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Home My WebLink AboutWetland Categorization - PLN General - 2/6/2008 Wiltermood 1 Associates, Inc. February 6, 2008 Julia Smetzler 3672 W. Dayton Airport Road Shelton, WA 98584 RE: Wetland Categorization and Single Family Buffer Confirmation for property located at 3672 W. Dayton Airport Road, Tax Parcel No. 420082490030, Mason County Case Number BLD2008-00048 Dear Julia: Mason County Department of Community Development has requested a wetland categorization to continue the review of the building permit application submitted for the above referenced parcel. According to the site plan provided by you, a new home is proposed on a parcel already containing a single family home but the new home will be situated nearest the road. The wetland is a long linear system that crosses the very northwest corner and as it extends toward the southwest, there is increasing distance between it and this property. The wetland was not formally delineated during the field visit but its location across the property and on the adjacent west property is roughly indicated on the attached drawing. The determination of the wetland boundary was conducted per the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (DOE Publication No. 96-94). The distance was measured between the closest point of the wetland and the proposed homesite and the off-site portion of this wetland appears to be about 130.5 feet from the new house and about 100 feet from the west line of this property (see drawing). According to the site plan we received, the new home is at least 165 feet from the wetland as it crosses the northwest corner and the existing home, driveway and drainfield are between the two areas. There are no other wetlands on or within 250 feet of the property boundaries. The wetland is categorized using the Revised 2004 Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Western Washington in accordance with the Mason County Critical Areas Ordinance to determine the appropriate buffer width. The attached rating form indicates that the wetland meets the criteria for a depressional Category III system scoring 47 points on the rating form because it has potential and opportunity to perform water quality, hydrologic and habitat functions scoring 18, 12 and 17 points for each function, respectively. The Mason County CAO requires 60 foot buffers for Category III wetlands for moderate intensity land use activities 1015 S.W.Harper Road,Port Orchard,Washington 98367 (360)876-2403 Fax(360) 876-2053 06 Smetzler February 6, 2008 Page 2 (single family homes). The proposed homesite is about 130 feet from the identified wetland boundary so it is well outside the required 60 foot buffer. The driveway lies along the west property line with forest between the wetland and property line so there will be no new impact to the wetland as a result of homesite construction. If you have any questions concerning this wetland categorization, please feel free to contact me at (360) 876-2403. Sincerely, V hn Everitt Wetland Specialist attachments W LAN EX ISTJ NG Noc:".0 x CAP LA w N -OV- S'k(�O / go QO Leo WOO, 3 �o� it tk - Wiltermood Associates, Inc. 1015 S W. Harper Road Port Orchan� WA 98367-9306 (360)876-2403 Fax(360)87&2053 I We ■i is Rol M Will,) silo 111M�NMMMM ■■■■■i�11A■I■■ �11■■■■■MEMO■■ ■■/f�r''�:N�1■11 ■� NOON■ ■ m/.■a■■■i1 ■ ■■ 111E■■NNNi1 ■■ ■rN11NE 1 r�l ■■■ an No 4 rd■■1�11t■■N r:�, ' INI ■■■ �i MEN 1100111 am 0130 7-ns as oil SEEM a V, ■■IS 1111filldfia Ell■■m■oom NONE NNE ■ min Not I■ O■► MEMO NNE ■■ NOON Orin ■r. ■■■■O ■■■ ME 11111211NOON!■ ■ ■ Osseo on 1 a .!N loommossoOON■■■■ in ■ ■11■■ ■■■■ ■■■■■■r■■■■ I■■e■0111!%NOON■■ O ONE ONE ■ �■■■■■1�■■■■■■■■■■■ NONE■■ ■ ■ i/::■■ rO■■■■!fir■■■■■ ■NOON■ ■ ■■■■■■■r■■1'1■■ IN■■■■■N■■■■■■■■■■ NOON■EN■O■■■■■■■■■■■■■MEN■■NOON NOME■��■Nr�■1� 1■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ PROFILE:TOPOGRAPHY , Approval:for _use Owner/Applicant: r Parcel Number 0•1 7-Y 900So Env. Health: Wetland name or number WETLAND RATING FORM —WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 -Updated June 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Name of wetland (if known): Date of site visit: Rated by 0oj-,�_ Fuer.V}7 Trained by Ecology? Yes_kNo_ Date of training (i-r5-c7U SEC: _TWNSHP: RNGE: Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes_ No X Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland I II III IV Score for Water Quality Functions 18 Category I = Score>=70 Category II= Score 51-69 Score for Hydrologic Functions tZ Category III =Score 30-50 Score for Habitat Functions 17 CateQory IV = Score< 30 TOTAL score for Functions '1 Z Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland I II Does not Apply Final Category (choose the "highest" category from above) Summary of basic information about the wetland unit Wetland ilnit has Special Wetland IIGM Class C aract rttsttcs "Of for Rahn Estuarine De ressional )C Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has HGM classes re k termood Wetland Rating Form--western Washington 1ociates, Inc. version 2 1015 S.W.MarlurRoad Port Orclyrrrd, WA 98367-9306 (360)876-2403 Fax(360)876-20_S3 Wetland name or number Does the wetland unit being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands That May Need Additional Protection YES NO in addition to the .rotection recommended for its cote o. SP 1.Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (TIE species)? For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. SP2.Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category I Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example,the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydro eg omorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands into those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland Rating Form—western Washington 2 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number Classification of Wetland Units in Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated,you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case,identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply,and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? ®—go to 2 YES —the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES—Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO—Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were called estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions,and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term"Estuarine"wetland is kept. Please note, however,that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine . wetlands have changed (see p. ). 2.The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%)of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. (O--go to 3 YES—The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a"Flats"wetland,use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland unit meet both of the following criteria? The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface)at least 20 acres(8 ha) in size; At least 30%of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft(2 m)? tO _go to 4 YES—The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual), The water flows through the wetland in one direction(unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface,as sheetflow,or in a swale without distinct banks. The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3ft diameter and less than I foot deep). Ogo to 5 YES—The wetland class is Slope Wetland Rating Form—western Washington 3 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number 5.Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river The.overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding. �-go to 6 YES—The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds,or is saturated to the surface, at some time during the year. This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO—go to 7 �—The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches.The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched,but has no obvious natural outlet. NO—go to 8 YES—The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM clases. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 109/6 of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90%of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit bf ing rated HGAf Class to Use in Ratin Slope+Riverine Riverine Slope+Depressional Depressional Slope +Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional +Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional +Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater Treat as ESTUARINE under wetland wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland,or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary,classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 4 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number D Depressional and Flats Wetlands Points score WATER QUALI.TY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the wetland unit functions to (only f per box) iro rove water quality D D 1.Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland: Figure Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it(no outlet) points=3 D Unit has an intermittently flowing,OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet mts_2 Unit has an unconstricted,or slightly constricted,surface outlet (permanently flowing)points= 1 Unit is a"flat"depression(Q.7 on key),or in the Flats class,with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch points= I (If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as "interminently flowing') 2 Provide photo or drawing S 12 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) D YES points= NO oints= a D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation(emergent,shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class) Figure_— Wetland has persistent,ungrazed,vegetation>=95% of area p�oinrts-= 55 D Wetland has persistent,ungrazed,vegetation> = 1/2 of area rCpo>> Wetland has persistent,ungrazed vegetation>= 1/10 of area points= 1 Wetland has persistent,ungrazed vegetation<1/10 of area points=0 3 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes DIA Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation_ Figure This is the area of the wetland unit that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out D sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs. Area seasonally ponded is>`/2 total area of wetland points=4 Area seasonally ponded is>'/4 total area of wetland points= 2 Area seasonally ponded is<'/4 total area of wetland points=0 Map of Hydroperiods D Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 1 — __ 1 D D 2.Does the wetland unit hive the opportunity to improve water quality? (seep. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland_ Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. — Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft — Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland — Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft of wetland — A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas,residential areas, farmed fields,roads,or clear-cut logging Residential,urban areas,golf courses are within 150 ft of wetland multiplier Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other ----Z YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 D TOTAL - Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from DI by D2 Add score to table on p. I l Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 5 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number D Depressional and Flats Wetlands Points HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the wetland unit functions to (°"dy►score reduce flooding and stream degradation per box) D 3. Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it(no outlet) points=3 Unit has an intermittently flowing,OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet m s= Unit is a"flat"depression(Q. 7 on key),or in the Flats class,with permanent surface out ow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch points= 1 Qf ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as 'intermittently flowing' Unit has an unconstricted,or slightly constricted,surface outlet ermanenll owin points=0 3 D D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods Estimate the height ofponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface ofpermanent water or deepest part(if dry). Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points=7 The wetland is a"headwater"wetland" points=5 Marks of ponding between 2 ft to<3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points=5 Marks are at least 0.5 ft to<2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet oints= Unit is flat(yes to Q.2 or Q. 7 on key)but has smaU depressions on the surface that trap water points= I Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft points=0 D D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself. The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit points=5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points=3 The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit oin = 0 Entire unit is in the FLATS class points=5 __ ! D Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above (_9 D D 4.Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage,or reduction in water velocity,it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate,tide gate,flap valve,reservoir etc.OR you estimate that more than 90%of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. — Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems — Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems multiplier — Other E multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 C D TOTAL -Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D 3 by D 4 Add score to table on p. 1 (Z, Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 6 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number These questions apply to wetlands o all HGM classes. Points � pj!y � (only 1 score HABITAT FUNCTIONS -Indicators that unit functions to provide important habitat per box) H 1.Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (seep. 72) Figure Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin)-Size threshold for each class is I/, acre or more than 10%of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic bed Emergent plants Scrub/shrub(areas where shrubs have>30%cover) Y Forested(areas where trees have>30%cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: _The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata(canopy,sub-canopy,shrubs,herbaceous, moss/ground-cover)that each cover 20%within the forested polygon Add the number of vegetation structures that qualify. Ifyou have: 4 structures or more points=4 3 structures points=2 Map of Cowardin vegetation Gasses 2 structures �— I 1 structure o t' H 1.2. HydroM iods(seep. 73) Figure Check the types of water regimes(hydroperiods)present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10%of the wetland or '/,acre to count. (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods) Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points=3 Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present points=2 occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present otnt k Saturated only 1 type present points=0 Permanently flowing stream or river in,or adjacent to,the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to,the wetland Lake fringe wetland =2 points Freshwater tidal wetland=2 points Map of hydroperiods H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species (seep. 75) Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2_ (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass,purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle If you counted: > 19 species points=2 List species below if you want to: 5 - 19 species CiTpg= 1 <5 species points=0 c Total for page 3 Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 13 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats (seep. 76) Figure Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation classes(described in H 1.1),or the classes and unvegetated areas(can include open water or mudflats)is high,medium,low,or none. (:D (: O one =0 o Low= 1 point Moderate =2 points �• [riparian braided channels] High =3 points NOTE: If you have four or more classes or three vegetation classes and open water the rating is always"high". Use map of Cowardin vegetation classes H 1.5_ SMcial Habitat Features: (seep. 77) Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the . number of points you put into the next column. XLarge,downed,woody debris within the wetland(>41n. diameter and 6 ft long). Standing snags(diameter at the bottom>4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft(2m)and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft(1 m)over a stream(or ditch)in,or contiguous with the unit,for at least 33 ft (I Gm) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (>30degree slope)OR signs of recent beaver activity are present(cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) X At least '/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated.(structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25%of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20%stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. �( H 1.TOTAL Score- potential for providing habitat Add the scores from H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4, H1.5 Comments Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 14 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number _ H 2.Does the wetland unit have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? 112.1 Buffers (seep. 80) Figure—_ Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of "undisturbed." — 100 in(330ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas,rocky areas, or open water >95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer. (relatively undisturbed also means no-grazing,no landscaping,no daily human use) Points=5 — 100 in (330 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas,rocky areas,or open water > 50% circumference. — 50 in(170ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water>95% circumference. Points=4 — 100 in(330ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas,rocky areas, or open water>25% circumference, . Points=3 — 50 m(170ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas,rocky areas, or open water for> 50%circumference. Points=3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above — No paved areas(except paved trails) or buildings within 25 in(80ft)of wetland>95% circumference_ Light to moderate grazing,or lawns are OK. Points=2 — No paved areas or buildings within 50m of wetland for>50%circumference. Light to moderate grazing, or lawns are OK. Points=2 — Heavy grazing in buffer. Points= 1 — Vegetated buffers are<2m wide(6.6ft)for more than 95%of the circumference(e.g.tilled fields,paving,basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland Points=0.points= I — Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above. Aerial photo showing buffers H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (seep. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland)that is at least 150 ft wide,has at least 30%cover of shrubs,forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (dams in riparian corridors,heavily used gravel roads,paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor)_ YES=4 points (go to H 2.3) dqtj)=go to H 2.2.2 H 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland)that is at least 50ft wide,has at least 30%cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries,other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake-fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES=2 points (go to H 2.3) ,07=H 2.2.3 H 2.2.3 Is the wetland: within 5 mi (8km)of a brackish or salt water estuary OR ewithin 3 mi of a large field or pasture(>40 acres)OR t within 1 mi of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO=0 points YES <�t Total for page S Wetland Rating Form -western Washington 15 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW(seep. 82) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330ft(100m)of the wetland unit?NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. These are DFW definitions. Check with your local DFW biologist if there are any questions. K Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.8 ha(2 acres). Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 in(25 ft)high and occurring below 5000 ft. Old-growth forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest)Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings;with at least 20 trees/ha(8 trees/acre)>81 cm(32 in)dbh or>200 years of age. Mature forests: Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm(21 in)dbh;crown cover may be less that 100%;crown cover may be less that 100%;decay,decadence,numbers of snags,and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old- growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest. Prairies: Relatively undisturbed areas(as indicated by dominance of native plants)where grasses and/or forbs form the natural climax plant community. Talus:Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15-2.0 in(0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt,andesite,and/or sedimentary rock,including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. Caves: A naturally occurring cavity,recess,void,or system of interconnected passages Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component of the stand is 25%. __Urban Natural Open Space: A priority species resides within or is adjacent to the open space and uses it for breeding and/or regular feeding;and/or the open space functions as a corridor connecting other priority habitats,especially those that would otherwise be isolated;and/or the open space is an isolated remnant of natural habitat larger than 4 ha(10 acres)and is surrounded by urban development. _Estuary/Estuary-like: Deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands,usually semi- enclosed by land but with open,partly obstructed or sporadic access to the open ocean,and in which ocean water is at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land. The salinity may be periodically increased above that of the open ocean by evaporation. Along some low-energy coastlines there is appreciable dilution of sea water.Estuarine habitat extends upstream and landward to where ocean-derived salts measure less than 0.5ppt.during the period of average annual low flow.Includes both estuaries and lagoons. Marine/Estuarine Shorelines: Shorelines include the intertidal and subtidal zones of beaches,and may also include the backshore and adjacent components of the terrestrial landscape(e.g., cliffs,snags,mature trees, dunes,meadows)that are important to shoreline associated fish and wildlife and that contribute to shoreline function (e.g., sand/rock/log recruitment,nutrient contribution,erosion control). If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats=4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats=3 is If wetland has I priority habitat oin No habitats=0 points Note:All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4 Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 16 August 2004 version 2 Welland name or number H 2.4 Wetland Landscape (choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best f ts)(seep. 84) There are at least 3 other wetlands within '/:mile,and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed(light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating,but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields,or other development. points= 5 The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within '/2 mile points=5 There are at least 3 other wetlands within'/Z mile,BUT the connections between them are disturbed points=3 The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetland within '/z mile points=3 There is at least 1 wetland within Y:mile. points=2 There are no wetlands within '/z mile. points=0 H 2. TOTAL Score - opportunity for providing habitat r Add the scores from H2.1,H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 TOTAL for H I from page 14 Total Score for Habitat Functions —add the points for H 1, H 2 and record the result of !� P. Wetland Rating Form—western Washington 17 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type Category Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC 1.0 Estuarine wetlands (seep. 86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? — The dominant water regime is tidal, — Vegetated, and — With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge,National Park, National Estuary Reserve,Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Cat. I Environmental,or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES=Category I NO go to SC 1.2 SC 1.2 Is the wetland unit at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions? YES=Category I NO=Category II Cat. I —The wetland is relatively undisturbed(has no diking,ditching,filling, Cat. II cultivation, grazing,and has less than 10%cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp. are the only species that cover more than 10%of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual Dual rating(I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the rating relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a I/II Category I. Do not,however,exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. —At least%of the landward edge of the wetland.has a 100 R buffer of shrub, forest,or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. —The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 18 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number SC 2.0 Natural Heritage Wetlands (seep. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Cat.I Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland unit being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland? (this question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHPIDNR) S/T/R information from Appendix D_ or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site _ YES —contact WNHP/DNR(see p. 79)and go to SC 3.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category I NO SC 3.0 Bogs (seep. 87) Does the wetland unit (or any part of the unit)meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. Ijyou answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons(i_e_ layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of the soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)?Yes - go to Q. 3 No - go to Q. 2 2. Does the unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock,or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash,or that are floating on a lake or pond? Yes- go to Q_ 3 No - Is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70%cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present,consist of the"bog"species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation(more than 30%of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? Yes—Is a bog for purpose of rating No - go to Q. 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16" deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the "bog" plant species in Table 3 are present,the wetland is a bog. 1. Is the unit forested(> 30% cover)with sitka spruce, subalpine fir,western red cedar,western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen,Englemann's spruce, or western white pine, WITH any of the species(or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub herbaceous cover)? 