21-104309-Wetland Delineation-04-12-2023-V3.0
WETLAND DELINEATION
of the
MIDWAY SAMOAN ASSEMBLY OF GOD
CHURCH PROPERTY
29276 Military Rd. S.
Federal Way , WA 98003
Tax Parcel Number: 042104-9063 and 0421104-9032
Northeast Quarter of Section 04, Township 21, Range 04E
Prepared for:
Pastor Matthew Taumua
29276 Military Rd. S.
Federal Way, WA 980003
Dated:
Revised February 22, 2022
Prepared by:
Angelo Josue, PhD
Wetland Scientist
12909 66th Ave S Seattle WA 98178 Ph 206-768-0056
email: arjosue@aol.com www.arjwetlandservices.com
ARJ Environmental Consulting Services
Table of Contents
Project Summary .............................................................................................1
1.0 Project Description ...........................................................................................2
2.0 Site Address, Identification and Directions .......................................................2
3.0 Methodology .....................................................................................................2
4.0 General Site Description ..................................................................................2
5.0 Vegetation ........................................................................................................3
5.1 Vegetation Methodology .................................................................................3
5.2 Vegetation Results .........................................................................................4
6.0 Soils .................................................................................................................4
6.1 Soils Methodology ..........................................................................................4
6.2 Soil Series ……………………………………. …………………………………...5
6.3 Soils Results...................................................................................................5
7.0 Hydrology .........................................................................................................6
7.1 Hydrology Methodology ..................................................................................6
7.2 Hydrology Results ..........................................................................................7
8.0 Wetland Determination, Rating, and Buffers ....................................................7
9.0 Impacts .............................................................................................................8
10.0 Authority .........................................................................................................8
11.0 Limitations ......................................................................................................9
12.0 References .....................................................................................................10
Figures
1.0 Vicinity Map ......................................................................................................3
2.0 Soil Map of Project Site ...................................……………………….………… 6
Tables
1.0 Plant Indicator Status .......................................................................................4
Attachments
Routine Field Data Forms
Western Washington Wetland Rating Forms
Wetland Rating Figures
Wetland Sketch Map
1 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
PROJECT SUMMARY
This study was conducted by authority of the Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church
to determine the presence of wetlands on their property with parcel numbers 042104-
9063 and 042104-9032.
The wetland assessment and delineation was done using the methodology described in
the following references: US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual
(1987), Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual,
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coastal Region Version 2.0 (2010), and the
Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual (1987). The
assessment also referenced the King County GIS data, iMap, the Washington State
DENR Forest Practices Application Review (FPARS), the USDA Soil Conservation
Service Soil Survey for King County, Washington State, and the NRCS Web Soil Survey
website.
The results of the wetland showed the presence of wetland on the subject property.
Wetland indicators identified in the sample locations include the presence of hydrophytic
vegetation, hydric soil, and wetland hydrology. These are described in detail in the
report. Using the 2014 Version of the Wetland Rating System for Western Washington,
the wetland is rated as a Category II with a total function score of 20 points and a
habitat score of 5 points. According to the Federal Way Revised Code Chapter
19.145.420.2, a Category II wetland with a habitat score of 3-5 points shall have a buffer
width of 100 feet, measured from the edge of the wetland.
An off-site stream is mapped to the east of the subject parcels. The stream is classified
in the FPARS map as a Type F stream. Type F streams are stream that contains fish
habitat (Federal Way Revised Code 19.145.260.2.b). According to the Federal Way
Revised Code Chapter 19.145.270.1.a - Stream Buffers Type F stream shall have a
buffer width of 100 ft measured from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM).
2 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
1.0 Project Description
This study was conducted to determine the type of wetlands and streams on and near
the site. The applicant is proposing to submit a building permit application for site
development.
2.0 Site Address, Identification, and Directions
The property is located at 29276 Military Rd. S., Federal Way, WA 98003 in King
County, Washington (Figure 1). The site is located within the legal geographic
description of northeast Section 04; Township 21; Range 04 East within the watershed
of Duwamish-Green River and WRIA 9 (Duwamish-Green River).
