HomeMy WebLinkAbout; Encinas Bridge Replacement; Encinas Bridge Replacement; 2006-07-01FINAL
WETLAND DETERMINATION AND DELINEATION REPORT
FOR ENCINAS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Prepared for:
City ofCarlsbad
Department of Public Works-Engineering
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314
Phone: 760.602.2736
Fax: 760.602.8562
Contact: Christopher M. Muehlbacher, P.E.
Prepared by:
EDAW,Inc.
1420 Kettner Boulevard, Suite 620
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.233.1454
Fax: 619.233.0952
July 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION 1
METHODOLOGY :.; 1
EXISTING CONDITIONS 5
Topography ; , 5
Soils.. : : 6
Tidal Flats 6
Marina Series , 6
FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATORY APPLICABILITY ! 6
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act 6
Section 401 ofthe Clean Water Act 8
Section 1600-1616 of the Califomia Fish and Game Code 8
Califomia Coastal Act of 1976 and Federal Coastal Zone Management Act..., 9
RESULTS 9
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. and Wetlands 10
Waters ofthe US... ; 10
Wetlands : 10
Cahfomia Department of Fish and Game Jurisdictional Areas ; • -.17
Cahfomia Coastal Commission Jurisdictional Areas 17
CONCLUSION 17
LITERATURE CITED 19
APPENDIX A. Wetland Delineation Field Fornis
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 Regional Map 2
2 Vicinity Map : 3
3 ACOE, CDFG and CCC Jurisdictional Areas 11
LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Photograph Page
1 Encinas Creek and coastal and valley freshwater marsh along its edges. View is
from eastem boundary of the study area looking west to the bridge 13
2 Open water and beach directly west of the bridge. Photograph was taken from the
Pacific Ocean looking east to the bridge 13
3 Disturbed southem coastal salt marsh. Photograph was taken from the southem
boundary of the study area looking north 15
4 Disturbed wetlands in swale. Photograph was taken from the southem boundary
of the study area and is looking north 16
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 ACOE, CDFG, and CCC Jurisdictional Wetland Areas within the Encinas Creek
Bridge Study Area 16
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I
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
The City of Carlsbad (City) proposes to replace the existing Encinas Creek bridge located at
southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, approximately 0.5 mile south of Palomar Airport Road in
Carlsbad, Califomia (Figures 1 and 2).
The existing Encinas Creek bridge was built in 1928, holds two lanes of traffic, and is
approximately 65 feet wide by 26 feet long. The bridge is located between Island Way and
Solamar Drive. The study area is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by
the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard. The study area extends approximately 250 feet to
the north and approximately 300 feet to the south of the existing bridge. The study area is
greater than the projected project footprint. Once engineering plans are prepared, the project
boundaries will be defmed.
The City has identified the need to remove and replace the southbound portion of the bridge
based upon recommendations from the Califomia Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The
alignment and number of lanes will remain the same, though the bridge has the potential for
increasing the vertical alignment ofthe new bridge by 1 foot to accommodate 100-year storm
flows.
METHODOLOGY
On October 26, 2005, EDAW botanist John Messina conducted a routine wetland and waters of
the U.S. determination and delineation of Encinas Creek and adjacent habitats surrounding the
Encinas Creek bridge. This determination and delineation was conducted pursuant to Section D
Subsection 2 "Onsite Inspections for Routine Determinations for Areas Equal to or Less than
5 acres in Size" of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Wetland Delineation Manual
(Environmental Laboratory 1987).
The routine determination method requires an examination for the presence of wetland indicators
for hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. With the exception of some
atypical situation, the ACOE guidelines require the presence of a positive wetland indicator for
each parameter (e.g., vegetation, soil, and hydrology). Observation points were selected along
Encinas Creek in the different vegetation communities within these features. Data points were
located in obvious wetland and nonwetland areas to determine the wetland-nonwetland
boundary.
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ORANGE
COUNTY
/
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
^Rainbow SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Figure 1
Regional Map
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Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement
2005\050S0ni South Carlsbad Blvd Bridge\6Graphlcs\Figures\RegionalMap.Jhl I (P.Moreno) 11/23/05
Source: USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Encinitas Calif. (1975)
O 2000 1000 0
Scale: 1:24,000; 1 rich = 2,000 feet
J
Figure 2
Vicinity Map
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement
2005\050S0nI South CarlshadBridge\GIS\mxd\vicimtymap.mxd California Slate Plan, zone VI (P. Moreno) U/22/0S
A positive wetland determination was made for those data points that exhibit positive wetland
indicators for each of the three parameters: hydrophytic vegetation, hydrophytic soils, and
wetland hydrology. A positive non-wetland "waters of the U.S." determination was made for
areas that did not meet all three criteria but had evidence of an "ordinary high water mark"
(OHWM), as defined in the federal and state Regulatory Applicability subsection of this report.
Once identified, jurisdictional areas were mapped onto a recent digital aerial photograph and
contours, provided by the City, printed in color at 1" = 20'.
All data points were surveyed to determine the percent dominance of hydrophytic vegetation.
An area was determined to support hydrophytic vegetation if more than 50 percent of the
dominant species were listed as obligate (OBL), facultative wetland (FACW), or facultative
(FAC) species on the U.S. Fish and Wildhfe Service's National List of Plant Species that Occur
in Weflands: 1988 Califomia (Region) (Reed 1988). For plants that were not present on Reed's
list, the 1996 National List of Vascular Plant Species that Occur in Weflands (USFWS 1996) was
used.
