Wetland Delineation and Mitigation

Identify. Delineate. Mitigate.

Identify

During a site visit, we will identify wetlands and streams on your property.

Delineate

We will delineate the boundaries of on-site wetland and stream features according to the USACE 1987 manual and regional supplement.

Rate

We will assess the functions and values of each wetland and stream feature to give them a rating. The rating will inform the required regulatory buffer width for each feature.

Report

We will provide you with a comprehensive report detailing the wetland and stream features found on the property, their classification, regulatory buffer width and other pertinent information.

Mitigate

If impacts to all wetlands, streams and buffers can be avoided, we’re done! If not, we will craft a Mitigation Plan to compensate for unavoidable impacts to these features.

Permit

With a Mitigation Plan in place, its time to apply for permits to impact wetlands or streams.

On properties where development is proposed, any wetlands must be delineated according to the USACE Manual 1987. The ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of streams must also be delineated. Our process involves field delineation to identify wetlands and streams, if present. We then assess these features based on the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington (2014 Update).

Following delineation and assessment, we map the wetlands and streams and provide a comprehensive Critical Areas (Wetland and Streams) report, including the regulatory buffers.

Next, we collaborate with you to explore opportunities to avoid impacts to wetlands, streams, and their buffers. If avoidance is feasible, our work is complete.

If you are able to avoid impacting wetlands and streams but cannot avoid their buffers, we will assist you in obtaining the necessary city/county and state permits, as well as develop a compensatory mitigation plan.

Should avoidance of wetlands and stream impacts not be possible, we can help you navigate the permitting process at the federal, state, and city/county levels, and develop a comprehensive mitigation plan.

Our goal is to streamline the permitting process and find the best solutions for your project's success while avoiding and minimizing environmental impacts to critical areas.