Directions to the site from DPER in Snoqualmie are as follows: 1. Head northwest
toward S 333rd St.; 2. Turn left onto S 333rd St.; 3. Turn right onto 1st Way S.; 4. Turn
right onto S 312th St.; 5. Turn left onto Pacific Hwy S.; 6. Turn right onto S 304th St.; 7.
Turn left onto Military Rd S.; Destination will be on the right 29276 Military Rd S.
3.0 Methodology
The wetland assessment and delineation were performed using the Routine
Methodology as described in Part IV, Section D of the Corps of Engineers Wetlands
Delineation Manual (COE, 1987), Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version
2.0) (U.S.ACE, 2010), and the Washington State Wetlands Identification and
Delineation Manual (DOE, 1997).
The wetland determination was based on the presence of the three criteria for
jurisdictional wetlands; hydric soils, wetland hydrology, and hydrophytic vegetation.
All three criteria must be present in order to classify an area as a wetland.
The assessment includes a review of the King County GIS Data, the Department of
Natural Resources Forest Practices Application Review System (FPARS) and the
USDA Soil Conservation Service’s Soil Survey of the King County Area, Washington
(Snyder, et. al., 1973) and the NRCS web soil survey. The field investigation was
conducted on October 26 and 27, 2018 and February 21, 2022. Wetland boundaries
were delineated by putting wooden stakes with orange wetland flags tied to it.
4.0 General Site Description
There are two parcels on the project site. The parcel 042104-9063 is approximately
86,684 sq. ft. parcel 042104-9032 is approximately 21,344 sq. ft. Both parcels have
building structures at the southwest corners of the property. The parcels are bound by
Military Road S. to the west and single-family homes to the east, south, and north. The
northeast of the larger parcel is populated with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plant
species. An off-site stream to the east of the property is mapped in the King County
3 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
iMap. The mapped stream is actually dry and stream channel including the berm is
mowed regularly.
The parcel has a vegetated area to the northeast corner populated with old mature tree
of Pacific willows, reed canary grass, creeping buttercup, and traces of Himalayan
blackberry.
Figure 1. Vicinity Map of Project Site (cyan parcel line) (Courtesy of King County iMap, 2017).
5.0 Vegetation
5.1 Determination of Hydrophtic Vegetation
Hydrophytic vegetation has adaptations that allow these species to survive in saturated
or inundated environments. These environments are classified according to the
Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin,
1979). The probability of species being found in wetland environments has been
determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the National List of Vascular
Species that Occur in Wetlands: 1996 National Summary (USFWS, 1996). An indicator
status was applied to each species according to its probability of occurring in wetlands
(see Table 1).
4 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
Table 1.0 Plant Indicator Status
Indicator Category Symbol Occurrence in Wetlands
Obligate Wetland OBL > 99%
Facultative Wetland FACW 67-99%
Facultative FAC 34-67%
Facultative Upland FACU 1-33%
Upland UPL < 1%
Note: FACW, FAC, and FACU have + and – values to represent species near the wetter end
of the spectrum (+) and the drier end of the spectrum (-) (USFWS, 1996).
Vegetation data was recorded at three sample locations. Hydrophytic vegetation at
each sample locations were determined using the hydrophytic vegetation indicators
established by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Version 2.0 (2010) and the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation
Manual (DOE, 1997).
5.2 Vegetation Results
At sample location 1 (SL-1), the plant community is dominated by reed canary grass
(Phalaris arundinacea, FACW). The plant community is hydrophytic applying the Rapid
Test and Dominance Test for hydrophytic vegetation. (see Data Form #1).
At SL-2, the plant community is dominated by Pacific willow (Salic lucida var. lasiandra,
FACW+), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FACW) and reed canary grass
(Phalaris arundinacea, FACW). The plant community is hydrophytic using the Rapid
Test and Dominance Test for hydrophytic vegetation. (see Data Form # 2).
At SL-3, the plant community is dominated by mixed grass species, Graminae sp. (FAC).
