Here are some definitions to help make the task easier. Wetlands are shallow water systems where water is at or near the surface for some length of time during the year.
Wetlands typically have rich clay soils, water-loving plants and sporadic flooding.
They are among the most biodiverse ecological systems. This document is required by federal law for all projects built with federal money. It is supposed to analyze the impact on environmental and historical preservation caused by a project. The statement is supposed to rigorously explore all alternatives to a project that would cause damage. This additional statement was required for the South Lawrence Trafficway because the additional Environmental Impact Statement was judged to be insufficient.