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Wetlands

Wetland skunk cabbage.

Steward and Associates has the technical experience necessary to provide clients with a suite of wetland-related services, ranging from wetland delineations to comprehensive wetland impact assessments and mitigation plans. Our wetland professionals are certified to delineate wetlands using the most up-to-date federal and state methodology recognized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Washington Department of Ecology. Our experience updating critical area ordinances throughout Washington State has given us an intimate understanding of Washington Department of Ecology’s 2004 Wetland Rating System, as well as their latest wetland management and mitigation documents.

  • Wetland Delineation
  • Wetland Mitigation Planning and Design
  • Wetland Critical Area Study and Report
  • Wetland Reconnaissance
  • Wetland Permitting Assistance

Sample Projects:
City of Snohomish ESA Compliance and Salmon Conservation Strategy – Wetland Delineation: Steward and Associates performed preliminary delineations and ratings of all wetlands within the City of Snohomish’s Urban Growth Area. We performed onsite inspections to document the presence or absence of required wetland characteristics, including hydrophilic vegetation, wetland hydrology, and hydric soils. We rated all wetlands according to the existing City code, and then later made preliminary updates of our ratings based on the latest Department of Ecology guidelines (which were incorporated into the City’s updated CAO). Once delineated, wetland boundaries were geographically located with a Global Positioning System and transferred to a Geographic Information System (GIS).
Cemetery Creek Sanitary Sewer Wetland Delineation: Steward and Associates identified the presence of wetlands along the currently proposed sanitary sewer alignment within the City of Snohomish. Where wetlands were present, we delineated their boundaries and assessed the extent of potential impacts from the sewer line. These wetland delineations were completed in concert with Steward and Associates’ preparation of a Biological Assessment in fulfillment of ESA requirements for federal projects with the potential to impact listed species and critical habitat.
Development Review Services for the Cities of Snohomish and Mount Vernon: Steward and Associates has an ongoing contract with the Cities of Snohomish and Mount Vernon to review development proposals for compliance with the City’s Critical Area Ordinance, as well as compliance with provisions of the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act. We often work directly with local landowners, who are proposing development-related activities that will impact wetlands and other aquatic resources, to develop restoration and mitigation measures that will offset and protect aquatic resources from significant development impacts. We are responsible for recommending actions that each local jurisdiction might take to link local government goals with goals of salmon recovery in the Snohomish and Skagit watersheds.
Critical Area Studies – Private Developers within Skagit and Snohomish Counties: Steward and Associates has performed several critical area studies for private developers, which included wetland and fish and wildlife habitat conservation area studies. The studies include delineating the location of the critical areas, identifying the values and functions those particular areas provide, recommending development options for the proposed project that links the requirements of the resource with the goals of the County and land owner, and developing comprehensive mitigation plans to adequately offset deleterious impacts to the resources.
City of Woodinville Wetland Delineation: Steward and Associates was contracted by the City of Woodinville for emergency wetland delineation services. City staff expressed concern about the proximity of the "Tent-City" in relation to an adjacent wetland along the Little Bear Creek corridor. Mr. Hinson, a Steward and Associates fish biologist and wetland ecologist, offered immediate service to delineate the wetland and consult with City staff about the regulatory requirements associated with the "Tent-City" location. As a result, the City was protected from potential regulatory challenges and the wetland and stream resources received adequate and substantial protection from impacts associated with the "Tent-City" location.