Delineations are conducted according to the procedures identified in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual. Prior to the field investigation, a secondary data review is conducted for the project area, a site reconnaissance is conducted, and a baseline and transects are designated for the appropriate characterization of wetland and upland communities within the project area. While conducting the delineation, observation points are selected within each community and, when wetlands are encountered, transitional features are identified to locate the wetland-upland transition point, which corresponds to the jurisdictional wetland boundary. At each observation point and at wetland-upland transitions, soil characteristics, hydrology, and dominant vegetation are studied and recorded along with any morphological adaptations by plant species to wet conditions. Photographs are also taken to document site conditions. Wetland boundaries are marked, surveyed, and mapped. Aquascape has a 100 percent success rate for obtaining jurisdictional determination approvals.

Assessments are performed to determine the functions and values of any wetland areas that are to be impacted by proposed activities. These functions and values are in turn used in the development of a mitigation plan to provide acceptable in-kind replacement of wetland resources. Aquascape and its associates have strong backgrounds in ecology, biology, design, engineering, and construction, allowing for innovative and creative solutions to be successfully implemented in mitigation designs. Aquascape has also designed enhanced restoration plans for wetland-upland transition areas and adjacent upland areas to provide increased habitat opportunities that will support local wildlife populations. On sensitive permitting issues, Aquascape takes a proactive approach resulting in mitigation plans that are attractive to regulators.

Wetland delineation and assessment projects include the following: Atlantic States Materials, Proposed New Bedford Mine: delineation Cooperstown Sand and Gravel Mine: delineation H&H Materials, Hutcheson Mine: mitigation design and assessment/monitoring Hoffmeier Property (small business owner): delineation IESI, Blue Ridge Landfill: mitigation design/construction/supervision North Coast Energy, Enterline Natural Gas Well: delineation Quality Aggregates:       Fisher Mine: delineation and monitoring, mitigation design/construction       Proposed Myers Mine: delineation and mitigation design Waste Management:       Lake View Landfill: delineation       Northwest Sanitary Landfill: delineation and mitigation design/construction