GRTE_149677_Moose_WWTP_Wetlands_Report_09-29-14.pdf

WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS

(MOOSE, WYOMING)

Prepared in Support of a Project to Replace the Moose Wastewater

System (WWTP) PMIS #GRTE 149677

September 2014

Printed on recycled paper iii

ABSTRACT

Louis Berger, under contract to the National Park Service, conducted a wetland delineation in support of proposed improvements to the failing wastewater system infrastructure at Grand Teton National Park, Moose, Wyoming.

Jurisdictional wetlands were identified using criteria outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and established in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0). Wetlands delineated on the property were characterized by a dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, the presence of hydric soil indicators, and evidence or the presence of wetland hydrology. Wetlands were also classified under the Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al. 1979), per National Park Service guidelines.

Field surveys within the study area identified no jurisdictional wetlands and six areas (two natural, four artificial) that qualify as wetlands under National Park Service guidelines. However, any impacts to the four artificial detention ponds would be exempt from NPS mitigation requirements. Five of these areas also are considered other waters of the United States by the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers. The six delineated NPS wetlands account for 0.72 acre of wetland habitat, while five of these areas account for 0.556 acre of other waters of the United States within the study area.

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CONTENTS

ABSTRACT iii

INTRODUCTION 1

Background 1

Study Area Description 1

Proposed Project Description 1

AREA ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND 5

Geology and Geomorphology 5

Soils 5

Water Resources 6

Ecoregion 6

WETLAND DELINEATION 7

Introduction 7

Methodology 8

RESULTS 11

Wetlands Descriptions 11

Detention Pond 1 15

Detention Pond 2 15

Detention Pond 3 16

Detention Pond 4 17

Riverine Bank 1 18

Riverine Area 1 19

CONCLUSION 21

REFERENCES 23

LIST OF PREPARERS 26

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Wetland/Stream/OWUS Characteristics: Moose WWTP 11

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Project Area Vicinity 3

Figure 2. Study Area Limits 4

Figure 3. Delineated Wetlands 12

Figure 4. Delineated Wetlands 13

Figure 5. Delineated Wetlands 14

Figure 6. Snake River Gage Height 20

Figure 7. Snake River Discharge 20 vi

LIST OF PHOTOS

Photo 1: Detention Pond 1 (Southeast View) 15

Photo 2: Detention Pond 2 (East View) 16

Photo 3: Detention Pond 3 (East View) 17

Photo 4: Detention Pond 4 (Southeast View) 18

Photo 5: Approximate Boundaries of the Riverine Bank 1 (Yellow) and Riverine Area 1 (Cyan) (Northeast View) 19

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A WETLAND FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS

APPENDIX B WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORMS

APPENDIX C PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

Louis Berger, under contract to the National Park Service (NPS), conducted a wetland delineation in support of the proposed improvements to the failing wastewater system at Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) Headquarters, Moose, Wyoming

As part of compliance for the proposed improvements, wetland functions were assessed to help evaluate s potential impacts on wetlands. This assessment also will help to determine appropriate compensation for unavoidable wetland impacts as required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for Section 404 permits and by the National Park Service for compliance s Order #77-1 (DO 77-1): Wetland Protection (NPS 2002). A wetland delineation was conducted during the week of June 22, 2014, to document any naturally or artificially occurring wetlands within the study area.

The following sections provide:

a description of the project area and study area (Figures 1 and 2) a general geophysical and biological resources description of the study area a wetland delineation report

STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION

GRTE encompasses approximately 310,000 acres consisting of rugged peaks, sagebrush flats, and the Snake River in northwestern Wyoming (NPS 2000, 2014) located in Moose, Wyoming, which is approximately 12 highway miles north of Jackson, Wyoming; 27

; and 293 miles north of Salt Lake City, Utah. The southern edge of GRTE is 4.3 miles north of Jackson, and extends 53 miles north along the Snake River to its northern boundary, which is at the southern boundary of Yellowstone approximately eight miles east of the Idaho-Wyoming state line. The eastern boundary of GRTE is approximately two miles east of Moran, Wyoming. Besides the dam on Jackson Lake, the Snake River and its tributaries are free-flowing throughout GRTE.

PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project is necessary to address critical wastewater system deficiencies by replacing the failing, inadequate, and 50-year-old wastewater system (WWTP) at GRTE. The WWTP project area is located in Teton County, Wyoming. The project area begins on the northwest bank of Teton Park Road and the Snake River, and extends approximately 0.4 mile along secondary roads

The WWTP project area includes a 40-foot-wide construction area (5.93 acres). The WWTP study area includes the project area plus a 50-foot-wide limits of disturbance buffer on each side of the construction area (16.2 acres). The study area includes mostly human-influenced areas, such as existing roads, parking lots, detention ponds, and buildings. At the edges of these human-influenced areas, there are upland flats and drainages on the west bank of the Snake River. The WWTP study area extends from 6,455 feet in elevation (just north of Teton Park Road at the west bank of the Snake River), to 6,472 feet in elevation at the northern portion of the study area.

INTRODUCTION

This proposed project (Nelson Engineering 2014) includes the construction of a new 60,000 gallons-per-day membrane biological reactor type activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, 2-inch-diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pressure sewer, 8-inch-diameter polyvinyl chloride gravity sewer, 3-inch-diameter HDPE treated water force main, necessary appurtenances for a complete wastewater treatment facility, and the demolition of the existing Moose wastewater treatment plant when the new facilities are completed and operational.

AREA ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND

GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) categorizes physiographic regions based on Fenneman and Physical Divisions of the United States, which is based on eight major regions, 25 provinces, and 86 sections representing distinctive areas with common topography, rock types, and structure, and geologic and geomorphic history. Under this classification system, the study area is located in the Rocky Mountain System region, specifically the Middle Rocky Mountains physiographic province (USGS 2003, 2014a). The following description of general geologic features in the region is taken from NPS (2012a), unless otherwise noted.

The Teton Range consists of some of the oldest rock in North America, although the mountain range is one of the youngest with the uplift of the range occurring in recent geologic time. The east face of the range is made up of metamorphic rocks including gneiss and granite. The dramatic uplift of the Teton Range is the result of tectonic activity that includes the Teton fault. During the Pleistocene epoch, the Pinedale glaciation (25,000 to 10,000 years ago) carved many of the glacial features seen today. The landscape is still active, and earthquakes, along with ice, water, and wind, continue to shape the Teton Range and valley floors.

The landscape within the study area was shaped by several glacial advances; the first known glacial advance was the Buffalo glaciation followed by the Bull Lake glaciation, which occurred between 160 to 130 thousand years ago. The majority of the surficial geology within the study area consists of glacial debris from the third-most recent (Pinedale) glaciation, which occurred 25,000 to 10,000 years ago.

The geologic map of the Moose Quadrangle (Love 2001) identifies one geologic map unit within the study area: Quaternary Gravel Deposits (Qag). The Qag geologic map unit comprises the entire study area, located from the Snake River to the West Terrace 3. The Qag is described as gravel deposited along flood channelways of major streams, composed chiefly of quartzite roundstones. Qag is correlated from the more recent Holocene Epoch of the Quaternary Period.

SOILS

The soils of these geologic glacial debris and gravel deposits are predominantly gravelly loams to fine sandy loams, with moderately high to high infiltration rates, and mostly weathered from alluvium derived from igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks or gravelly glaciofluvial deposits (Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS]) 2013].

Two soil series are located within the approximate 16-acre study area (NRCS 2013). These soils series are listed from the highest percentage of the study area to the lowest percentage:

Tetonville-Wilsonville fine sandy loams (approximately 80% of the study area), and Tineman gravelly loam (approximately 20%) (NRCS 2013). Neither soil series is a hydric soil. The Tetonville-Wilsonville fine sandy loams are derived from alluvium, are somewhat poorly drained, but have high infiltration rates, due to occasional flood frequency (NRCS 2013). Tineman gravelly loams are derived from gravelly glaciofluvial deposits and are well-drained soils, with moderately high to high infiltration rates, and no flooding frequency (NRCS 2013).

