Florida Hydric Soil Indicators for Delineation: The indicators are divided into two groups.

This first group has those indicators normally used to delineate hydric soils. These normally
occur at the hydric soil boundary. Prepared by Wade Hurt (Wade_Hurt@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu) and distributed by Florida Association of Environmental Soil Scientists (FAESS):
http://pedology.ifas.ufl.edu/

Hydric Soil Delineation Indicators for All S5. Sandy Redox. For use in all LRRs. A minimum thickness of either: This indicator occurs on landforms such as:
Soils layer starting within 6 inches of the soil a. 5 cm (2 in.) if 5 cm (2 in.) is entirely “Grady” ponds, and potholes: not micro-
These indicators are to be used for all soils surface that is at least 4 inches thick, and has within the upper 15 cm (6 in.) of the soil, or depressions on convex or plane landscapes.
regardless of texture. a matrix with 60 % or more of its volume b. 15 cm (6 in.) and starts within 25 cm
chroma 2 or less with 2% or more distinct or (10 in.) of the soil surface. F10. Marl. For use in LRR U. A layer of
A5. Stratified Layers. For use in all LRRs.. prominent redox concentrations as soft A and E horizons must have common to many, marl with a value 5 or more starting within
Several stratified layers starting within the masses and/or pore linings. distinct or prominent redox concentrations. 4 inches of the soil surface.
upper 6 inches of the soil surface. One or The following combinations of value and Normally this indicator occurs at the soil
more of the layers has value 3 or less with S6. Stripped Matrix. For use in all LRRs. A chroma identify a depleted matrix: surface.
chroma 1 or less and/or it is muck, mucky layer starting within 6 inches of the soil 1. Matrix value 5 or more and chroma 1 with
peat, peat, or mucky modified mineral surface in which iron/manganese oxides or without redox concentrations; or F12. Iron/Manganese Masses. For use in
texture. The remaining layers have value 4 and/or organic matter have been stripped 2. Matrix value 6 or more and chroma 2 or 1 LRRs P, and T. On flood plains, a layer 4
or more and chroma 2 or less. from the matrix exposing the primary base with or without redox concentrations; or inches or more thick with a depleted matrix
color of soil materials. The stripped areas 3. Matrix value 4 or 5 and chroma 2 with 2 that has 40% or more chroma 2 or less, and
A6. Organic Bodies. For use in all LRRs. and translocated oxides and/or organic percent or more distinct or prominent redox 2% or more distinct or prominent redox
Presence of 2% or more organic bodies of matter form a diffuse splotchy pattern of concentrations; or concentrations as soft iron/manganese
muck or a mucky modified mineral texture, two or more colors. The stripped zones are 4. Matrix value 4 and chroma 1 with 2 percent masses with diffuse boundaries. The layer
approximately 1 to 3 cm in diameter, 10% or more of the volume; they are or more distinct or prominent redox occurs entirely within 12 inches of the soil
starting within 6 inches of the soil surface. rounded and approximately 1 to 3 cm in concentrations. surface. Iron/manganese masses have value
diameter. 3 or less and chroma 3 or less; most
A7. 5 cm Mucky Mineral. For use in all F6. Redox Dark Surface. For use in all commonly they are black. Iron/manganese
LRRs. A mucky modified mineral surface S7. Dark Surface. For use in all LRRs. A LRRs. A layer at least 4 inches thick entirely masses are usually small (2 to 5 mm in size)
layer 2 inches or more thick starting within layer 4 inches or more thick starting within within the upper 12 inches of the mineral and have a value and chroma 3 or less. This
6 inches of the soil surface. the upper 6 inches of the soil surface with a soil that has: indicator occurs on flood plains of rivers such
matrix value 3 or less and chroma 1 or less. a. matrix value 3 or less and chroma 1 or as the Apalachicola.
A8. Muck Presence. For use in LRR U. A At least 70% of the visible soil particles must less with 2% or more distinct or prominent
layer of muck with value 3 or less and be covered, coated, or similarly masked with redox concentrations as soft masses or pore F13. Umbric Surface. For use in all LRRs.
chroma 1 or less within 6 inches of the soil organic material. The matrix linings, or In depressions and other concave positions,
surface. color of the layer immediately below the b. matrix value 3 or less and chroma 2 a layer 6 inches or more thick starting
A9. 1 cm Muck. For use in LRRs P and T. A dark layer must have chroma 2 or less. or less with 5% or more distinct or within the upper 6 inches of the soil surface
layer of muck 1 cm or more thick with value prominent redox concentrations as soft with value 3 or less and chroma 1 or less
3 or less and chroma 1 or less starting within Hydric Soil Delineation Indicators for masses or pore linings. immediately underlain by a layer inches or
6 inches of the soil surface. Loamy and Clayey Soils more thick with chroma 2 or less. Thickness
These indicators are to be used for soil F8. Redox Depressions. For use in all LRRs. requirements maybe slightly less than those
Hydric Soil Delineation Indicators for Sandy materials with a USDA texture of loamy In closed depressions subject to ponding, 5% required for an umbric epipedon. Microlows
Soils very fine sand and finer. or more distinct or prominent redox are not considered to be concave landforms.
These indicators are to be used for soil concentrations as soft masses or pore linings Umbric surfaces on higher landscape positions,
materials with a USDA texture of loamy fine F3. Depleted Matrix. For use in all LRRs. A in a layer 2 inches or more thick entirely such as side slopes dominated by Humic
sand and coarser. layer with a depleted matrix that has 60% or within the upper 6 inches of the soil surface. Dystrudepts, are excluded.
more chroma 2 or less that has a
Florida Hydric Soil Indicators for Very Wet Ecosystems and Test: This second group are often used to identify hydric soils but, because they are maximum expressions of
anaerobiosis, they are rarely used for delineation purposes. Prepared by Wade Hurt (Wade_Hurt@gnv.ifas.ufl.gov) and distributed by Florida Association of Environmental Soil Scientists
(FAESS): http://pedology.ifas.ufl.edu/

Hydric Soil Identification Indicators for All S8. Polyvalue Below Surface. For use in Hydric Soil Identification Indicators for F7. Depleted Dark Surface. For use in all
Soils: LRR T. A layer with value 3 or less and Loamy and Clayey Soils LRRs. Redox depletions, with value 5 or
chroma 1 or less starting within 15 cm (6 more and chroma 2 or less, in a layer at least
A1. Histosol. For use in all LRRs. Classifies inches) of the soil surface underlain by a F2. Loamy Gleyed Matrix. For use in all 10 cm (4 inches) thick entirely within the
as a Histosol, except Folists. layer(s) where translocated organic matter LRRs. A gleyed matrix that occupies 60% or upper 30 cm (12 inches) of the mineral soil
All the requirements contained in Soil unevenly covers the soil material forming a more of a layer starting within 30 cm (12 that has:
Taxonomy must be met. diffuse splotchy pattern. At least 70% of the inches) of the soil surface. a. matrix value 3 or less and
visible soil particles in the upper layer must chroma 1 or less and 10% or more redox
A2. Histic Epipedon. For use in all LRRs. A be covered, coated, or masked with organic F4. Depleted Below Dark Surface. For use depletions, or
histic epipedon. material. Immediately below this layer, the in all LRRs. A layer with a depleted matrix b. matrix value 3 or less and
All the requirements contained in Soil organic coating occupies 5% or more of the that has 60% or more chroma 2 or less chroma 2 or less and 20% or more redox
Taxonomy must be met. soil volume and has value 3 or less and starting within 30 cm (12 in.) of the soil depletions.
chroma 1 or less. The remainder of the soil surface that has a minimum thickness of
A3. Black Histic. For use in all LRRs. A volume has value 4 or more and chroma 1 or either:
layer of peat, mucky peat, or muck 20 to 40 less. a. 15 cm (6 in.), or Test Indicator
cm (8 to 16 inches) or more thick starting b. 5 cm (2 in.) if the 5 cm (2 in.) consists
within the upper 15 cm (6 inches) of the soil S9. Thin Dark Surface. For use in LRR T. A of fragmental soil material (see glossary). TF2. Red Parent Material. For testing in
surface having hue 10YR or yellower, value layer 5 cm (2 inches) or more thick within The layer(s) above the depleted matrix have LRR P. In parent material with a hue of
3 or less, and chroma 1 or less. the upper 15 cm (6 inches) of the surface, value 3 or less and chroma 2 or less. 7.5YR or redder, a layer at least 10 cm (4
with value 3 or less and chroma 1 or less. At inches) thick with a matrix value 4 or less
A4. Hydrogen Sulfide. For use in all LRRs. least 70% of the visible soil particles in this F5. Thick Dark Surface. For use in all and chroma 4 or less and 2% or more redox
A hydrogen sulfide odor within 30 cm (12 layer must be covered, coated, or masked LRRs. A layer at least 15 cm (6 inches) depletions and/or redox concentrations as
inches) of the soil surface. with organic material. This layer is thick with a depleted matrix that has 60% soft masses and/or pore linings. The layer
underlain by a layer(s) with value 4 or less or more chroma 2 or less (or a gleyed is entirely within 30 cm (12 inches) of the
and chroma 1 or less to a depth of 30 cm (12 matrix) starting below 30 cm (12 inches) of soil surface. The minimum thickness
Hydric Soil Identification Indicators for inches) or to the spodic horizon, whichever the surface. The layer(s) above the requirement is 5 cm (2 inches) if the layer is
Sandy Soils is less. depleted or gleyed matrix have hue N and the mineral surface layer.
value 3 or less to a depth of 30 cm (12 This indicator is for test in areas of red parent
S4. Sandy Gleyed Matrix. For use in all inches) and value 3 or less and chroma 1 or material and might occur on "Red River"
LRRs. A gleyed matrix which occupies 60% less in the remainder of epipedon. flood plains of the Apalachicola and Escambia
or more of a layer starting within 15 cm (6
Rivers. Redox features most noticeable in red
inches) of the soil surface.
materials include redox depletions and soft
manganese and iron/manganese masses that
are black or dark reddish black.
U.S. A r m y Corps of
Engineers "

