetlands AX and AY indicate the wetlands appear to contain standing

water at a depth of a few inches to one foot. A ditch is located upslope of Wetland AY, which

appears to drain the surrounding upland area into the wetland. Wetland DD appears

excavated. The wetland is located in a deep depression, which appears to detain a significant

amount of surface run-off. During the March and April site visits, three to five feet of standing

water was observed in Wetland DD, and water marks were observed at the outlet (a ditch),

another foot above water level. Wetland EE also appears to have been excavated, but the

wetland is located in a shallower depression. At the time of the March/April site visits, water

was observed in Wetland EE at a depth of a few inches to one foot. Wetland EE appears to drain

across a trail and into Wetland DD. Wetland GG is located in a shallow depression. At the time

of the March/April site visits, soils were saturated to the surface in Wetland GG. Wetland HH

contained one foot of standing water, during the March/April site visits, and water marks were

observed which indicated the wetland regularly detains an additional two feet of water.



Wetlands KK, LL and JJ are located in the Chuckanut Bay Watershed. Wetland KK is a

depressional wetland; water within the wetland appears to be detained within the wetland and

only overflows into the surrounding area during storm events. Water contained within Wetland

KK appears to flow from the wetland east and into Wetland JJ. It appears that the majority of

Wetland KK becomes ponded during the wet season. During the March/April site visits,

approximately one to two feet of water was observed Wetland KK. Wetland LL is a small

depressional wetland; water contained within the wetland appears to only overflow into the

surrounding upland area during storm events. There is a possible sub-surface connection

between Wetlands KK and LL; and water may drain sub-surface from Wetland KK south into to

Wetland LL. Wetland JJ is located off-site on a parcel to the east; only a portion of this wetland

was observed due to its proximity to proposed development. The portion of Wetland JJ within

the review area was a slope wetland which appears to drain east into a larger depressional area

at the toe of the slope. Two parallel drainage ditches have been dug in Wetland JJ, which appear

to be draining the wetland and surrounding upland area.

Primary indicators of hydrology included inundation or soil saturation during the growing

season in all wetlands. Secondary hydrology indicators observed at the site included drainage

patterns in all wetlands; water marks on surrounding trees and soils; and water stained leaves.

No positive hydrology indicators were observed elsewhere within the review area.

3.1.4 Wildlife

No State or Federal Threatened, Sensitive, or Endangered plant or animal species were

observed on the subject property. However, the property does provide suitable habitat for

mammals and suitable habitat, including nesting/breeding sites, for a variety of bird species and

amphibian species. During the March/April site visits, numerous Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris

regilla) and northern red legged frog (Rana aurora aurora) egg masses were observed, particularly

within Wetlands AA, CC and KK. California red legged frogs are listed as a federally

threatened species, but the listing does not include the sub-species of northern red legged frogs

located in this area. Additional wildlife species observed within the review area included:

golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa), black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus), chestnut-

backed chickadee (Parus rufescens), Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), pileated woodpecker

(Dryocopus pileatus) excavations, Swainson’s thrush (Hylocichla ustulata), winter wren

(Troglodytes troglodytes), northern flicker (Colaptes cafer), song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), and

Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii). Evidence of pileated woodpecker foraging was also

observed on-site. Pileated woodpecker is listed by Washington State as a Candidate Species, but

is not federally listed.

The Whatcom County Fish and Wildlife Folio (Whatcom County Planning 1994) does not indicate

the area is utilized by any priority, sensitive, threatened or endangered species (Figure 5 & 6).

However, the Whatcom County Fish and Wildlife Folio indicates Riparian areas along Chuckanut

and Padden Creek, within a mile of the subject site; Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), Coho

salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) as mapped in



Chuckanut Creek; and Coho salmon, Chum salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead

(Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Padden Creek (Figures 5 & 6). Coho salmon are federally listed as a

species of concern, but are not listed by Washington State. Populations of Chum salmon,

Cutthroat trout and steelhead salmon in this location, are not federally or state listed species.

The Folio also indicates a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) concentration area within a mile of

the property, but it is unlikely that this species utilizes the subject site (Figure 5). The Bald Eagle

is federally and state listed as a threatened species.

