[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                                                                                                                                                 (Task 35 Crater PDC                FINAL PRODUCT
                                                                                                                                                                 FY 1"S     TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE



                                                                                               APPOMATTOX RIVER CORRIDOR STUDY
                                                                                1@@            PHASE IV
                                                                                               WETLANDS

                                                                                               Prepared by Crater Planning District Commission
                                                                                               with assistance from
                                                                                               Crater Coastal Resource Management Task Force
                                                                                               September, 1996

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                                                                                                          This project was funded, in part, by the Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program of
                                                                                                          the Dept. Of Environmental Quality through Grant # NA570ZO561-01 of the National Oceanic
                                                                                                          and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under
                                                                                                          the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.










                                                                                                                                                                                PAGE


                                                                                                   1.      INTRODUCTION                                                            I
                                                                                                                                                                                               Pec'd. by Dept, of
                                                                                                   Ii.     DEFINITION OF WETLANDS                                                  3        Environmental Quality
                                                                                                   III.    WETLAND TYPES                                                           3           NOV 2@. 1996

                                                                                                   IV.     VALUE OF WETLANDS                                                       5
                                                                                                                                                                                              Public & Inter.
                                                                                                           Fish and Wildlife Habitat                                               5        governmentaIj Agair.5
                                                                                                           Aquatic Productivity                                                    5
                                                                                                           Water Quality Improvement                                               6
                                                                                                           Flood Damage Protection                                                 6
                                                                                                           Erosion Control                                                         6
                                                                                                           Natural Products                                                        7
                                                                                                           Recreation and Aesthetics                                               7


                                                                                                   V.      CAUSE OF WETLAND LOSS                                                   7


                                                                                                   VI.     REGULATION OF WETLANDS                                                  8


                                                                                                           Federal Regulatory Background                                           8
                                                                                                           Virginia Regulatory Background                                          9
                                                                                                                  Tidal Wetlands                                                   9
                                                                                                                  Nontidal Wetlands                                               10
                                                                                                                  Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act                                 10

                                                                                                   Vil. WETLAND MAPS                                                             I I




                                                                                                   Appendix A

                                                                                                   Appendix B







                                                                                                     L       INTRODUCTION,


                                                                                                             The Appomattox River is a major tributary of the James River. It flows in an easterly
                                                                                                     direction across the piedmont and coastal plain of south central Virginia between Appomattox
                                                                                                     Courthouse and its confluence with the James River in Hopewell. The River is an important
                                                                                                     regional resource that is unique and irreplaceable. The portion of the River in the Crater Planning
                                                                                                     District meanders through six jurisdictions: the Counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Prince
                                                                                                     George, and the Cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg, and is a valuable resource
                                                                                                     for commerce, industry, farming, fishing, and recreation. (See map 1).

                                                                                                             As more growth occurs, more pressure is being placed on the Appomattox River and its
                                                                                                     adjacent lands. Competing uses must find ways to survive compatibly, without significantly
                                                                                                     depleting the resource available.

                                                                                                             A primary problem with providing a regional perspective has been the lack of a single
                                                                                                     reliable source of information about the natural, scenic, historic, and man-made features of the
                                                                                                     Appomattox River. Historically, the River has been the boundary for local planning and decision-
                                                                                                     making.

                                                                                                             The purpose of this corridor study is to help decision-makers understand the complex
                                                                                                     nature of managing the Appomattox River, and find innovative solutions to balance competing
                                                                                                     interests while protecting valuable resources. This task is envisioned as the beginning of a
                                                                                                     corridor effort to establish a regional data base for the purpose of improved coastal planning.

                                                                                                             Phase I of the corridor study, completed in 1993, inventoried recreation and riverfront
                                                                                                     features, such as riverfront configuration, parks and recreation, scenic and cultural areas, as well
                                                                                                     as wildlife and natural areas. A total of twenty-three existing and potential public access sites
                                                                                                     were identified. The second phase of the study examined existing and future land use information,
                                                                                                     zoning, ownership patterns, water and sewer utilities, as well as soils and mineral resources within
                                                                                                     the corridor. It was completed in 1994. The 1995 Phase III study addressed water quality issues
                                                                                                     as they relate to the study corridor. This included local water quality policies and state and
                                                                                                     federal water quality regulations and programs.