Grasses in western Washington are typically tolerant of wet conditions, therefore the
unidentified grasses are assumed to be FAC. The plant community is hydrophytic
using the Rapid Test and Dominance Test for hydrophytic vegetation. (see Data Form 3)
6.0 Soils
6.1 Determination of Hydric Soils
The presence or absence of hydric soils were determined using the Field Indicators
Guide to Hydric Soils in the United States Version 8 (2016) and the hydric soils
indicators guide described in the US Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains,
Valleys, and Coast Region Version 2.0
Hydric soils are soils that are “saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the
growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (COE, 1987)”. They
are either organic soils (peats and mucks), or are mineral soils that are saturated long
5 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
enough to produce soil properties associated with a reducing environment. These soils
have hydric characteristics such as a reduced matrix (a matrix that changes color when
exposed to air), redox depletions (gleying), or redox concentrations (mottles).
Soils at each sample were assessed for organic content and hydric characteristics in a
20-inch deep soil pit at each sample location. In Washington State, soil color is the
main indicator used to determine if a soil is considered hydric. Soil color immediately
below the “A” horizon or at a depth of 10 inches below ground surface was determined
using Munsell Soil Color Charts (MacBeth, 2000). Soils that had a one-chroma matrix
or a two-chroma matrix with mottles were determined to be hydric.
6.2 Soil Survey Series
The USDA Soil Conservation Service (SCS) mapped this area of King County as Orcas
peat (Or) (Figure 2). The Orcas series is made up of very poorly drained organic soils
that formed in sphagnum moss and small amounts of Labrador tea and cranberry plants.
In a representative profile, the surface layer is dark reddish-brown sphagnum peat
about 6 inches thick. The next layer is yellowish-red sphagnum peat that extends to a
depth of about 60 inches
Representative profile of Orcas peat, under wild cranberries, 600 feet north and 650 feet
west of the east quarter corner of sec. 8, T. 24 N., R. 6 E.: Oi1--0 to 6 inches, dark
reddish-brown (5YR 3/2) sphagnum peat, very pale brown (10YR 7/3) dry; soft, spongy;
many roots; extremely acid; clear, smooth boundary. 6 to 8 inches thick. Oi2--6 to 60
inches, yellowish-red (5YR 5/6, 4/6, 4/8) sphagnum peat, very pale brown (10YR 7/4)
dry; soft, spongy; few roots; extremely acid.
Some areas mapped are up to 20 percent included Seattle and Tukwila mucks, and
some are up to 5 percent the wet Bellingham soils. Permeability is very rapid. There is a
water table at or close to the surface for several months each year. In areas where the
water table is controlled, the effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. In undrained
areas, rooting depth is restricted. The available water capacity is high. Runoff is ponded,
and there is no erosion hazard.
6.3 Soils Results
The soil at sample location 1 (SL-1) is a hydric loamy muck. From 0 to 10 inches, the
soil is a black (10YR 2/1) loamy muck. From 10 to 20 inches, the soil is a very dark
grayish brown (10YR 3/2) clay loam. The soil is hydric because it has a one-chroma
matrix immediately below the “A” horizon or at ten inches, whichever is shallower
(Department of Ecology, 1997).
The soil at SL-2 is a clayey muck. From 0 to 10 inches, the soil is a black (10YR2/1)
loamy muck. From10 to 20 inches, the soil is a very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) clay
loam. The soil is hydric because it has a one-chroma matrix below the “A” horizon or at
ten inches, whichever is shallower (Department of Ecology, 1997).
6 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
Figure 2. Soil Map of Project Site (Websoil Survey, 2019, NOTE: Not Drawn to Scale).
The soil at SL-3 is a gravelly sandy loam which is previously filled material. From 0 to
12 inches, the soil is a very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) gravelly sandy loam. From
12 to 20 inches, the soil is a very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) gravelly sandy loam.
The soil is non-hydric because it has a two-chroma matrix, without mottles, below the
“A” horizon or at ten inches, whichever is shallower (Department of Ecology, 1997).
7.0 Hydrology
7.1 Determination of Wetland Hydrology
The Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE, 1987) and the Washington
State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (DOE, 1997) require inundation,
flooding, or saturation to the surface for at least 5% of the growing season to satisfy the
hydrology requirements for jurisdictional wetlands. Areas that are saturated between
5% and 12.5% of the growing season may or may not be wetlands. The growing
season can either be defined by the number of frost-free days (temperatures above
28oF), or the period during which the soil temperature, at a depth of 19.7 inches, is
above biological zero (41oF). Some factors that influence the amount of moisture or
7 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
wetness in the site may include normal rainfall, climate, soil texture, drainage, plant
cover, landscape/geomorphic settings, and stratigraphy.
The presence of wetland hydrology at each sample location was determined using
primary and/or secondary wetland hydrology indicators established by US Army Corps
of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region Version 2.0 and
the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (DOE, 1997). In
addition to direct visual observation of inundation or saturation, secondary hydrologic
indicators were used to infer wetland hydrology. Secondary indicators include oxidized
channels (rhizospheres) associated with living roots and rhizomes, water marks on
vegetation or fixed objects, drift lines, water-borne sediment deposits, water stained
leaves, surface scoured areas, wetland drainage patterns, morphological plant
adaptations, and hydric soil characteristics.
7.2 Hydrology Results
Sample Location #1 has wetland hydrology. The sample location has wetland
hydrology indicators showing water table at 23 inches from the surface and saturation
is present at approximately 20 inches from the surface (see Data Form 1)..
Sample Location #2 has wetland hydrology. The sample location has wetland hydrology
indicator showing the water table present at a depth of approximately 17 inches from
the surface and saturation at a depth of 12 inches from the surface (see Data Form 2).
Sample Location #3 has no wetland hydrology. There are no wetland hydrology
indicators observed at this sample location. There is no water table observed at 24
inches from the surface. The soil profile is dry. (see Data Form 3). The sources of
wetland hydrology are precipitation, storm water, and surface runoff.
8.0 Wetland and Stream Determination, Ratings, and Buffers
Wetland and stream category, ratings, and buffers were determined by referencing the
Federal Way Municipal Code Chapter 19.145 - Environmentally Critical Areas and the
Wetland Rating System for Western Washington, 2014 Version.
There is a wetland on the subject property. The wetland has a palustrine scrub-shrub
(PSS), palustrine forested (PFO), and palustrine emergent (PEM) classes of vegetation
(Cowardin, 1979). The on-site wetland is part of the larger wetland to the north of the
parcel. The hydrophytic plant community is dominated by Pacific willow, reed canary
grass, creeping buttercup, Himalayan blackberry. The hydrogeomorphic classification is
a Depressional wetland. Its sources of hydrology are seepage, precipitation, storm
water discharge, and surface runoff. The soils are a hydric clayey muck with one-
chroma matrix with water table at 17 to 23 inches from the surface.
An off-site stream is mapped just to the east of the subject property and is separated
from the subject parcel by a levee. The stream has seasonal water flowing particularly
8 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
during the rainy months of the year. The stream and levee has been mowed regularly.
There is no flowing water in the mapped stream but only some accumulation of run-off
water from streets and residential areas from the east side of the stream.
The remainder of the subject property is upland. The soil is a non-hydric, two-chroma
matrix gravelly sandy loam, with no redox features in the soil profile. The water table is
not present at 24 inches from the surface. A portion of the upland area is covered by
lawn grasses previously planted.
Based on the 2014 Version of the Washington State W etland Rating System for
Western Washington, and the Federal Way Municipal Code Chapter 19.145.420.C, the
wetland is rated with a total function score of 20 points and is rated a Category II
wetland (see Wetland Rating attached). The wetland has a Habitat Function Score of 5
points. According to the Federal Way Revised Code Chapter 19.145.420 (2), a
Category II wetland with a Habitat function Score of 3 - 5 points, shall have a standard
buffer width of 100 feet, measured from the wetland edge. (see attached wetland and
stream sketch map).
