Implementation Tools and Methods
General Tools
Certain tools, data, and approaches to determine jurisdiction will facilitate implementation of the definition of "waters of the United States" in the field. The agencies will typically consider all relevant sources of information when completing an approved jurisdictional determination, which may include on-site observations, field-based indicators of hydrological conditions, maps, remote tools, and reliable datasets that are available for the waterbody under evaluation. The availability, accuracy, completeness, reliability, and applicability of these various methods, tools, and sources of information may vary regionally and for site-specific reasons. The agencies are not mandating the use of specific data or tools.
The Antecedent Precipitation Tool (APT)
The Corps’ Antecedent Precipitation Tool (APT) calculates precipitation normalcy using a standardized methodology and provides other relevant information such as drought indices to inform a decision of whether precipitation, drought, and other climatic conditions are normal. Using the APT method can allow for reliable and predictable decisions as part of the approved jurisdictional determination process
Streamflow Duration Assessment Methods (SDAMs)
Long-term hydrologic data to assess streamflow duration are often limited, especially for streams that do not flow year-round. SDAMs are rapid field assessment methods that use hydrological, geomorphological, and/or biological indicators, observable in a single site visit, to classify streamflow duration as perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral at the reach scale. Regulators and water resource managers can use rapid, reach-scale methods to determine streamflow duration classifications (i.e., perennial, intermittent, ephemeral) and to help implement many federal, state, and local programs. Currently, EPA and partners are developing or modifying existing SDAMs for use across the U.S.
Ordinary High Water Mark Manuals
The ordinary high water mark (OHWM) defines the lateral limits of jurisdiction in non-tidal “waters of the United States,” provided the limits of jurisdiction are not extended by adjacent wetlands. The Corps has worked with other federal agencies, including EPA, and with the academic community to develop regional and national OHWM delineation standards and procedures and to improve OHWM delineation practices across the country. These efforts have resulted in OHWM delineation manuals and other technical resources.
Wetland Delineation Manuals
Wetlands are identified in the field in accordance with the 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual and applicable regional supplements to the delineation manual. Wetlands must have three specific criteria in order to meet the regulatory definition of “wetlands”: hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and hydrology. During a wetland delineation, a project area is surveyed to determine whether wetlands with the three criteria are present.