Jacksonville District
Regulatory Program

Federal Delineation Methodology

321
 HISTORY OF CORPS REGULATORY PROGRAM

1. 1155 First of Nottingham Charters - clear River Trent of fish-weirs that impeded
navigation. I
I

I I
.!
a

2. 1215 Magna Carta - "All fish-weirs shall be removed from the Thames, the Medway
and throughout the whole of England, except on the sea coast." Enacted to protect the right
of free navigation.

3. 1607 English colonies - followed common law of England, including tile public right to
navigation.

tO 4. 1787 U.S. Constitution States gave to U.S. Congress the right "to regulate commerce
with foreign nations, among the several states, and with indian tribes. ''• Commerce clause

5. 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act- rewrite of 1890 act

1 1970 Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA)

1972 amendments including addition of Section 404
1977 renamed Clean Water Act
 OVERVIEW OF CORPS OF ENGINEERS REGULATORY PROGRAM
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT REGULATORYPROGRAM
0

APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS

SECTION 103 OF THE MARINE PROTECTION,RESEARCHAND SANCTUARIESACT

Authorizes the transportation of dredged material to an EPA approved ocean disposal site.

SECTION 10 OF THE RIVERSAND HARBORSACT OF 1899

t~
Authorizes all work in "navigable waters of the United States." This includes the placement of
docks, bulkheads with backfill, marinas, mooring buoys and other similar structures, as well
as dredging and filling activities.

SECTION 404 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT

Authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material in "waters of the United States" including
wetlands and other special aquatic sites. This no longer includes incidental discharges
resulting from excavation activities.
 ~404

10 SECTION'10

, , ~ 103

• ~ . ~ ,~'~. ;
i
~ ~~-~_~~~ ~..................... ~ _ ~ ~
-- ,-. r_. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-- ~"~ ~

UPLAND WETLAND

Coc~ of Er~neers Regu~tory J u ~ in - [ I D A L WATERS

S~-CTXDN4o4

5E-CTION10

~ . . . .
°. '
.._%,,

:~ ;f
4 " ""

• ~ .. -~

FRESHWATER PAVERS FRESHWATER

UPLAND WETLANDS STREAMS Wk-TLANOS ~ D
LAKES
PONDS

Corps of Engineers Regulatory Jurisdiction in FRESH WATERS

324
Wetland Definition:
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by
surface or groundwater at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support, and that under
normal circumstances do support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for
life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and
similar-areas.

325
 NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES

© THE SOIL AND HYDROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

THAT WOULD EXIST IF THE VEGETATION
WERE NOT ALTERED OR REMOVED
© CROPPING OR C.ROPPING HISTORY IS NOT
THE NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCE

• o •

WDMO0002
Federal Delineation Manuals

1987 Manual-- Optional

1989 Manual Required

1991 Manual Proposed only

Energy and W a t e r Development Appropriations Act

of 1992 (Public Law 102-.580)

Prohibited the Corps from using the 89 Manual

and required the use of the 87 Manual, until a
new manual is "promulgated utilizing
recommendations of the NAS.

327
1987 A C O E Wetland
De.lineation Manual
N

Provide guidelines and methods to

determine whether an area is a
wetland for purposes of Section 404
of the Clean Water Act.

Q_bj_e_c~ive~ ".
1. Present technical guidelines for
identifying Wetlands.

2. Provide information and methods

for applyihg the technical guidelines.

328
 Diagnostic WetlandCharacteristics."

(1) Vegetation: The prevalent vegetation

consists of species t h a t are typically adapted
for life in saturated/anaerobic soil conditions.

(2) Soil: Soils have been classified as hydric,

or theypossess characteristics t h a t are
associated with reducing soil conditions.

(3) Hydrology: The area is inundated either

permanently or periodically, or saturated to
the surface (within the upper 12") at some
time during t h e g r o w i n g season.

329
 NONWETLAND WETLAND :

1
L,
W
0

. Hydrophytic Vegetation
Vegetation
Hydric Soils
Soils , Wetland Hydrology
J
Hydrology

9~ak121
 Wetland Delineation Data
- Sources ...

1. USGS Quadrangle Maps

2. National Wetland Inventory Maps

3. Stream and Tidal Gage Data

4. ElSs, EAs,.etc.

5. State, County, or Local Government

Documents and Maps

6. Remote Sensing

7. -Individuals with Local Expertise

8. USGS Land Use and Cover Maps

9. Site-Specific Topographical Surveys

331
Vegetational Strata
o

1. Tree > 3 . 0 inches D B H

g Sapling~Shrub ~ < 3.0 inches D B H

but > 3 . 2 ' tall

3~ Herbs anything < 3.2' tall

Q Woody Vines

332
 MEASURES OF PLANT
SPECIES DOMINANCE
I I I|1 II I II -- II IIII I III I
III I I I II III II II [i ...... i
II IIII I II IIII I IIIII II I II II II III II II

O PERCENT COVER
W
O~ O STEM DENSITY
O FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE
O BASAL AREA

gWAKEO08
 SELECTION OF DOMINANT SPECIES

FOR EACH STRATUM IN THE PLANT

COMMUNITY, DOMINANT SPECIES ARE
THE MOST ABUNDANT PLANT SPECIES
(WHEN RANKED IN DESCENDING ORDER
t~
OF ABUNDANCE AND CUMULATIVELY
TOTALED) THAT IMMEDIATELY EXCEED
50 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL DOMINANCE
MEASURE FOR THE STRATUM, PLUS ANY
ADDITIONAL SPECIES COMPRISING
20 PERCENT OR MORE OF THE TOTAL
DOMINANCE MEASURE FOR THE STRATUM.

WDMO0199
 SELECTION OF DOMINANT PLANTS
! I I
IIII
ilii II il
IIII II IIII I II
lillll li
I I I
I i llll il '~' li
p
I
il ~JL
I I i
i llllll i Ill
i
i, l llllllll
li
Ill
• .=' ~'l,, i

,a,

RELATIVE CUMULATIVE
SHRUBS % COVER O/o COVER TOTAL

CORNUS FOEMINA 25 33 33
t.O
W
O1 SPIRAEA ALBA 20 27 60

CORNUS AMOMUM 15 20 80

RHAMNUS FRANGULA 10 13 93

TOXICODENDRON VERNIX 5 7 100

75 100

• DOMINANTS

',VO MO0,'O:
 DATA FORM
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 COE Wetlands De[ineadon Manual)

ProjecUSi~e: {)ale:
Applicant/Owner: County:
Iqvestioator: Sta~e:

Do Normal C i r c u m s ~ n c e s exist on the site? Yes No Community ID:

Is the she sionificandy disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Yes No Transe¢~ 113:
Is the area a potential Problem Area? Yes No Ptot 10:
(If needed, explain on reverse.)

VEGETATION

Dorr~nent Plant S 9 , ~ e ~ ' Stret~Jm Indicator O o ~ n e q t Plant Specie= Strs~um Indicator

I. 9.

2. 10.
11.
4. 12.

5. 13,

6. 14.

7, 1S.

8. 16.

Percent of Oornlnen¢ Species that are 08L, FACV~ ot FAC

(excluCEnQ FAC-).

Remarks: -

HYDROLOGY

-- Recorded Date (Describe in Remark, s): V,'ede~d Hydrology Ir~ica~or=:

- - Stream. t_a~e, or "~de Gauge Prirne~ Indicators:
- - Aerial Photographs Inundated
O~her $eOJreted in Upper 1 2. Inches
No Recocded Data Aveileble Wete~ Mad<=
_ _ Drift Unes
S edi~rtent Deposits
Reid O b s e r v a t i o n : -- Or~rmoe Pet*~em= in We~ends
Se.co¢~dew |¢tdicQtOC'J (2 or rP,ore rewired):
Depth of Su~e, ce Water: (~n.) Oaa'K:f~Z~KIRoot Cher~c~ls in Upper 12 Inches
Wete¢-St~oed Leave;
Depth to Free W a t e r in Pit: (in.I --Loca4 So~ Survey Da~a
FAC-Neutre! Test
O e p ~ tO Set14rate~ So~: (in.) - - O t h e r (Explain in Remarks)

• !i% Remarks:
°

~. 336
SOILS

M a p Unit Name
(Series and Phase|: Oce~n=ga Chinss:
(F:~a(d Obaervadon=
T a x o n o m y (Subgroup]: C o n f i r m (k~lapped Type? Yes No

Piofile OescHp, t~on:

Depth tv(atrix Color M o ~ e C=loc=, ~t~a TeJ~ure. Cof~cte~ons.
(inches} Horizon (Mun~el! Mo;st} , (Munile(I @Vk~llt~ Abu nd a nc./Contte_e_t_ S t.nJcture= etc.

