hydricsoildeterminationsanddelineations（10页）.docVIP

Part 618—DETERMINATIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF HYDRIC SOILS Table of Contents PART TITLE PAGE 618.00 Background 618-1 618.01 Responsibilities of the resource soil scientist 618-1 618.02 Collecting data for hydric soil determinations 618-2 618.03 Documentation during hydric soil determinations 618-3 618.04 NRCS programs and practices for which hydric soil determinations may be needed 618-4 618.05 Cooperator programs and practices for which hydric soil determinations are required 618-4 618.06 Other information that may be needed 618-5 618.07 References 618-5 618.08 Other useful information 618-7 Exhibit 618-1 Detailed Hydric Soil Description Form 618-8  Part 618—DETERMINATIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF HYDRIC SOILS 618.00 Background Hydric soils determinations or delineations are typically completed as part of a wetland determination or delineation. They are also used to identify areas that were once wetlands but that, as a result of alterations in hydrology or soils, no longer meet the three defining parameters of a wetland (hydrophytic vegetation, wetland hydrology, and hydric soils). Determinations are made to establish the presence or absence of hydric soils on a site, and delineations are made to establish the spatial distribution of hydric soils on a site. Wetland determinations are completed on agricultural land to identify areas that are subject to Swampbuster provisions in the National Food Security Act Manual (NFSAM) in order to establish eligibility for USDA program benefits. Wetland determinations and delineations may also be completed in areas that may qualify for USDA programs designed to protect and conserve wetlands, such as the Wetland Reserve Program, or in areas that may be subject to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Some NRCS State Offices may also have agreements with State and local agencies to provide technical assistance for State and local wetland programs