| snippet:
|
The methodology for assessing wetland quality uses plant, amphibian and invertebrate Indices of Biological Integrity (IBIs). The IBI tools are used as a basis for developing a rapid biological assessment method for wetlands or, the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method, commonly known as ORAM. The wetland water quality standards require the use of ORAM score to determine wetland quality. OEPA has also used these tools to evaluate wetland mitigation projects, develop performance standards for wetland mitigation banks and In Lieu Fee programs and assess wetland condition at both a watershed and state level. EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDG) supported the development of ORAM and IBI’s, thus contributing to wetland protection in Ohio.
ORAM combines metrics of wetland habitat, hydrology and surrounding land use into a single score of Wetland Quality. The scores are then used to categorize the wetlands; there are three different categories of wetland quality. The vast majority of wetlands in Ohio are considered in medium or “good” condition and are Category 2. This category also encompasses degraded but potentially restorable wetlands. Some wetlands are Category 1, meaning their waters are of limited quality. They are significantly degraded, limiting their functions and values. The antidegradation rule has set a lower bar for impacting these wetlands, limiting the social and economic justification needed for permitting. Lastly, the Category 3 wetlands are “superior.” Impacting Category 3 areas is prohibited unless the proposed action can clearly be demonstrated as necessary to meet a public need. |
| summary:
|
The methodology for assessing wetland quality uses plant, amphibian and invertebrate Indices of Biological Integrity (IBIs). The IBI tools are used as a basis for developing a rapid biological assessment method for wetlands or, the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method, commonly known as ORAM. The wetland water quality standards require the use of ORAM score to determine wetland quality. OEPA has also used these tools to evaluate wetland mitigation projects, develop performance standards for wetland mitigation banks and In Lieu Fee programs and assess wetland condition at both a watershed and state level. EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDG) supported the development of ORAM and IBI’s, thus contributing to wetland protection in Ohio.
ORAM combines metrics of wetland habitat, hydrology and surrounding land use into a single score of Wetland Quality. The scores are then used to categorize the wetlands; there are three different categories of wetland quality. The vast majority of wetlands in Ohio are considered in medium or “good” condition and are Category 2. This category also encompasses degraded but potentially restorable wetlands. Some wetlands are Category 1, meaning their waters are of limited quality. They are significantly degraded, limiting their functions and values. The antidegradation rule has set a lower bar for impacting these wetlands, limiting the social and economic justification needed for permitting. Lastly, the Category 3 wetlands are “superior.” Impacting Category 3 areas is prohibited unless the proposed action can clearly be demonstrated as necessary to meet a public need. |
| accessInformation:
|
Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Waters |
| thumbnail:
|
|
| maxScale:
|
NaN |
| typeKeywords:
|
[] |
| description:
|
|
| licenseInfo:
|
|
| catalogPath:
|
|
| title:
|
Ohio EPA High Quality Wetlands |
| type:
|
|
| url:
|
|
| tags:
|
["wetlands"] |
| culture:
|
en-US |
| portalUrl:
|
|
| name:
|
|
| guid:
|
|
| minScale:
|
NaN |
| spatialReference:
|
|