Hydri¢ Soll I ~ i c e ( o r = :

Hi=toc.ol . ConcretJo ns
Hi=de E~o~p~<~ o n High O¢g=n~c C o n t e n t i n ' S u d e c e Laye~r in S a n d y Soil=
Orga,n~C Streelc~.n~ in S a o d y So~[= - -
Aqulc Mo~tture R e g ~ m ~ Li=ted o~ Loc,,~ H y d r i c So~l= LJ=t
Re<~ucin~ C.ondido ns LJetK[ On Nadonel H y d r i c Soils Ust
_ _ . G | e y e d or Low-.Chtoma Color= Other (~q~E~n in R ~ . s l .....

"Rematch:
• .o

WETLAND DETERMINATION
r .... m Im m

Hydrophvl~c VeQa~adon Pre~ent?" Ye~ No (Circle| (C~rdel

W e d e n d H ~ d r d o g y Pi'eaanl[? Yei No
HyclH¢ Soil= Pre=ent? Yes No Is tf'~s Sampling P o i n t lbqithin a Wetland? Yes No

Remdrks:

A p p r o v e d b y HQUS'~A'CE 2192

......

337
 ""~L
} I o ~ O G I C A L REPORT 88(26.2)
,(AY 1 9 8 8

NATIONAL-LIST OF PLANT SPECIES

THAT OCCUR I N WETLANDS:
SOUTHEAST (REGION 2)
,-,-.~. ~e \ ,.,

•,:'-. "l&: .- "- rkL/~3..',:'Y" "" t - ::" -

~ f I :::.... : ~ - ~ - - . :/ .%..
~ ,!~ -~,_-~. ;,. L. : ~~. . . , _,.' ~......-
~, ,,.
~/~ ~
-,,.., ~.~,~..//
,~ .~ .- .~-
.

-.~-"
'~~-~-£.~
,~,
.

\ ' t/
o"
'.~,~ , I- ~ ..-'t H ~t ~
i .,,,/ . . . • .

, ~ , i ~./..:, ~ .,....--
, t,: " ":,~" .: /--:-~- 7~-:"

"

In Cooperation with the National and

-:~sh and Wildlife Service Regional interagency Review Panels

J . S . D e p a r t m e n t of t h e ln~,-dor
338
 PLANT, INDICA TOR STATUS CA TEGORIES

Indicator Category Estimated Occurrence in Wetlands

Obligate Wetland (OBL) > 99%

Plants

Facultative Wetland (FACW) > 67% to 99%

Plants

Facultative Plants (FAC) > 33% to 67%

Facuitative Upland (FACU) t% to < 33%

Plants_

Upland Plants (UPL) <1%

m m qll ~ I l l ~ l l ! g m • 41m~ ~ dill U ~ 911 all w • t ~ RIm~ III m ,nil ! all m Q l l m i l m qi~ • qm U 1 4 m l l a g l l l Q g ~ l g l I ,11 1 ~ll U I l l m U a ~ l l ~ I I 9 1 W l ~ gl gl U ! i #a a • iAimll m i i • gl~ ! al I gal~qggqllgm~ll

The three facultative categories may be subdivided by (+) and (-)

modifiers. For example, FAC+ denotes a greater probabilityof
occurring in wetlands than a FAC; FAC- denotes a lesser probabilityof
occurring in wetlands than a FAC.

339
 BASIC RULE
More than 50% of the dominant species are OBL,
FACW, or FAC (does not include FAC-)

340
... \

I
, I

HYDRIC SOIL DEFINITION

A hydric soil isa soil that formed under
conditions of saturation, flooding, or
ponding long enough during the growing
season to develop anaerobic conditions in
the upper part.

!
 J

CRITERIA FOR HYDRIC SOILS

. All Histosols except Folists, or

2. S o i l s ~ n A q u i c s ~ b o r d e r s , g r e a t g r o u p s , or
subgroups, Albolls suborder, Aquisalids, Pachic
s u b g r o u p S , or C u m u l i c s u b g r o u p s t h a t are:

a. S o m e w h a t p o o r l y d r a i n e d w i t h a w a t e r t a b l e e q u a l
to 0.0 f o o t (ft) f r o m t h e s u r f a c e d u r i n g the g r o w i n g
s e a s o n , or

b. p o o r l y drained or v e r y poorly drained and have

either:
. °

(I) w a t e r t a b l e e q u a l to 0.0 f t d u r i n g t h e
g r o w i n g s e a s o n if t e x t u r e s a r e c o a r s e sand, sand, or
f i n e s a n d in all l a y e r s w i t h i n 20 i n c h e s (in), o r f o r
other soils

(2) w a t e r t a b l e at l e s s t h a n o r e q u a l to 0.5
f t f r o m t h e s u r f a c e d u r i n g t h e g r o w i n g s e a s o n if
p e r m e a b i - l i t y is e q u a l to or g r e a t e r t h a n 6.0 i n / h o u r
i n all l a y e r s w i t h i n 20 in, o r

(3) w a t e r t a b l e at l e s s t h a n o r e q u a l to 1.0 f t
f r o m the s u r f a c e d u r i n g t h e g r o w i n g s e a s o n if
permeability is l e s s t h a n 6.0 i n / h in a n y l a y e r w i t h i n
20 in, or

3. S o i l s t h a t are f r e q u e n t l y p o n d e d f o r long duration

or very long duration during the growing season, o r

4. S o i l s t h a t are f r e q u e n t l y f l o o d e d f o r l o n g d u r a t i o n
o r v e r y l o n g d u r a t i o n d u r i n g t h e g r o w i n g season.

342
 I-BrI)RIC S O I L S C R I T E R I A

A c c o r d i n g to N a t i o n a l T e c h n i c a l
C o m m i t t e e for H y d r i c Soils, areas that
satisfy Criteria 1, 3 or 4 are considered
to be hydric w i t h or w i t h o u t the
presence o f an indicator. ..

See Hurt, G.W. and V.W. Carlisle, 1997. Proper Use

of Hydric Soil Terminology. Soil Survey
Horizons, 38:98-101

Hurt, G.W. and V.W. Carlisle, 1997. Using

Hydric Soil Indicators in Disturbed Soils. Soil
Survey Horizons, 38:101-107

343
 4

1987 Manual Hydric Soil

- Indicators: ..

• Histosol
2. Histic Epipedon
3. Sulfidic Odor
4. Aquic Moisture Regime
5. Reducing Conditions
6. Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors
7. Concretions
8. High Organic Content in
Surface Layer in Sandy Soils
• Organic Streaking in Sandy
Soils
10. Listed on. Local Hydric Soils
List
11. Listed on National Hydric Soils
List
344
USDA
Field Indicators
LIr~,t~:d States
,.~....:~m~n, O,
.t~rlcijlture -Of Hydric Soils In
NGl~,ral
F-,',esources
Conservation
Service
-The United States
Wetlands Science A Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric
Institute and
Soils Division Soils, Version 4.0 (March 1998)

345
 R e g i o n a l Field I n d i c a t o r s
- a n d 87 Manual..
°

1. Treated according to Guidance

from HQ dated 17 September 1998.

2. Not as "Stand Alone"

3. Have to relate back to list in 87

Manual; this done by NRCS in
Table 2: Indicator Correlations

4. Should use in Problem Areas,

which includes sandy soils

346
 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
U.$. A r m y Coq:}s of Engineets
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20314-100(}

REPt.Y TO
,=,'r'r~,,,'r,o,,, OF: 1 ] S£P 1998

CECW-OR -

MEMOR.A2qDUM FOR COMM.A/qDEK, MAJOR SUBORDI2qATE CONfl~NDS AND

DISTRICT COMMANDS

SUBJECT: Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Indicators of Hydric Soils

1. This memorandum supersedes the 21 March 1997, memorandum on lqatural 1Lesour~es

Conservation Service (lq'KCS) Field Indicators o f Hydric Soils. A copy of Version 4.0 of the
Field Indicators of Hydric SoiLs in the Unized States - A C_~de for I6eutifTh~g and Delineating
Hydric Soils, dated March 1998, developed by the U.S.D.A./q'KCS, in coordination with the
National Technical Comrrrktee for I-tydric Soils, is enclosed and being disuu'buted to each dist~ict
and division by the U.S. Army Corps of EnEbaeers Waterways Experiment Station.

