The Township Wetland Inventory Map shall be validated through the wetland identification process, and the wetland delineation process. The wetland identification process shall be used to verify that wetlands exist on properties where shown on the Wetland Inventory Map. The wetland delineation process shall be used to establish the actual boundaries of the wetlands.
(A) Wetland identification process. Prior to issuance of any permit to develop or use a parcel of land which is shown to have a wetland on the Inventory Map or which is otherwise determined to potentially contain a wetland, wetland delineation may be required. The Township Wetland Consultant shall first decide whether identification is required based on the proximity, relationship and potential impact of the proposed use on the wetland.
(1) The township or owners of property containing wetlands may initiate the identification process.
(2) The identification shall be limited to a finding that wetlands exist (and their regulatory status) or do not exist by the Township Wetland Consultant. The finding may be based on, but not limited to review of aerial photography and topographical maps and field inspection. The wetland identification process does not include the establishment of exact wetland boundaries.
(3) In the event that there is a finding of no wetlands on the property, then no further action by the applicant would be required and the finding shall be recorded on the Wetland Inventory Map.
(4) In the event that there is a finding of a wetland, then the establishment of the actual boundary through the wetland delineation process may be required to amend the Township Wetland Inventory Map or process a wetland use permit application.
(B) Wetland delineation process.
(1) Prior to the issuance of a permit for regulated activities in wetlands or to develop or use a parcel of land containing wetlands, wetland delineation may be required. Following wetland delineation by the applicant’s consultant or by the MDNRE as requested by the applicant, a survey or dimensioned site plan shall be provided, drawn at an appropriate scale, showing property lines, buildings and other points of reference. The Township Wetland Consultant shall then approve or recommend revisions to the applicant’s wetland delineation and findings pertaining to regulatory status. The findings of these processes, once accepted in final by the township, shall be indicated on the Township Wetland Inventory Map. In addition to illustrating the wetland findings from the delineation on the Wetland Inventory Map, the information shall be kept on file and made available at the township.
(2) The township shall apply the technical wetland delineation standards set forth in the United States Army Corps of Engineers January 1987 wetland delineation manual, technical report Y-87-1, and appropriate regional United States Army Corps of Engineers supplements, in identifying wetland boundaries under this part, including, but not limited to, § 30307.
(C) Informal review of wetlands (pre-application meeting). Prior to seeking wetlands delineation as described herein, a property owner may request advice and preliminary evaluation of wetlands by the Township Wetland Consultant. Such assistance shall be arranged through the township, and shall be subject to payment of fees to cover expenses.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2002; Ord., § 3.2, passed 9-7-2010)