Cooperator: U.S. Department of Justice
Project Chief: Randy Hunt
Location: Tomah
Project Number: 9KH40
Period of Project: March 2003–May 2004
 Problem
As part of a Clean Water Act enforcement on an alleged wetland fill, questions regarding the presence of wetland hydrology became an issue. The definition of a “wetland” requires that soil, vegetation, and hydrology criteria be met.
Objective
The objective of the study was to characterize the hydrology of the site to determine if wetland hydrology criteria were met.
Approach
The approach included installation of 6 shallow wells, 1 deeper piezometer, and 2 staff gages in a stream and ditch adjacent to the site area. Shallow wells were instrumented with pressure transducers and dataloggers. Periodic hand measurements were taken from all wells and the staff gages. Meteorological data from a nearby weather station were used to evaluate climate effects on the site hydrology.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)
Data were collected and evaluated for the 2003 growing season. Wetland hydrology criteria were met at all locations on the site. A summary judgment was handed down before trial that ruled the site was a wetland, but left some questions regarding liability unresolved. The litigation with the landowner was then settled before trial, and the contractor performing the fill was found at fault at the conclusion of the trial. Civil penalties totaling $160,000 were assessed to the landowner and contractor.
Plans (July 2004–September 2005)
The project is complete. |