Soil test pits were dug where feasible to determine the presence of hydric soil indicators such as
reducing conditions, gleyed or low-chroma colors, organic streaking, etc. Additionally,
information regarding the mapped soil series of the site was gathered from the Soil Survey of the
San Diego Area, California (Bowman 1973). The mapped soil series were then referenced on
the Field Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units for the San Diego Area, Califomia (SCS
1992) to determine if any of these soils are identified as hydric soil or contained hydric
inclusions. All data points were also surveyed for the presence of wetland hydrological field
indicators such as inundations, saturation, water marks, drift lines, drainage pattems, and
sediment deposits.
The Routine Wetland Determination Data Forms for this project are included as Appendix A to
this report.
In addition, the limits of Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) jurisdiction were
measured. CDFG regulates rivers, streams, and lakes, including the bed, bank, and associated
riparian vegetation. This typically is the limits of the waters of the U.S. and the associated
riparian vegetation.
Habitats under the jurisdiction of the Califomia Coastal Commission (CCC) also occur within
the study area. CCC wetlands include lands where the water table is high enough to support
hydrophytic vegetation or the promotion of hydric soils. CCC defines wetlands as habitats that
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only need to meet one of the three ACOE wetland criteria (presence of hydrophytic vegetation,
wetland hydrology, or hydric soil). As the study area is historically tidal marsh, as evidenced by
the soil survey (Bowman 1973), several areas lacked hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology but were still underlain by hydric soils. To determine the limits ofthe CCC wetlands,
additional soil test pits were dug to detennine the limits of hydric soils. The CCC wetlands
include those areas of the study area where hydrophytic vegetaflon is present, but hydric soil
indicators are lacking.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Topography
The proposed bridge replacement project is located at Encinas Creek along the southem edge of
the historic Agua Hedionda Spanish land grant as shown on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Encinitas Quadrangle 7.5-minute series topographic map. The creek has a natural channel
bottom and banks. The creek appears perennial and supports herbaceous hydrophytic vegetation,
dominated by native species. It is assumed that Encinas Creek is perennial primarily due to
urban mnoff.
The Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities within the City of Cor/^'feaJ identifies
this area as being disturbed (City of Carlsbad 1999). Much of the sunounding area is dominated
by nonnative vegetation such as Hottentot-fig (Carpobrotus edulis).
Most of the study area is relatively flat with the northbound and southbound sections of Carlsbad
Boulevard elevated on top of manufactured fills. The fill to the west of southbound Carlsbad
Boulevard is reinforced with large rocks for protection against heavy surf The study area ^
includes the portion of the creek that flows from a double box culvert underneath northbound
Carlsbad Boulevard, crossing under the Encinas Creek bridge, and flows across the sandy beach
and drains into the Pacific Ocean. The creek is located in a natural lined channel that is
approximately 4 feet below the adjacent flat area. The creek is approximately 10 feet above
mean sea level (AMSL) and southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, and its associated bridge is
approximately 18 feet AMSL as shown on the contour lines provided by the City. There is a
gentle swale that extends from the creek to the south. There is a sandy terrace that rises in
elevation by approximately 20 feet to the north. Encinas Creek is primarily fresh water but is
probably still subject to tidal influence at extreme high tides.
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Soils ^
There are two soil series that fall within the study area: tidal flats, and Marina series. However,
only tidal flats underlay Encinas Creek and a majority of the study area.
Tidal Flats
Tidal flat soil series underlay a majority of the site. The material is predominantly sandy and
well drained. It is assumed that much of the low elevation area adjacent to Encinas Creek was
historically subject to ocean tides. Tidal flats are listed by the SCS (1992) Field Office Official
List of Hydric Soil Map Units for the San Diego Area as hydric soils.
Marina Series
The Marina series occurs in minor amounts at the northeast comer of the study area. This soil
series is composed of loamy coarse sand, with a 2 to 9 percent slope. This series is not listed by
the SCS (1992) Field Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units for the San Diego Area as a
hydric soil or as having minor hydric inclusions.
FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATORY APPLICABILITY
This section describes the federal and state regulations applicable to wetlands.
Section 404 ofthe Clean Water Act
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251-1387) is the primary statute regulating
activities in jurisdictional waters. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of
dredge or fill material into "waters of the U.S." without a permit from the ACOE. Waters ofthe
U.S. encompass both wetland and nonwetland aquatic habitats, such as streams, rivers, lakes,
ponds, bays, and oceans, and are defined as follows:
"(I) all waters which are cunently 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 interaiittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie
potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use degradation or
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destmction of which could affect interstate oi" foreign commerce including 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 purpose by industries in interstate commerce; (4) all
impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United States under
the definition; (5) tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs (1) through (4) or
this section; (6) the tenitorial seas; and (7) wetlands adjacent to waters identified
in paragraphs (1) through (6) of this secfion ..." (33 CFR 328.3[a]).
As a result of a U.S: Supreme Court decision (Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, No. 99-1178, January 9, 2001); the ACOE does not have
regulatory authority over many isolated intrastate waters.
The ACOE defines wetlands as:
"Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water 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
condifions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar
areas" (33 CFR 328.3 [b]; 40 CFR 230.3[t]).
The limits of wetlands are delineated based on the co-occunence of wetland hydrology, plants
(hydrophytic vegetation), and soils (hydric soils). In the absence of wetlands, the limits of
ACOE jurisdiction in nontidal waters, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, extend to the
OHWM, which is defined as:
"...that line on the shore established by the fluctuation of water and indicated by
physical characteristics such as a clear, natural line impressed on the bank,
shelving, changes in the character of soil, destmction of tenestrial vegetation, the
presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the
characteristics of the sunounding areas" (33 CFR 328.3 [e]).
A Regulatory Guidance Letter (RGL) issued by the ACOE on June 27, 1987, further clarified the
definifion:
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"The OHWM is the physical evidence (shelving, debris lines, etc.) established by
nonnal fluctuations of water level. For rivers and streams, the OHWM is meant
to mark the within-channel height flows, not the average annual flood elevation
that generally extends beyond the channel" (RGL No. 88-6).
The OHWM can also be conceptualized as the lateral extent of the active channel, usually the area
just below the first tenace. The criteria for frequency and duration for OHWM, however, have not
been defmed under the Clean Water Act or any guidance from the ACOE for field delineators.
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act
The State of Califomia Water Resources Control Board has primary authority for permit and
enforcement activities under the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Cal. Water Code
13000-13999.10) and Section 401 ofthe Clean Water Act. Secfion 401 ofthe Clean Water Act
requires certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) that a proposed
project is in compliance with established water quality standards. Projects that have the potential
to discharge pollutants are required to comply with established water quality objectives.
The RWQCB reviews a project to detennine whether the activity would comply with state water
quality objectives and, subsequently, either issues a certification with conditions or denies the
certification. No license or pennit may be issued by a federal agency unfil certification required
by Section 401 has been granted. Under the Clean Water Act, Section 404 permits are subject to
RWQCB Section 401 regulation. The ACOE cannot issue an individual or nationwide 404
permit until a 401 certification has been obtained from the RWQCB.
Section 1600-1616 of the California Fish and Game Code
Under Section 1600-1616 of the Califomia Fish and Game Code, the CDFG regulates activities
that would alter the flow, bed, channel, or bank of streams and lakes. The limits of CDFG
jurisdicfion are defmed in the code as the "bed, channel or bank of any river, stream or lake
designated by CDFG in which there is at any time an existing fish or wildlife resource or from
which these resources derive benefit." The Cahfomia Code of Regulafions (14 CCR 1.72)
defines a stream as:
"[A] stream is a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently
through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life.
This includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or
has supported riparian vegetation."
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In practice, the CDFG usually extends its jurisdictional liinit to the top of the bank of a stream or
lake, or outer edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is wider. Riparian habitats (i.e., stream
channels) do not always have identifiable hydric soils, or clear evidence of wetland hydrology as
defined by the ACOE. Therefore, CDFG wetland boundaries often extend beyond ACOE
wetland boundaries, which sometimes include portions of the riparian habitat adjacent to a river,
stream, or lake.
California Coastal Act of 1976 and Federal Coastal Zone Management Act
Wetlands found in the "coastal zone" are regulated under the Califomia Coastal Act of 1976 and
the federal Coastal Zone Management Act and are within the jurisdiction of the CCC. The
Coastal Act defines wetlands as "land within the coastal zone which may be covered periodically
or pennanently with shallow water and include saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or
closed brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, and fens" (PRC Section 30121). The CCC
has expanded upon this definition as:
"...and where the water table is at, near, or above the land surface long enough to
promote the formation of hydric soils or to support the growth of hydrophytes,
and shall also include types of wetlands where vegetation is lacking and soil is
poorly developed or absent as a result of frequent drastic fluctuations of surface
water levels, wave action, water flow, turbidity or high concentration of salts or
other substances in the substrate. Such wetlands can be recognized by the
presence of surface water or saturated substrate at some time during each year and
. their location within, or adjacent to vegetated wetland or deepwater habitats" (14
CCR 13577).
RESULTS
The study area was defined based on digital mapping provided by the City. The limits of the
study area are approximately 250 feet north of the bridge, 300 feet south of the bridge, 180 feet
west of the bridge, and to the edge of northbound Carlsbad Boulevard (approximately 200 feet to
the east).
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. and Wetlands
Waters of the U.S.
Encinas Creek is a perennial stream, most likely the resuh of urban mnoff. ACOE waters ofthe
U.S. include those portions of this stream channel that were pennanently inundated and lacked
vegetafion. Waters of the U.S. occur within the stream channel east of the bridge and the area
underneath the bridge and "outfall" area west of the bridge to the Pacific Ocean. West of the
bridge, the beach is also regulated by the ACOE as waters of the U.S. Waters of the U.S. here
start at the high fide line (which encompasses spring high tides and other high tides that occur
with periodic frequency) and include tenitorial seas, which extend seaward three nautical miles
from the ordinary low tides seaward. The high tide line is 7.9 feet (personal communications
with Joseph Ryan of ACOE). Navigable waters are also included in the study area and begin at
the tidal mean high water mark and extend seaward three nautical miles from the ordinary low
tide. Section 10, "navigable waters" start at elevation 4.9 feet (personal communications with
Joseph Ryan of ACOE). The limits of the boundary of the waters of the U.S. and navigable
waters, west of the bridge were mapped based on the elevation contours provided by the City. A
total of approximately 2.2 acres of jurisdictional waters of the U.S. occur within the study area.
The extent of ACOE jurisdictional waters ofthe U.S. are depicted in Figure 3 and summarized in
Table 1. Photographs 1 and 2 illustrate the waters ofthe U.S. east and west of the bridge,
respectively. As illustrated in Figure 3, a majority of the waters of the U.S. conespond to the
beach west of the bridge.
Wetlands
ACOE jurisdictional wetlands include the disturbed coastal and valley freshwater marsh along
the edge of the open water channel, the disturbed salt marsh above the stream banks, and the area
of disturbed wetiand near the southem portion ofthe study area.
The disturbed coastal and valley freshwater marsh was restricted to the lower banks of the open
water channel of Encinas Creek and its width varied from 5 feet to 15 feet wide pn either side of
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Source: Aerial, contours, and project limit - City of Carlsbad
50 25 0 50 Feet
Scale: 1:600; 1 inch = 50 feet
Figure 3
ACOE, CDFG and CCC Jurisdictional Areas
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement
200S\05080ni South Carlsbad Bridge\GIS\m.\d\jurisdiclional areas.mxd Califomia Slate Plan, zone VI (P. Moreno) 11/31/05
Photograph 1: Encinas Creek and coastal and valley freshwater marsh along its
edges. View is from eastern boundary of the study area looking west to the bridge.
Photograph 2: Open water and beach directly west of the bridge. Photograph was
taken from the Pacific Ocean looking east to the bridge.
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05080171 Carlsbad Bridge Wetland Delineation 7/20/06
Page 13
the channel. Cattails (Typha latifolia), salt marsh fleabane (Pluchea odorata), and cocklebur
(Xanthium strumarium) were the more common species, but pickleweed (Salicornia virginica),
giant reed (Arundo donax), and common celery (Apium graveolens) were also present, however
in much smaller numbers (Figure 3 and Photograph 1).
Disturbed sah marsh habitat occurs above the banks of Encinas Creek. Common species
included pickleweed, salt grass (Distichlis spicata), alkali heath (Frankenia salina), and
Hottentot-fig. Other species included pickleweed (Salicornia subterminalis), pineapple weed
(Amblyopappus pusillus), grass poly (Lythrum hyssopifolium), msh (Juncus sp.), annual beard
grass (Polypogon monspeliensis), coastal goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. vernonioides),
sweetclover (Melilotus sp.), and coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis).
The area of the salt marsh is likely historical salt marsh as the soil survey for San Diego depicts
this area as tidal flats. With buildout of Carlsbad Boulevard and bank stabilization, these areas
are probably progressively drying out especially with encroachment from the Hottentot-fig. The
salt marsh met the hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soil criteria fairly easily, but only met the
wetland hydrology criteria because of secondary indicators (oxidized root channels and a FAC
neutral test). As such, hydrological indicators were generally weak (an extremely small number
of oxidized root channels were observed in the soil pits and they were subsurface indicators not
surface (inundation, drainage pattems etc.). Since hydric soil indicators extended beyond the
limits of hydrophytic vegetation, the boundaries of ACOE jurisdictional wetlands were
determined based on the limits of the wetland indicator species. Photograph 3 illustrates the
disturbed salt marsh to the south of Encinas Creek.
The disturbed salt marsh habitat to the north of the charmel did not meet the ACOE wetland
hydrology criteria; however, it did meet the wetland vegetation and hydric soil criteria. This area
appeared to be a little drier, as evidenced by the presence of some upland shmb species, and the
elevation appeared to be higher than the marsh habitat to the south. The limits of ACOE
jurisdiction, north of the open water channel of Encinas Creek, were delineated at the edge ofthe
freshwater marsh habitat or, in the absence of these wetlands, the OHWM.
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Photograph 3: Disturbed southern coastal salt marsh. Photograph was taken from
the southern boundary of the study area looking north.
The disturbed wetland occurs in a small swale that starts at the southeastem comer of the study
area and flows into the channel by the bridge. This swale originates offsite at a culvert under the
northbound lane of Carlsbad Boulevard. The culvert connects with the riparian habitat along
Encinas Creek on the east side of Carlsbad Boulevard. For most of its length within the study
area, the swale is relatively indiscemible due to the encroachment of Hottentot-fig and the lack
of an evident OHWM. Much of the flow along this swale is assumed to be subsurface. The
course of this swale from the culvert to Encinas Creek can be estimated from the presence of
scattered individuals of curly dock (Rumex crispus) emerging from the Hottentot-fig along low
areas. Curly dock and spotted spurge (Chamaesyce maculata) were the two most common
species in this swale. Other less common species in this swale included salt heliotrope
(Heliotropium curassavicum), salt marsh fleabane, and cocklebur. Though mulefat (Baccharis
salicifolia) appears on the wetland delineation data form for this data point, this species was just
outside of the study area. Photograph 4 illustrates the disturbed wetlands within the study area.
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Page 15
Photograph 4: Disturbed wetlands in swale. Photograph was taken from the
southern boundary of the study area and is looking north.
Approximately 0.6 acre of ACOE jurisdictional wetlands occurs within the study area. The
extent of ACOE jurisdictional wetlands is depicted in Figure 3 and summarized in Table 1.
Table 1
ACOE, CDFG, and CCC Jurisdictional Wetland Areas
within the Encinas Creek Bridge Study Area
Jurisdictional Areas Acreage
ACOE nonwetland waters of the 1.64
U.S.
ACOE wedands 0.57
ACOE waters ofthe U.S. total 2.21
CDFG jurisdictional areas' 1.35
CCC jurisdictional areas^ 2.89
' Includes 0.67 acre of ACOE jurisdictional waters ofthe U.S.
^ Includes 2.21 acres of ACOE jurisdictional waters of the U.S., 0.68 acre of
CCC wetlands (not under jurisdiction of ACOE).
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California Department of Fish and Game Jurisdictional Areas
CDFG section 1600 jurisdiction was mapped from bank to bank and extends to the outer limit of
the associated riparian vegetation. As mentioned in the previous section, a majority ofthe study
area was historical tidal flats with hydrophytic vegetation extending well beyond the. limits of
ACOE jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S. CDFG jurisdictional areas include the 0.67
acre of ACOE waters of the U.S. CDFG. 1600 jurisdicfion does not extend beyond the tidal
section 404 limit: In addition, the areas of disturbed habitat that were underlain by hydric soils
and the disturbed salt marsh north of Encinas Creek that did not meet the ACOE wetland criteria
are considered CDFG jurisdiction. As such, a total of 1.35 acres of CDFG jurisdictional areas
occur within the study area. The extent of CDFG jurisdictional areas is depicted in Figure 3 and
summarized in Table 1.
California Coastal Commission Jurisdictional Areas
CCC jurisdictional wetlands conespond to the limits of the 404 hmit on the seaward side of the
road. Since the project is located within an adopted Local Coastal Program (LCP),.the CCC has
the right to appeal any action that is pennitted administratively located within 100 feet of a CCC
jurisdictional wetland or within 300-feet of the landward edge of the beach or coastal blufftop
(Califomia Pubhc Resource Code Section 30601). The project area is located within the Mello II
segment ofthe City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program, date 1996 and amended in 2000, 2002,
and 2003. The entire study area is within 300 feet of the landward edge ofthe beach (Cylinder et
al. 1995). A total of 2.89 acres is considered CCC wetlands (includes ACOE waters of the U.S.
and CDFG jurisdiction). The extent of CCC jurisdictional wetland is depicted in Figure 3 and
summarized in Table 1.
CONCLUSION
Once the final engineering design has been completed, the project should be evaluated for
specific impacts to ACOE jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S., CDFG jurisdictional
areas, and CCC jurisdictional wetlands. Because this project is a bridge replacement, avoidance
of impacts to these jurisdictional areas is not likely. However, impacts to these resources should
be minimized to the extent practicable.
Unavoidable impacts to ACOE jurisdictional habitats would require issuance of a Department of
Anny Pennit. It is assumed that the impacts to ACOE jurisdictional areas would be less than
one-third of an acre in tidal waters and nontidal adjacent wetlands, and the project would qualify
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for Nationwide Pennit 14 for Linear Transportation Projects. It is also assumed that the section
404 and section 10 lines in the tidal zone will be avoided.
Unavoidable impacts to CDFG jurisdictional areas would require issuance of a 1602 Streambed
Alteration Agreement. CDFG jurisdiction includes ACOE jurisdictional non-wetland waters and
wetlands.
The entire study area falls within the Coastal Zone and therefore the bridge replacement project
would require a coastal development permit. The project is within the Mello II segment ofthe
City's LCP which allows the City to process the CDP administratively. In addition, the entire
study area is included in the 100 foot wetland buffer and 300 foot beach buffer, allowing the
project to be appealed by the CCC when processed administratively under the City's LCP.
Lastly, issuance of a Department of Army Pennit would require a Section 401 Clean Water Act
water quality certification from the RWQCB.
Impacts to jurisdictional habitats would require compensatory mitigation. The exact
compensation requirements would be negotiated with the ACOE, CDFG, and CCC during the
permitting process. Federal, state, and local agencies generally require a no net loss goal of
wetland habitat and it is assumed that the required mitigation ratios would vary depending upon
the type of replacement habitat. According to the City's Habitat Management Plan (1999), loss
of beach habitat would require compensation at a ratio of 3:1.
Page 18 Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Wetland Determination and Delineation Report
05080171 Carlsbad Bridge Wetland Delineation 7/20/06
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I LITERATURE CITED
Bowman. R.
1973 Soil Survey of the San Diego Area, California. Prepared by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service in cooperation with
the University of Califomia Agricultural Experiment Station; the U.S. Department
of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of the Navy, U.S.
Marine Corps.
City of Carlsbad
1999 Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad.
Cylinder, P., K. Bogdan, E. Davis, and A. 'Herson
1995 Wetlands Regulation: A Complete Guide to Federal and California Programs.
Solano Press Books. Point Arena, CA. 363 pp.
• r
Environmental Laboratory
1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1.
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Reed, P.B., Jr.
1988 National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Biological Report 88(26.10).
Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
1992 Field Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units for the San Diego Area,
California.
U.S. Fish and Wildhfe Service (USFWS)
1996 1996 National List of Vascular Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands. Available
at http://www.spl.usace.army.inii/co/regulatory/plants/regionO_dbf or http://www.
nwi.fws.gov/bha/.
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Wetland Determination and Delineation Report Page 19
05080171 Carhbad Bridge Wetland Delineation 7/20/06 . ,
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Page 20 Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Wetland Detemiination and Delineation Report
05080171 Carlsbad Bridge Wetland Delineation 7/20/06 t
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APPENDIX A
WETLAND DELINEATION FIELD FORMS
DATA FORM
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 GOE Wetlands Delineation Manual, with revisions to incorporate "50/20 rule")
Project/Site: Carlsbad Bridge/Encina Creek Date: 10-26-05
Applicant/Owner: City of Carlsbad County: San Diego
Investigator: John Messina State: CA
Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? Yes No Community ID: Freshwater marsh
Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Yes No Transect ID:
Is the area a potential Problem Area: ' Yes No Plot ID: 1
(If needed, explain on reverse.)
VEGETATION
Trees Indicator
%
Cover Shirubs Indicator
%
Cover Herbs Indicator
%
Cover
None None Typha latifolia* OBL 40
Xanthium strumarium* FAC+ 15
Pluchea odorata OBL 10
Arundo donax FACW
Salicornia virginica OBL
Atriplex sp. FAC
Total Tree Cover = _
50% of Tree Cover =
20% of tree Cover =
Total Shrub Cover = _
50% of Shrub Cover =
20% of Shrub Cover -
Total Herb Cover =
50% of Herb Cover •
20% of Herb Cover :
_68_
_34_
13.6
Percent of Dominant Species per the 50/20 Rule that are OBL, FACW, or FAC (excluding FAC-) 2/2 = 100%
Remarks:
Hydrophytic vegetation present. Atriplex sp. was not identified to species, assume at least a FAC species. Hydrophytic vegetation
present.
* = Dorhinant Species per 50/20 Rule ^ .
HYDROLOGY
Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks):
Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge
Aerial Photographs
.Other
X No recorded Data Available
Field Observations:
Depth of Surface Water:
Depth to Free Water in Pit:
Depth to Saturated Soil:
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators;
Inundated
X Saturated in Upper 12 inches
Water IVlarks.
X Drift.Lines
X Sediment Deposits
Drainage Patterns in Wetlands
N/A
21
At
surface
(in.)
(in.)
(in.)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
X Oxidized Root Channels, in Upper 12 inches
Water-Stained Leaves
Local Soil Survey Data
FAC-Neutral Test
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Wetland hydrology indicators present. Surface water depth to >3' in adjacent channel (5' to north)
Plot I data form
SOILS
Map Unit Name
(Series and Phase):
Taxonomy (Subgroup):
• Tidal flats Not provided in soil survey Drainage Class:
Field Observations
Confirm Mapped Typed? Yes No
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I Profile Description:
Depth
(inches) Horizon
Matrix Color
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle Colors
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle
Abundance/Contrast)
Texture, Concretions,
Structure, etc.
0-2" Al 2.5YR 3/1 N/A N/A Sandy clay loam
2-6" A2 10YR 4/1 N/A N/A Clay
6-14" A3 Gley 1 chart 4/N SYR 4/6 Many/distinct Loamy sand
14-24"+ B1 Gley 1 chart 4/N N/A N/A Silty clay
End
Hydric Soil Indicators:
Histosol
Histic Epipedon
Sulfidic Odor
Aquic Moisture Regime
Reducing Conditions
Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors
Concretions
X High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils
_Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils
Listed on Local Hydric Soils List
Listed on National Hydric Soils List
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Hydric soil indicators present in the form of low chroma colors (matrix of 1 and mottles) and gleying.
Tidal flats is listed on the SCS (1992) F/e/d Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units for San Diego Area. Description of soil series in soil survey
is extremely general but assume that soil observed at this plot was tidal flat
WETLAND DETERMINATION
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No (Circle)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No ^ Is this Sampling Point Within a Wetland Yes No
Remarks:
Soil pit was located 5' south of open water channel. Open water channel was 24' wide at east end of bridge culvert. CDFG bank to bank was
51'
Phi I data form
DATA FORM
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, with revisions to incorporate "50/20 rule")
Project/Site: Carisbad Bridge/Encina Creek Date: 10-26-05
Applicant/Owner: City of Carisbad County: San Diego
Investigator: John Messina State: CA .
•
Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? Yes No Community ID: Salt marsh (Distichlis)
Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? . Yes No Transect ID:
Is the area a potential Problem Area: ' Yes No Plot ID: 2
(If needed, explain on reverse.)
VEGETATION
Trees Indicator
%
Cover Shrubs Indicator
%
Cover Herbs Indicator
%
Cover
None None Distichlis spicata* FACW 85
Frankenia salina FACW+ 15
Carpobrotus edulis UPL 10
Total Tree Cover = _
50% of Tree Cover =
20% of Tree Cover =
Total Shrub Cover =
50% of Shrub Cover
20% of Shrub Cover •
Total Herb Cover = _
50% of Herb Cover =
20% of Herb Cover =
110
_55_
22
Percent of Dominant Species per the 50/20 Rule that are OBL, FACW,'or FAC (excluding FAC-) 1/1 = 100%
Remarks:
Hydrophytic vegetation present.
* = Dorhinant Species per 50/20 Rule
HYDROLOGY
Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks):
Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge
. Aerial Photographs.
, Other
X No recorded Data Available
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators:
Inundated
Saturated in Upper 12 inches
Water Marks
Drift Lines
Field Observations:
Sediment Deposits
Drainage Patterns in Wetlands
Depth of Surface Water:
Depth to Free Water in Pit:
N/A (in.) .
N/A (in.)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
X Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 inches
Water-Stained Leaves
Depth to Saturated Soil: N/A (in.)
Local Soil Survey Data
X FAC-Neutral Test
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Wetland hydrology indicators present. However, no surface indicators or primary indicators. Secondary indicators are very weak, only a few oxidized
root channels and only one species used for the FAC neutral test. • "
Plot 2 Jala for
SOILS
Map Unit Name
(Series and Phase):
Taxonomy (Subgroup):
Tidal flats Drainage Class:
Field Observations
Confirm Mapped Typed?
Not provided in soil survey
Yes No
Profile Description:
Depth
(inches) Horizon
Matrix Color
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle Colors
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle
Abundance/Contrast)
Texture, Concretions,
Structure, etc.
0-0.5" O 10YR 2/1 N/A N/A Too much OM to do texture test
0.5-8" , Al 10YR 4/2 7.5 YR 4/6 Few/distinct Sandy clay,
8-18"+ A2/B 10YR 4/2 7.5 YR 4/6 Few/distinct Silty clay
End
Hydric Soil Indicators:
Histosol
Histic Epipedon
Sulfidic Odor
Aquic Moisture Regime
Reducing Conditions
Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors
_Concretions
X High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils
Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils
. X Listed on Local Hydric Soils List
Listed on National Hydric Soils List
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Hydric soil indicators present in the form of low chroma colors (matrix of 2 and mottles) and high organic content in surface layers (actually had an
O horizon). Tidal flats is listed on the SCS (1992) Field Office Official Ust of Hydric Soil Map Units for San Diego Area. Description of soil series in
soil survey is extremely general but assume that soil observed at this plot was tidal flat
WETLAND DETERMINATION
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No (Circle)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point Within a Wetland Yes No
Remarks:
Questionable how much tidal influence this salt marsh receives as banks of channel are 5-6 feet above the open water channel. Might only
receive influx af very high tides. Since hydric soil indicators extended beyond limits of hydrophytic vegetation, limits of hydrophytic vegetation
used to determine ACOE wetland boundary.
Plot 2 data form
DATA FORM
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, with revisions to incorporate "50/20 rule")
Project/Site: Carisbad Bridge/ Encina Creek Date: 10-26-05
Applicant/Owner: City of Carisbad County: San Diego
Investigator: John Messina State: CA
Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? Yes No Community ID: Saltmarsh (Salicornia)
Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Yes No Transect ID:
Is the area a potential Problem Area: Yes No Plot ID: 3
(If needed, explain on reverse.)
VEGETATION
Trees Indicator
%
Cover Shrubs Indicator
%
Cover Herbs Indicator
0/
/o
Cover None None Salicornia virginica* OBL 80
Salicornia subterminalis OBL
Amblyopappus pusillus FACW-
Polypogon monspeliensis FACW+
Total Tree Cover =
50% of Tree Cover
20% of Tree Cover
Total Shrub Cover =
50% of Shrub Cover •
20% of Shrub Cover •
Total Herb Cover = _
50% of Herb Cover =
20% of Herb Cover =
_85_
_42.5_
17
Percent of Dominant Species per the 50/20 Rule that are OBL, FACW, or FAC (excluding FAC-) 1/1 = 100%
Remarks:
Hydrophytic vegetation present.
* = Dominant Species per 50/20 Rule
HYDROLOGY
Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks):
Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge
Aerial Photographs
Other
X No recorded Data Available
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators:
Inundated
Saturated in Upper 12 inches
Water Marks • ,
Drift Lines
Field Observations:
Sediment Deposits
Drainage Patterns in Wetlands
Depth of Surface Water:
Depth to Free Water in Pit:
N/A (in.)
N/A (in.)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
X Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 inches
Water-Stained Leaves
Depth to Saturated Soil: N/A ' . (in.) .
Local Soil Survey Data
X FAC-Neutral Test
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Wetland hydrology indicators present. Similar to Plot 2, no surface indicators or primary indicators. Secondary indicators are very weak, only a few
oxidized root channels and only one species used for the FAC neutral test. .
Pint 3 data form
SOILS
Map Unit Name
(Series and Phase):
Taxonomy (Subgroup):
Tidal flats Not provided in soil survey Drainage Class;
Field Observations
Confirm Mapped Typed? Yes No
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t
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I
Profile Description;
Depth
(inches) Horizon
Matrix Color
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle Colors
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle
Abundance/Contrast)
Texture, Concretions,
Structure, etc.
0-2" A1 10YR 5/1 10YR4/4 Common/distinct Silty clay
2-5" A2 10YR5/2 10YR4/4 Many/distinct Clay loam
5"+ Claypan
End
Hydric Soil Indicators:
Histosol
Histic Epipedon
Sulfidic Odor
Aquic Moisture Regime
Reducing Conditions
Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors
_Concretions
High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils
Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils
_Listed on Local Hydric Soils List
_Listed on National Hydric Soils List
_Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Soil pit could not be dug below 5" due to presence of claypan.
Hydric soil indicators present in the form of low chroma colors (matrix of 2 and mottles). Tidal flats is listed on the SCS (1992) Field Office Official
List of Hydric Soil Map Units for San Diego Area. Description of soil series in soil survey is extremely general but assume that soil observed at this
plot was tidal flat
WETLAND DETERMINATION
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No (Circle)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point Within a Wetiand Yes No
Remarks:
Upper marsh at slightly higher elevation than at Plot 2. Questionable how mijch tidal influence this salt marsh receives as banks of channel are
5-6 feet above the open water channel and this area even higher. Might only receive influx at very high tides. Since hydric soil indicators
extended beyond limits of hydrophytic vegetation, limits of hydrophytic vegetation used to determine ACOE wetland boundary.
Plot 3 data form
DATA FORM
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, with revisions to incorporate "50/20 rule")
Project/Site: Carisbad Bridge/ Encina Creek Date 10-26-05
Applicant/Owner: City of Carisbad County San Diego
Investigator: John Messina State CA •
Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? Yes No Community ID Disturbed wetland
Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Yes No Transect ID
Is the area a potential Problem Area: ' Yes No Plot ID 4
(If needed, explain on reverse.)
VEGETATION
Trees Indicator
0/
/o
Cover Shrubs Indicator
0/
/o
Cover Herbs Indicator
%
Cover
None Baccharis salicifolia* FACW Rumex crispus* FACW-30
Chamaesyce maculata* FACU 30
Pluchea odorata OBL
Heliotropium
curassavicum
OBL
Carpobrotus edulis UPL
Xanthium strumarium FAC+
Total Tree Cover =
50% of Tree Cover
20% of Tree Cover
Total Shrub Cover = 5
50% of Shrub Cover = 2.5_
20% of Shrub Cover = 1
Total Herb Cover = 76_
50% of Herb Cover = _38
20% of Herb Cover = 15.2
Percent of Dominant Species per the 50/20 Rule that are OBL, FACW, or FAC (excluding FAC-) 2/3 = 100%
Remarks:
Hydrophytic vegetation present. Though Baccharis salicifolia occurred immediately offsite, it was used in the plot analysis because
these shrubs were within a few feet of data point.
* = Dominant Species per 50/20 Rule ^ ' ' '
HYDROLOGY
Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks);
Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge
Aerial Photographs
Other
X No recorded Data Available
Wetland Hydrology Indicators;
Primary Indicators;
Inundated
X Saturated in Upper 12 inches
Water Marks
Drift Lines
Field Observations: X
Sediment Deposits
Drainage Patterns in Wetlands
Depth of Surface Water;
Depth to Free Water in Pit;
N/A (in.)
N/A (in.)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 inches
Water-Stained Leaves
Depth to Saturated Soil; Surface (in.)
2"
X
Local Soil Survey Data
FAC-Neutral Test
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Wetland hydrology indicators present. Soil saturated in top two inches of soil only. Possibly the result of flow from culvert during recent storm
Plot 4 data form
SOILS
Map Unit Name
(Series and Phase); Tidal flats Drainage Class; Not provided in soil survey
Field Observations
Taxonomy (Subgroup); Confirm Mapped Typed? Yes No
Profile Description;
Depth
(inches) Horizon
Matrix Color
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle Colors
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle
Abundance/Contrast)
Texture, Concretions,
Structure, etc.