                                                                                                             The fourth phase will discuss wetland issues, including the definition of wetland, the
                                                                                                     benefits that wetlands provide, and federal and state laws and regulations governing development
                                                                                                     in and adjacent to wetlands. Because of the constant debate on wetland issues, it should be noted
                                                                                                     that continuous monitoring and update of this issue is necessary.






                                                                                                                                                                           APPOMATTOX RIVER
                                                                                                                                 R I C H OTD                               CORRIDOR STUDY



                                                                                                     CHESTERFIELD CO.                                                                  Map 1          Location Map
                                                                                                      APPOINIATTOX                              'Hop
                                                                                                                RIVER COLONIAL
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                                                                                                                                                                                          tment of Environmental Quality's Coastal Resources
                                                                                                                                                            A map of the Virginia Depar
                                                                                                                                EMPORI                      Management Program pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                                                                                                                                            Administration Award No. NA270ZO312-01.

                                                                                                                                                  PREPARED BY THE CRATER PLANrNU*-;G DISTRICT CON1MISSION
                                                                                                                                LE CO.
                                                                                                                    GREENS L









                                                                                                      H.      DEFINITION OF WETLANDS


                                                                                                              "Wetlands" is a general term that describes a variety of ecosystems including marshes,
                                                                                                      bogs, prairie potholes, and swamps. Wetlands are transitional areas between dry land and open
                                                                                                      water. Wetlands are defined by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection
                                                                                                      Agency as "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency
                                                                                                      and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances, do support a prevalence of
                                                                                                      vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions". In order for an area to be
                                                                                                      classified as wetland, hydrophytic vegetation (water loving or water tolerant plants), hydric soils
                                                                                                      (soils formed under saturated or periodically saturated conditions), and wetland hydrology
                                                                                                      indicators (ground that is continuously or periodically inundated by surface or groundwater) must
                                                                                                      be present.




                                                                                                      IH. WETLAND TYPES


                                                                                                              Two general types of wetlands are recognized: (1) tidal wetlands and (2) non-tidal
                                                                                                      wetlands. Tidal wetlands consist mainly of tidal marshes and mudflats that are periodically
                                                                                                      flooded by salt or brackish water. As their name suggests, tidal wetlands are found in the Coastal
                                                                                                      Zone along tidal rivers and saltwater embayments. By contrast, non-tidal wetlands are freshwater
                                                                                                      marshes, swamps, and bogs. They are usually located adjacent to tidal wetlands and farther inland
                                                                                                      along rivers and streams. Non-tidal wetlands dan also be found in upland areas of poorly drained
                                                                                                      soils that are isolated from surface waters, and thus, are more difficult to recognize since they may
                                                                                                      give no surface evidence of the presence of water. Wetlands are further characterized by their
                                                                                                      dominant vegetation as: (1) emergent wetlands (commonly called marshes and wet meadows)
                                                                                                      dominated by grasses, sedges, and other non-woody plants, (2) shrub wetlands (including shrub
                                                                                                      swamps and bogs) represented by low to medium-height (less than 20 feet tall) woody plants, and
                                                                                                      (3) forested wetlands (largely wooded swamps and bottomland hardwood forests) dominated by
                                                                                                      trees (greater than 20 feet tall).

                                                                                                              Most of the tidal wetlands in the corridor are forested wetlands. They can be found as far
                                                                                                      west as Pocahontas Island in Petersburg. Other tidal wetlands are represented by tidal marshes at
                                                                                                      the confluence of the James River. They are largely grasslands flooded by salt or brackish tidal
                                                                                                      water. Salt-tolerant grasses generally dominate these wetlands.

                                                                                             3








                                                                                                                     Those wetlands which exist in the corridor and-west of 1-95 are mostly above tidal
                                                                                                             influence. They are non-tidal wetlands. Again, forested wetlands are, by far, the most common
                                                                                                             type. Moisture-tolerant trees such as red maple, black gum, willow oak, green ash, pin oak, and
                                                                                                             sweet gum are among the common trees in forested wetlands.




                                                                                                       SCHEMATIC OF WETLANDS TYPES






                                                                               NONTIDAL WETLANDS                                                                         TIDAL WETLANDS


                                                          UPLAND


                                                                              UPLAND                     UPLAND


                                                                                                                                       UPLAND







                                                                                                                                                                                                            STORM AND
                                                WATER TABLE--                                                                                               UPPER           LOW MARSIA                  EXTREME SPRING
                                                                                       HIGH WATER                                                        HIGH MARSH
                                                        GROUNDWATER                                                HIGH WATER                                                                                HIGH TIDES
                                                                                                                                                                                                 .. . .... . .............................
                                                          DISCHARGE                         WATER                                                                                                       DAILY HIGH TIDC
                                                                                                                  L_E__VW     WATER         _M_A'A9W OILAND              PA"NNE                         DAILY LOW TIDE
                                                                       STREAM                          WATER TAB                    FTABLE      BORDER        POO
                                                                                                                                                                                      Lf
                                                                                                                                                                    LOWER HIGH MARSH  INTE@RTIDAL
                                                                                         RIVER                                                                                          FLAT              AQUATIC 13ED






                                                           SEEPAGE WETLAND       OVERFLOW     OVERFLOW           DEPRESSIONAL                              IRREGULARLY           REGULARLY         ESTU@RINE
                                                               ON SLOPE           WETLAND     WETLAND               WETLAND                                  FLOODED              FLOODED         DEEP WATER
                                                                                       DEEPWATER                                                               ZONE                 ZONE
                                                                                         HABITAT




                                                   Source: The Value of Wetlands: A Guide for Citizens, SE VA PDC, September, 1988

                                                                                                 4










                                                                                                   IV. VALUE OF WETLANDS


                                                                                                          Wetlands provide many ecological and socio-economic benefits, including: (1) fish and
                                                                                                   wildlife habitat, (2) aquatic productivity, (3) water quality improvement, (4) flood damage
                                                                                                   protection, (5) erosion control, (6) natural products for human use, and (7) opportunities for
                                                                                                   recreation and aesthetic appreciation. Wetlands have traditionally been considered unproductive
                                                                                                   wastelands, which has lead to their elimination by artificial draining or filling. This view has
                                                                                                   changed significantly as the connection between wetlands, wildlife, water quality, and other
                                                                                                   ecological and economic values have been evaluated. Each wetland works in combination with
                                                                                                   other wetlands as part of a complex, integrated system that delivers these benefits and others to
                                                                                                   society. An assessment of the value of a particular wetland must take this critical inter-
                                                                                                   relationship into account.

                                                                                                   Fish and Wildlife Habitat


                                                                                                          Wetlands are required by many types of animals and plants for survival. For many, like the
                                                                                                   wood duck and muskrat, or cattail and swamp rose, wetlands are their primary homes or habitats-
                                                                                                   the only places they can live. For other animals, such as striped bass or white-tailed deer,
                                                                                                   wetlands provide food, water, or cover that are important to their well-being, but wetlands are not
                                                                                                   their primary residences.

                                                                                                          Wetlands are particularly important habitats for estuarine and marine fishes and shellfish,
                                                                                                   various waterfowl, birds, and several mammals. Most commercial and game fishes use coastal
                                                                                                   marshes and estuaries as nursery or spawning grounds. A variety of birdlife is also associated
                                                                                                   vith wetlands. Ducks, geese, blackbirds, and a large number of songbirds feed, nest and raise
                                                                                                   their young in these wetlands. Muskrat and beaver are the most familiar wetland mammals.

                                                                                                   Aquatic Productivit

                                                                                                          Wetlands are among the most productive natural ecosystems in the world. Wetlands
                                                                                                   provide food to the aquatic environment in the form of decayed plant material, known as detritus,
                                                                                                   This enriched detritus serves as the principal food for many small aquatic invertebrates and forage
                                                                                                   fishes that are food for larger predatory fishes, such as bluefish and striped bass. These larger
                                                                                                   fishes are, in turn, consumed by people. Thus, wetlands provide an important source of food for
                                                                                                   people as well as for aquatic animals.








                                                                                                     Water Quality Improvements

                                                                                                             One of the most important values of wetlands is their ability to help maintain good water
                                                                                                     quality in our nation's rivers and other bodies of water, and to improve degraded waters.
                                                                                                     Wetlands do this in several ways: (1) removing and retaining nutrients, (2) processing chernical
                                                                                                     and organic waters, and (3 )) reducing sediment loads to receiving waters. Wetlands are
                                                                                                     particularly good water filters. Due to their position between upland and deep water, wetlands
                                                                                                     can both intercept surface-water runoff from land before it reaches open water and help filter
                                                                                                     nutrients, wastes, and sediment from flooding waters. This function is important in both urban
                                                                                                     and agricultural areas and to people as well as to aquatic and other wildlife.

                                                                                                            In addition, wetlands serve as recharge areas for groundwater aquifers and play an
                                                                                                     important role in water supply. Other wetlands are sites of groundwater discharge and provide
                                                                                                     important contributions to freshwater strearnflow, especially during drought conditions.

                                                                                                     Flood Damage Protection

                                                                                                            Wetlands have often been referred to as natural sponges that absorb flooding waters, yet
                                                                                                     they actually function more like natural tubs, storing flood waters that overflow river banks or
                                                                                                     surface water that collects in isolated depressions. By temporarily storing flood waters, wetlands
                                                                                                     help protect adjacent and downstream property owners from flood damage. Trees and other
                                                                                                     wetland plants help slow the speed of flood waters. This action combined with water storage
                                                                                                     allow -wetlands to lower flood heights and reduce the water's erosive potential. Wetlands in and
                                                                                                     upstream of urban areas are especially valuable for flood protection, since urban development
                                                                                                     increases the rate and volume of surface-water runoff, thereby increasing the risk of flood
                                                                                                     damage. In agricultural areas, wetlands help to reduce the likelihood of flood damage to crops.

                                                                                                     Erosion Control


                                                                                                          . Wetlands are often located between rivers and high ground and are, therefore, in a good
                                                                                                     position to buffer the land against erosion. Wetland plants are most important in this regard, since
                                                                                                     they increase the durability of the sediment through binding soil with their roots, dampening wave
                                                                                                     action by friction, and reducing current velocity through friction. The planting of wetland
                                                                                                     vegetation to control shoreline erosion in coastal environments is currently recommended.



                                                                                          6






                                                                                                   Natural Products

                                                                                                          A wealth of natural products is produced by wetlands. Products that are available for
                                                                                                   human use include timber, fish, and shellfish, wildlife, blueberries and peat moss. The Chesapeake
                                                                                                   Bay is the largest producer of blue crabs in the world and the largest single source of oysters in
                                                                                                   this country. Wetland grasses are hayed in many places for winter livestock feed and during the
                                                                                                   spring and summer, livestock graze in many freshwater marshes.

                                                                                                   Recreation and Aesthetics

                                                                                                          Many recreational activities take place in and around wetlands. Waterfowl hunting,
                                                                                                   fishing and crabbing are popular sports. Other recreation is largely nonconsumptive and involves
                                                                                                   activities like hiking, swimming, and boating. Many people simply enjoy the beauty and sounds of
                                                                                                   nature and spend their leisure time walking or boating in or near wetlands observing plant and
                                                                                                   animal life. Wetlands have also captured the attention of artists who have painted wetland scenes
                                                                                                   or have written about wetlands. Wetlands are one of our most valuable natural treasures.'

                                                                                                          ' The above information was presented in a 1987 U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service report
                                                                                                   and was adapted to reflect current Appomattox River Corridor conditions in regard to wetlands.


                                                                                                   V.     CAUSES OF WETLAND LOSS

                                                                                                          In Virginia, direct conversion of wetlands to cropland by draining and filling is responsible
                                                                                                   for almost half of the non-tidal wetlands lost each year. Other causes of non-tidal wetland loss
                                                                                                   include land development (mainly dredging and channelization projects for navigation and flood
                                                                                                   protection), construction of manmade lakes and ponds, and mineral mining,

                                                                                                          According to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, urban development, such as shoreline
                                                                                                   residential construction, which often involves filling, is responsible for almost half of the coastal
                                                                                                   wetlands lost each year in Virginia. Tidal wetlands are also lost due to the effects of
                                                                                                   impoundments and dredging which are usually associated with development.

                                                                                                          Pollution may destroy or degrade wetlands, primarily due to runoff of pesticides and
                                                                                                   sediment, but also due to direct sewage and industrial discharges.

                                                                                                          Additionally, natural forces may alter wetlands. Such phenomena as rising sea levels,
                                                                                                   natural succession, erosion or accretion, and the impacts of droughts and storms can irrevocably
                                                                                                   alter existing wetland conditions and distribution.













                                                                                                   VI. REGULATION OF WETLANDS


                                                                                                           The increased awareness of a need for water quality protection in the 1960s led to the
                                                                                                   passage of the Federal Water Pollution Act of 1972, later amended as the Clean Water Act. That
                                                                                                   act links the main goal of cleaning up the nation's waters with the goal of protecting wetlands.

                                                                                                   Federal Regulato1y Background

                                                                                                           Federal jurisdiction over wetlands, both tidal and non-tidal, is exercised primarily through
                                                                                                   Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This statute, and its comprehensive regulations, require that
                                                                                                   a permit be obtained from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers prior to the discharge of "fill
                                                                                                   material" into the navigable waters of the United States. Fill material is material primarily used to
                                                                                                   replace "an aquatic area with dryland" or to change "the bottom elevation of a water body."

                                                                                                           Although Section 404 specifically applies to navigable waters, this term is defined in the
                                                                                                   Act as the waters of the United States, which has a far broader scope than traditional navigable
                                                                                                   waters. Regulations of the Corps of Engineers (Corps) include tributaries of navigable waters,
                                                                                                   tidal and non-tidal wetlands, interstate waters, mudflats, sandflats, and intermittent streams. The
                                                                                                   regulatory definition of "wetlands" as defined in the Corps' 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual is
                                                                                                   based upon factors including hydrology, soil conditions and vegetation.

                                                                                                           Those activities subject to federal wetlands regulation include: the placing of fill,
                                                                                                   construction of sea walls, dikes, roadways, and other structures, laying of underwater and
                                                                                                   underground pipes and cables, and clearing or grubbing of land.

                                                                                                           Under Section 404 and the 404 Guidelines adopted by the U. S. Environmental Protection
                                                                                                   Agency (EPA), and administered by the Corps, a permit will not be issued if there is a practical
                                                                                                   alternative to the proposed discharge which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic
                                                                                                   ecosystem. With respect to wetlands, unless the purpose of the fill is "water dependent, practical
                                                                                                   alternatives are presumed to be available, unless clearly demonstrated otherwise." Further, "all
                                                                                                   practical alternatives ... which do not involve a discharge into a special aquatic site are presumed
                                                                                                   to have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem, unless clearly demonstrated other-wise."



                                                                                        8







                                                                                                              An application for a permit to fill or dredge is made to the District Corps' office (located in
                                                                                                      Norfolk, Virginia). The Corps can require the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                                      if it determines that the proposal represents a "significant impact on the quality of the
                                                                                                      environment", pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. A 30 day public comment
                                                                                                      period follows completion of the application, followed by comment review by staff. Public
                                                                                                      comments are routinely sent to the applicants for their response. Pursuant to an interagency
                                                                                                      Memorandum of Agreement between the EPA, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service ("FWS") and
                                                                                                      National Marine Fisheries Service, any one agency can object and withhold the Corps' approval of
                                                                                                      the application.


                                                                                                      Virginia Regulato!y Background

                                                                                                             Tidal Wetlands


                                                                                                             The Wetlands Protection Act was passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1972 to
                                                                                                      regulate the use of vegetated tidal wetlands in Virginia. In 1982 this Act was amended to include
                                                                                                      non-vegetated tidal wetlands, such as tidal flats, sandy beaches,. and oyster reefs. The Act   -
                                                                                                      requires a special permit prior to initiation of any use or development of a tidal wetland, such as
                                                                                                      construction, dredging, or filling. In addition, the Act empowers individual localities to establish
                                                                                                      their own wetlands boards for the purpose of reviewing and deciding permit requests. Two
                                                                                                      jurisdictions in the Corridor, the Cities of Colonial Heights and Hopewell, established wetlands
                                                                                                      boards. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) has ultimate authority to
                                                                                                      administer the Wetlands Protection Act, and reviews all decisions handed down by-the local
                                                                                                      boards. Decisions which will not achieve the policy or standards in the Act may be formally
                                                                                                      appealed by the Commissioner and modified, remanded, or revised. The Commission also decides
                                                                                                      permit requests in localities that have not yet established wetlands boards.

                                                                                                             Virginia maintains a ranking system based on relative environmental value. The system is
                                                                                                      designed to guide economic development into wetland communities of lesser environmental value.

                                                                                                             The VMRC has recently adopted regulations entitled Wetlands Mitigation Compensation
                                                                                                      Policy. These regulations evaluate projects which may require wetlands mitigation or
                                                                                                      compensation. They recommend that compensation be required on a limited basis to replace
                                                                                                      unavoidable wetland losses.



                                                                                          9





                                                                                                          To destroy and compensate wetlands, three criteria must be met: (1) all reasonable
                                                                                                  mitigation actions, including alternate siting, must be included in the proposal; (2) the proposal
                                                                                                  must be water dependent; and (3) the proposal must demonstrate "overwhelming" public and
                                                                                                  private benefits.

                                                                                                          Nontidal Wetlands


                                                                                                          Virginia does not operate an independent program for protecting nontidal wetlands. Legal
                                                                                                  authority to regulate nontidal wetlands is derived primarily from Section 404 of the Clean Water
                                                                                                  Act of 1972, as amended.

                                                                                                          Implementation of the Section 404 program for nontidal wetlands in Virginia has not been
                                                                                                  guided by state policy and has followed the wetlands policies of the various federal agencies.

                                                                                                          Section 401 of the Clean Water Act gives the state authority to deny approval of any
                                                                                                  Section 404 wetlands permit that violates state water quality standards. This authority allows the
                                                                                                  Commonwealth to use standards developed in response to state needs in the protection of
                                                                                                  nontidal wetlands.


                                                                                                         In 1990, in an attempt to enhance wetlands management, Virginia obtained increased
                                                                                                  authority under the Section 404 program. In addition to its standard Section 401 review of
                                                                                                  Section 404 permits, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality currently reviews permits
                                                                                                  for activities in headwater wetlands which would otherwise be automatically granted under
                                                                                                  Nationwide Permit 26 of the federal wetlands program.

                                                                                                         Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act

                                                                                                         The regulations implementing the 1999 Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act create
                                                                                                  Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas which, unlike the Wetlands Act, can include nontidal as well
                                                                                                  as tidal wetlands, if they are connected by surface flow and contiguous to tidal wetlands or
                                                                                                  tributary streams. These areas must be included in Resource Protection Areas (RPAs), which
                                                                                                  trigger restrictions on development and require buffer zones in most cases. The regulations also
                                                                                                  suggest that all other nontidal wetlands be considered for inclusion in separate Resource
                                                                                                  Management Areas, (RMAs), which are subject to less strict limitations on development. In these
                                                                                                  RMAs, broad limitations are placed on land-disturbing activities, removal of vegetation, use of
                                                                                                  impervious cover, erosion and sediment control, sewage treatment and disposal, stormwater
                                                                                                  management, agricultural and silvicultural runoff and other aspects of land use that may have
                                                                                                  effects on water quality. Performance standards are to be incorporated into local comprehensive
                                                                                                  plans, zoning regulations, and other ordinances as they relate to these areas.

                                                                                      10












                                                                                                VU. WETLAND IVIAPS


                                                                                                        Maps A, B, C, D & E of the following pages present the wetlands along the Appomattox
                                                                                                River Corridor. They are produced in accordance with the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
                                                                                                maps. The NWI maps were developed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and show wetland
                                                                                                boundaries as delineated from aerial photographs taken in April, 1974. The small scale of the
                                                                                                photography and inherent margin of error in photo interpretation render the maps most useful for
                                                                                                general land use planning. The NWI maps are not meant to be used for regulatory purposes. An
                                                                                                update and more detailed inventory of wetlands in the Corridor, using color infrared photo
                                                                                                imaginaries, is planned and will be underway as soon as funding is secured.

                                                                                                        The existing wetland maps illustrate the extent, type and location of wetlands on overlays
                                                                                                to the Standard U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute quadrangle maps. A wetland legend,
                                                                                                a general description of the classification scheme, and an example of its application can be found
                                                                                                in Appendix A.








             Map A


             Open Water

             Tidal Wetland                                                                       ...Joe
          EJ
                                                   &PO
          El  Non-Tidal Wetland
                                                    A
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                                                                                  Map C


                                             c                                   Open Water                                    1"    2,000'
                                                                                 Tidal Wetland


                                                                                 Non-Tidal Wetland








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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    SYMBOLOGY EXAMPLE
                                                                                                                                                                   Appendix A                                                                                                                        SYSTEM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           SUBSYSTEM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         /.,--CLASS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     E2EM5N
                                                                                                                                                          WETLAND LEGEND                                                                                                                                         11@ SUBCLASS, WATER REGIME

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     UPLAND (NON-WETLANDS)



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Pf or PKf            FARMED WETLANDS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   CONTROLLED WATER REGIME




                                                                    ECOLOGICAL                                                                                                                                                      P         PALUSTRINE
                                                                         SYSTEM
                                                                      No Subsystem                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              01W - OPEN WATER/
                                                                                                   RS - ROCK US               UNCONSOLIDATED                                                                                   ML - MOSSI                             EMERGENT                       SS - SCRUa/SMAUS                         FO - FCRESTED                        Untno-n Bottom
                                                                             CLASS                   BOTTOM                    Sorrom                        AS - AQUATIC BED                              FL7FLAT                  LICHEN                   EM
                                                                            Subclass                I So   .drock         i Cobble/Gravel                 1  Submargent Algal                 I  CobbleiGraval                    I Moss               IPersistent                                I  Broad-leaved Deciduous              I Broad-leaved Deciduous
                                                                                                    2 Boulder             2 Sand                          2  Submergent vascular              2  Sand                             2 Lichen             2Nonoematent                               2  Needle-leaved Deciduous             2 Needle-leaved Deciduous
                                                                                                                          3 Mud                           3  Submargent MOSS                  3  Mud                                                   3Narrow-leaved Nonpersistent               3  Broad-leaved Evergreen              3 Broad-leaved Evergre*n
                                                                                                                          4 Organic                       4  Floating-feaved                  4  Organic                                               4Broad-leaved NO"Oersistant                4  Ne"e-leaved Evergreen               4 Ne*dle-leav   ad Evergreen
                                                                                                                                                          5  Floating                         S  Vegetated Pioneer                                     5Narro-71eaved Persistent                  S  Dead                                5 Dead
                                                                                                                                                          a  Unknown Submergent               8  Vegetated Non-pioneer                                 6Broad-leaved Persistent                   8  Deciduous                           6 Deciduous
                                                                                                                                                          7  Unknown Surface                                                                                                                      7  Evergreen                           7 E-jefgreeri.





                                                                                                                                                                                                 MODIFYING TERMS
                                                                                                   In order to more adequately describe wetland and aquatic habitats one Or more of the water regime, water chemistry, soil, or special modifiers
                                                                                                                 may be applied at the class or lower level in the hier                                    archy. The farmed modifier may also be applied to the ecological system.
                                                                                          WATER REGIME(l)                                                                                                                                       WATER CHEMISTRY                                                                       SOIL                               SPECIAL MODIFIERS
                                                           Non-Tidal                                                                                  Tidal                                                Coastal Salinity                Inland SafiniTy               pH Modifiers for all Fresh Water                          g Otgan.c             b Beaver                               h DikedlImpounded
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   n Mineral             d Partially Orained/Oirch*d r              Artificial
                          A Temporary                           H   Permanent                                             K   Artificial                     R     -Seasonal Tidal                         IHypefhaline                       7 Hypersaline                            a Acid                                                            I   Farmed                             s   Spoil
                          11 Saturated                          J   Intermittently Flooded                                L   Subtidal                       S     Temporary Tidal                         2Euhaline                          8 EU3aline                               I    Circumneutrai                                                                                       2   Excavated
                          c. Seasonal                           K   Artifictal                                            M   Irregularly Exposed            T     Semipermanent Tidal                     3Mixoholine (Brackish)             9 Mi.osaiina                             I     Alkaline
                          D  Seasonal Wall-drained              Z   Intermittently Exposed/Parmanenc                      N   Regular                        V     Permanent Tidal                         4Po),rhahne                        0 Fresh
                             Seasonal Sallurated                W   Intermittently Flooded/Temporary                      P   Irregular                      U     Unknown                                 5Mesahaline
                          F  Samiceemanent                      Y   SaturatediSemipertnanent/Seasonais                                                                                                     6Oligohaline
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     4E@
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                          G  IntermirtentlY Exposed             U   Unknown                                                                                                                                0Fresh


                     (1)  Information on the water regime modifiers found on this legend, but not found in the classificaticn system,                                                                      may be obtained from the above listed source.
                             Source: National Wetlands Inventory Map, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1990.

                                                                                                                                                                    17























                                            Appendix B



                                           Virginia Wetlands
                                          Historical Summary



            Background

                   1966        Virginia legislature establishes special Marine Resources Study Commission.
 00

                   1967        Study Commission recommends special study on marsh and wetlands.

                   1968        Legislature directs Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) to conduct
                                 the wetlands study.

                   1970-72     Public hearings, drafting of Wetlands Act and research to determine wetlands
                                 definitions and upper limits of wetlands.

                   1972        Wetlands Act enacted, to become effective July 1, 1972.
                               First local wetlands boards established.
                               VIMS also commences wetlands inventory.

                   1973        VIMS publishes management manual for wetlands boards.

                   1974        VIMS publishes recommended wetlands guidelines.
                               Wetlands Guidelines promulgated by Virginia Marine Resource Commission
                                 (VMRC)
                               Wetlands of Back Bay and the North Landing River and its Tributaries
                                 added by amendments to Wetlands Act.

                   1982        Nonvegetated wetlands added to Wetlands Act by amendment.

                   1983        Wetlands Guidelines revised to include nonvegetated areas.

                   1987        Wetlands Act amended to allow reporting, site inspections, notice to comply
                               and stop work orders.

                   1989        Wetlands Mitigation-Compensation Policy adopted by VMRC.

                   1991        Wetlands inventories to be maintained and updated using computer-based
                                 Geographical Information System (GIS).

                   1992        Wetlands and Dunes Act "streamlined," along with other legislation, by the
                                 Division of Legislative Services.

                   1995        "Virginia Wetlands Management Handbook" is revised and updated.



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