2. The current version of the lq'KCS indicators has been provided for your informntion and use in
conjunction w-kh the:1987 Corps o f E n ~ e e r s Wetland Delineation ManuaI (1987 Manunl) and
the supplemental_ guids.uce to the 1987 Marius! -It includes a co,elation table xseet pgs 28-29)
identif3rhaglike indicators in the NKCS list and the 1987 Manual ~ C S in~cators that can be
co=elazed with indicators ofhydric soits in the 1987 Manuai may be noted as "other" and
explzi~ed in the "lLemarks" section of the March 1992 data form as co~oborating evidence.

3. Paragraph 6 of the 6 March 1992, guidnnce (Clarification and Interpretation of the 1987
Man-~.) ::~'~-ifiesuse of the Problem Area section of the 1987 Manual Sever',doft.he ~ C S "
Indicators were developed specificall-y to ~.ssist with the identification ~;fhyd6c soils in these '
problem areas. They may be used under the procedures oft.he Problem Area Section of the 1987
Manu~l

4. The NKCS Indicators have been officially adopted by the NKCS who shall use the indicators
to indicate, if the soils criterion is met. However, they have not been officially adopted by the
Corps as ~and alone indicators ofhydric soils, but are reco,~,,~ended for use as an add~onal tool
in o u r wetl~-d dete~_~,;nations and delineations.

347
CECW-OR
SUBJECT: ~CS'Field Indicators of Hydric Soils

5. Please continu.e, to use these indicators in your district through the da~:tmplementafion of the
Corps Regulatory Program consistent with the 1987 Manual District c o m m e l l t $ regarding the
,,,f, lementation of the NKCS indicators shouM be sent to Mr. Steve Sprecher, Soil Scientist at the
Waterways Experiment Statioa, 3909 Hails Ferry Koad, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 39180-6199 or
coat.act him at (601) 634-3957. I.fyou need additional informatioa, please contact Ms. Colleen
Charles, at (202) 761-1784.

E o: /som F.
~/. Chiet~Regulatory Branch
Operations Divisioxl
Directorate of Civil Works

DISTRIBUTION:
(SEE PG 3)

348
 All NRCS Hydric Soil [ .

Indicators are "TEST ÷'' I

They are not "TEST

4~

See Hurt, G.W. and V.W. Carlisle, 1997. Proper Use of Hydric Soil
Terminology. Soil Survey Horizons, 38:98-101

Hurt, G.W. and V.W. Carlisle, 1997. Using Hydric Soil Indicators in
Disturbed Softs. Soil Survey Horizons, 38:101-107
 \
CRITERIA FOR WETLAND HYDROLOGY , !
i I"

, I

An area has wetland hydrology if it is i n u n d a t e d o1" the root zone i~

s a t u r a t e d for at least 5 % of the growing season in most years.

a. "In most years" means at least 5 years in 10, or 50%

probability in any one year.
60
O1
O

b. The m i n i m u m 5 % d u r a t i o n refers to a single continuous

episode of inundation or soil saturation.

c. G r o w i n g season is based oil soil t e m p e r a t u r e regime, and is

defined as the portion of the year when soil t e m p e r a t u r e at 20"
below the surface is above biological zero (5 ° C or 41 o F).

!
 Primary Hydrology
-Indicators"
• Inundation

11 Saturation in Upper 12 inches

11 Water Marks

11 Drift Lines

111 Sediment Deposits

11 Drainage Patterns

351
 J

Secondary Hydrology
- Indicators - .

1. Oxidized Root C h a n n e l s in the

Upper 12 .inches "

1l Water-stained Leaves

11 Local Soil S u r v e y Data

iN FAC-Neutrai T e s t

352
 O~

...... F O O D SECURITY ACT

1. Delineations on agricultural lands performed by Natural

Resources i~onservation Service (NRCS), usingboth the
National Food Security Act Manual (NFSAM) and the 87
Manual. The choice of manual depends on the area to be
delineated.

2. Agricultural lands are lands intensively used and

managed for production of food and fiber. Examples are
cropland, hay land, and pastures, including native pastures
and rangeland, orchards, vineyards, areas which support
wetland crops (e.g. cranberries, taro, watercress or rice),
other lands used to produce or support the production of
livestock, and small tree farms.

3. Non-agricultural lands include land that is not covered

by the definition of agricultural land. Examples are forest
land and urbanizing areas.

4. NRCS alsoresponsible for delineating small non-ag

inclusions and other non-ag lands controlled by a USDA
participant. T h e s e lands delineated using the 87 Manual.

" 353
 GAINESYILLE REGULATORY Ol'rlCE
DEC 1998 C~AJ-rW-NG ATLANTIC PERMITS BRANCII OFFICE
_-- ............ -- . 101 N,W. 751h Streel, S|lile 3 C .ESAJ-RD.A
~ r ¢..,.~ lot, [ l ,ot.~td A ' FL32607-1609
Oainesville. P.O. Box 4970
J OK|ON
, ! , . oX . , \ . ~
"- I
Te,ephooe:3,532 6,93 Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019
Telephone: 904-232-1659 ATLANTIC
PERMITS
,,:L,
PALATKA REGULATORY OFFICE BRANCH
C-ESAJ-RD-AP (CESAJ-RD-A)
P.O. Box 1317 I

R E G U L A T O R Y OFFICE I\-hoo4'
l \ t---" \ ":,: Palnlka, FL 32078-1317
J
Telephone: 904-525-2028 i
CF,SA J.P,D-NL I \ "~'~,, ~"
41NorlhJeff~Suite 104 [ X -- MAnlOR
Pensaeolt, FL 32501-5794 I "~
M ERILITT ISLAND
REGULATORY OFFICE
C.F_.SA/-RD-AM
P,~AMACITYREGULATORYOFF~C~ PERMITS~ i ORANOE 2460 N, Courtney Parkway, Sui(e 101
Merrill Island, FL 32953-4101
CESAJ-RD-NP BRANCH
475 Harrison Avenue, Suile 202 (CESAJ-RD-N) Telephone: 407-453-0210
Panama City, FL 32401-273I
Telephone: g50-763-0717

t.~ SOUTH
O1 TAMPA REGULATORY OFFICE
CESAI-RD.WT POLK
PERMITS
P.O. Box 19247 BRANCH
Tampa, FL 33686-9247 (CESAJ-RD-S)
Telephone: 813-840-2908
~1 mo.-h STUART
R E G U L A T O R Y O FFICE
PERMITS CP.SAJ-RD-SV
BRANCH ~torr~ P.O. Box 2391 •
US Army Corps Stuart, FL 34995
(CESAJ-RD-W)
of Englneers
Jacksonvlllo District
FT. MYERS REGULATORY OFFICE -'~ HENOnF
1 PALM B£AC
Telephone: .581-781.8085

CESAJ-RD-WF l
2301 McGregor Doulevard,S.iIe 300 SOUTII PERMITS
REGULATORY FL Myers, FL33901-3353 eottJtn aROWARO
nRANCI! OFFICE
USACE-CESAJ.RD.S
Telephone:941-33'I-1975 , _ ,,
OFFICES
OAO~
,, I...,
400 N..Congress Ave, Suile 150
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT OFFICE Telephone:561.685.0498
CESAJ-RD MARATIIOH REGULATORY OFFICE
CESAJ-RD-SA
P.O. Box 4970 2796 Overseas Highway, Suite 234
MIAMI II.EGULATORY OFFICE
C"~M-RD-SM
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019 Marathon Shores, FL35050
|1420 Noflh Kendal Drive,Suite !04
Telephone:305-743-5349
Telephone: 904-232-1666 M{am{, FL 33176-1039
Tdephone:305-526-71$ I"
Fax: 904-232-1684
 INFORMATION SOURCES

1987 W e t l a n d D e l i n e a t i o n Manual
National T e c h n i c a l r l n f o r m a t i o n Center
Document N u m b e r A D A 176 734
(703) 487-4650
Cost: $39.00 + $3.06 S+H
Internet: http://www.wes.army.mil/el/wetlands/wlpubs.html

Wetland Plant Lists

O1
01 Internet: http://www.nwi.fws.gov/ecology.htm

Hydric Soils Information

Internet: http://www, s t a t l a b . i a s t a t e . e d u / s o i l s - i n f o / h y d r i c /

County Soil Surveys

Obtain from local Soil & Water C o n s e r v a t i o n D i s t r i c t s

Q
 Regulatory Web Pages
i

. . . . . . Jacksonville District
www. s aj. usa ce.a r my. mil/p ermit

ii i i i . IL, .
i ii ] I~ _. "

-- ,,i ~ Ill ii J * l
ii Ill i I a _ - ~ ~ d l -

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J In i ii i . . . . . . . . ill I mllJ. i i ! ~ I i

L J J - . 1__ - . . Z-- ii •

- -- -- . . " . KIIll ~ l l l l i ' l t l l l l i i ] l l l t ~ . ~ ~ l l i l ' l l ~ l l l r l l l l l l f i r l : l l ~

• l l l l : : l l i t l # ' ~ In ~ ~i IIi, l ~#l~.-..#IEll~

l ~ ¢lP~lll '~ i ~ l_ r t i < l ~ ~ Jnp¢'qo.-'r~t s~uf I Tlrs~'rl~

# / l ~ ( ; F J i i l l ~ l tl2~'l~r~.llq~#~;l~Alrfl~ II~ll¢lli~¢.l,Gll~,/l~l~l,% ~'i~; ;8~'~ ~:l;]'l ".:t% l~T'i~J~-.~.:'~t,~fv~.. ".1 ~vIr'.%l*.lll:li~',#%)llllll"~.l°lAlllllla~.lL*+°~.'*~l:fl."lll~ill*.li.1

National HQ
h ttp://www, usa ce.a rmy. mil/in e t/fun ctio n s/cw/ce cwo/reg
 Florida Hydric Soil Indicators for Delineation:
"lhese normally occur at the hydric soil boundary.
!iydric Sot! De!ineation Indicators for
All Soils
These Indicators are to be used for all
soils regardless of texture.
A5. Stratified Layers. For use in all
LRRs.. Several stratified layers starting
within the u p p e r 15 cm (6 in.) of the soil
surface. One or more of the layers has
value 3 or less with chroma 1 or less
and/or it is muck, nmcky peat, peat, or
mucky modified mineral texture. The
remaining layers have value 4 or more
and chroma 2 or less.
A6. Organic Bodies. For use in all
ERRs. Presence of 2 % or more organic
bodies of muck or a mucky modified
I mineral texture, approximately 1 to 3
W i em (0.5 to 1 in.) in diameter, starting
O1
,q within 15 cm (6 in.) of the soil surface.
A7. 5 cm Mucky Mineral. For use it!
all LRRs. A mucky modified mineral
surface layer 5 cm (2 in.) or more thick
starting within 15 em (6 in.) of the soil
surface.
AS. Muck Presence. For , s e ht LRR U.
A layer of muck with value 3 or less
and chroma 1 or less within 15 cm (6
in.) of the soil surface.
Ag. 1 cm Muck. For use hx ERRs P and
7~ A layer of muck I cm (0.5 in.) or
more thick with value 3 or less and
chroma 1 or less starting within 15 em
(6 in.) of the soil surface.
!Iydriq So!! Delineation lpdicator.s ,for
Sandy Soils
Hydric soil indicators arc divided into two groups. This lirst group has Ihose indicators normally used to dclincale hydric .~od.~
These indicators are to be used for soil
materials with a USDA texture of
loamy fine sand and coarser.
$4. Sandy Gleyed Matrix. For use ht
all LRRs. A gleyed matrix which
occupies 60% or more of a layer
starting within 15 cm (6 in.) of the soil
surface.
$5. Sandy Redox. For use in ~dl LRRs.
A layer starting within 15 cm (6 in.) of
the soil surface that is at least 10 cm (4
In.) thick, a n d has a matrix with 60 %
or more of its volume c h r o m a 2 or less
with 2 % or more distinct or p r o m i n e n t
redox concentrations as soft masses
and/or pore linings.
$6. Stripped Matrix. F o r use in all
LRRs. A layer starting within 15 cm (6
in.) of the soil surface in which
iron/manganese oxides a n d / o r organic
m a t t e r have been stripped from the
matrix exposing the p r i m a r y base color
of soil nmterials. The stripped areas
a n d translocated oxides and/or organic
m a t t e r form a diffuse splotchy p a t t e r n
of two or more colors. The stripped
zones are 10% or more of the volume;
they are rounded and approximately I
to 3 cm (0.5 to 1 in.) in diameter.
$7. Dark Surface. Fur use ht all ERRs.
A layer Ill cm (4 in.) or more thick
starting within the u p p e r 15 cm (6 in.)
of the soil surface with a matrix value 3
or less and c h r o m a ! or less. At least
7 0 % of the visible soil particles must be
covered, coated, or similarly masked
with organic material. The matrix
color of the layer immediately below
the d a r k layer must have chroma 2 or
less.
Itydric Soi ! Delineation Indicators for
Loamy a n d Clayey, Soils
These indicators are to be used for soil
materials with a USDA texture of
loamy very fine sand a n d finer.
F2. Loamy Gleyed Matrix. For , s e hJ
all LRRs. A gleyed matrix that occupies
60% or more of a layer starting within
30 cm (12 in.) of the soil surface.
F3. Depleted Matrix. Fur use ht all
LRRs. A layer at least 15 cm (6 in.)
thick with a depleted matrix that has
60% or more c h r o m a 2 or less starting
within 25 cm (10 In.) of the surface.
The depleted matrix must begin within 25
cm ( I 0 In.) and continue tia" at least 15 cm
(6 in.) The minimum thickness
requirement is 5 cm (2 in.) if the depleted
matrix is within 15 t i n (6 ill.) (if Ihc soil
surface. A and E horizons must have
con~m to many, distinct or prominent
redox concentrations. The I~dlnwing
combinations of value and chroma
identify a depleted matrix:
I. Matrix value 5 or more :rod chroma I
or less with or withnut red(ix
concentrations as soft masses and/or pore
linings; or
2. Matrix value 6 or more and chroma 2
or less with or without rcdox
concentralions as soft masses and/or pore
linings; or
3. Matrix value 4 or 5 and chroma 2 and 2
percent or nlure distinct nr prnmiuenl
redox concentrations as sofl masses an(~or
pore linings: or
4. Matrix valuc 4 and chroma I and 2
percent ~r Inorc distinct or prolllhlcnl
redox c n l l c e f l l r a l i o n s as s o i l Ill;.ISScS Lllltl], ,1
pore linings.
FI0. Marl. For use hi LRR lJ. A layer
of nmrl with a value 5 or more starting
within 10 cm (4 in.) of the soil surface.
Normally this indicator occurs at the still
surface.
FI2. I r o n / M a n g a n e s e Masses. For tt~,"
in LRRs P, a n d T. On flood plains, a
layer 10 cm (4 in.) or more thick with
40% or more of the volume with value
5 or more and c h r o m a 2 or less, a n d
2 % olr more distinct or p r o m i n e n t
redox concentrations as soft
iron/manganese masses with diffuse
boundaries. The layer occurs entircl)
within 30 em (12 In.) of the soil surface.
lrol~manganese masses have value 3 , ,
less a n d c h r o m a 3 or less; most
commonly they are black. The
minimum thich,, .. requirement is 5 c m t 2
in.) if the dcpk, :.atrix is within 15 cm
(6 in.) o f tl~e sod surfacc. Irun/mang:mc~¢
masses are usually small (2 to 5 mm in
size) and have a value and chroma 3 ~u
leSS. This il|dicalnr nccnrs Im Ihu~l I,kfin,
of rivers such as the Apalachic.la
P13. U m h r i e Surface. I,'~,l .vc hi ,d/
ERRs. On concave positions o f
interstream divides and in depressions,.
a layer 15 cm (6 in.) or more thick
s t a r t i n g within the tipper IS cm (6 io.t
of the soil surface with value 3 or Ics~
a n d c h r o m a I nr less immediately
n n d e r l a i n by a l a y e r l0 cm (4 in.I or
more thick with chroma 2 or less.
 i"h)rida I d e n t i f i c a t i o n l l y d r i c Soil I n d i c a t o r s : This second group are often used
Ihcy are rarely used for delineation purposes.
IITdric Soll Identification Indicators for All
Soils:
A I. lllstosol. For use hl all LRRs. Classifies
as a llistosol, except Folists.
All the requirements conlained in Soil
Taxonomy must be met.
A2. llisttc Epipedon. For use in all LRRs, A
histic epipedon.
All the requirements contained in Soil
Taxonomy mLISlhe met.
A3. Black llistic. For use ht all LRRs. A
layer of peat, mucky peat, or muck 20 to 40
cm (8 to 16 in.) or more thick starting within
the upper 15 cm (6 In.) of the soil surface
having hue 10YR or yellower, value 3 or less,
and chroma I or less.
¢drl
A4. llydrogen Sulfide. For use iti all LRRs.
A hydrogen sulfide odor within 30 cm (12
ia.) of the soil surface.
! I~'dric Soil Identification Indicators for
SandT Soils
SI. Sandy Mucky Mineral. For use hi all
I R R s . A m , c k y modified mineral layer 5
rm (2 in.) or more thick starting within I5
cm (6 in.) of the soil snrface.
$8. l'f~lyvalue Below Surface. For use in LRR
7~ A layer with value 3 or less and chroma !
or less starting within 15 cm (6 in.) of the soil
snrf'tce tmderhlin by a hayer(s) where
translocated organic matter unevenly covers
the soil material forming a diffuse splotchy
pattern. At least 70% of the visible soil
particles in the upper layer must be covered,
c~mted, or masked with organic material.
hnmediatdy below this layer, the organic
t() identify hydric soils but. because they are maximum expressions of aaaerohi,~sis.
coating occupies 5% or more of the soil within the upper 30 cm (12 in.) of the mineral
vol,me and has valne 3 or less and chroma 1 soil that has:
or less. The remainder of Ihe soil volume has a. matrix value 3 or less and chroma
value 4 or more and chroma 1 or less. l or less and 2% or more distinct or
prominent redox concentrations as soft
$9. Thin Dark Surface. F o r use in L R R 7". masses or pore linings, or
A layer 5 cm (2 in.) or more thick within the b. matrix value 3 or less and chroma
upper 15 cm (6 in.) of the surface, with value 2 or less and 5% or more distinct or
3 or less and chroma I or less. At least 70% prominent redox concentrations as soft
of the visible soil particles in this layer must masses or pore linings.
be covered, coated, or masked with organic
material. This layer is underlain by a F'7. Depleted Dark Surface. F o r use in all
layer(s) with value 4 or less and chroma I or L R R s . Redox depletions, with value 5 or
less to a depth of 30 em (12 in.) or to the more and chroma 2 or less, in a layer at least
spodlc horizon, whichever is less. 10 ¢m (4 in.) thick entirely within the upper
30 cm (12 in.) of the mineral soil that has:
llydric S0il Identification, Indicators for a. matrix value 3 or less and chroma
Loamy an d Clayey Soils I or less and 10% or more redox depletions,
Ft. Loamy Mucky Mineral. For use in all or
LRRs. A mucky modified mineral layer I0 b. matrix value 3 or less and chroma
cm (4 in.) or more thick starting within 15 2 or less and 20% or more redox depletions.
cm (6 in.) of the soil surface.
!:4. Depleted Below Dark Surface. For use
in allLRRs. A layer at least 15 cm (6 in.)
thick with a depleted matrix that has 60% or
more chroma 2 or less starting within 30 cm
(12 in.) of the surface. The layer(s) above the
depleted matrix have value 3 or less and
chroma 2 o r less.
F5. Thick Dark Surface. F¢~r .xe in all LRRs.
A layer at least 15 cm (6 in.) thick with a
depleted matrix that has 60% or more
chroma 2 or less (or a gleyed matrix) starting
below 30 cm (12 in.) of the surface. The
layer(s) above the depleted or gleyed matrix
have hue IN and valne 3 or less to a depth of
30 cm (12 in.) and value 3 or less and chroma
I or less in the remainder of the epipedon.
!:6. Rednx Dark Surface. l.'or , ~ e i , all I.RRs.
A layer at leas! Ill cm (4 in.) thick entirely
Delineation of the Landward
Extent of Wetlands and
Surface Waters
Chapter 62-340 F.A.C.

Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
john.tobe@dep.state.fl.us
 Unified Wetland Delineation
Methodology (Rule 62-340, F.A.C.)
• Florida Environmental Reorganization Act of 1993 (FERA)
– provided a new definition of wetlands
» includes isolated wetlands
» includes saturated as well as inundated areas
» mandated creation of Unified Wetland Delineation Methodology
• Passed by ERC in January 1994
• Ratified by Legislature in April 1994
• an expanded and more accurate plant list, specific to FL
• increases the use of hydric soils
• additional information about 62-340, F.A.C. and Florida
wetlands can be found at the following website:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/delineation/index.htm
 Unified Wetland Delineation
Methodology (Rule 62-340, F.A.C.)
•must use 62-312, F.A.C. to identify wetlands and
62-340, F.A.C. to delineate wetlands in Northwest
Florida - Jefferson County west to Escambia
county

•see the Florida Wetland Delineation Manual for

assistance on use of 62-340, F.A.C.

•visit our website to download a copy of the

Florida Wetland Delineation Manual

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/delineation/index.htm
Visit our webpage for more
information about Florida’s
wetlands

•Hydric soils

•Wetland plants

•links to Florida DEP rules

•download a copy of the

Florida Wetland Delineation Manual

•links to other websites related to

wetlands

•download an application for a formal

wetland delineation
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/delineation/index.htm

•www.myflorida.com for more

information about the Florida DEP
 Wetlands Definition
defined in subsection 62-340.200(19), F.A.C.
Wetlands, as also defined in subsection 373.019(17), F.S., means those
areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a
frequency and a duration sufficient to support, and under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for
life in saturated soils. Soils present in wetlands generally are classified as
hydric or alluvial, or possess characteristics that are associated with
reducing soil conditions. The prevalent vegetation in wetlands generally
consists of facultative or obligate hydrophytic macrophytes that are typically
adapted to areas having soil conditions described above. These species,
due to morphological, physiological, or reproductive adaptations, have the
ability to grow, reproduce or persist in aquatic environments or anaerobic
soil conditions. Florida wetlands generally include swamps, marshes,
bayheads, bogs, cypress domes and strands, sloughs, wet prairies, riverine
swamps and marshes, hydric seepage slopes, tidal marshes, mangrove
swamps and other similar areas. Florida wetlands generally do not include
longleaf or slash pine flatwoods with an understory dominated by saw
palmetto.
Depression marsh/freshwater marsh - one of the more diverse
wetland types in Florida. The Everglades is unique and the
largest contiguous marsh in Florida. Smaller depression marshes
have a very different hydroperiod. Generally these are wetlands
of depressions in the greater landscape of pine flatwoods.
Marsh in pine rockland, Big Pine Key.
Note the sawgrass and buttonwood.
Marl prairies are found on the flat lands of southwest Florida. These
lands are seasonally flooded and typically have limestone close to the
surface. The marl is produced from periphyton which precipitate
calcium carbonate. Dominant plant include muhly grass, sagittaria,
beakrush, pond cypress, spikerush, sawgrass, bluestem and erianthus.

Marl prairies grade into strand swamps, wet flatwoods and pine
rocklands.
Bayheads

Bayheads - these are forested

wetlands with a dominance of
large leaved evergreen trees
such as loblolly bay, sweetbay
and swampbay. Usually found
on deep mucky soils. May be
associated with other types of
swamps and depression
marshes.
Cypress occur in a variety of wetlands in
Florida. Dome swamps, stringer, strand
swamps all contain cypress as dominant or
co-dominant canopy trees. Other plants
include red maple, dahoon holly, myrsine,
cabbage palm, royal palm, sweetbay, swamp-
bay, buttonbush, wax myrtle, willow, strangler
fig, sawgrass, leather fern, royal fern, swamp
lily, pond apple and laurel oak.
 Strand swamps

Cypress swamps/strands/domes -
are dominated by cypress trees.
Strand swamps are the more
common type in southwest Florida.
If you want to see large cypress and
a high diversity of associated plants
go to corkscrew swamp or
Fakahatchee strand. These forests
contain a high diversity of trees and
epiphytes as well as provide habitat
for Florida panthers, various
snakes, opossum, raccoon, black
bear, mink, white-tailed deer and
gray squirrel.
 Seepage Slopes

Seepage slopes - This is a view of a cutthroat grass seepage slope.

These wetlands are often overlooked in Florida since the general
aspect resembles pine flatwoods. These unique wetlands are found
primarily along the Lake Wales ridge in central and south Florida.
Look for seepage slopes in association with scrub and sandhill.
 Floodplain Forest
Floodplain forest - associated with rivers and streams. Most diverse
in North Florida.
This is a view of the St. Lucie River, Martin Co., FL.
The largest floodplains are in
northwest Florida. The
Apalachicola River has
one of the largest.
Mangrove swamps - are dominated by woody, tropical mangrove
species. Red, white and black are typical. A very important
type of wetland. Healthy mangroves = healthy fisheries.
Coastal development has wiped out much of this type of
wetland. The largest contiguous expanse of mangroves in
Florida is found in the Everglades National Park, Ten Thousand
Islands area, Florida Bay.

Red Mangrove
Mangroves and oyster bar. Mangroves are contributing to the
food web by dropping leaves which are converted into food for
the base of the estuarine food web. Oysters are filtering material
that is flushed in and out of the mangrove swamp.
Salt marsh is associated with coastal inlets in Florida.
Salt marsh is not limited by frost and is the dominant brackish
wetland plant community north of south Florida. The big bend of
Florida has the largest stretch of uninterrupted salt marsh.
To begin the delineation process you must first,
identify where the wetland is located in the landscape

Aerial view of depression marsh in a pine flatwood forest, Martin County, Florida

Can the landward extent of the wetland be determined

using the definition of “wetlands” in 62-340, F.A.C. ?

If the wetland boundary cannot be accurately delineated

the regulating agency must use one of the “tests” or
methodologies outlined in 62-340, F.A.C.
Ecotones: 62-340, F.A.C. or the unified wetland delineation rule was
written to identify and delineate wetlands. Often this involves evaluating
the transition zone between wetlands land uplands. This zone is called
an ECOTONE. An ECOTONE is an area where two or more plant
communities grade into each other.
 Wetland Determinations
Hydrologic Hydric soils with:
Indicators “A” Test “B” Test frequently flooded and
(consistent with Or Or Or depressional map units;
inundation or O>U O + FACW > 80% saline sands; or either
saturation on-site) Histosols (except Folists),
Humaquepts, Hydraquents,
Sulfaquents, Umbraqualfs,
Yes Umbraquults, Argiaquolls
Hydrologic Indicators
Yes Or (consistent with inundation
or saturation on-site)
“D” Test Yes “C” Test
Or
Yes
Hydric soils and/or Area is adjacent
Riverwash to stream, lake,
present
(based on in-situ)
Yes Wetlands or tidal waters

(analysis - Fla Yes

SCS criterion)
Other
Area is within
Surface Waters Yes ordinary high water
line for non-tidal, or
mean high water
line for tidal waters
No

No
Uplands
No
 Wetland Determinations
Vegetation Test

“A” Test “B” Test

Obligate > Upland Obligate + FACW > 80%

Yes Yes

Hydric soils and/or Riverwash Hydrologic Indicators

present (based on in-situ) OR (consistent with inundation or
(analysis - Fla SCS criterion) saturation on-site)

Yes

Wetlands
 Wetland Determinations
Very Wet Soils Test
“C test”

Hydric Soils which are:

1. Histosols (except Folists), and Argiaquolls,
Sulfaquents, Hydraquents, Humaquepts,
Umbraqualfs, and Umbraquults;
2. saline sands;
3. frequently flooded and depressional map units

Yes

Wetlands
“C” Test

• The “C” test cannot be

used in pine flatwoods,
improved pastures and
drained soils.

• Pine flatwoods are those

plant communities with a
canopy of slash and/or
longleaf pine and with a
groundcover dominated
by saw palmetto,
wiregrass, gallberry and
other shrubs typical of a
pine flatwoods.
Wetland Determinations
Hydrologic Indicators Test
“D” Test

Hydrologic Indicators
(consistent with inundation or
saturation on-site)
Yes

Hydric soils and/or Riverwash

present (based on in-situ)
(analysis - Fla SCS criterion)
Yes

Wetlands
 Hydrologic Indicators
section 62-340.500, F.A.C.
• Algal mats
• Aquatic mosses or liverworts on trees or substrate
• Aquatic plants
• Aufwuchs
• Drift lines and rafted debris
• Elevated lichen lines
• Evidence of aquatic fauna
• Hydrologic data
• Morphological plant adaptations
• Secondary flow channels
• Sediment deposition
• Vegetated tussocks or hummocks
• Water marks
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

• Algal mats
The presence of non-vascular algal or plant remains. Algae growth during periods of
inundation and are indicators of inundation. Algal mats are often associated with water
marks, aufwuchs and other hydrologic indicators.

A newly exposed algal mat Algal mats that have been exposed to the sun
will often be green are often brown or may be bleached white
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.
•Aquatic mosses or liverworts on trees or substrate
Mosses and liverworts are non-vascular plants, like algae they are
generally confined to wet places. Some mosses and liverworts only
grow underwater. We use these species to identify landscapes with
prolonged, seasonal inundation.

enlargement

Aquatic moss
Floodplain tree with aquatic mosses and liverworts Fontinalis sp.
See, Mosses of Florida by Ruth Schornherst, 1963,
and Mosses of the Gulf South by William D. Reese, 1984
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Aquatic plants
These are plants that typically float on water or use water for
structural support or cannot survive outside of water. The presence
of aquatic plants may indicate the level of seasonal inundation.

Water lettuce or Pistia

a floating aquatic plant
See, Aquatic and Wetland
Plants of the Southeastern
U.S., by Bob Godfrey, 1979
to aid in aquatic plant
identification. Drying pond edge, note the exposed waterlilies
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Aufwuchs is the presence or remains of the assemblage of

very small plants and animals which grow on submerged objects.
Like algal mats they are important indicators of seasonally
inundated areas.

Aufwuchs on emergent vegetation Dried aufwuchs produce a white crust

on this vegetation
Flood on the
Chipola river with
rafted debris.
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Drift lines and rafted debris

This is the vegetation, litter, etc. deposited in lines in a form or manner
that indicates that the material was rafted by water.

Scene showing the drift line in the high marsh of Choctawhatchee

Bay, in Northwest Florida.
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Elevated lichen lines

Lichens are not tolerant of inundation. Extended inundation around
the trunks of trees and other objects abruptly limits the growth of
lichens.

Elevated lichen line on bald cypress. This line is often useful for determining
the ordinary high water line or seasonal high water line.
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Evidence of aquatic fauna

This is an indicator that considers the presence or indications of
animals which spend all or portions of their lifecycle in water.

Crayfish burrow Fiddler crabs in a salt marsh

in a floodplain
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Hydrologic data
Reports, measurements, or direct
observations of inundation or saturation
which support the presence of water
consistent with the provisions of the
definition of wetlands.

These observations should be used in

conjunction with observations from the
field, published reports and local residents.
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

Hydrologic data
- including evidence of a seasonal high water table
(SHWT) at or above the surface according to
methodologies set forth in Soil and Water
Relationships of Florida’s Ecological Communities
(Florida Soil Conservation Service Staff. 1992).

- hydric soil field indicators having a

SHWT at or above the surface:

Indicators A8 and A9. Muck

Indicator A4. Sulfidic Odor in the upper 12”
Indicator A7. Mucky Mineral (at least 2” thick)
Indicator F2. Loamy Gleyed Matrix in the upper 12”
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Morphological plant adaptations

These are specialized structures produced by plants in response
to inundation or saturation.
Expanded
lenticles

Adventitious
roots
Buttressing of water hickory
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.
•Secondary flow channels
These are obvious natural flow ways landward of the primary stream
or river.
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Sediment deposition
Sediment deposited
in rings indicating
the seasonal high water

Sediment deposited into a sandbar

along the Suwannee River

The mineral and organic matter deposited by water will usually

indicate the direction of flow and level of inundation.
Silt on maple leaves

Silt on
red maple leaves
Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Vegetated tussocks
or hummocks

These are areas

where the vegetation
is elevated above the
natural grade. Look
for this indicator in
saturated soils or in
areas of shallow but
prolonged inundation.
 Hydrologic Indicators, continued.

•Water marks are created by the staining effects of water on

fixed objects, such as tree trunks and rocks. This indicator is often found in
conjunction with elevated lichen lines, aquatic mosses and liverworts and
sediment deposition.
Water marks are
found below the
lichen lines

Long term inundation in the gum

swamp, pictured above, creates
favorable conditions for water marks
Surface Waters
section 62-340.600, F.A.C.
•Surface waters are waters on the surface of the earth. Oceans, rivers,
bays, springs, streams and other watercourses.

•Surface waters include wetlands as a subset of the types of surface

waters found in Florida.

•Surface waters can have both wetland and non-wetland components.

•Surface waters may have NO associated wetlands.

•Some surface waters are all wetland.

•Sometimes the wetland boundary and the surface water boundary

fall within the same area, i.e. they are the same boundary.

•The landward extent of surface waters when it is other than a wetland

is the ordinary high water line (OHWL) for freshwater surface waters;
and the mean high water line (MHWL) for tidal surface waters
The mean annual flood (MAF) is the average of the high water
over a period of time. The longer the sampling time the greater the
accuracy of the MAF.
MAF is derived from the DER regulations that dealt with regular and
periodic inundation. MAF is the frequency of almost a 50% chance of
being flooded on an given year. Mathematically this comes out to about
every 2.33 years, that is to say that the flood waters can be expected to
rise to a particular level every 2.33 years. Gauge data is used to
calculate the MAF.
The MAF is an acceptable approximation of the Ordinary High Water Line
(OHWL) for flowing water systems. Hydrologic indicators can be used to
determine the OHWL. The OHWL and the MAF should be found near the
same elevation.
Surface waters of the State are more landward of the OHWL for
non-tidal natural water bodies, i.e. FRESHWATER lakes and ponds.
The OHWL could be determined by examining the hydrologic
indicators listed in section 62-340.500, F.A.C.
OR
If gauge data is available you could determine the hydropattern or
flood elevation this should correlate to the observed hydrologic
indicators. You could use the flood elevation with correlated
indicators as an approximation of the OHWL.

Lake Overstreet, Leon County, Florida.

For artificial freshwater water bodies, the Surface waters of the
State is more landward of:

the top of the bank for artifical water bodies with side slopes of 1
foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal or steeper, excluding spoil;
OR
the seasonal high water line for artificial lakes, borrow pits, canal,
ditches, and other artificial water bodies with side slopes flatter
than 1 foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal

Borrow pit in Taylor County, Florida.

 Does this look like a surface water?

This is a dried up lake bottom in Leon County, Florida. Notice

the broomsedge and dog fennel growing where there was once
open water. In addition there are no hydrologic indicators in the center
of the lake and no hydric soil indicators. The OHWL can be determined
on this lake by examining the live oak trees, here one can find basal
scarring caused by repetitive high water events (see page 38 of the
delineation manual). By the way, an additional clue is offered by the
Leon County soil survey, in this publication the area above is
described as open water, a lake.
Basal scarring
on live oak
tree.
Exemptions - see section 62-340.700 - Exemptions for Treatment of
Disposal Systems.
This covers constructed wastewater treatment systems.

Wastewater Treatment areas except Not Delineated as Wetland or

wetlands used for treating effluents Surface Waters
under permit None of the additional wetland
permitting criteria apply

Not Delineated as Wetland or Surface

Small (less than 0.5 acres of combined
Waters
area) Stormwater Treatment areas.
None of the additional wetland
permitting criteria apply

Delineated as Wetland or Surface

Larger (greater than 0.5 acres of Waters
combined area) Stormwater Treatment Only the permitting criteria related to
areas. Endangered and Threatened Species
apply

Previously existing wetlands Delineated as Wetland or Surface

incorporated into Stormwater Waters
Treatment areas. Only the permitting criteria related to
Fish and Wildlife apply
 Mosquito control exemption
see section 62-340.750, F.A.C.
All areas which were historically upland and which have
become wetland solely because of activities conducted
solely for the purpose of mosquito control, and which
were performed by a governmental entity, shall not be
considered wetlands pursuant to Chapter 62-340, F.A.C.
The applicant must provide proof that the activity meets
the criteria as stated above.
The Florida Wetlands Delineation Manual is
available in a downloadable format
www.myflorida.com
Florida Wetland Plants, An Identifcation Manual is
available from IFAS by calling 1-800-226-1764
or through Amazon.com, keywords; author: Tobe, subject: Wetlands
Delineation of the Landward
Extent of Wetlands and
Surface Waters

The End
Chapter 62-340 F.A.C.
For questions about Florida’s
unified wetland rule
email john.tobe@dep.state.fl.us
or call John Tobe at 850-245-8493;
or SC 205-8493; or call
850-245-8474 Bureau of Beaches
and Wetland Resources and ask for
one of the staff of the Wetland
Evaluation and Delineation Section.

Cypress/tupelo swamp, Wakulla Co., Florida

 Regulatory Division

Federal Wetland
Jurisdiction
 Regulatory Division

OVERVIEW OF CORPS OF ENGINEERS REGULATIONS

APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS

• SECTION 103 OF THE MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH

AND SANCTUARIES ACT
Authorizes the transportation of dredged material to an EPA approved ocean disposal site.

• SECTION 10 OF THE RIVERS AND HARBORS ACT OF 1899

Authorizes all work in, over or under “navigable waters of the United States. This includes the
placement of docks, bulkheads with backfill, marinas, mooring buoys and other similar
structures, as well as dredging and filling activities.

• SECTION 404 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT

Authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material in “waters of the United
States” including wetlands and other special aquatic sites. This no longer includes incidental
discharges resulting from excavation activities.
Regulatory Division
 Regulatory Division

Federal Definition of Wetlands

Wetlands:
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by
surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal
conditions do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
 Regulatory Division

1987 ACOE WETLAND

DELINEATION MANUAL

Purpose:
Provide guidelines and methods to determine whether an
area is a wetland for purposes of Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act.

Objectives:
1. Present technical guidelines for identifying wetlands.
2. Provide information and methods for applying the
technical guidelines.
 Regulatory Division

DIAGNOSTIC WETLAND
CHARACTERISTICS

(1) Vegetation: The prevalent vegetation consists of species

that are typically adapted for life in saturated/anaerobic soil
conditions.
(2) Soil: Soils have been classified as hydric or they possess
characteristics that are associated with reducing soil
conditions.
(3) Hydrology: The area is inundated either permanently of
periodically, or saturated to the surface (within the upper 12”)
at some time during the growing season.
Regulatory Division
 Regulatory Division

Wetland Delineation Data Sources

1. USGS Quadrangle Maps

2. National Wetland Inventory Maps
3. County Soil Survey Data
4. Stream and Tidal Gage Data
5. EIS’s, EA’s, etc.
6. Remote Sensing
7. State, County or Local Government Documents
8. Site-Specific Topographical Surveys
9. Individuals with Local Expertise
10.USGS Land Use and Cover Maps
Regulatory Division
Regulatory Division
 Regulatory Division

National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands

http://www.nwi.fws.gov/bha/list88.html
 Regulatory Division

Federal Plant Indicator Status Categories

Category Estimated Occurrence in Wetlands

Obligate (OBL) > 99%
Facultative Wetland (FACW) > 67% to 99%
Facultative (FAC) > 33% to 67%
Facultative Upland (FACU) 1% to < 33%
Upland (UPL) < 1%

The 3 facultative categories may be subdivided by (+)

and (-) modifiers.
 Regulatory Division

BASIC RULE

More than 50% of the dominant species are

OBL, FACW, or FAC (does not include FAC-)
 Regulatory Division

HYDRIC SOIL:

A hydric soil is a soil that formed under

conditions of saturation, flooding, or
ponding long enough during the growing
season to develop anaerobic conditions in
the upper part.
 Regulatory Division

1987 Manual - Hydric Soil Indicators

1. Histosol
2. Histic Epipedon
3. Sulfidic Odor
4. Aquic Moisture Regime
5. Reducing Conditions
6. Gleying or Low-Chroma Colors
7. Concretions
8. High Organic Content in Surface Layer
in Sandy Soils
9. Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils
10. Listed on Local Hydric Soils List
11. Listed on National Hydric Soils List
Regulatory Division
 Regulatory Division

Criteria for Wetland Hydrology

An area has wetland hydrology if it is inundated or the root zone is

saturated for at least 5% of the growing season in most years.

A. “In most years” means at least 5 years in 10, or 50%

probability in any one year.

B. The minimum 5% duration refers to a single continuous

episode of inundation or soil saturation.

C. Growing season is based on soil temperature regime

and is defined as the portion of the year when soil temperature at
19.7” below the surface is above biological zero (5°C or 41°F).
 Regulatory Division

Primary Hydrology Indicators

1. Inundation

2. Saturation in upper 12”

3. Water Marks

4. Drift Lines

5. Sediment Deposits

6. Drainage Patterns
 Regulatory Division

Secondary Hydrology Indicators

1. Oxidized root channels in the upper 12”

2. Water-stained leaves

3. Local Soil Survey data

4. FAC Neutral Test

 Regulatory Division

Atypical and Problem Areas

 Regulatory Division

Solid Waste Agency of

Northern Cook County (SWANCC)

Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/permit/documents/swancc.pdf
 Regulatory Division

SWANCC

Once upon a time,

birds decided what were
wetlands . . . .

Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County

v. Corps (January 9, 2001)
The court held that jurisdiction over non-
navigable, isolated, intrastate waters based
solely on the use of such waters by migratory
birds were not considered waters of the United
States.
 Regulatory Division

Now, we follow the drop of water.

• . . . all way up tributary.

• But, how wet for connection? ?

• Contiguous to waters.

• How close for adjacent? ?

Somewhere
• Groundwater? in Florida

?
 Regulatory Division

WATERS OF THE US

• Waters which did, do, may in the future support

interstate or foreign commerce
• Waters subject to ebb and flow of the tide
• Waters which eventually flow into interstate or
navigable waters
• Interstate waters
• An impoundment of Waters of the US
• The presence of territorial seas
• Other intrastate waters which the degradation of
could affect interstate or foreign commerce
• Wetlands adjacent to “Waters”
 Regulatory Division

Interstate Commerce

Federal Regulation
33 CFR 328.3(a)(3) & (4)

• Interstate or Foreign traveler recreation.

• Interstate sale of fish or shellfish.
• Waters used for industrial purposes.
• Wetlands adjacent to waters.
 Regulatory Division

Definition:
Adjacent
ad·ja·cent, &-'jA-s&nt, from Latin adjacent-, adjacEre to lie near, from ad- + jacEre to lie;
akin to Latin jacere to throw, 1 a : not distant (extracts from www.m-w.com)

• Bordering. “2: to touch at the edge or boundary.”

• Contiguous. “1 : being in actual contact : touching along a
boundary or at a point.”
• Neighboring. “transitive senses: to adjoin immediately or lie
relatively near to.”
?
Waters of the
?
U.S.

Upland
 Regulatory Division

Adjacency Issues

How close is adjacent? 200 feet of Waters of the U.S.

How wet must adjacent land be? A continuum of wetland

species or ordinary high water mark.

?
Waters of the
?
U.S.

Upland
 Regulatory Division

Ditches in Florida

• Ditches and canals in Florida

are normally considered
tributary Waters of the U.S.
• Any canal with public boat
access is a Water of the U.S.
• Canals with weirs and other
water control structures are
tributary if connect downstream
 Regulatory Division

Ditches in Florida
(continued)

• Ditches that connect two wetlands, one being

a water of the US are tributaries
• Ditches that replace water flow areas that
once existed as streams, sloughs or other
regular flow ways are tributaries
• Few ditches are not jurisdictional, examples
would include “lateral ditches” in a farm field
Regulatory Division
 Regulatory Division

SWANCC
Take Home Messages
• Ditches in Florida are normally considered “tributary”,
i.e. Waters of U.S.
• Weirs/structures/culverts do not sever jurisdiction
• 200 feet is near enough to be considered adjacent
• Wetlands have to be adjacent to “waters” not other
wetlands
• Corps may use other interstate commerce
assumptions other than the migratory bird rule for
asserting jurisdiction, such as navigation
 Regulatory Division

Information Sources

1987 Wetland Delineation Manual

National Technical Information Center
Document Number ADA 176 734
(703) 487-4650
Cost $39.00 + $3.00 S+H
Internet: http://www.wes.army.mil/el/wetlands/wlpubs.html

Wetland Plant Lists

Internet: http://www.nwi.fws.gov/ecology.htm

Hydric Soils
Internet: http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils-info/hydric

County Soil Surveys

Obtain from local Soil & Water Conservation Districts
 Regulatory Division

Regulatory Web Pages

Jacksonville District
www.saj.usace.army.mil/permit

National Headquarters
www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg