+--------------------+-------------------------------------------------+
| ![]                | > **Resource Report Appendix 2D --**            |
| (media/image1.wmf) | >                                               |
|                    | > **WETLAND DELINEATION AND WATERBODY**         |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **IDENTIFICATION REPORT**                     |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **AES SPARROWS POINT PROJECT**                |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties,      |
|                    | > MARYLAND**                                    |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **and**                                       |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **Lancaster and chester counties,             |
|                    | > PENNSYLVANIA**                                |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **Prepared for:**                             |
|                    |                                                 |
|                    | **AES Sparrows Point, LNG and**                 |
|                    |                                                 |
|                    | **Mid-Atlantic Express Pipeline, LLC**          |
|                    |                                                 |
|                    | **140 Professional Parkway, Suite A**           |
|                    |                                                 |
|                    | **Lockport, New York 14094**                    |
|                    |                                                 |
|                    | > **Submitted by:**                             |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **Northern Ecological Associates, Inc.**      |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **10 Lafayette Square, Suite 1601**           |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **Buffalo, New York 14203**                   |
|                    | >                                               |
|                    | > **December 2006**                             |
+--------------------+-------------------------------------------------+

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

Section Page

[1.0 INTRODUCTION 1](#introduction)

[2.0 WETLAND DELINEATION 2](#wetland-delineation)

[2.1 Methods 2](#methods)

[2.1.1 Background Research 2](#background-research)

[2.1.2 On-Site Field Delineation 3](#on-site-field-delineation)

[2.1.3 GPS Mapping 4](#gps-mapping)

[2.2 Results of Background Information Review
4](#results-of-background-information-review)

[2.2.1 General Area Description 4](#general-area-description)

[2.2.3 Mapped Wetlands 5](#mapped-wetlands)

[2.2.2 Soils 5](#soils)

[2.3 Results of Field Surveys 6](#results-of-field-surveys)

[3.0 WATERBODY IDENTIFICATION 9](#waterbody-identification)

[3.1 Methods 9](#methods-1)

[3.2 Mapped Waterbodies 9](#mapped-waterbodies)

[3.3 Results of Field Surveys 9](#results-of-field-surveys-1)

[4.0 Summary 10](#summary)

[5.0 REFERENCES 11](#references)

**LIST OF FIGURES (APPENDIX A)**

**[Figure Description]{.smallcaps}**

Figure 1. Project Area and NWI Wetlands

Figure 2. Soils Crossed by Proposed Sparrows Point Project

Figure 3. Floodplain Maps

Figure 4. Detailed Wetland Locations on 1:200 Scale Alignment Sheets;

> Incorporated by Reference located in Resource Report Appendix 1A

**LIST OF TABLES (APPENDIX B)**

**[Table Description]{.smallcaps}**

Table 1. USGS Maps

Table 2. Soil Survey Data

Table 3. NWI Maps

Table 4. Wetlands Crossed by Sparrows Point Project

Table 5. Waterbodies Crossed by Sparrows Point Project

**LIST OF APPENDICES**

**[Appendix Description]{.smallcaps}**

APPENDIX A FIGURES

APPENDIX b TABLES

APPENDIX c WETLAND DELINEATION data forms

APPENDIX D WATERBODY data forms

APPENDIX E PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD

#  INTRODUCTION

Northern Ecological Associates, Inc. (NEA) was contracted by AES
Sparrows Point LNG, LLC (AES) and Mid-Atlantic Express Pipeline, LLC to
perform a wetland delineation and waterbody identification study for a
new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and an associated natural gas
pipeline. Together, the Sparrows Point LNG Terminal and Pipeline
projects are referred to as the Sparrows Point Project (Project). Both
AES Sparrows Point LNG, LLC and Mid-Atlantic Express, LLC (hereinafter
collectively referred to as AES) are subsidiaries of The AES
Corporation.

The Sparrows Point LNG Terminal will be located on an approximately
80-acre parcel within the existing Sparrows Point Industrial Complex
located in Baltimore County, Maryland, with approximately 45 acres of
upland area and the remainder of the site a near-shore riparian rights
area (Figure 1, Appendix A).

The natural gas pipeline will extend from the Sparrows Point LNG
Terminal to interconnections with existing interstate natural gas
pipeline transmission systems near Eagle, Pennsylvania (Figure 1,
Appendix A).

The pipeline route generally parallels existing rights-of-way for
highways, overhead electric transmission and pipelines. More
specifically it:

-   Exits the former Sparrows Point Shipyard and steel mill property,
    north to northeast for approximately 2 miles (MP 0.0 to 2.0);

-   Follows Route I-695 with the exception of minor divergences (to
    avoid interchanges) north and northwest for approximately 6 miles
    (MP 2.0 to 8.0);

-   Turns north to northeast and follows an overhead powerline
    transmission corridor for approximately 24.5 miles (MP 8.0 and 32.5)
    near the Back Creek crossing; and

-   Turns northeast and generally parallels the existing pipeline
    corridor for approximately 54 miles (from MP 32.5 to its terminus
    near Eagle, Pennsylvania) at an intersection with the right-of-way
    for an existing Columbia pipeline the route.).

Pipeline facilities will be installed within a 50-foot-wide permanent
easement with an additional 25 feet of temporary workspace. A
construction right-of-way (CROW) of 75 feet was utilized for the
purposes of this survey. In areas where the ROW must be restricted
(e.g., near residential areas) the CROW would be reduced accordingly; in
areas where additional temporary workspace is needed for roadway or
waterbody crossing, or additional storage of topsoil (such as in
agricultural areas), up to an additional 50 feet of temporary workspace
may be needed. For the proposed pipeline ROW, NEA surveyed 150-foot wide
corridor generally centered on the flagged centerlines.

The purpose of the investigation was to determine the presence and
extent of areas within the Project area that meet the criteria for
Waters of the United States according to the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers' (USACE) guidelines, and that are potentially jurisdictional
and regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Section 2 of
this report provides an overview of the wetland survey methods and
results, Section 3 provides waterbody identification methods and
results, Section 4 provides a brief summary of findings and Section 5
contains a list of references. All figures are attached in Appendix A
and tables in Appendix B. Appendix C provides copies of wetland
delineation data forms and Appendix D includes waterbody forms. Appendix
E provides the photograph logs for wetlands and streams identified
within the Project area.

AES has been granted access to the private and public properties along
the project route where wetland delineations have been performed by the
owners/managers of those properties, and the permission has been in
writing, permit form (for public property where required) or documented
in writing by the land agents working with the property owners. Appendix
1B of Resource Report 1 submitted to the Commission, contains an
Affected Land Owner List. In the majority of properties crossed by the
project, the landowners require notice prior to visitation to the
property. If the USACE desires access to one or more particular
properties for wetland jurisdictional determination, AES will re-contact
the subject owner for permission of the USACE to visit the particular
property(s). It is AES's understanding that any field visits by the
USACE will be coordinated with AES at least 14 days in advance and are
subject to landowner schedule and conditions of entry.

# WETLAND DELINEATION

The purpose of NEA's on-site wetland delineation survey was to obtain
detailed, accurate information on wetlands present within the Project
area to facilitate environmental permitting and construction planning
efforts. The specific objectives were to identify and survey all areas
that meet the USACE wetland identification criteria.

## Methods

Based on current USACE policy for identifying jurisdictional wetlands,
wetland delineation was conducted using the USACE Wetlands Delineation
Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987). The Routine On-Site
Determination Method, as described in the USACE manual, was selected as
the most appropriate technique to meet the objectives of the study. This
technique involved collection and review of background information
followed by on-site delineation surveys. Wetland cover-types were
classified according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
classification system for wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United
States (Cowardin et al. 1979).

### 2.1.1 Background Research {#background-research .unnumbered}

Prior to conducting fieldwork, NEA reviewed existing information for the
Project Area, including:

-   Pennsylvania and Maryland United States Geological Survey (USGS)
    7.5-minute series topographic quadrangle maps covering the Project
    area (listed in Table 1 in Appendix B);

-   Lancaster and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Harford
    and Cecil Counties Maryland County Soil survey maps, descriptions
    and lists (United States Department of Agriculture/Soil Conservation
    Service \[USDA/SCS\]**,** to determine presence and extent of hydric
    and upland soils;

-   National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps available from the USFWS for
    the Project area (listed in Table 3in Appendix B) (USFWS 2005)

-   Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maps to determine the
    presence of mapped, state-designated wetlands and Wetlands of
    Special State Concern (MDDNR); and

-   Digital Ortho Imagery to identify drainage and other hydrologic
    features from aerial photographs dated 2005.

### 2.1.2 On-Site Field Delineation {#on-site-field-delineation .unnumbered}

Following a review of background information, experienced wetland
scientists from NEA performed systematic field surveys of the Project
Area between May 18 and October 10, 2006 to delineate wetlands.
Two-person teams comprised of experienced wetland scientists and GPS
technicians performed the surveys. The surveys consisted of walk-over
inspections of the Project Area to identify topographic, drainage and
vegetation features that would indicate the potential for wetland
classification.

Where potential wetlands were found, pairs of sample plots were
established to document wetland boundaries. One sample plot of each pair
was located within the wetland community and the second within the
adjacent upland community.

All wetlands were assigned a letter and number code based on the
associated Project Area (e.g., "LL95WA1", where LL95 equates to the
Project Area line list number, and WA1 correlates to wetland #1,
delineated by team A). Wetlands and water bodies were tallied
sequentially for each resource found on each Project Area (e.g., WA1,
WA2, SA3, WA4 etc., where W denotes wetland and S denotes stream or
water body).

All sample plots were investigated according to the Routine On-Site
Wetland Determination Method (Environmental Laboratory 1987), which
involves a detailed examination of the vegetation, soils and hydrologic
indicators. NEA's wetland scientists completed field data forms that
follow the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual format. Specific methods
for characterizing and evaluating the vegetation, soils and hydrologic
indicators within the plant communities are described below.

> *Vegetation:* Dominant plant species in each major vegetation stratum
> (tree, sapling/shrub and herbaceous) were identified within 10-meter
> radius sample plots. The wetland indicator status of each species was
> assigned according to the National List of Plant Species that Occur in
> Wetlands: Region 1 (Reed 1988). Hydrophytic vegetation was determined
> to be present where more than 50 percent of the dominant species from
> all vegetation strata were classified as facultative (FAC),
> facultative wetland (FACW) or obligate wetland species (OBL).
>
> *Soils:* A soil auger was used at each sample plot to extract a core
> sample to a depth of 18 inches or until rocky substrate resulted in
> auger refusal. The soils were characterized by determining the color
> and texture of each soil horizon. Soil matrix and mottle colors were
> identified using Munsell Soil Color Charts (Munsell Color 1988).
> Mineral soils were considered hydric if they exhibited a matrix chroma
> of 2 or less with mottles, or a matrix color of 1 or less without
> mottles in the horizon immediately below the A-horizon, or 10 inches,
> whichever was less. Additional indicators were examined for
> determining presence of hydric soils including histic epipedons,
> sulfidic odors, aquic moisture regimes and concretions.
>
> *Hydrology:* Each sample plot was examined for evidence of wetland
> hydrology. Indicators of wetland hydrology included inundation,
> saturation in the upper 12 inches of the soil, hummocks, water marks
> on vegetation, drift lines, drainage patterns, oxidized root channels
> in the upper 12 inches, water-stained leaves and the FAC-Neutral Test.
> The presence of standing water or depth to soil saturation were
> recorded, when applicable.

Wetland boundaries were flagged and marked with the wetland code and
consecutive flag numbers. Wetlands were photographed at representative
locations, typically in the vicinity of NEA's wetland sample plot.
Additional notes and sketches of the wetlands were recorded on wetland
delineation data forms and Project aerial photographs. Wetland
delineation forms and photograph logs are included in Appendices C and
E.

### 2.1.3 GPS Mapping {#gps-mapping .unnumbered}

Wetland borders were located using a Trimble, Inc. Pathfinder Pro XL
Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (Sunnyvale, CA) and TDC1 data
logger. Wetland boundary flags were surveyed according to Trimble, Inc.
sub-meter accuracy standards. Sub-meter accuracy was ensured at each
wetland flag point through the collection of a minimum of 20
measurements with a Precisional Dilution of Position (PDOP) no greater
than 4.0, or a minimum of 60 measurements with a PDOP no greater than
6.0. Although uncommon, surveyed points that did not meet the sub-meter
accuracy criterion due to restricted satellite reception (caused by
heavy vegetation or topography) were identified as such in field log
books.

GPS data were corrected differentially using Pathfinder Office 3.0
software (Trimble Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) and commercial base station
control points. A geo-referenced wetland delineation boundary suitable
for overlay onto Project maps and aerial photographs was created using a
combination of AutoCAD 2004 (AutoDesk, Inc.; San Rafael, CA) and ArcView
(Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.; Redlands, CA) GIS
mapping software.

## Results of Background Information Review

### 2.2.1 General Area Description {#general-area-description .unnumbered}

The Sparrows Point Project is located in three distinct ecoregions as
described by the USDA Forest Service (Bailey 1994). The Project Area
begins at the Sparrows Point marine terminal, located in the Humid
Temperate Domain (identification number 200), Subtropical Division
(230), Outer Coastal Plain Mixed Forest Province (232) Ecoregion (Bailey
1994). The southern-most portion of the pipeline is also located in the
above described ecoregion. The central portion of the pipeline is
located within the Humid Temperate Domain (200) Subtropical Division
(230), Southeastern Mixed Forest Province (231). Near where the pipeline
crosses the Maryland and Pennsylvania state border, the pipeline enters
the Humid Temperate Domain (200), Hot Continental Regime Mountains
(M220), Central Appalachian Broadleaf Forest- Coniferous Forest - Meadow
Province (M221) Ecoregion.

Land use surrounding the Project area varies along its approximate
87-mile route. Appendix 1A of Resource Report 1 submitted to the
Commission contains alignment sheets of the Project based on aerial
photography depicting current land use. The initial approximately 10
miles heading north from Sparrows Point is used primarily for industrial
and commercial applications. The proposed pipeline and facilities
located within this region, once out of the Sparrows Point area, run
parallel or are adjacent to Interstate 695. The topography is primarily
level lowland bordered by waterbodies draining into the Baltimore Harbor
or Back River watersheds. The route continues north-northeast along an
overhead powerline transmission corridor for approximately 25 miles;
this section travels primarily through commercial and residential areas.
The topography is primarily flat to gently rolling except for some
increased elevations around the Gunpowder Falls Creek and State Park. At
an intersection of the powerline right-of-way and an existing Columbia
pipeline corridor, the proposed pipeline begins to parallel the existing
Columbia pipeline heading northeast for approximately 54 miles until its
terminus near Eagle, Pennsylvania. The land use remains predominantly
rural residential with an increase in agriculture usage. The topography
consists of rolling hills and high pasture lands as the proposed
pipeline travels northward (see Figure 1, Sheets 1-32). Site conditions
are photo-documented in Appendix E.

### 2.2.3 Mapped Wetlands {#mapped-wetlands .unnumbered}

USFWS NWI maps were available for the entire Project area. NWI
information was overlain over current USGS topographic maps to provide
both wetland and topographic information (Figures 1, Sheets 1-32).

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has mapped
state-designated wetlands. These wetlands are included on the USGS
topographic excerpts, which are located in Appendix A as Figure No. 1,
and identified separately from the NWI wetlands.

Pennsylvania does not maintain maps of state-designated wetlands.

### 2.2.2 Soils {#soils .unnumbered}

A review of soil survey data for Pennsylvania and Maryland indicated
that 62 soil types are mapped within the Project Area (United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Soil
Survey for Cecil County, Maryland December 1973, Harford County,
Maryland December 1975, Baltimore County, Maryland December 1976, and
USDA 2006). Of these 62 soil types, 24 are designated as hydric soils by
the NRCS (Figure 2; Table 1, Appendix B). Table 1 summarizes the soil
symbol, soil name, taxonomy and hydric soil status of each soil type
mapped within the Project Area.

