Introduction

Due to federal and state regulations, wetlands investigation can significantly impact land development. Property owners must determine whether wetlands exist before construction to avoid compliance issues and costly permitting requirements.

The Harrison Family Trust, which owns property in Hyrum, Utah, needed to verify whether their land contained wetlands. A U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map suggested a possible wetland feature on the site, raising concerns about land use restrictions related to wetlands investigation.

To address this uncertainty, the Harrison Family Trust wisely partnered with Anderson Engineering, a leading firm specializing in environmental assessments and wetlands investigation. After a detailed site investigation, Anderson Engineering confirmed that no wetlands were present, giving the client the confidence to proceed with development without regulatory limitations.

Problem: Uncertainty About Wetland Presence

Potential Land Use Restrictions

The property, located within the southeast quarter of Section 9, Township 10 North, Range 1 East, Salt Lake Base, and Meridian, was flagged for potential wetland features. If wetlands were confirmed, the client could face federal oversight from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, requiring:

• Environmental permits before any development
• Restrictions on land use, limiting construction options
• Potential mitigation costs, including wetland restoration or conservation

Regulatory & Financial Risks

Without explicit confirmation, the client faced the risk of:
✔ Development delays due to environmental compliance reviews
✔ Unexpected expenses for wetland mitigation or redesign
✔ Loss of land value if construction was restricted

Considering these risks, the Harrison Family Trust required a professional wetlands investigation to clarify the site’s classification and regulatory status.

Solution: Wetlands Investigation by Anderson Engineering

Site Evaluation & Data Collection

Anderson Engineering conducted a wetlands investigation on May 26, 2022, following guidelines set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The study focused on three key indicators used in wetland classification:

Hydrology Analysis

The study examined the site’s water sources, drainage, and flooding patterns. Aerial photography and topographic mapping confirmed that the suspected wetland feature was an irrigation channel rerouted through a culvert. This meant the site did not meet the hydrology criteria for wetlands.

Soil Testing

Anderson Engineering analyzed soil samples to check for hydric soil characteristics. The results showed that the site’s silty clay loam soil was well-drained and lacked the anaerobic conditions required for wetland classification.

Vegetation Survey

A plant inventory was conducted to identify hydrophytic species (plants that thrive in wetland environments). The site was dominated by grasses and non-wetland vegetation, confirming that it did not support wetland plant life.

Results & Benefits to the Client

Key Findings: No Wetlands Present

After analyzing the site’s hydrology, soil, and vegetation, Anderson Engineering determined that the property did not qualify as a wetland under federal regulations.

This official confirmation gave the Harrison Family Trust the green light to proceed with land development without regulatory hurdles.

Benefits of the Investigation

✔ Regulatory Clearance – No U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting required
✔ Cost Savings – Avoided unnecessary wetland mitigation expenses
✔ Development Confidence – Verified land use options without legal restrictions

Next Steps for the Client

With this investigation complete, the Harrison Family Trust can:

• Finalize development plans without environmental restrictions
• Proceed with land transactions without wetland-related concerns
• Avoid costly compliance delays, ensuring a smooth development process

Conclusion & Call to Action

For property owners and developers, wetlands investigations ensure compliance, cost-efficiency, and informed decision-making.

Anderson Engineering specializes in wetland assessments, environmental site evaluations, and regulatory compliance reviews across Utah, including Hyrum, Cache County, and beyond.

👉 Need a wetlands investigation for your property? Contact Anderson Engineering today for a consultation!