• STEP 12 - Deterrolne Whether Soils Must Be Characterized. Examine the 

 vegetation section of each DATA FORM 1. Hydric soils are assumed to be 

 present in any plant community type in which: 



a. All dominant species have an indicator status of OBL. 



b. All dominant species have an indicator status of OBL or FACW, 

 and the wetland boundary (when present) is abrupt.* 



When either £ or b occurs and wetland hydrology is present, check the 



hydric soils blank as positive on DATA FORM 1 and PROCEED TO STEP 16. 



If neither a nor b applies, PROCEED TO STEP 13. 



• STEP 13 - Dig a Soil Pit. Using a soil auger or spade, dig a soil 

 pit at the representative location in each community type. The 

 procedure for digging a soil pit is described in Appendix D, Section 1. 

 When completed, approximately 16 inches of the soil profile will be 

 available for examination. PROCEED TO STEP 14. 



• STEP 14 - Apply Hydric Soil Indicators. Examine the soil at each 

 location and compare its characteristics immediately below the 

 A-horizon or 10 inches (whichever is shallower) with the hydric soil 

 indicators described in PART III, paragraphs 44 and/or 45. Record 

 findings on the appropriate DATA FORM I's. PROCEED TO STEP 15. 



• STEP 15 - Determine Whether Hydric Soils Are Present. Examine each 

 DATA FORM 1 and determine whether a positive hydric soil indicator was 

 found. If so, the area at that location has hydric soil. If soils at 

 all sampling locations have positive hydric soil indicators, the entire 

 area has hydric soils. If soils at all sampling locations lack posi- 

 tive hydric soil indicators, none of the area is a wetland. Complete 

 the soil section of each DATA FORM 1. PROCEED TO STEP 16. 



• STEP 16 - Make Wetland Determination. Examine DATA FORM 1. If the 

 entire area presently or normally has wetland indicators of all three 

 parameters (STEPS 9, 11, and 15), the entire area is a wetland. If the 

 entire area presently or normally lacks wetland indicators of one or 



The soils parameter must be considered in any plant community in which: 



a. The community is dominated by one or more FAC species. 



b. No community type dominated by OBL species is present. 



£. The boundary between wetlands and nonwetlands is gradual or 



nondistinct . 

 d. The area is known to or is suspected of having significantly altered 



hydrology. 



62 



