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Wetlands Characteristics and Boundaries (1995) / Chapter Skim
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9 REGULATION OF WETLANDS: ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
Pages 207-214

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From page 207...
... In this sense, science, law, and policy are all relevant to the delineation of wetlands. The complexity of the regulatory system produces administrative problems that can affect the scientific validity and consistency of wetland delineations, regardless of the underlying scientific basis for regulation.
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From page 208...
... There also are some problems among the field offices of various federal agencies over delineations performed by agencies other than their own. These systemic issues impede development of scientifically valid, consistently applied delineation standards.
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From page 209...
... Standards for Expertise, Training, and Certification The expertise necessary for delineation of wetlands should be clarified by the federal agencies that establish delineation protocols. Wetland delineators are expected to have some scientific background, but the type of training is not specified.
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From page 210...
... Public education can highlight the need for expertise in wetlands delineation. Verification of Delineations Wetland delineations vary in the degree to which they are subject to quality assurance and quality control.
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From page 211...
... The NRCS National Technical Center has quality assurance teams with nationwide responsibility for quality assurance, including training, technical assistance, and consistency. Each state must have a quality control program that is consistent with national guidance.
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From page 212...
... ; it would promote comparison among wetland delineations based on particular features (such as soils and vegetation) ; it would facilitate research on wetland delineations; it would provide access to records of prior delineations on specific parcels; and it could generate an overview for the entire federal regulatory program.
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From page 213...
... Where wetland delineation cannot be undertaken on request, however, the factors that cause the delay must be explained and must be related to technical concerns for validity of delineation. Use of Flow Diagrams and Charts Decision trees and flow charts provide a method for structuring wetland delineations.
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From page 214...
... 9. Consolidation of all wetland regulatory functions into a single federal agency would improve the consistency of wetland delineations but should not be implemented without appropriate oversight and quality assurance.
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Key Terms

  • wetland delineation
  • professional judgment
  • delineation standards
  • regulatory programs
  • delineation manual

  • wetland delineators
  • certified delineators
  • conduct wetland
  • private delineators
  • food security

  • field tests
  • agricultural lands
  • inadequate training
  • public confidence
  • certification program

  • substantive standards
  • agency lines
  • agencies involved
  • delineations performed
  • security act

  • interagency differences
  • provisionally certified
  • regional differences
  • delineation requires
  • facilitate research

  • useful record
  • improper application
  • promote comparison
  • jurisdictional lines
  • broad exercise


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