PROJECT OBJECTIVES The objective of the Wetlands Delineation Project was to locate and delineate wetlands at the Westfield Armor property, and to identify any state or federal protections these habitats may be granted. Interns were able to determine if the area being delineated had hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, or wetland hydrology. Using vegetation, soils and hydrology to describe and define wetlands, they were able to achieve this.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND PROJECT RATIONALE Wetlands are an important part of New Jersey’s ecosystems and are protected under Federal environmental regulations. The Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (NJDEP-N.J.A.C. 7:7A) sets guidelines for what can and cannot be done on or near wetlands. Following the standardized protocols set by the 1989 Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands (FMIDW), SUEIP and DMAVA collaborated to accurately define the wetlands at the Westfield armory in NJ. The 1989 FMIDW was created by four environmental agencies that came together to make a comprehensive guide to identify wetlands. Those four agencies were the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the Soil Conservation Service (NRCS), and the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). The 1989 FMIDW uses a three-parameter approach to delineate wetlands, as described in "Project Objectives" listed above. The three -parameters include vegetation, soils, and hydrology.
The wetland habitat in the forested area surrounding the Westfield Armory and FMS was successfully delineated. In total, 5 possible wetland locations were identified. Soil, vegetation, and hydric characteristics were documented to categorize these locations. Soil samples from one boring were collected for moisture content and grain size analysis. Students gained valuable experience with wetland delineation techniques such as collecting soil borings, analyzing soil by color and texture, and identifying obligate and facultative vegetative species. Results from this survey, including any state or federal wetland protections, are summarized in a formal report.