2. YES= Category I No Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat.I Wetland Rating Form—western Washington 19 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number SC 4.0 Forested Wetlands (seep. 90) Does the wetland unit have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitats? Ifyou answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare)that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height(dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm) or more. NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and"OR" so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. — Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80— 200 years old OR have average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53cm); crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. Cat. I YES = Category I NO SC 5.0 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p_ 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? — The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks,gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (>0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom) YES= Go to SC 5.1 NO not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meets all of the following three conditions? —The wetland is relatively undisturbed(has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing),and has less,than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). — At least'/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. Cat. I — The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square feet) YES= Category I NO = Category II Cat. II Wetland Rating Forn—western Washington 20 August 2004 version 2 Wetland name or number SC 6.0 Interdunal Wetlands (seep. 93) Is the wetland unit west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES -go to SC 6.1 NO_ n not an Interdual wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas: • Long Beach Peninsula- lands west of SR 103 • Grayland-Westport-lands west of SR 105 • Ocean Shores-Copalis- lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is once acre or larger? YES = Category II NO—go to SC 6.2 Cat. II SC 6.2 Is the unit between 0.1 and I acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES= Category III Cat. III Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the "highest"rating f wetland falls into several rtegories, and record on If ou nsweied NO,fot all . � s enter"Not A licablq"04 p.1 Wetland Rating Form-western Washington 21 August 2004 version 2 Mason County Resource Ordinance- Wetlands 17.01.070 AS APPROVED BY THE Board of County Commissioners- December 27, 2006 MASON COUNTY RESOURCE ORDINANCE WETLANDS 17.01.070 WETLANDS The purpose of this section is to avoid, or in appropriate circumstances, minimize, rectify, reduce or compensate for impacts arising from land development and other activities affecting wetlands; to maintain and enhance the biologicat and physical functions and values of wetlands with respect to water quality maintenance; stormwater and floodwater storage and conveyance; fish and wildlife habitat; primary productivity, recreation, education and historic and cultural preservation_ When avoiding impacts is not reasonable, mitigation shall be implemented to achieve a no net loss of wetlands in terms of acreage, function and value. A. CLASSIFICATION The following shalt be classified as wetland areas: Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a trequency 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. However, wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland areas created to mitigate conversion of wetlands, if permitted by the county- F G B. DESIGNATIONS The following lands, shoretar►ds and waters of Mason County are hereby designated under RCW 36.70A.060 and RCW 36.70A.170, as critical areas requiring immediate protection from incompatible land uses: Wetlands and their uege"k4v areabuffer as specified by Section 17.01 070_E In making a determination regarding a wettand, Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual (Ecology #96-94). or as amended hereafter, shall serve as the technical resource guide on determining if an area possesses hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and/or wettand hydrology- 1_ The following are designated as regulated wetlands under this Chapter: a. All areas described in Section 17.01.070.A.; b. O&Aland pPonds less than twenty acres; c_ Wetlands created as mitigation, and those modified for approved land use activities, including their submerged aquatic beds. 2_ The following are designated as non-regulated wetlands: Artificial man made wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-tined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street or highway. c;hapter- do not include GataqoFy 11 arid 111 an�etlands less t#►at � 88 -vretlardsefless than �,9g0-7;599 sgcsarafee� 2006 RO- Wetlands Final.doc Page 1 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance-Wetlands 17.01.070 a. Exempt wetlands that are isolated and less than 1,000 square feet in area where it has been shown by the applicant that they are not associated with a riparian corridor, they are not part of a wetland mosaic and do not contain habitat identified as essential for local populations of priority species identified by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. b. No measures to avoid impacts for Category IN and IV wetlands between 1,000 and 4,000 square feet are required if they meet all the fotlowing criteria: (1) Wetland is not associated with a riparian corridor, and (2) Weffand is not part of a wetland mosaic. and (3) Wedand does not score 20 points or greater for habitat in the 2004 Western Washington Rating System, and (4) Wetland does not contain habitat identified as essential for local populations of priority species identified by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. C. Impacts allowed under this provision to these wetlands will be fully mitigated as required in mitigation section_ 3. Owners and applicants with non-regulated wetlands are strongly urged to cooperate voluntaril)i in ti.._ plan. of wetland protection, using the guidelines in . this ordinance and in materials provided by the Department of Community Development- C. PROCEDURES i. Responsibilities for the determination of wetland boundaries: a. Formal determination of wetland boundaries is the responsibility of the County. The responsibility to provide alb necessary and accurate data to the County for its determination rests with the applicant. This information will include a field delineation by a qualified wetland professional applying the Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual(Ecology#96-94),or as amended hereafter.When, in the opinion of the Director, sufficient information exists from the County's wetland inventory, or other sources, the requirement for a full or partial delineation may be waived. For instance, in some cases, the applicant may only be required to determine the wetland boundary, or portion thereof, of the wetland system. The Director shall determine when a permit application is required and what additional information may be necessary. Wetland delineations shall be performed in accordance with the procedures as specified in the Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual (Ecology #96-94). or as amended hereafter_ Evidence documenting the results of any boundary survey, or other submitted data, may be required by the Director- b. Mason County, at a fee, when requested by the applicant, or the affected party, may perform the delineation in lieu of direct action by the applicant_ Mason County may use hydrology, soils, plant species, and other data, and consult with biologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, or other experts, as needed, to perform the delineation. The County shall make a good faith effort to provide this service, consistent with budgetary constraints and available in-house expertise, for smaller projects and especially for those property owners with lesser financial capabilities. C. Where Mason County performs a wetland boundary determination at the request of the applicant, it shall be considered a final determination unless contested. 2006 RO- Wetlands Final.doc Page 2 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance— Wetlands 17.01.070 d. Where the applicant has provided a determination of the wetland boundary, the Director shalt verify the accuracy of, and may render adjustments to, the boundary delineation. e. In the event the boundary delineation is contested by the applicant or affected party, the Department of Ecology, or a mutually agreed upon party, shall settle the dispute. D_ LAND USES 1. Mason Environmental Permit Required Uses and Activities A Mason Environmental Permit shall be obtained from the County, using the administrative review process in this Chapter, prior to undertaking, in a regulated wetland or its vegetati 41-- abuffer,for the following activities_ a_ In all regulated wetlands, the removal, excavation, grading, dredging. dumping, discharging, or filling of any material; or the draining or flooding of the site, except where undertaken for maintenance (but not construction) of drainage ditches or for emergency repair; b_ The construction of stormwater management facilities;or c_ The driving of pilings; d_ The placing of obstructions; e. The construction, reconstruction, demolition, or expansion of any structure; f_ The destruction or alteration of wetlands and wetland vegetalkni areabuffer through clearing, harvesting, shading, intentional burning, or planting of vegetation that would alter the character of a designated wetland or vegetation areabuffer, provided that this subsection shall not f apply to the following activities undertaken in a manner which minimizes impacts: (1) The harvesting or normal maintenance of vegetation in a manner that is not injurious to the natural reproduction of such vegetation; (2) The removal or eradication of noxious weeds so designated in Chapter 17.10 RCW or other exotic, nuisance plants; (3) Site investigative work necessary for land use application submittals such as surveys, soil logs and percolation tests, (4) The construction or trails which shall be unpaved when located in the buffers and elevated when located in wetlands, which are not intended for motorized use, and which are no wider than three (3) feet, unless additional width is necessary for safety along a precipice, steep hillside, or other hazardous area. See section 17 01 070E 6 c for additional details on regulated permitted) trail activity. (5) Emergency services or repairs for health and welfare; or (6) Activities of a mosquito control district. (7) The removal of a danger tree, provided that such removal is mitigated by planting in the vicinity of the removed tree a total of six (6) new trees, each of a minimum three(3)feet in height and each of the same species or native species as the removed tree_ If the replacement tree planting is judged to be unnecessary to replace the canopy structure of a vegetation area, the Director may request the applicant leave or place the danger tree within the vegetation area as habitat- 9. Activities that result in a significant change of water temperature, a significant change of physical or chemical characteristics of wetlands water sources, including quantity, or the introduction of pollutants. 2006 RO- Wetlands Final.doc Page 3 of23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance-Wetlands 17.01.070 2. Activities Permitted without a Mason Environmental Permit The following uses shall be allowedL in addition to those defined in General Exemptions (see Section 17.01.130). within a wetland or wetland vegetatfera aFeabuffer to the extent that they are not prohibited by the Shorelines Management ACT of 1971 (Chapter 90.58 RCW), Federal Water Pollution Control Act(Clean Water ACT), State Water Pollution Control Act(Chapter 90.48 RCW), State Hydraulic Code (RCW 75.20.100-.140), Forest Practices Act (Chapter 76.09 RCW and Chapter 222-16 WAC) or any other applicable ordinance or law and provided they are conducted using best management practices, except where such activities result in the conversion of a regulated wetland or wetland vegetatioR aFeabuffer to a use to which it was not previously subjected and provided further that forest practices and conversions from forest land shall be governed by Chapter 76-09 RCW and its rules: a_ Conservation or preservation of soil, water, vegetation, fish, shellfish, and other wildlife; b. Outdoor recreational activities that do not have a significant adverse impact on the wetland and its related vegetation are buffer; C. The harvesting of wild crops in a manner that is not injurious to natural reproduction of such crops and provided the harvesting does not require tilling of soil, planting of crops_ or alteration of the wetland by changing existing topography, water conditions or water resources; d. Existing and ongoing agricultural activities, including farming, horticulture, aquaculture, irrigation, ranching or grazing of animals. Activities on areas lying fallow as part of a conventional rotational cycle are part of an ongoing operation. Activities which bring an area into agricultural use are not part of an ongoing operation. An operation �- ceases to be ongoing when the area in which it was conducted has been _ converted to another use or has lain idle so long #iat medifiGations to the for more than five years unless that idle land is registered in a federal or state soils conservation program. Forest practices are not included in this definition. e. The maintenance(but not construction)of drainage ditches; f. Education,scientific research, and use of nature trails; g. Site investigative work necessary for land use application submittals such as surveys, soil logs, percolation tests and other related activities. In every case, wetland impacts shall be minimized and disturbed areas shall be immediately restored; and h. The following uses are mowed within wetlands and/or wetland vegetatieR-areabuffer, provided that any required permits or approvals are obtained and further provided that wetland impacts are minimized and that disturbed areas are immediately restored: (1) Normal maintenance, repair, or operation of existing serviceable structures, facilities, or improved areas. Maintenance and repair does not include any, modification that changes the character, scope, or size of the®riginal structure, facility, or improved area and does not include the construction of a maintenance road; and (2) Minor modification of existing serviceable structures within a uege4a4GP-,3raabuffer zone where modification does not adversely impact wetland functions. (3) Repair or reconstruction of damaged or destroyed structures within two years of the damage or destruction. 2006 RO - Wetlands Final.doc Page 4 of 23 New text is underlined,deleted text is struck tluough Dec. 27, 2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance- Wetlands 17.01.070 E. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 1. Wetlands Rating System A four-tier wetlands rating system is hereby adopted as the rating system for Mason County. Wetlands vegetation aFeabuffer widths, wetland activities and replacement ratios shall be based on this rating system. Procedures for applying the wetland rating system are set forth in the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington, revised 2004, or as amended hereafter. Second Edition Washington State Department of Ecology . a. Wetlands shall be categorized as follows: Table 17.01.OTO A 1) Category 1 Wetiands Category I wetlands are those regulated wetlands that include but are not limited to rare unique wetland types that are more sensitive to disturbance than most wetlands and that contain ecological attributes that are impossible to replace within a human lifetime- Category I wetlands score 70 points or more out of 100 on the wetlands ratings systems. 2) Category It Wetlands Category I{ wetlands are those regulated wetlands that score between 51-69 points out of 100 on the wetlands ratings system. 3) Category It{ Wetlands Category III wetlands are those regulated wetlands that score between 30-50 points on the wetlands ratings system_` 4) Category IV Wetlands Category IV wetlards are those regulated wetlands that score less than 30 points out of 100 on the wetlands ratings system_' 5) Wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland areas to mitigate conversion of other wetlands_ 6) Mosaic wetlands as defined in 17-01.240. 'Non-Regulated Wetlands Isolated wetlands under 1 000 square feet which are not associated with a riparian corridor, not part of a wetland mosai- and not essential habitat of a priority species as identified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please refer to Appendix A or the Department of Ecology_publication for more information. ATE IFaQRY IN (A wetland is 1— rti� wettaf►d at �r-Sttate plant eFi - -f et)" 4-----A etl,�?at 6ARta1n-trF s and f0pG -Mature foF66 wetlaod aGr9 Ids 2006 RO - Wetlands Final.doc Page 5 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27,2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance-Wetlands 17.01.070 (A wetland IRY en. e of the fGllGWiR9;) 4. Wetlands with siqn&,a�.,t hakbita�. vaiva "reater than ar equal to 22 points OR th C-AT-€G4DRY 41--WETL4NBS sfiteriaand it+meets Il Wet! OR the WaShiRgtGR State-Watlands RatiagFefun: 2. tpdsttonds-identified as idered vying} ol-one-plant Layer domiRated o ORe Of the plant .* dUnsus e416116 seft Fu6h Spk;oa dougla64 —haFd4b car-bl Gk4pSsh Typha latiiUga ---sattait IaYer tFt�ester+a �t<ashtenadditionalmatn; 2_ Wetland Buffers Standard uegetatior- aBuffer Widths. f Wetland buffers shall be required for all regulated wetlands. Any wetland created, restored, or enhanced as compensation for approved wetland alterations shall also include a the--6tawdaFd vegetation--afeabuffer required for the category of the created, restored, or enhanced wetland. The buffer widths are established by adjusting a base width for the category of wetland at the site for the habitat value as scored by the wetland rating system and for the land use intensity of the proposed activity. AI buffers shad be measured horizontally from the wetland boundary as surveyed irF the field. The width of the wetland uegetaticH-�-areabuffer shall be determined by the following process: 11 The wetland is categorized according to wetland ratings system category as shown in Table 17,01.070 A: 2) Table 17.01.070 B rates examples of different land uses for intensity of impacts to wetlands. 2006 RO- Wetlands Final.doc Page 6 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance - Wetlands 17.01.070 3} The width of the buffer is determined based on the habitat value scored by the wetland on the wetland rating system and on the land use intensity of the proposed use as shown in Tables 17.01.070 C, D, E. or F. WOVaR ��5-feet N"NINA I i i i I >�feet SO#met Iv ME� R Area Table 17 01.070 B. Ratings of impact from land uses High Commercial Urban Industrial Institutional, Retail Sales, Residential subdivisions with more than 1 unit/acre New agriculture(high-intensity processing such as dairies nurseries and _green houses, raising and harvestinq crops requiring annual tilling raisinq and maintaining animals) New transportation corridors High intensity recreation (-golf courses, ball fields) hobby farms 2006 RO- Wetlands Final.doc Page 7 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance—Wetlands l 7.01.070 Moderate Single-famity residential lots, residential subdivisions with 1 unittacre or less Moderate-Intensity Open Space(parks) New agriculture (moderate- intensity such as orchards and hay fields) Transportation Onhancement projects Low Forestry, Open space now-intensity such as passive recreation and natural resources preservation, minor transportation improvements) Table 17.01.070 C: Width of buffer-required to protect Category IV wetlands. XScore for functions <30 points Low ✓ Moderate-40 feet High-50 feet Table 17.01.070 D: Width of buffers required to protect Category III wetlands. We Amp p scorong etween 30 and 50 points.an the wetlands ra ina yst m cLp Moderate level of function for habitat Low-75 feet (score for habitat is 20-28 pts.► Moderate- 110 fee High-. 150 feet i Category III wetlands not meeting , Low 40 feet above criteria (score for habitat is less Moderate-50 fee hanlu-pwHi h- QO feet Table 17.01,070 E: Width of Buffers-required to protect Category 11 wetlands.-Wetlands scoring between 51 and 69 points on the wetlands rating system. 2006 RO - Wetlands Final.doc Page 8 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 20J06 Mason County Resource Ordinance—Wetlands 17.01.070 Hi4h level of function for habitat Low- (score for habitat is 29-36 pts.) Moderate-.20APA High-225 feet f �\ , Moderate level of function for habitat Low �_ (score for habitat is 20-28 pts.) Moderate-i 10 feet High- High level of function for water quality improvement low 75 feed and low for habitat(score water quality is Moderate-9—feet 24-32 pts and habitat is less than 20) Hi - 100 feet Estuarine Low Moderate 11 Q feet High- Category 11 wetlands not meeting above criteria Low-50 feet Moderate--Meet High- Table 17 01 O70 F' Width of Buffers required to protect Gate-gory 1 wetlands.Wetlar..rc Natural Heritage Wetlands and Boas Low-125 feetfeet Moderate-1 90 feet Hi oh- `� Forested Buffer size to be based on score for habitat functions or water quality functions see beiOw Estuarine and Wetlands in Coaatal Lagoons Low-100.fttet Moderate-200 feet Hi h- jap High level of function for habitat (score for habitat Low- 150 feet is 29-36 pts.) Moderate-225 m-A High - Moderate level of function for habitat (score for Low-75 feet habitat is 20-28 pts.) Moderate- 110 feet High -200 feet 2006 RO- Wetlands Fina►.doc Page 9 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006 • I Mason County Resource Ordinance—Wetlands 17.01.070 High level of function for water quality Improvement (WQI)(score Is 24-32)and low for habitat score Moderate- 75 fee for habitat is less than 20 points} High- 100 feet Category I wetlands not meeting any of the above Low criteria Moderate-75 fee Hi h-1 feet Fn the watland edge . b. SpGG feF GategeyF� 3. Increased Wetland Buffer VegetatieR-AFea Width The Administrator shall require increased standard %regetatioe ar buffer widths or may require other conditions be placed on the development on a case-by-case basis when ecessary to protect wetland functions and values based on local conditions. This determination shall be supported by appropriate documentation shovving that it is reasonably related to protection of the functions and values of the regulated wetland. Such determination shall be attached as a permit condition and shall demonstrate that: a) A larger vegetation areabuffer is necessary to maintain viable populations or critical habitat of threatened or endangered species living within the subject wetland(s)boundaries; or b) The adjacent land is susceptible to severe erosion and erosion control measures otherwise required will not effectively prevent adverse wetland impacts;or c) There are other nearby wetlands or critical areas and adiustments to the buffers would prevent fragmentation of the habitat or is otherwise if the vAdths will only be deRe necessary to preserve the structure, function and value of the wettandor: d) The buffer is poorly vegetated due to lack of vegetation or invasive or non- native species being the dominant cover. Conditions would include enhancement of the area, a larger buffer, or both 4. Wettand Vegetatie�Buffer Width Averaging The boundary of the vegetation--areabuffer may be modified by averaging vegetatieR areabuffer widths. If vegetation~ areabuffer averaging is used, the following conditions must be met_ a. The total area contained in the vegetation a buffer after averaging shall be no less than that contained within the vegetation areabuffer prior to averaging_ln other words mitigation for buffer impacts will be on a minimum of a 1: 1 ratio; and b- uegetatien ateaBuffer averaging will incorporate site conditions to urn extAnt the we#and_to provide measures to increase the functions and values of the wetland buffer beyond what is currently in place; and 2006 RO- Wetlands Final.doc Page 10 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006 • Mason County Resource Ordinance-Wetlands 17.01.070 C. In no instance shall the vegetatiep-aFe. uffer width be reduced to less { than '/. of the required width for each of the wetland categories. a-BA-faet OF 5. Wetland Buffer Reduction The width of the buffer may be reduced for proposed land uses with hits_ intensity impacts under the following conditions: a. For wetlands that score moderate or high for habitat (20 points or more for the habitat functions), the width of the buffer may be reduced to that required for moderate-intensity impacts provided that- (1) A relatively undisturbed vegetated area corridor at least 100-feet wide is protected between the wetland and any other Priority Habitats as defined by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Protection of the corridor shall be assured by a conservation easement. (2) Measures to minimize the impacts of the land use shall be, applied- Examples of these measures are shown in Table X. b For wetlands that score less than 20 points for habitat, the bufferr width can be reduced to that re uired for moderate-impact land uses provided that measures to minimize the impacts of the land use shall be pp fp ied- Examples of these measures are shown in Table X_ r 2006 RO - Wetlands Final doc Page 1 I of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Detc. 27,2006 Mason County Resource Ordinance—Wetlands 17.01.070 (New Table) TABLE X Examples of measures to reduce impacts to v=tlands. o I rights . Parking lots • Direct hots away from wetland waVehoumes • Mmuihictnring • Residential Haase • Mamrdsetusing • Locate sctiwilr dmt generates noise away • Residential from wevasd Toxic rua ff* • earning lots • Route all sew_unkw e+d rono$away from • Roads wetlandtrlsde ensaning w inland is not • ManuSsctwing dewatese t l Residential areas • Establish c+avenants miting use of Application of agricultural pesticides within 150 ft of wetland • pesticides • Apply mtgatled pest management • Landscaping Stormwater • Parking lots • Retrofit detention and treatment snnoff • Roads for roads and existing adjacent • Manufachmag dex-ebpueew Residential areas • Pre-Amt clanseelized flow from hums that directly enters Ike buffer • Camnmereial • Landscaping Change in a Impermeable swfaces • Infiltrate or treat,detain,and disperse into water regime . Lawns buffer now runoff from impervious • Tilling nufacen and new lawns Pets and • Residential areas • Use privacy iencsng;plant dense vegetation hurnaa to delinentie buffer edge and to discourage disturbance distaubattace using vegetation appropriate for the ecaregion;place wetland and its buffer it=a separate tract Dust • Tilled fields . Use best mamgement practices to control dust These examples are not necessarily adequate for nunuuizing toxic rumoUif threatymed or eLidangered species are present at the sate. 2006 RO -Wetlands Final.doc Page 12 of 23 New text is underlined, deleted text is struck through Dec. 27, 2006