3.2 Existing Wetland and Buffer Functions and Wetland Categorization

3.2.1 Department of Ecology Categorization

The site wetlands were rated using the Washington State Department of Ecology’s (DOE)

Wetland Rating System for Western Washington revised 2004. Wetland functions were also

evaluated using this rating system. This methodology identifies and quantifies the potential of

various functions operating within a wetland. The determination is based on the physical

characteristics of water quality, hydrologic, and habitat functions in the wetland and buffers.

Using this system, wetlands are given a score based on the functions provided by the wetland,

and are placed in Category I through Category IV.

Table 1 summarizes the DOE category and rating score, as well as wetland and buffer functions,

for all wetlands assessed for this report. Under the DOE rating system, Wetlands BB and CC

are considered Category II wetlands, Wetlands AA, AY, DD, FF, HH, JJ, KK and LL are

considered Category III wetlands, and Wetland AX, EE and GG are considered Category IV

wetlands. Wetlands that score between 51 and 69 points are considered DOE Category II

wetlands. Wetlands that score between 30 and 50 points are considered DOE Category III

wetlands. Wetlands that score 29 points or less are considered DOE Category IV wetlands. The

wetland classification system is based on conditions as they exist at the point in time of the site

visit. Wetland functions and categorization may change overtime, particularly with increased

development in the area. Generally, as development occurs, the opportunity of the wetland to

provide water quality and hydrologic stormwater and base flow function increases; and wildlife

functions provided by the wetland and buffers decreased due to overall habitat area loss.

In general, the site wetlands provide water quality function at a low or moderate level due to

location of the wetlands in the upper portion of the watersheds, presence of persistent

vegetation, and retention and treatment of on-site surface run-off. The water quality function

for most wetlands within the review area is limited, primarily because they receive surface

water run-off from the surrounding un-disturbed forested area, which contain low levels of

most pollutants. Therefore the wetlands do not have the opportunity to provide a high water

quality treatment function, but the opportunity may increase as development in this area

increases. In general, the wetlands provide a low to moderate level of hydrologic stormwater

and base flow functions due to the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetlands, location in

the watersheds, and the relative amount of water storage and retention within the wetlands.

Wetlands BB and CC appear to be connected to Padden Creek, which tends to exhibit flashy



hydrology due to development in the surrounding basin. Hydrologic functions in Wetlands BB

and CC appears to be significant because they are able to detain and desynchronize surface run-

off and stormwater flows before entering Padden Creek. Wetland DD also provides a large

amount of water storage of on-site surface run-off within this basin.

Overall, wetlands within the review area provide moderate wildlife and habitat function. The

majority of on-site wetlands are vegetated with native species, have moderate to high native

species diversity and vegetation structure, have habitat features present, and are well connected

to quality upland buffers. The wetlands are located in an open space corridor which abuts

urban residential development to the north and west, and provides essential wildlife habitat in

a developing area. The project site is also well connected to a large tract of undisturbed forested

habitat which contains additional wetlands and priority habitats, and is connected to a larger

habitat corridor which extends to and includes Chuckanut Mountain.



Table 1. Wetland Buffers and FunctionsTable 1. Wetland Buffers and FunctionsTable 1. Wetland Buffers and FunctionsTable 1. Wetland Buffers and Functions

Functions Wetland AA

Wetland AY

Wetland AX

Wetland BB

Wetland CC

Wetland DD

Wetland EE, GG

Wetland FF

Wetland HH

Wetland JJ

Wetland KK

Wetland LL

DOE Categorization

III III IV II II III IV III III III III III

DOE Score 36 32 28 51 53 41 28 36 50 43 47 38

Water quality function

low low low moderate moderate low low low moderate low moderate moderate

Hydrologic function

low low low moderate moderate moderate low moderate moderate moderate low low

Overall habitat function

moderate moderate low moderate moderate moderate low moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate

DOE Wildlife Habitat Score

21 22 17 25 26 22 18 21 24 25 26 21

Specific habitat functions

Vegetation structure

moderate moderate low high high moderate moderate moderate high moderate high moderate

Habitat features

low moderate low moderate high moderate low moderate moderate moderate high moderate

Buffer quality

moderate high moderate high high high high high high high high high

Priority habitats

low low low low low low low low low low low low

Habitat connectivity

high high high high high high high high high high high high



The following section provides a summary of individual wetlands, and discusses functions

provided by the wetland and its buffers as identified using the DOE rating system.

