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ABSTRACT |
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TITLE: |
Rapid and Efficient Wetland Delineation Along Pipeline Corridors using Integrated Technologies |
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AUTHOR(S): |
M.E. Timpson - mtimpson@petersonenv.com J.L. Arndt - jarndt@petersonenv.com
D.L Krieger |
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Integrating data collection and management
for ROW environmental surveys presents a variety of challenges, yet the
rewards include faster, more complete and flexible surveys produced at lower
cost. We developed a standardized, streamlined methodology over the course of
three (up to 1000 mile) pipeline projects that integrates GPS, various public
information databases, GIS software, and database management techniques to
collect, manage, and manipulate wetland delineation data for environmental
surveys. Hand-held GPS-data loggers integrate the field collection of spatial
(points, lines, and polygons) and attribute (plants, soils, and hydrology)
data. Plant species are assigned Daubenmire classes
and stored with spatial attributes that indicate either the wetland boundary
or an arbitrary upland location. Soils are examined from auger holes in
wetland and upland locations and are compared to soil survey data. Soil map
unit, soil series, and morphologic information are attached (as attributes)
to the location of the auger holes. Hydrologic data are recorded from the
wetland soil location, combined with other secondary indicators of hydrology
and stored as attributes attached to the location of an arbitrary feature
potentially significant to proposed construction. GPS units operated in real
time correction mode allow us to supply accurate, digital wetland location
information useable in a variety of CAD/GIS packages to clients within 24 to
48 hours of collection, speeding production of environmental worksheets and
permit application packages. Integration of GPS, database, and GIS techniques
facilitates rapid production of technical reports that fulfill all wetland
documentation requirements needed in support of permit applications. |
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