0-1" Al 10YR 2/1 N/A N/A Silt loam
1-4" .A2 10YR4/2 Too small and
faint for color
Few Sand loam
4-12" Bl 2.5YR 5/2 Too small and
faint for color
Few Loam
12-20"+ B2 10YR 4/2 Too small and
faint for color
Few Sandy clay loam
End
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I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Hydric Soil Indicators;
Histosol
Histic Epipedon
Sulfidic Odor
Aquic Moisture Regime
Reducing Conditions
Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors
_Concretions
_High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils
_Organlc Streaking in Sandy Soils
_Listed on Local Hydric Soils List
_.Listed on National Hydric Soils List
_Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Hydric soil indicators present In the form of low chroma colors (matrix of 2 and mottles). Tidal flats is listed on the SCS (1992) Field Office Official
List of Hydric Soil Map Units for San Diego Area. Description of soil series in soil survey is extremely general but assume that soil observed at this
plot was tidal flat
WETLAND DETERMINATION
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No (Circle)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point Within a Wetland Yes No
Remarks:
Swale possibly the result of the culvert under Carisbad Blvd. northbound lanes, but culvert flows from Encina Creek east of Carisbad Blvd.
Since hydric soil indicators extended beyond limits of hydrophytic vegetation, limits of hydrophytic vegetation used to determine ACOE wetland
boundary. ACOE wetland approximately 30' x 3'
Plot 4 data form
DATA FORM
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, with revisions to incorporate "50/20 rule")
Project/Site: Carisbad Bridge/ Encina Creek Date 10-26-05
Applicant/Owner: City of Carisbad County San Diego
Investigator; John Messina State CA
Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? Yes No Community ID Salt marsh (north bank)
Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Yes No Transect ID
Is the area a potential Problem Area: ' Yes No Plot ID 5
(If needed, explain on reverse.)
VEGETATION
Trees Indicator
%
Cover Shrubs Indicator
0/
Cover Herbs Indicator
0/
/o
Cover None Baccharis pilularis* UPL 30 Carpobrotus edulis* UPL 20
Isocoma menziesii
var. vernonioides*
FAC+ 30 Juncus sp.* FACW 20
Lythrum hyssopifolium* FACW 15
Salicornia virginica OBL
Frankenia salina FACW+
Polypogon monspeliensis FACW+
Total Tree Cover =
50% of Tree Cover
20% of Tree Cover
Total Shrub Cover =
50% of Shrub Cover
20% of Shrub Cover
_60_
_30_
12
. Total Herb Cover = _
50% of Herb Cover -
20% of Herb Cover =
_68_
34_
13.6
Percent of Dominant Species per the 50/20 Rule that are OBL, FACW, or FAC (excluding FAC-) 3/5 = 60%%
Remarks:
Hydrophytic vegetation present. Juncus sp. not identified to species but assumed at least a FACW. Isocoma menziesii var.
vernonioides not in Reed (1988) so the USFWS (1996) wetland indicator species list was used for this species
* = Dominant Species per 50/20 Rule •
HYDROLOGY
Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks); Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge Primary Indicators;
Aerial Photographs Inundated.
.. Other Saturated in Upper 12 inches
X No recorded Data Available Water Marks
Drift Lines
Sediment Deposits
Field Observations; Drainage Patterns in Wetlands
Depth of Surface Water; N/A (in.) Secondary Indicators (2 pr more required);
X Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 inches
Depth to Free Water in Pit; N/A (in.) Water-Stained Leaves
Local Soil Survey Data
Depth to Saturated Soil; N/A (in.) FAC-Neutral Test
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Wetland hydrology indicators absent. Site did not pass FAC neutral test (2/4 = 50%) and no observable primary indicators
Plot 5 data form
I
SOILS
Map Unit Name
(Series and Phase);
Taxonomy (Subgroup);
Tidal Flats Drainage Class;
Field Observations
Confirm Mapped Typed? Yes No
Profile Description;
Depth
(inches) Horizon
Matrix Color
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle Colors
(Munsell Moist)
Mottle
Abundance/Contrast)
Texture, Concretions,
Structure, etc.
0-2" Al 10YR3/2 7.5YR 4/6 Common/distinct Sandy loam
2-6" A2 2.5YR 3/1 7.5YR 4/6 Common/distinct Sandy clay loam
6"+ Bl Claypan
End
Hydric Soil Indicators;
Histosol
Histic Epipedon
Sulfidic Odor
Aquic Moisture Regime
Reducing Conditions
Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors
Concretions
_High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils
Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils
Listed on Local Hydric Soils List
Listed on National Hydric Soils List
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Remarks:
Soil pit could not be dug to below 6" due to the presence of a claypan.
Hydric soil indicators present in the form of low chroma colors (matrix ot 1 and mottles). Tidal flats is listed on the SCS (1992) Field Office Official
List of Hydric Soil Map Units for San Diego Area.. Description of soil series in soil sur\/ey is extremely general but assume that soil observed at this
plot was tidal flat
Soil mapped as tidal flats by soil survey but more likely Marina loamy coarse sand 2-9% slopes excessively drained which is mapped to the north
of the site. However, the topographic formations (banks and slopes) onsite north of the channel appear to be natural albeit modified and the
Marina series is mapped north ofthe site. ^ • '
WETLAND DETERMINATION
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No (Circle)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point Within a Wetland Yes No
Remarks:
Site is not considered ACOE wetland due to the lack of wetland hydrology indicators. '
Wetland boundary determined by the edge of the freshwater marsh (change in vegetation) which had hydrology and the OHWM of the channel
located approximately 10 feet to the south. ^ _=_,^^^^^_==_===_
Plot 5 data fonn
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