4.  Floodplain Maps

Flood maps depicting the 100 year flood elevation for the entire Project
were available for review (Figures 3, sheets 1-32). Federal Emergency
Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information for
Maryland (from 1996) was obtained from the Maryland State Geographic
Information Center. Flood map data(from 1996) for Pennsylvania was
obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

## 2.3 Results of Field Surveys {#results-of-field-surveys .unnumbered}

Field surveys were performed along approximately 71 miles of the total
approximately 87.57-mile project corridor. The remaining approximately
16.57-miles was unable to be surveyed due to lack of access during the
survey period; this area will be completed upon acquisition of property
access. Within this 71 -mile area, NEA delineated 94 well-defined areas
that meet the USACE wetland criteria that would be crossed by, or are
directly adjacent to, the Project Area (Table 4; Figure 4). Seventy four
(74) of these wetlands occur within the construction workspace of the
project, while 20 of these wetlands occur directly adjacent to the
workspace. Appendix C provides NEA's wetland delineation data forms and
Appendix E provides photographic documentation for each wetland.

Table 4 summarizes wetlands data, including the location of each
wetland. The wetlands within and adjacent to the Project Area consist
predominantly of 53 shallow emergent marshes (PEM) impacting 5.05
permanent acres and 2.02 temporary acres, six wetlands that are shrub
swamp (PSS) or contain a component of PSS which impact 1.07 permanent
acres and 0.16 temporary acres. The remaining wetlands consist of 20
forested wetlands (PFO) impacting 4.77 permanent acres and 2.15
temporary acres, twelve shallow emergent/forested wetlands (PEM/PFO)
impacting 2.49 permanent acres and 1.34 temporary acres. Three open
water/shallow emergent areas (POW/PEM) were also identified, which will
impact 0.06 permanent acres and 0.03 temporary acres. These wetland
community types are described in more detail below.

Of the 94 delineated wetlands within the Project Area, 19.14 acres will
be affected during construction. Permanent impacts to wetlands,
consisting of cover type change from forested wetlands to non-forested
wetlands, will total 4.41 acres.

In addition to the field-delineated wetlands identified, a total of 5
NWI wetlands, totaling approximately one acre, are located within the
approximately 16.57-mile portion of the pipeline route that was not
accessible for field survey. These NWI wetlands are listed in Table 4
along with their NWI classification. No other information is available
for these wetlands as this time.

**[Summary of Wetland Types Traversed]{.underline}**

In general, the majority of wetland types crossed by the pipeline are
palustrine, along with a small amount of estuarine wetlands at the
southern-most pipeline areas. Palustrine wetland areas were the dominant
type encountered across the route; in general the observed wetlands
included several types of herbaceous emergent wetlands (PEM),
scrub-shrub wetlands (PSS) and forested wetlands (PFO), and a small
number of open water marshes (POW). Identified wetlands also encompassed
estuarine subtidal open water wetlands (E1OW) and Riverine Upper
Perennial Open Water (R3OW).

Palustrine Emergent Wetlands (PEM)

Palustrine emergent wetlands are the most common type occurring along
the route. These wetlands are typically dominated by a combination of
species including awl sedge (*Carex stipata)*, tussock sedge (*Carex
stricta*), lurid sedge (*Carex lurida*), fringed sedge (*Carex
crinata*), rice cutgrass (*Leersia oryzoides*), creeping spike rush
(*Eleocharis acicularis*), soft rush (*Juncus effuses*), reed canary
grass (*Phalaris arundinacea*), common reed (*Phragmities australis*)
fowl meadow grass (*Poa palustris*), woolgrass (*Scripus cyperinus*),
manna grass (*Glyceria striata*), eastern joe-pye weed
(*Eupatoriadelphus dubius*), New England (*Aster novae-angliae*),
boneset (*Eupatorium perfoliatum*), blueflag iris (*Iris versicolor*),
sweetflag (*Acorus calamus*), sensitive fern (*Onoclea sensibilis*) and
cinnamon fern (*Osmunda cinnamomea*). Emergent Wetlands found directly
adjacent to Interstate 695 were typically disturbed with impounded
hydrology and dominated by invasive plants (including common reed).
Isolated and interior emergent wetlands along the Pipeline Route
encompassed more diverse and abundant emergent wetland types. Vegetative
composition of emergent wetlands ranged from low growing, moderately
vegetated to densely vegetated. Species included non-persistent,
persistent with open soil areas, to persistent and non-persistent
combinations. Soils within the areas ranged from silty loams and loamy
clay loam to clayey. Hydric soils were typically classified as F2, Loamy
Gleyed Matrix and F3, Depleted Matrix. Hydrology of these sites ranged
from seasonally saturated and/or inundated to regularly saturated and/or
permanently saturated and/or inundated.

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub wetlands (PSS)

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub wetlands were the rarest type of wetland,
occurring only along the Pipeline Route. Palustrine Scrub-Shrub are
dominated by similar species found in emergent marsh areas with the
addition of a strong woody shrub component. Dominant shrub species
within these areas include silky dogwood (*Cornus amomum*), winterberry
(*Ilex verticillata*), common elderberry (*Sambucus canadense*),
speckled alder (*Alnus rugosa*), swamp rose (*Rosa palustris*) and
buttonbush (*Cephalanthus occidentalis*).

Palustrine Forested Wetlands (PFO)

Palustrine forested wetland systems were encountered along the Pipeline
Route, representing the second most common type of wetland. These areas
are typically forested wetlands and floodplains with a strong shrub
component. Dominant species include red maple (*Acer rubrum*), American
elm (*Ulmus americana*), pin oak (*Quercus palustris*), green ash
(*Fraxinus pennsylvanica*), black gum (*Nyssa sylvatica*), sweetgum
(*Liquidambar styraciflua*), shrub species included more shade tolerant
types including, arrowwood viburnum (*Viburnum* *dentatum*), witch hazel
(*Hamamelis virginiana*), highbush blueberry (*Vaccinum corymbosum*),
winterberry (*Ilex verticillata*) and silky dogwood (*Cornus amomum*).
Herbaceous species occurring within these wetlands include several
sedges, skunk cabbage, common reed, sensitive fern and cinnamon fern.
Forested wetlands tended to display a more regularly saturated and/or
inundated hydrology. Furthermore, these wetlands often displayed small
to medium size pockets of permanently inundated areas ranging in depth
from a few inches to one foot deep. Soil occurring within these wetlands
ranged from silty loam to silty clay loam to clay loam. Hydric soil
conditions were evidenced by strongly gleyed and/or depleted matrices.
Thick, dark surface layers were also observed.

Palustrine Open Water (POW)

A small number of open aquatic areas were delineated across the project.
These areas are dominated by arrowhead (*Sagittaria latifolia*), arrow
arum (*Peltandra virginica*), narrow-leaf cattail (*Typha angustifolia*)
and broad-leaf cattail (*Typha latifolia*). Semi-open emergent marshes
and emergent marshes areas are dominated by awl sedge (*Carex stipata*),
tussock sedge (*Carex stricta*), lurid sedge (*Carex lurida*), fringed
sedge (*Carex crinata*), rice cutgrass (*Leersia oryzoides*), creeping
spike rush (*Eleocharis* *acicularis*), soft rush (*Juncus effuses*),
reed canary grass (*Phalaris arundinacea*), fowl meadow grass (*Poa
palustris*), woolgrass (*Scirpus cyperinus*), manna grass (*Glyceria*
*striata*), eastern joe-pye weed (*Eupatoriadelphus dubius*), New
England (*Aster novae-angliae*), boneset (*Eupatorium perfoliatum*),
blueflag iris (*Iris versicolor*), sweetflag (*Acorus calamus*),
sensitive fern (*Onoclea sensibilis*) and cinnamon fern (*Osmunda
cinnamomea*).

Esturine Subtidal Open Water wetlands (E1OW)

Estuarine wetlands encountered across the project area included
intertidal emergent wetlands and scrub-shrub wetlands. Intertidal
emergent wetland habitats are dominated by common reed (*Phragmites
australis*). Scrub-shrub wetlands are typically dominated by common
reed, groundsel tree (*Baccharis halimifolia*) and marsh elder (*Iva
frutescens*).

Riverine Upper Perennial Open Water (R3OW)

The observed riverine systems appeared to maintain perennial flow with
high gradient with fast moving water. The substrate consists of rock,
cobbles, or gravel with occasional patches of sand. Very little
floodplain was observed with these systems.

NWI wetlands are crossed by the project and are consistent with the size
and location of the field delineated wetlands. NWI wetlands encountered
along the route are characterized as predominantly palustrine types
including forested wetlands, scrub-shrub wetlands and emergent wetlands.
Species compositions occurring within these wetlands are similar to
those described above for each wetlands type. In addition, a smaller
number of estuarine wetlands were encountered, including intertidal
emergent wetlands and scrub-shrub wetlands. A complete list of NWI
wetlands encountered along the project can be found in Appendix B -
Table 4 and are depicted on Figure 1 in Appendix A.

An official jurisdictional determination of wetlands present within the
Project Area will be made by the USACE following a review of this report
and/or site visit.

#  wATERBODY IDENTIFICATION

Field surveys were performed to identify waterbodies, including
perennial and intermittent streams, springs and ponds within accessible
portions of the Project Area. Ephemeral streams were also surveyed and
are included under the intermittent heading. Each waterbody was
characterized according to the methods described in the following
section.

## Methods

Prior to the field surveys, mapped waterbodies were identified by
reviewing the USGS topographic quadrangle maps of the Project area,
listed in Table 1 in Appendix B. Between May 23 and August 8, 2006, NEA
biologists concurrently examined the Project area for waterbodies and
conducted wetland delineation surveys. . For each waterbody identified
within the Project area, survey flagging was hung along the centerline
or stream bank and a waterbody data form was completed. The following
data were recorded: stream name, associated wetlands, flow regime
(perennial or intermittent, including ephemeral), direction of flow,
water width, bank-to-bank width, bank height and slope, water depth,
bottom and bank substrates, observed water quality and channel meander.
In addition, indicators of aquatic habitat, wildlife use and soil
erosion potential were recorded.

All streams were assigned a letter and number code based on the
associated Project Site (e.g., LL908SA1, where LL908 equates to the
Project Area property line list number, and SA1 correlates to stream #1,
delineated by team A). Waterbodies were tallied sequentially for each
resource found on each Project Area (e.g., SA1, SA2, SA3, SA4, etc.,
with S denoting stream or waterbody).

## Mapped Waterbodies

[]{.mark}

The USGS 7.5-minute series topographic quadrangle maps listed in Table 1
in Appendix B identifies 85 mapped streams within or bordering the
Project Area. The mapped streams and other waterbodies crossed by the
project site are listed in Table 5 in Appendix B.

## Results of Field Surveys

NEA's field surveys confirmed the presence of all 85 USGS-mapped streams
in the vicinity of the Project Area and identified an additional 92
stream channels that are not mapped on the USGS topographic quadrangle
maps (Table 5, Figures 1 and 5). Of the 177 streams identified within
the Project Area by field observations at the time if the survey, 111
were, identified as perennial, 66 as intermittent (Table 5). Ephemeral
streams were delineated and included under the heading of intermittent
streams.

Appendix D provides NEA's completed waterbody forms and Appendix E
provides photographs of the streams.

Table 5 lists the Project Area, identifies the stream(s) that occur
within or border the proposed pipeline corridor, and provides the stream
length within the Project area. Water Resource Data Forms are included
in Appendix D provide specific data, including the location, stream
name, flow regime, bankfull width and bankfull height for each waterbody
assessed.

Based on field surveys and map review, the Project will traverse a total
of 177 waterbodies within the 71 miles of right-of-way surveyed (of the
total 87.57-mile project corridor). The remaining project corridor that
could not be surveyed due to lack of access permission contains
additional unnamed and named waterbodies. It is anticipated that these
properties will be surveyed in the future when access is obtained.
Assessment of these additional features will be provided to the USACE as
an addendum to the delineation report.

An official jurisdictional determination of streams present within the
Project Area will be made by the USACE following a review of this report
and/or site visits.

# Summary

During May-October 2006, a wetland delineation and stream assessment
survey was performed along approximately 71 miles of the Sparrows Point
Project in Maryland and Pennsylvania (approximately 87.57 miles). The
Project Area begins at the Sparrows Point industrial area along the Port
of Baltimore and generally parallels existing rights-of-way for
highways, overhead electric transmission and pipelines as it extends
northeasterly. Land use within the majority of the traversed Project
Area is primarily a combination of residential, commercial, residential
and agricultural uses. The southern end of the project area, beginning
at Sparrows Point and heading north is primarily used for industrial and
commercial purposes, transitioning to commercial and suburban/rural and
residential use. The northern end of the Project area (north of the
Susquehanna River) is primarily a rural residential and agricultural
area until the last 10± miles, which is suburban residential, commercial
and open space.