Wetland AA

Wetland AA is located in an area that used to be a gravel pit. Approximately half of the wetland

is vegetated with deciduous trees and shrubs, and half is vegetated with grasses and weedy

herbaceous species. A small seasonally ponded area is located in the forested portion of the

wetland.

Wetland AA provides low water quality and hydrologic stormwater and base flow functions

due to the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetland, presence of some persistent

vegetation present within the wetland, size and the limited amount of water storage. Overall

habitat function is moderate. The wetland has moderate vegetation structure and species

diversity, moderate habitat features, and is connected to moderate quality upland buffers.

Wetland AY

Wetland AY is a small depressional wetland. The wetland is vegetated primarily with native

trees and shrubs, and contains small localized depressional areas where water is seasonally

ponded.

Wetland AY provides low water quality function and hydrologic stormwater and base flow

function due to the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetland, continuous vegetation

cover, and limited size and subsequent amount of water storage. Overall habitat function is

moderate. The wetland has moderate native vegetation structure and diversity, absence of

habitat features, and is well connected to high quality upland buffer.

Wetlands AX

Wetland AX is a small depressional wetland located in and area of disturbance associated with

the old gravel pit. The wetland area consists of mostly bare ground, which ponds during the

wet season, and a fringe of grasses and weedy herbaceous species.

Wetland AY provides low water quality function and hydrologic stormwater and base flow

function due to the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetland, lack of continuous

vegetation cover, and limited size and subsequent amount of water storage. Wetland AY

provides low overall habitat function due to lack of vegetation structure and species diversity,

absence of habitat features, and connectivity to low quality upland buffer.

Wetland BB

Wetland BB is a relatively large depressional wetland, which is located on the northern edge of

the review area; the majority of the wetland area is located off-site. The wetland is vegetated

primary with native trees and shrubs, and has a surface water connection to Padden Creek.



Wetland BB provides moderate water quality function mainly due to its location in the

watershed, presence of persistent vegetation, and because it receives run-off from developed

areas. The wetland provides moderate hydrologic stormwater and base flow function due to

hydrogeomorphic characteristics, continuous vegetation cover that is able to slow flood waters,

the relatively large area and subsequent amount of water storage, and because the wetland has

a surface water connection to Padden Creek. Wetland BB provides moderate to high overall

biological support primarily because of high vegetative structure and species diversity,

presence of habitat features, high interspersion of habitats within the wetland, connectivity to

quality upland buffer and a larger tract of undisturbed forested habitat. The edge of Wetland BB

is extensive, providing a higher degree of complexity in the wetland, and greater potential

habitat for species utilizing this site.

Wetland CC

Wetland CC is a large depressional wetland. The wetland is primarily vegetated with native

trees and herbaceous species; and contains numerous localized pockets which become

seasonally ponded and vegetated upland hummocks.

Wetland CC provides moderate water quality functions mainly due to the hydrogeomorphic

characteristics of the wetland, presence of persistent vegetation, and area of wetland that is

seasonally ponded. The wetland provides moderate hydrologic stormwater and base flow

function due to the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetland and location in the

watershed, and the wetland is connected to a tributary of Padden Creek, and is therefore able to

detain surface run-off and detain stormwater before it enters the creek. Wetland CC provides

moderate to high overall biological support. The wetland is dominated mature trees; and it has

high vegetative structure, moderate species diversity, many habitat features, and is well

connected to high quality upland buffers. Habitat interspersion within Wetland CC is high,

with numerous localized pockets of standing water, upland hummocks, and areas of dense

shrubs. The edge of the wetland is extensive, providing a higher degree of complexity and more

niches for species utilizing this site.

Wetland DD

Wetland DD is located in a small depression, which appears to have been artificially created.

The wetland is deep; and becomes seasonally ponded and detains a significant amount of water

(three to six feet) during the wet season. The wetland is primarily open water/ bare ground,

with a fringe of moderate to dense trees and shrubs around the circumference.

Wetland DD provides low water quality functions primarily due to the hydrogeomorphic

characteristics of the wetland and lack of vegetation present within the wetland. The wetland

provides moderate hydrologic stormwater and base flow function due to the amount of water

that is retained in the wetland and the size of the contributing basin. Wetland DD provides



moderate overall biological support primarily due to moderate vegetative structure and low

species diversity, some habitat features, and good connectivity to high quality upland buffer.

Wetlands EE, and GG

Wetlands EE and GG are shallow depressional wetlands vegetated primarily with herbaceous

species. Wetland EE appears to have been excavated.

