also occur in the central and southern portions of the project area. The wetlands that occur
within the project boundary are classified as Palustrine Aquatic Bed, semi-permanently flooded,
excavated (PABFx), Palustrine Aquatic Bed, semipermanently flooded, diked/impounded
(PABFh), Palustrine Aquatic Bed, semipermanently flooded (PABF), Palustrine Emergent,
semipermanently flooded, diked/impounded (PEMFh), and Palustrine Emergent, seasonally
flooded (PEMC). The excavated wetlands were formed from historical bentonite mining.
Field work was conducted on June 28, 2012. The routine wetland delineation approach with
onsite inspection was carried out. The investigation followed the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) Wetland Delineation Manual. Field work was conducted in accordance with
the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plains
Region (Version 2.0). Intrusive soil sampling for hydric soils, were investigated to a maximum
depth of 20 inches, and observations of hydrophytic plants and hydrology were carried out. GPS
coordinates were recorded at areas that were investigated and where soil sampling occurred.
A detailed wetland report for the Upton Plant site will be assembled and will include a narrative
describing the wetlands, delineated wetland boundaries, acreage within the Upton Plant site, a
discussion of the hydrology source, and drainage gradients, as well as maps and field notes
describing plant communities and habitat types present on the Site, and soil descriptions.
7.9
T&E AND SPECIAL STATUS PLANT SPECIES
Habitat and species surveys for Ute ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) were conducted
August 1, 2012, within the Upton Site. Habitat suitability for Ute ladies’-tresses was evaluated
based on the presence of the following characteristics: late season perennial water source,
associated vegetation species, sandy or loamy textured soils, gradual transitions between
uplands and water body or drainages, vegetation density between 75 and 90 percent,
vegetation height less than 18 inches, and non-alkaline soils. Based on the 2012 field
evaluations, late season perennial water sources were present within the Upton Plant site;
however, no individuals or populations of Ute ladies’-tresses were found during the 2012 field
surveys. Further evaluation of the field data is required to determine habitat suitability
determination for the Upton Site.
Based on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil data, soils derived from eolian
sources or sandy soils 3 feet in depth were not present within the Upton Site. Therefore, no
blowout penstemon surveys were conducted in 2012 within the Upton Plant site.
7.10 VEGETATION
Vegetation mapping was conducted using 2009 U.S. Department of Agriculture National
Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) true color ortho imagery; mapped vegetation communities
consisted of Big Sagebrush Shrubland, Greasewood Shrubland, Meadow Grassland, Mixed
Shrubland, Reclaimed Grassland, and Upland Grassland. These vegetation communities were
agreed upon by WDEQ-LQD, RER, and BKS personnel during the July 17, 2012 site visit.
Sampling methodology was submitted to WDEQ-LQD and approved on July 19, 2012.
Quantitative vegetation sampling was conducted from July 30 - August 2, 2012. Results of the
2012 vegetation sampling will be analyzed and a detailed report will be submitted in November
2013.
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