AREA ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND

WATER RESOURCES

The study area is located within the Columbia River Drainage Basin, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. Specifically, the study area is located in the Pacific Northwest Region Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 17 (first level of classification) (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] 2014). This large drainage basin can subsequently be divided into smaller drainage or subwatershed areas.

More precisely, the study area is located within the upper Snake River Watershed (Snake Headwater Watershed (HUC 17040101) (EPA 2014). The stretch of the Snake River that flows through the study area is designated as a Wild and Scenic River (National Wild and Scenic Rivers System 2014).

ECOREGION

The study area is located in the broad Middle Rockies (17) level III ecoregion, which is composed of steep-crested, high mountains that are largely covered by coniferous forests (Chapman et al.

2004). These forests are typically composed of open-canopied lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests, and are partly wooded or shrub- and grass-covered. Intermontane valleys of the Middle Rockies ecoregion are grass- and/or shrub-covered and contain a mosaic of terrestrial and aquatic fauna that is distinct from the nearby mountains. Many mountain-fed, perennial streams occur and provide water resources for the more adjacent and arid ecoregions. Common land uses of the Middle Rockies ecoregion are recreation, logging, mining, and summer livestock grazing.

Specific to this study area, there is only one level IV ecoregion: High Elevation Valleys (17n) (Chapman et al. 2004). This e This ecoregion includes wet bottomlands, marshes, stream terraces, alluvial fans, and lower foothill slopes. Elevations in this ecoregion range from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, and annual precipitation is 12-30 inches. Typical vegetation on terraces and foothill slopes includes big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) with an understory of Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and bearded wheatgrass (Elymus caninus). Typical vegetation in mesic areas and on north-facing slopes includes Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) with an understory of snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus) and pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens). Also, some aspen (Populus tremuloides) groves occur in upland areas. Typical agricultural uses in this ecoregion include pasture, non-irrigated winter wheat, spring barley, hay, and livestock grazing; however, the cold climate and short growing season limits the extent of agriculture. Also these areas are used for winter ranges for several wildlife species. Human activity has somewhat altered the landscape of the proposed WWTP study area over the last 100 years, yet creeks and wetlands have persisted in many areas.

WETLAND DELINEATION

INTRODUCTION

To be consistent with permitting requirements established under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (EPA 2007), the extent of naturally and artificially occurring wetlands in the Moose WWTP Improvements study area was determined based on criteria outlined in the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and established in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, Version 2.0 (USACE 2010). In addition, under DO 77-1: Wetland Protection (NPS 2002), the National Park Service classifies wetlands according to Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (Cowardin et al. 1979) and referred to hereafter as the Cowardin Classification System (CCS) (Cowardin et al. 1979). Unlike the USACE determination, wetlands identified under the CCS must meet at least one of the following criteria:

At least periodically, the habitat supports predominantly hydrophytic vegetation (wetland vegetation);

The substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; or The substrate is non-soil and saturated with water, or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season.

Based on the CCS, DO 77-1 recognizes five wetland categories:

1. Areas with hydrophytes and hydric soils, such as those commonly known as marshes, swamps, and bogs;

2. Areas without hydrophytes but with hydric soils (e.g., flats where drastic fluctuations in water level, wave action, turbidity, or high concentration of salts may prevent the growth of hydrophytes);

3. Areas with hydrophytes but non-hydric soils, such as margins of impoundments or excavations where hydrophytes have become established but hydric soils have not yet developed;

4. Areas without soils but with hydrophytes such as the seaweed-covered portion of rocky shores; and

5. Wetlands without soil and without hydrophytes, such as gravel beaches or rocky shores without vegetation.

Category 1 wetlands would meet the USACE definition of a wetland and be afforded jurisdiction, provided the wetlands are not isolated, as discussed below. In an area that naturally has both vegetation and soils present, DO 77-1 directs wetland delineators to follow USACE guidelines and only classify areas meeting all three criteria as wetlands. The USACE does not generally consider categories , the USACE generally regulates these wetlands under the definition of waters of the United States (33 CFR 328.3).

The USACE and the EPA define jurisdictional wetlands as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water 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 (33 CFR, Part 328.3). The USACE regulates development in jurisdictional wetlands pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 CFR, Parts 320-330). Identification and delineation of jurisdictional wetlands is based on the following three parameters:

Hydrophytic vegetation the dominant vegetation consists of species capable of growing in water or on substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of the presence of water.

Hydric soils soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor the growth of hydrophytic vegetation.

Wetland hydrology the area is inundated permanently or periodically, or the soil is saturated to the surface for sufficient duration during the growing season to support hydrophytic vegetation.

The USACE and the EPA define waters of the United States as:

1. All waters which are currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide;

2. All interstate waters including interstate wetlands;

3. All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use, degradation, or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce including any such waters:

i. Which are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational or other purposes; or

ii. From which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce; or

iii. Which are used or could be used for industrial purposes by industries in interstate commerce;

4. All impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United States under this definition;

5. Tributaries of waters identified in paragraph(s) (1) through (4) of this section;

6. The territorial sea (40 CFR 230.3 - Definitions).

Thus waters of the United States include all isolated and non-isolated bodies that satisfy all three wetland criteria (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology), or are navigable waterways, rivers, streams, lakes, and impoundments. Isolated wetlands are those wetlands that do not have a direct surface connection or are not adjacent to another aquatic resource, thus they are not afforded USACE jurisdiction. The National Park Service, on the other hand, extends protection to all wetlands classified using the CCS whether or not they are isolated or have a surface connection to another aquatic resource. For the purposes of this delineation the United States ers to all delineated perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams that are considered jurisdictional by the USACE. Relatively permanent waters are defined as tributaries with year-round flow or continuous seasonal flow for at least three months per year (EPA 2007).

Intermittent streams that flow for three months or longer and perennial streams are considered

METHODOLOGY

Prior to conducting field investigations, federal and state documentation was researched and analyzed. Agency resources included U.S. Department of Agriculture (2012) aerial photography, USGS (1968) topographic maps, and National Wetland Inventory (USFWS 2014) and NRCS (2013) soil data for Teton County, Wyoming.

Methodology

Site investigations for the presence of naturally and artificially occurring wetlands were conducted from June 22 through June 25, 2014, throughout the WWTP study area. Other he ordinary high water mark (OHWM) and other waters of the United States (OWUS) were also delineated and surveyed. The site extends approximately 0.4 mile mostly on the northwest bank of Teton Park Road and the Snake River and includes a construction right-of-way of approximately 16 acres. This study area mainly includes the human-influenced areas on the west bank of the Snake River, but also includes riparian areas and sagebrush flats slopes. The purpose of the field investigations was to determine the federal jurisdictional boundaries of all wetlands and OWUS within the Moose WWTP improvements study area. The study area included the limits of disturbance for all project features (project area), plus a limits of disturbance buffer of 50 feet. Adjacent wetland and OWUS edges that were just outside the limits of disturbance also were recorded.

At each separate wetland, paired upland/wetland data points consisting of dominant vegetation, hydrology, and soil characteristics were recorded in accordance with dataform requirements regional supplement to the wetland delineation manual (USACE 2010). Also it was noted if the wetland was natural or artificial. All three parameters are also considered in determining the location of the wetland/upland boundary. Flora nomenclature and determination of hydrophytic characteristics of vegetation were in accordance with the (2014) State of Wyoming Plant List.

Photographs of each data collection location and wetland/upland boundaries were taken. The location of the wetland/upland boundaries was flagged based on the dataform analysis and landform characteristics. Wetlands were flagged using pink flagging tape and numbered alphanumerically. Additionally, upland data points were collected to identify the various upland areas within the site. Flags placed along the wetland/upland boundary were surveyed with a Trimble® GeoXH sub-meter global positioning system (GPS). Figure 2 shows the limits of the study area. Completed functional assessments are located in Appendix A, routine data forms are located in Appendix B, and an observed vegetative species list is located in Appendix C.

After observing and reviewing the characteristics of each wetland, the functions and values of these areas were determined using The Montana Department of Transportation Montana Wetland Assessment Method (Berglund and McEldowney 2008). Wetland functions are processes which tend to improve the environmental quality of an ecosystem and are self-sustaining properties of a wetland ecosystem that exist in the absence of society, and relate to ecological significance without regard to subjective human values (USACE 1995). Examples of this include groundwater recharge/discharge, stormwater and flood control, improvement of water quality, sediment stabilization and retention, and aquatic and wildlife diversity and habitat. Values are functions that are highly valued by society. These include water quality maintenance, flood control, shoreline erosion control, groundwater supply recharge, hunting and recreation, and commercial fishing. Assessing wetland functions and values is a vital step in characterizing the importance of these areas (USACE 1995).

RESULTS

Field surveys within the study area identified no USACE jurisdictional wetlands. However, six areas (two natural, four artificially constructed stormwater features) qualify as wetlands under NPS guidelines, and one of these natural areas and the four artificially constructed stormwater features also qualify as OWUS under USACE guidelines (Table 1; Figures 3-5). The six delineated NPS wetlands account for 0.72 acre of wetland habitat, while five of these areas account for 0.556 acre of OWUS. However, under NPS guidelines, artificial used for the sole purpose of active stormwater... are not considered wetlands b). Table 1 illustrates specific characteristics of these wetlands, including study area.

TABLE 1: WETLAND/STREAM/OWUS CHARACTERISTICS: MOOSE WWTP

Wetland/Stream Identification

(Natural or Artificial)

Wetland/Stream Jurisdiction

(USACE, CCS,

OWUS subject to

USACE)

Figure # Location Type (CCS)

Area (sq. ft.)

within the Study Area

(acres);

Stream length (l.f.)

Detention Pond 1* (Artificial)

CCS; OWUS subject to USACE building (along WWTP)

Unvegetated wet detention pond

(PUS3Cx) 752 (0.017)

Detention Pond 2* (Artificial)

CCS; OWUS subject to USACE

5 Road (along WWTP)

Unvegetated wet detention pond

(PUS3Cx) 1,805 (0.041)

Detention Pond 3* (Artificial)

CCS; OWUS subject to USACE

South of the Headquarters building (along WWTP)

Unvegetated wet detention pond

(PUS3Cx) 2,192 (0.050)

Detention Pond 4* (Artificial)

CCS; OWUS subject to USACE

South of the Headquarters building (along WWTP)

Unvegetated wet detention pond

(PUS3Cx) 377 (0.009)

Riverine Area 1 edge of buffer to

OHWM

(Natural)

CCS; OWUS subject to USACE

North of Teton Park Road, western portion of the Snake River (along WWTP)

Riverine, Upper Perennial, Unconsolidated Bottom (R3UB1H)

19,113 (0.439) (372.1 l.f.)

Riverine Bank 1 OHWM to Top of

Bank (Natural)

CCS 5

North of Teton Park Road, just west of the Snake River (along WWTP)

West bank OHWM of the Snake River

(R3US1C)

7,153 (0.164)

TOTAL

6 NPS wetlands;

5 OWUS areas that are subject to USACE jurisdiction

31,392 sq. ft.

(0.72 ac) (372.1 l.f.)

*Meets CCS criteria, but impacts are exempted from NPS mitigation requirements.

WETLAND DESCRIPTIONS

This section provides specific descriptions of the NPS wetlands and OWUS areas subject to USACE jurisdiction, which were identified within the study area (Figures 3-5). This discussion also describes if the wetlands are artificial or natural, the type of wetland observed, the soil map unit location, and the dominant vegetative species.

Moose

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Legend

Wastewater Treatment Plant (Project Area)

50ft Buffer (Study Area)

OHWM Line

NPS

USACE

USACE OWUS/NPS

Surveyor's Control Point

Field Control Point

Manhole

Grand Teton National Park Critical Moose Water System Deficiencies - PMIS # GRTE 149677 Moose, WY

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Sources: USDA 2012, Nelson Engineering 2014

Figure 3: Delineated Wetlands

0 200 Feet 1 in = 200 ft

Detention Pond 2

Sn ak e Ri ve r

Moose

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Legend

Wastewater Treatment Plant (Project Area)

50ft Buffer (Study Area)

OHWM Line

NPS

USACE

USACE OWUS/NPS

Surveyor's Control Point

Field Control Point

Manhole

Grand Teton National Park Critical Moose Water System Deficiencies - PMIS # GRTE 149677 Moose, WY

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Sources: USDA 2012, Nelson Engineering 2014

Figure 4: Delineated Wetlands

Detention Pond 1

Detention Pond 3

Detention Pond 4

Riverine Bank 1

Riverine Area 1

Sn ak e Ri ve r

Moose

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Legend

Wastewater Treatment Plant (Project Area)

50ft Buffer (Study Area)

OHWM Line

NPS

USACE

USACE OWUS/NPS

Surveyor's Control Point

Field Control Point

Manhole

Grand Teton National Park Critical Moose Water System Deficiencies - PMIS # GRTE 149677 Moose, WY

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Sources: USDA 2012, Nelson Engineering 2014

Figure 5: Delineated Wetlands

Wetland Descriptions

Detention Pond 1

Detention Pond 1 (Photo 1; Figure 5) is a human-made excavated (artificial) and isolated OWUS and NPS wetland, and it does not qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines because it exhibits only two of the three wetland criteria (hydrology and hydric soils); hydrophytic vegetative cover does not exceed 50%. However, it qualifies as a wetland under the DO 77- 1, but any proposed impacts would be exempt from NPS mitigation requirements. This wetland is approximately 752 square feet. This detention pond is between two paved parking lots, and has culverts on its east and west ends. Under CCS, Detention Pond 1 is classified as a Palustrine, Unconsolidated Shore, Mud, Seasonally Flooded, Excavated (PUS3Cx) wetland. Detention Pond 1 is located within the non-hydric Tetonville-Wilsonville fine sandy loams soil map unit (NRCS 2013). No soil sample was taken because it does not have enough hydrophytic vegetative cover to qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines.

Major function and values in this wetland include sediment/nutrient/toxicant removal, short and long term surface water storage, and low general wildlife habitat and production export/food chain support.

PHOTO 1: Detention Pond 1 (SOUTHEAST VIEW)

Detention Pond 2 (Photo 2; Figure 5) is a human-made excavated (artificial) and isolated OWUS and NPS wetland, and it does not qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines because it exhibits only two of the three wetland criteria (hydrology and hydric soils); hydrophytic vegetative cover does not exceed 50%. - 1, but any proposed impacts would be exempt from NPS mitigation requirements. This detention pond has one culvert on its south edge. This wetland is approximately 1,805 square feet. Under CCS, Detention Pond 2 is a Palustrine, Unconsolidated Shore, Mud, Seasonally Flooded, Excavated (PUS3Cx) wetland. Detention Pond 2 is located within the non-hydric Tetonville- Wilsonville fine sandy loams soil map unit (NRCS 2013). No soil sample was taken because it does not have enough hydrophytic vegetative cover to qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines.

Major function and values in this wetland include sediment/nutrient/toxicant removal, short and

PHOTO 2: Detention Pond 2 (EAST VIEW)

Detention Pond 3

Detention Pond 3 (Photo 3; Figure 5) is a human-made excavated (artificial) and isolated OWUS and NPS wetland, and it does not qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines because it exhibits only two of the three wetland criteria (Hydrology and Hydric Soils); hydrophytic vegetative cover does not exceed 50%. - 1, but any proposed impacts would be exempt from NPS mitigation requirements. This detention pond has three culverts along its northern edge. This wetland is approximately 2,192 square feet. Under CCS, Detention Pond 3 is classified as a Palustrine, Unconsolidated Shore, Mud, Seasonally Flooded, Excavated (PUS3Cx) wetland. Detention Pond 3 is located within the non-hydric Tetonville-Wilsonville fine sandy loams soil map unit (NRCS 2013). No soil sample was taken because the wetland does not have enough hydrophytic vegetative cover to qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines.

Major function and values in this wetland include sediment/nutrient/toxicant removal, short and

PHOTO 3: Detention Pond 3 (EAST VIEW)

Detention Pond 4

Detention Pond 4 (Photo 4; Figure 5) is a human-made excavated (artificial) and isolated OWUS and NPS wetland, and it does not qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines because it exhibits only two of the three wetland criteria (Hydrology and Hydric Soils). However, it

-1, but any proposed impacts would be exempt from NPS mitigation requirements. This detention pond has two culverts located on its east and west edges. This wetland is approximately 377 square feet. Under CCS, Detention Pond 4 is classified as a Palustrine, Unconsolidated Shore, Mud, Seasonally Flooded, Excavated (PUS3Cx) wetland.

Detention Pond 4 is located within the non-hydric Tetonville-Wilsonville fine sandy loams soil map unit (NRCS 2013). No soil sample was taken because this wetland does not have enough hydrophytic vegetative cover to qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines.

Major function and values in this wetland include sediment/nutrient/toxicant removal, short- and long-term surface water storage, and low general wildlife habitat and production export/food

PHOTO 4: DETENTION POND 4 (SOUTHEAST VIEW)

Riverine Bank 1

Riverine Bank 1 (Photo 5; Figure 5) does not qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines because this area does not exhibit any of the three wetland criteria. No soil sample was taken because this area does not have enough hydrophytic vegetative cover to qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines. However, this natural area qualifies as a wetland under the

-1 because of its unconsolidated shore adjacent to a Riverine, Upper Perennial, Unconsolidated Shore, Cobble-Gravel, Seasonally Flooded (R3US1C) streambank on the

2014) National Wetland Inventory. This area is approximately 0.164 acre within the study area, and connects the OHWM with the adjacent 6-foot taller top of bank. Riverine Bank 1 is located within the non-hydric Tetonville-Wilsonville fine sandy loams soil map unit, and is dominated by bare/alluvially eroded soils and with some small patches (<50%) of hydric and upland vegetation (NRCS 2013).

Major function and values in this area considered with Riverine Area 1 include listed/proposed threatened and endangered species habitat, Wyoming species of special concern species habitat, and flood attenuation.

PHOTO 5: APPROXIMATE BOUNDARIES OF THE RIVERINE BANK 1 (YELLOW) AND RIVERINE AREA 1 (CYAN) (NORTHEAST

VIEW). THE TOP OF BANK IS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE YELLOW POLYGON, WHILE THE OWHM IS LOCATED WHERE THE

YELLOW AND BLUE LINES MEET.

Riverine Area 1

Riverine Area 1 (Photo 5; Figure 5) does not qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines because this area exhibits only one of the three wetland criteria (hydrology). This June 25, 2014, survey was conducted during high river flows (see Figures 6 and 7); thus, the river was at or near its OHWM. No soil sample was taken because this area does not have enough (>50%) hydrophytic vegetative cover to qualify as a wetland under the 1987 USACE guidelines. However, because this natural area meets one criterion, it qualifies as a wetland under the -1, and also falls under This area is approximately 0.439 acre from the study area in the middle of the Snake River, extending to the OHWM. Under CCS, Riverine Area 1 is immediately adjacent to a Riverine, Upper Perennial, Unconsolidated Bottom, Cobble- Gravel, Permanently Flooded (R3UB1 Inventory. Riverine Area 1 is located within the hydric Riverwash-Water Complex, which comprises 80% riverwash and 18% water (NRCS 2013).

Major function and values in this wetland considered with Riverine Bank 1 include listed/proposed threatened and endangered species habitat, Wyoming species of special concern species habitat, and flood attenuation.

FIGURE 6 SNAKE RIVER GAGE HEIGHT (USGS 2014b)

FIGURE 7 SNAKE RIVER DISCHARGE (USGS 2014b)

CONCLUSION

Field surveys within the study area identified no USACE jurisdictional wetlands. Although six areas (two natural, four artificial) qualify as wetlands under NPS guidelines, any impacts to the four artificial detention ponds would be exempt from NPS mitigation requirements. One natural area and the four artificially constructed stormwater features also qualify as OWUS under USACE guidelines. The six delineated NPS wetlands account for 0.72 acre of wetland habitat, while five of these areas account for 0.556 acre of OWUS within the study area.

Jurisdictional wetlands were identified based on criteria established in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Cost Region, Version 2.0 (USACE 2010). Areas not jurisdictional under the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987), but that were regulated under DO 77-1, were also delineated. Wetlands delineated on the property were characterized by a dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, the presence of hydric soil indicators, and evidence or the presence of wetland hydrology. Wetlands were classified under the CCS.

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13013650) for April 1-August 1, 2014. Accessed on-line on August 22, 2014, at:

http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&cb_00010=on

&cb_00095=on&cb_00300=on&cb_00400=on&format=gif_default&site_no=13013650& period=&begin_date=2014-04-01&end_date=2014-08-01 http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&cb_00010=on&cb_00095=on&cb_00300=on&cb_00400=on&format=gif_default&site_no=13013650&period=&begin_date=2014-04-01&end_date=2014-08-01 http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&cb_00010=on&cb_00095=on&cb_00300=on&cb_00400=on&format=gif_default&site_no=13013650&period=&begin_date=2014-04-01&end_date=2014-08-01 http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&cb_00010=on&cb_00095=on&cb_00300=on&cb_00400=on&format=gif_default&site_no=13013650&period=&begin_date=2014-04-01&end_date=2014-08-01

LIST OF PREPARERS

Ms. Laura Totten Senior Ecologist M.S. Biology/Botany B.S. Biology/Botany 17 years of experience

Mr. Robert Knable, PWS #1418 Senior Environmental Scientist M.S. Natural Resource Geography B.A. Environmental Geography/Environmental Studies 26 years of experience

Mr. Brandon B. Marette, PWS #1734 Biologist M.S. Rangeland Ecology B.S. Wildlife Biology 13 years of experience

APPENDIX A WETLAND FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS

APPENDIX B WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORMS

C-1

APPENDIX C PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED

Common Name Scientific Name Wetland Indicator Status

(USACE 2014)

Trees

Gray alder Alnus incana FACW

Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta FAC

Narrowleaf cottonwood Populus angustifolia FACW

Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides FACU

Rocky Mountain juniper Juniperus scopulorum UPL

Shrubs

Big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata UPL

Chokecherry Prunus virginiana FACU

Cinquefoil Potentilla spp. FACU

Five-petal cliffbush Jamesia americana FACU

Creeping barberry Mahonia repens FACU

Mountain snowberry Symphoricarpos oreophilus UPL

Willow Salix spp. FAC

Rosa woodsii FACU

Forbs

Common dandelion Taraxacum officinale FACU

Common yarrow Achillea millefolium FACU

Great Mullein Verbascum thapsus FACU

Gypsy-flower (Houndstongue) Cynoglossum officinale FACU

Larkspur Delphinium spp. FACU

Lupine Lupinus spp. FACU

-ears Wyethia amplexicaulis FACU

Pink phlox Phlox spp. UPL

Rose Pussy Toes Antennaria microphylla UPL

C-2

Common Name Scientific Name Wetland Indicator Status

(USACE 2014)

Scarlet gilia fairy trumpet Ipomopsis aggregate UPL

-bill Geranium viscosissumum FACU

Sulphur buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum UPL

Thistle Cirsium spp. FACU

Grasses

Bentgrass Agrostis spp. FACU

Black bent Agrostis gigantean FAC

Curly blue grass Poa secunda FACU

Kentucky blue grass Poa pratensis FAC

Marsh blue grass Poa leptocoma FACW

Orchard grass Dactylis glomerata FACU

Smooth brome Bromus inermis FAC

As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historic places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The department also promotes the goals of the Take Pride in America campaign by encouraging stewardship and citizen responsibility for the public lands and promoting citizen participation in their care. The department also has major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.