Wetlands and Waters

Desktop Review

A desktop review provides an initial assessment of potential wetlands and waters on a site. Using aerial imagery, topographic maps, soil surveys, and other available data sources, we evaluate the likelihood of wetlands and waters being present. This cost-effective option helps clients identify potential environmental constraints early in the project planning process.

Wetland Screening

A wetland screening combines a desktop review with a limited site visit to assess the presence of wetlands. While not a full delineation, this service provides a general confirmation of wetland and water presence or absence. It does not meet U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) standards for a jurisdictional determination or permitting but serves as a useful tool for preliminary site evaluation.

Wetland Delineation

A Wetland & Waters of the U.S. Delineation identifies and maps wetlands and waters on a site using a combination of publicly available data and a detailed field investigation. Our team evaluates a range of resources, including aerial imagery, soil surveys, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data, hydrologic maps, LiDAR, and other relevant datasets to inform our fieldwork. The on-site investigation is conducted in accordance with the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and the appropriate Regional Supplement, evaluating vegetation, hydrology, and soils to determine the presence and extent of wetlands and other regulated waters. This comprehensive assessment is necessary for obtaining a Jurisdictional Determination (JD) from the USACE and is required for projects seeking USACE Section 404/10 permitting.

Jurisdictional Determinations

Envise assists clients in obtaining USACE Jurisdictional Determinations (JDs) to confirm the presence and extent of wetlands and regulated waters on a site. There are two types of JDs:

  • Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD): A non-binding opinion from the USACE that allows applicants to assume all wetlands and waters on a site are jurisdictional for permitting purposes. This can expedite the permitting process when avoidance and minimization measures are already in place.

  • Approved Jurisdictional Determination (AJD): A formal, legally binding decision from the USACE defining which wetlands and waters on a site are subject to federal regulation. AJDs provide regulatory certainty and can be beneficial for long-term project planning.

Each project's needs are different, and Envise can help you determine which path is best for your project, ensuring a smooth and efficient regulatory process.

Mitigation Bank Monitoring

Mitigation banks play a crucial role in offsetting the environmental impacts of development projects, particularly those affecting wetlands, streams, and other aquatic habitats. Mitigation Bank Monitoring ensures that the ecological goals of the mitigation bank are being met and that the project maintains compliance with regulatory requirements.

Envise provides expert monitoring services for mitigation banks, including:

  • Conducting regular site inspections to assess vegetation, hydrology, soils, and overall ecological health.

  • Collecting and analyzing data to evaluate progress toward meeting performance standards and ecological success criteria established by the bank and regulatory agencies.

  • Reporting findings to relevant regulatory bodies, including the USACE and state agencies, to demonstrate compliance and ensure continued credit generation.

  • Coordinating with mitigation bank owners and agencies to address any issues and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Our team ensures that mitigation banks operate effectively, maintain regulatory compliance, and continue to provide essential environmental benefits for future projects.