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A. Wetland rating and classification shall be established based upon the completion of a delineation report prepared by a qualified wetland specialist to determine boundary, size, function and value. Guidelines for preparing a wetland delineation report are defined in GHMC 18.08.090 and the Department of Ecology currently approved federal manual and applicable regional supplements.

B. Wetland Ratings. Wetlands shall be rated according to the most recent version of the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Wetland Rating System for Western Washington. This document contains the definitions and methods for determining if the criteria below are met.

1. Wetland Rating Categories.

a. Category I. Category I wetlands are those wetlands of exceptional resource value based on their functional value and diversity. Category I wetlands are:

i. Undisturbed estuarine wetlands larger than one acre;

ii. Wetlands designated by Washington Natural Heritage Program as high quality;

iii. Bogs;

iv. Mature and old-growth forested wetlands larger than one acre;

v. Wetlands in coastal lagoons;

vi. Wetlands that perform high functions (wetlands scoring 23 to 27 points on the Ecology wetland rating form).

b. Category II. Category II wetlands are those wetlands of significant resource value based on their functional value and diversity. Category II wetlands are:

i. Estuarine wetlands smaller than one acre or disturbed estuarine wetlands larger than one acre; or

ii. Wetlands scoring 20 to 22 points on the Ecology wetland rating form.

c. Category III. Category III wetlands are those wetlands of important resource value based on their functional value and diversity. Category III wetlands are wetlands with a moderate to low level of functions (wetlands scoring 16 to 19 points on the wetland rating form).

d. Category IV. Category IV wetlands are those wetlands with the lowest level of functions scoring nine to 15 points on the Ecology wetland rating form. Hydrologically isolated Category IV wetlands less than 1,000 square feet are exempt as per GHMC 18.08.202(H). (Ord. 1322 § 6, 2015; Ord. 1245 § 33, 2012; Ord. 1036 § 11, 2006; Ord. 726 § 2, 1996; Ord. 628 § 1, 1992; Ord. 611 § 1, 1991).