NEA delineated 94 areas within the Project Area that meet the USACE
criteria for designation as wetlands (Tables 2 & 3, Figures 1 & 3). In
total, 74 delineated wetlands are present within the footprint of the
proposed pipeline and associated workspaces and ancillary facilities. Of
these affected wetlands, approximately 19.14 acres will be disturbed
during the construction phase, of which 5.7 acres will be impacted
temporarily and will be allowed to revert to their original condition. A
comprehensive project wetland mitigation plan will be provided
separately for review and authorization.

An additional 5 NWI wetlands composing approximately one acre will be
crossed by the project. Because field surveys have not yet been
completed in these areas, no additional information is available at this
time regarding these wetlands.

NEA's field surveys identified a total of 177 perennial and intermittent
waterbodies within or bordering the Project Area (Tables 5, Figure 3).
Major waterbodies crossed include Back River, Whitemarsh Run, West
Branch Brandywine Creek, Gunpowder Falls Creek and the Susquehanna
River. Based on field observations at the time of survey, 111 of the
streams appeared to be perennial, 66 intermittent.

An official jurisdictional determination of wetlands and streams present
within the Project Site will be made by the USACE following a review of
this report and/or site visit.

#  REFERENCES

Bailey, R.G. 1994. Map of the Ecoregions of the United States. United
States Forest Service, Washington, D.C.
<http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html> (Retrieved
December 16, 2005).

Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979.
Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States.
FWS/OBS-79/31, Washington, D.C. 131 pp.

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. United States Army Corps of Engineers
Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army
Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. 100 pp.

Munsell Color. 1988. Munsell Soil Color Chart. MacBeth Division of
Kollmorgen Instruments Corporation. Baltimore, MD. 27 pp.

Reed, P B., Jr. 1988. National List of Plant Species That Occur in
Wetlands: Region 1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. 112
pp.

United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
December 1973. Soil Survey for Cecil County, Maryland. Cecil County Soil
and Water Conservation Service, Elkton, Maryland.

United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
August 1975. Soil Survey for Harford County, Maryland. Harford County
Soil and Water Conservation Service, Woodbine, Maryland.

United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
March 1976. Soil Survey for Baltimore County, Maryland. Baltimore County
Soil and Water Conservation Service, Cockeysville, Maryland.

United States Department of Agricultural. 2006. Natural Resource
Conservation Service. <http://soils.usda.gov/>, accessed August, 28
2006.

United States Department of the Interior, United States Fish and
Wildlife Service. Aberdeen MD; Baltimore East MD; Bel Air MD;
Coatesville PA; Conowingo Dam MD; Curtis Bay MD; Delta PA; Downingtown
PA; Edgewood MD; Jarrettsville MD; Kirkwood PA; Middle River MD; Oxford
PA; Parkesburg PA;\
Rising Sun MD; Sparrows Point MD; Unionville PA; White Marsh MD.

United States Geological Survey. 1943. Topographic Quadrangle,
7.5-minute Series Quadrangles, Aberdeen MD; Baltimore East MD; Bel Air
MD; Coatesville PA; Conowingo Dam MD; Curtis Bay MD; Delta PA;
Downingtown PA; Edgewood MD; Jarrettsville MD; Kirkwood PA; Middle River
MD; Oxford PA; Parkesburg PA; Rising Sun MD; Sparrows Point MD;
Unionville PA; White Marsh MD.

White, Ed. 2006. Telephone communication on September 1, 2006, from Ed
White Soil Scientist for United States Department of Agriculture,
Lancaster County Soil and Water Conservation Service, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania to A. Cuder, Northern Ecological Associates, Inc., Buffalo,
NY. (White 2006)

**APPENDIX A**

**FIGURES**

**APPENDIX B**

**TABLES**

**APPENDIX C**

**WETLAND DELINEATION DATA FORMS**

**APPENDIX D**

**WATERBODY DATA FORMS**

**APPENDIX E**

**PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD**