Wetlands

MISSION

The Biologists stationed at the Regional Offices are responsible for reviewing Wetland Alteration Permit Applications submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection. The reviews involve a careful study of the applications and in most cases site visits are made. Written comments are prepared which describe the nature of the marine environment and major flora and fauna at the site of the proposed project. A statement as to whether or not the activity will adversely affect marine resources or impede navigation or the recreational use of the area is made along with recommendation for actions which will mitigate or compensate for likely damages. Should the application come before the Board of Environmental Protection, the Biologist is sometimes asked to testify and answer questions concerning submitted comments.

The biologists submit their comments to the DMR Environmental Coordinator. Select the following link to go to the DMR's Wetlands and Permit Review page: Wetlands and Permit Review.

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REVIEWS

The Wetlands Alteration Permit Application review comments prepared by this office are submitted to the DMR Wetlands Coordinator. The comments are edited, combined with any additional information or comments and then submitted to the Commissioner for signature.

This section contains a simple example of the comments submitted by this office. The actual comments themselves are not available to the public. A description of the various terms used in the comments concludes this section.

Sample Review Comment

Wetlands Alteration Project Review

Project Information

Project #: 19876	Applicant: Smith	Site Visit: Yes
Project: Pier, Ramp, Float	Reviewer: Card	Date: 09/23/04
Location: Bayside	Analyst: Maxwell

Project Description

The applicant proposes to construct a 4' x 45' pile supported pier with a seasonal 3' x 30' ramp and 8' x 16' float. The pilings are to be untreated oak and the rest of the structure pressure treated southern pine with galvanized fastenings.

Site Description

The site of the proposed project is a low energy unconsolidated shore. The upland is developed with a house and lawn. The intertidal zone is approximately 100' wide with a variable slope. The supratidal is the base of a 10' high, vegetated bank. The upper intertidal is thatch. The mid intertidal is a mix of thatch, cobble, stone and gravel with a few boulders. The lower intertidal and subtidal are sand. There is a fringing marsh approximately 36' wide. Barnacles and periwinkles are present. There are scattered mussels and soft-shell clams.

Project Impact

This project as proposed will not adversely affect marine resources. Navigation and recreation will not be impeded.

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DEFINITIONS

Shore Classifications

Classes

Rocky Shore: Ledge, boulder and/or stone is the predominate substrate.
Unconsolidated Shore: Sediments ranging from clay to cobble make up the predominant substrate.
Mixed Shore: Neither of the above substrates predominate.
Man-made Shore: The predominant substrate is a constructed surface such as wood, stone, metal or concrete. Examples include bulkheads, docks and seawalls.

Subclasses
High Energy: The shore is exposed to high wave action or strong currents.
Moderate Energy: The shore is partially protected from high wave action or is exposed to moderate currents.
Low Energy: The shore is protected from wave action and currents are low.

Terms

Flora

Heavy Cover: Flora covers 75% or more of the substrate.
Moderate Cover: Flora covers approximately 50% of the substrate.
Light Cover: Flora covers 25% or less of the ubstrate.
Sparse: Individual plants are scattered about.

Fauna

Abundant

There are more than ten individuals per square foot.
Present: There are between one and ten individuals per square foot.
Scattered: There are less than one individual per square foot.
Rare: An occasional individual is identified.

Sediment

Individual Terms (Size)

Boulder (>2')
Stone (1-2')
Cobble (3"-1')
Gravel (2-3")
Pebble (1/8-2")
Granule (1/16-1/8")
Very Coarse Sand (1-2mm)
Coarse Sand (0.5-1mm)
Medium Sand (0.25-0.5mm)
Fine Sand (0.125-0.25mm)
Very Fine Sand (0.0625-0.125mm)
Silt (0.002-0.0625mm)
Clay (less than 0.002mm)

Collective Terms (Size)

Riprap (angular rock >6")
Gravel (1/16-3")
Sand (0.0625-2mm)
Mud (less than 0.0625)

Special Term

Thatch: The roots and organic debris making up the substrate of salt marshes.

Landforms

Slope: Ground that forms a gradual slope, 10-20 degrees.
Bank: A steep slope, 20-60 degrees, less than 10' in height.
Bluff: A steep slope, 20-60 degrees, more than 10' in height.
Cliff: A very steep, vertical or overhanging face of rock or earth, 60-90 degrees.

Structures

Pier: A pile or post supported platform extending from shore to the edge of navigable waters primarily used to move passengers and cargo to and from vessels by way of a ramp and float.
Dock: A pile, stone or filled bulkhead supported platform, perpendicular to shore and extending into navigable waters primarily used for the loading and unloading of vessels.
Wharf: A pile, stone or filled bulkhead supported platform, parallel to shore and extending into navigable waters primarily used for the loading and unloading of vessels.

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MUNICIPAL SHELLFISH MANAGEMENT