Wetlands EE and GG provide low water quality function and hydrologic stormwater and base

flow function due to the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetlands, continuous

vegetation cover, and limited size and subsequent amount of water storage. The wetlands

provide low overall biological support primarily due to low vegetative structure and species

diversity, presence of non-native species, and limited habitat features in the wetlands, and the

wetlands are both well connected to high quality upland buffers.

Wetland FF

Wetland FF is a slope wetland, which is vegetated primarily with native shrubs and herbaceous

material. The surrounding upland forest provides approximately 40 to 70% cover over the

wetland.

Wetland FF provides low water quality function. Although the wetland has continuous

vegetation cover by herbaceous and woody plants, the degree of the slope and subsequent

moderate movement of water through the wetland provides little detention time and therefore

lower water quality treatment. The wetland provides low to moderate hydrologic stormwater

and base flow function due hydrogeomorphic characteristics, vegetation present within the

wetland which is able to slow surface run-off, small depressional areas within the wetland

which area able to detain some surface run-off, and because the wetland detains water which

drains into Padden Creek. Overall habitat function is moderate. The wetland has moderate

vegetative structure and species diversity, some habitat features, and is well connected to high

quality upland buffers.

Wetland HH

Wetland HH is a depressional wetland, which is vegetated with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous

material. Dominant vegetation in the wetland is herbaceous, among large areas of standing

water and/or bare ground. The wetland fringe, which is less effected by standing water, is

characterized by trees and shrubs. A small island of native trees and shrubs is located within

the center of the wetland.

Wetland HH provides moderate water quality function and hydrologic stormwater and base

flow function due to the location in the watershed, hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the

wetland, percentage of the wetland which is seasonally ponded, size and subsequent amount of

water storage. Currently the wetland has limited opportunity to provide these functions, but

with increased development in the area the opportunity for this wetland to provide significant



water storage and water quality functions is anticipated to increase. The wetland provides

moderate overall biological support primarily due to moderate vegetative structure and species

diversity, some habitat features, connectivity to high quality upland buffer, and greater degree

of habitat complexity within the wetland.

Wetland JJ

Wetland JJ is located off-site on a parcel to the east; only a portion of this wetland was observed

due to its proximity to proposed development. The portion of Wetland JJ within the review area

was a slope wetland which appears to drain east into a larger depressional area at the toe of the

slope. The wetland contains interspersion of areas that are vegetated with trees, shrubs, and/or

herbaceous species.

The subject portion of Wetland JJ provides low water quality function. Although the wetland

has continuous vegetation cover by herbaceous and woody plants, the degree of the slope and

subsequent moderate movement of water through the wetland provides little detention time

and therefore lower water quality treatment. Two drainage ditches are located in this portion of

the wetland, and during storm events water appears to move quickly through the wetland.

Wetland JJ provides low to moderate hydrologic stormwater and base flow function due to the

hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetland, continuous vegetation cover, and overall size

and subsequent amount of water storage it is able to provide. The wetland provides moderate

to high overall biological support primarily due to moderate vegetative structure and species

diversity, presence of habitat features, interspersion of habitats, and connectivity to high quality

upland buffers.

Wetland KK

Wetland KK is a large depressional wetland primarily vegetated with trees and herbaceous

species. The majority of the wetland is covered by bare ground or herbaceous species, and

becomes seasonally ponded. Trees growing on upland hummocks and in the surrounding

forested buffer provide approximately 40 to 80% canopy cover.

Wetland KK provides moderate water quality functions mainly due to the hydrogeomorphic

characteristics of the wetland, some persistent vegetation, and seasonal ponding. The wetland

provides low hydrologic stormwater and base flow function due to the hydrogeomorphic

characteristics of the wetland and location in the watershed, and it detains a relatively large

amount of surface run-off from on-site. Overall habitat function is moderate to high. The

wetland has moderate vegetative structure and species diversity, contains many habitat

features, and is well connected to high quality upland buffers and the larger habitat corridor.

Habitat interspersion within Wetland KK is high, with localized pockets of standing water,

upland hummocks, and the edge of the wetland is extensive, providing a higher degree of

complexity and greater potential for habitat for species utilizing this site.



Wetland LL

Wetland LL is a shallow depression that is primarily vegetated with shrubs and herbaceous

species.

Wetland LL provides moderate water quality function due hydrogeomorphic characteristics in

the wetland, persistent vegetation within the wetland, and a relatively small area which is

seasonally ponded. The wetland provides low hydrologic stormwater and base flow function

due to the hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the wetland, location in the watershed, and

limited size and subsequent amount of water storage. Wetland LL provides moderate overall

biological support primarily due to moderate vegetative structure and species diversity,

absence of habitat features, and connectivity to quality upland buffer.

3.2.2 City of Bellingham Categorization

The site wetlands were rated using the City of Bellingham’s (COB, 1991) Wetland Category

system. The City utilizes a three tiered category system to classify wetlands. Category I

wetlands are considered the most valuable and irreplaceable while Category III wetlands are of

lower value and serve fewer functions. Wetlands BB, JJ and KK appear to meet the definition of

City Category II wetlands because they abut a greenway corridor and public open space.

Wetland CC appears to meet the definition of City Category II wetland because is connected to

a tributary of Padden Creek, which is a COB regulated stream. Wetland HH appears to meet the

definition of a City Category II wetland because it appears to serve significant and necessary

stormwater functions. The City defines Category II wetlands as wetlands that are contiguous

with a City regulated stream, contain habitat for any endangered, threatened, rare or sensitive

plant, fish or animal species or rare wetland types, contain three or more wetland classes, abut

public open space, park or greenways corridors and are over 10,000 sq. ft. in area, or provide a

significant and necessary storm water management function. Wetlands AA, AX, AY, DD, EE,

GG and LL appear to meet the definition of City Category III wetlands, but they are under the

regulatory size threshold of 10,000 square feet and therefore appear not to be regulated by the

City of Bellingham. However, these wetlands may still be under the authority of the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Department of Ecology (DOE). Wetland FF appears to be a

category III wetland as well, but would be regulated because it is over 10,000 square feet in size.

4.0 DETERMINATION AND REGULATTIONS

Thirteen wetlands supporting predominately hydrophytic species were identified within the

review area. A summary for the characteristics of the wetlands assessed in this report is shown

in Table 2 below. Figure 2 depicts the extent of the wetland boundaries within the review area.

Wetlands BB and JJ are both part of larger wetland systems, the majority of which are off-site.

The actual sizes of these wetland systems are unknown. Wetland BB extends off-site to the

north, Wetland JJ extends off-site to the east, and Wetland FF extends off-site to the west. All

other wetlands assessed in this report are contained within the subject property.



Overall, the wetlands and buffers provide most functions at moderate levels. Because the

wetlands are located in an undeveloped forested area the opportunity for providing water

quality and hydrologic stormwater/ base flow functions is limited at this time, but this function

is anticipated to increase with development in the area. Conversely, the site currently provides

moderate to high quality wildlife habitat and is part of an important habitat corridor which

extends to and includes Chuckanut Mountain, and this function is anticipated to decrease as

development increases in this area.

Table Table Table Table 2222. Su. Su. Su. Summary of Wetland Classificationsmmary of Wetland Classificationsmmary of Wetland Classificationsmmary of Wetland Classifications

Wetland Cowardin Classification

HGM Classification

DOE Category

COB Category

Size (square feet)

COB Regulated

AA PFO/PEM Depressional

Outflow III III 8,997.6 Not Regulated

AX PEM Depressional

Outflow IV III 130.2 Not Regulated

AY PFO/PSS Depressional

Outflow III III 499.1 Not Regulated

BB PFO/PSS Depressional

Outflow II II -- Regulated*

CC PFO/PEM Depressional

Outflow II II 109,538.0 Regulated

DD PSS/PEM Depressional


EE PEM Depressional


FF PSS/PEM Slope

Outflow III III 65,340.0 Regulated*

GG PEM Depressional


HH PEM Depressional

Outflow III II 8,764.0 Regulated

JJ PFO/PSS

Slope

Outflow III II

43,609.3 (surveyed portion

only)

Regulated*

KK PFO/PEM Depressional

Outflow III II 72,181.0 Regulated

LL PSS Depressional


* Wetlands extend off-site, total size unknown.

The existing City of Bellingham’s Wetland and Stream Ordinance requires a 50 foot minimum

buffer around all COB Category II wetlands, and a 25 foot minimum buffer around all COB

Category III wetlands. No regulated activity may be conducted within a regulated wetland,

stream or buffer without a Wetland and Stream Disturbance Permit. Mitigation for adverse

impacts to critical areas is required (COB 1991). The City code is currently being revised, and

we recommend contacting the City regarding their most current version of this code before plan

development.



The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) requires notification for all disturbances to

wetlands. It is incumbent upon the landowner to disclose all such disturbances. Isolated

wetlands, however, are not under the authorization of the Corps. Only the Corps has the

authority to make an “isolated” determination. A disturbance under one-half acre of non-

isolated wetland requires an application for a Nationwide Permit from the Corps. Fills

exceeding one-half acre require an Individual Permit from the Corps.

The Corps also has discretion to disallow disturbance to high quality wetlands. The Washington

Department of Ecology and Corps require certification that no listed or known endangered or

threatened animal species or National Historic Places are present on the parcel.

The Washington State Department of Ecology reviews all permits received by the Corps for

Water Quality Certification. DOE requires an individual review of all wetland disturbances

greater than one-half acre. Water Quality Certification is required for all Individual Permit

applications. DOE has authority over discharge into all wetlands and streams and can impose

buffers and compensatory mitigation for impacts.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) requires notification for any

proposed construction activities which will use, divert, obstruct, or change the bed or flow of

state waters (RCW Chapter 77.55). If any construction within a stream channel is proposed on-

site, the landowner shall apply for a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit from the

WDFW.

5.0 DISCLAIMER

Wetland delineations and determination are based upon protocols defined in manuals and

publications produced by Federal, State and Local agencies. The methodology used in this

report is consistent with the routine on-site determination method described in the 1987 Corps

of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. No guarantees are given that delineations or

functional determinations will concur with those performed by regulatory agencies or other

qualified professionals. This report is provided for the use of the named recipient only and is

not intended for use by others parties for any other purpose.

APPENDIX A: LITERATURE REVIEWED

Literature Reviewed

Brinson, M. 1993. A Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands. U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers, Washington D.C. Tech. Report WRP-DE-4.

City of Bellingham. 1991. City of Bellingham Municipal Code: Title 16.50 Wetland and

Regulatory Stream Chapter, Bellingham, WA.

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. Technical

Report Y-87-1. Army Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Miss.

Goldin, A. 1992. Soil Survey of Whatcom County Area, Washington. United States Department

of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.

Hitchcock, C.L. and A Cronquist. 1973 Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of

Washington Press. Seattle, WA.

Kollmorgen Corporation. 1975. Munsell soil color charts. Baltimore, MD.

Reed, R.B. Jr. 1988. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: 1988 Northwest.

Biological Report 88 (26.9), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Petersburg, Florida.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2004. SalmonScape. Website:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/salmonscape/

Washington State Department of Ecology. March 1997. Washington State Wetlands

Identification and Delineation Manual. Washington Department of Ecology, Olympia WA.

Publ. #96-94.

Washington State Department of Ecology. 2004. Washington State Wetlands Rating System:

Western Washington. Washington Department of Ecology, Olympia WA. Publ. #04-06-025.

Whatcom County Planning and Development. 1994. Whatcom County Fish and Wildlife

Habitat: a map folio of fish and wildlife habitat. Whatcom County, WA.

APPENDIX B: FIGURES

Figure 1. Vicinity Map

Project Site

Detail

Project Site

Figure 2. Wetlands Map

Wetland FF

Wetland CC

Wetland HH

Wetland AY

Wetland AX

Wetland AA

Wetland KK

Wetland GG Wetland DD

Wetland EE Wetland JJ

Wetland LL

Wetland

Wetland BB

Figure 3. 2002 Aerial Photograph

N

Project Site

Soil Series: Chuckanut Loam, Bedrock Substratum (#26) on 15 to 30% Slopes Everett- Urban Land Complex (#52) on 5 to 20% Slopes

Squalicum- Urban Land Complex (#159) on 5 to 20% Slopes

Figure 4. Soils Map USDA Soil Conservation Service

Project Site

Project Site

N

Figure 5. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Whatcom County Fish and Wildlife Folio Maps

N

Figure 6. Fish and Fish Habitat

Whatcom County Fish and Wildlife Folio Maps

N

Project Site

APPENDIX C: DATA SHEETS

Documents

WETLAND DELINEATION - City of Bellingham, WA · The review area is currently undeveloped, ... western red cedar (Thuja plicata), ... skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum ), and sword