The off-site stream is classified in the DENR FPARS and King County GIS maps as a
Type ‘F” waters Federal Way Revised Code 19.145.260.2.b, Type F stream are streams
that contains fish habitat. According to the Federal Way Municipal Code Chapter
19.145.270.1.a - Stream Buffers Type F stream shall have a buffer width of 100 ft
measured from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) (see wetland and stream buffer
sketch map).
9.0 Impacts
The study show that the remainder of the property including its existing building
structures is within wetland buffer areas. The final impact assessment will be done
when the approved critical areas designation and site development plans are prepared.
Impacts to critical areas must be avoided in accordance to the provisions of the Federal
Way Revised Code Chapter 19.145.440 – Development within the Wetland Buffer.
10.0 Authority
This wetland/stream determination is in accordance with Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act, the objective of which is to “maintain and restore the chemical, physical, and
biological integrity of the waters of the United States” (DOE, 1997). Wetlands are
“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 conditions. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas (EPA, 40 CFR 230.3 and
CE, 33 CFR 328.3)”.
9 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
11.0 Limitations
Wetland and stream determinations are not final until approved by regulatory agencies
and/or local jurisdictions. ARJ Environmental Consulting Services does not guarantee
acceptance or approval by regulatory agencies, or that any intended use will be
achieved.
Prepared by:
Angelo Josue, PhD.
10 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
12.0 References
Cowardin, Lewis M. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the
United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Jamestown, North Dakota.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1. US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station,
Vicksberg, MS.
Hruby, T. (2014). Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington:
2014 Update. (Publication #14-06-029). Olympia, WA: Washington Department of
Ecology.
King County, King County Code. Current through December 11, 2006.
http://www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/Code/index.htm
Lichvar, R.W., D.L. Banks, W.N. Kirchner, and N.C. Melvin. 2016. The National Wetland
Plant List: 2016 Wetland Ratings. Phytoneuron 2016-30: 1-17. Published 28 April 2016.
ISSN 2153 733X.
MacBeth. 2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts-Revised Washable Edition. 617 Little
Britain Road, New Windsor, NY 12553. 10p + 9 charts.
USFWS. 1996. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: 1996 National
Summary. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. St. Petersburg, FL.
Snyder, D.E., P.S. Gale, and R. F. Pringle. 1973. Soil Survey of King County Area,
Washington. United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. 102p.
US Army Corps of Engineers. May 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Version 2.0.
Washington State Department of Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands
Identification and Delineation Manual. Publication # 96-94.
11 Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study February 2022
ATTACHMENTS
Routine Field Data Forms
Western Washington Wetland Rating Forms
Wetland Rating Figures and Photos
Wetland Sketch Map
Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study November 2019
Figure 1. Approximate Location of Cowardin Classes of Vegetation (King County iMap,
2017; Note: sketch is not drawn to scale).
Palustrine Forested
Palustrine Shrub Scrub Palustrine Shrub Scrub
Palustrine Emergent
Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study November 2019
Figure 2. Approximate Location of Wetland Hydroperiods (Not drawn to scale)
Seasonally Ponded Areas Seasonally Ponded Areas Seasonally Ponded Areas Seasonally Ponded Areas
Saturated Areas Seasonally
Flowing Srream
Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study November 2019
Figure 3. Approximate Location and Condition of Boundary Area 150 ft from Wetland
(King County iMap 2017, Note: Sketch not drawn to scale).
Figure 4. Approximate Location of Contributing Basin of Wetland (King County iMap, 2017.
Note: Sketch not drawn to scale).
Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study November 2019
Figure 5. 1 Km Polygon of Project Site and Vicinity (King County iMap, 2017). (Note:
Approximate Areas - 1Km Polygon = 776.3 Acres; Land Use = 709.6
Acres; Relatively Undisturbed Habitat = 66.7 Acres)
Midway Samoan Assembly of God Church Property Wetland Study November 2019
Figure. 6. Screen Capture of Type F Stream Adjacent to the Wetland (NOTE: The Stream is a
Category 4C, not on the 303(d) listed waters).
Project Site
2/21/225' BSBL