Wetlands Delineation

CORE Environmental Consultants provides wetlands delineation to support site development, regulatory compliance, and environmental permitting. Our biologists and environmental scientists conduct field investigations to identify wetlands, water bodies, protected habitats, and other sensitive environmental features that could affect your project’s footprint, approvals, or timeline.

Whether you’re preparing a land use application, seeking to avoid jurisdictional wetlands, or complying with state and federal regulations, CORE helps you evaluate ecological constraints early and design around them efficiently.

When Are Wetlands Delineation Required?

Wetland and ecological assessments may be required when:

• A site is located near streams, ponds, marshes, or wooded lowlands
• Development may impact NYSDEC-regulated wetlands, USACE waters of the U.S., or floodplains
• A project requires NEPA, SEQR, or CEQR environmental review
• Permits are needed from NYSDEC, USACE, or local conservation commissions
• You are pursuing a Phase I or II ESA and need to rule out ecological risks
• Habitats for threatened or endangered species may be present

Assessments help determine regulatory jurisdiction, identify permitting triggers, and avoid delays tied to sensitive environmental features.

Our Wetlands Delineation Services

CORE offers complete evaluation and documentation services to guide clients through the permitting and compliance process.

1. Desktop Review & Regulatory Screening

We begin with a review of publicly available datasets and aerial imagery to identify potential environmental features, including:

• NYSDEC and USFWS wetland maps
• FEMA floodplain boundaries
• Soils data and hydrologic conditions
• Critical habitat and natural heritage data
• Historic land use and topography

This desktop screening informs field priorities and helps determine if agency consultation is needed.

2. Field Delineation

CORE’s trained wetland scientists conduct on-site wetlands delineation in accordance with USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and NYSDEC Freshwater Wetlands methodology. Field activities include:

• Soil pit analysis for hydric characteristics
• Vegetation identification and dominant species assessment
• Evidence of wetland hydrology (e.g., water table, saturation, indicators)
• GPS flagging of wetland boundaries and surface waters
• Stream and watercourse classification under NYSDEC and federal jurisdiction

This work confirms the presence, location, and extent of regulated resources on your site.

3. Ecological Surveys

Depending on project scope, we may conduct targeted surveys for:

• Rare, threatened, or endangered (RTE) species
• Invasive species inventories
• Habitat fragmentation and connectivity assessments
• Tree canopy and vegetative cover documentation
• Migratory bird or bat species (e.g., for wind or utility projects)

We can also support seasonal surveys when required for specific species or permitting timelines.

4. Regulatory Coordination

CORE assists in determining jurisdiction and obtaining regulatory guidance by:

• Preparing wetlands delineation reports and mapping packages
• Coordinating with NYSDEC, USACE, and local wetlands officers
• Assisting with Pre-Application Meetings and formal Jurisdictional Determination (JD) requests
• Advising on buffer distances, setbacks, and avoidance/minimization strategies

We help you understand which permits apply and how to streamline the review process.

5. Environmental Permitting Support

If regulated features are present, we help prepare permit submittals such as:

• NYSDEC Freshwater Wetlands Permits
• USACE Section 404/401 Permit Applications
• SEQR or CEQR environmental review documentation
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
• Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESC)

We also provide impact assessments, mitigation design guidance, and agency coordination during permit review.

Why CORE?

✅ Qualified Wetland Scientists and Biologists
Our team is trained in field delineation, ecological surveying, and regulatory permitting—ensuring quality results that hold up under agency review.

✅ Permitting Experience Across New York
We understand NYSDEC wetland regulations, federal jurisdictional boundaries, and local conservation overlays that impact development approvals.

✅ Integrated Environmental Support
We can pair wetland assessments with Phase I/II ESAs, habitat screening, or stormwater permitting—saving time and cost.

✅ Defensible Mapping and Documentation
All findings are documented using GPS-enabled mapping and agency-ready reporting formats.