62-340.500. Hydrologic Indicators  


Effective on Friday, July 1, 1994
  • 1The indicators below may be used as evidence of inundation or saturation when used as provided in Rule 1962-340.300, 20F.A.C. Several of the indicators reflect a specific water elevation. These specific water elevation indicators are intended to be evaluated with meteorological information, surrounding topography and reliable hydrologic data or analyses when provided, to ensure that such indicators reflect inundation or saturation of a frequency and duration sufficient to meet the wetland definition in subsection 7562-340.200(19), 76F.A.C., and not rare or aberrant events. These specific water elevation indicators are not intended to be extended from the site of the indicator into surrounding areas when reasonable scientific judgment indicates that the surrounding areas are not wetlands as defined in subsection 11962-340.200(19), 120F.A.C.

    121(1) Algal mats. The presence or remains of nonvascular plant material which develops during periods of inundation and persists after the surface water has receded.

    146(2) Aquatic mosses or liverworts on trees or substrates. The presence of those species of mosses or liverworts tolerant of or dependent on surface water inundation.

    172(3) Aquatic plants. Defined in subsection 17862-340.200(1), 179F.A.C.

    180(4) Aufwuchs. The presence or remains of the assemblage of sessile, attached or free-living, nonvascular plants and invertebrate animals (including protozoans) which develop a community on inundated surfaces.

    208(5) Drift lines and rafted debris. Vegetation, litter, and other natural or manmade material deposited in discrete lines or locations on the ground or against fixed objects, or entangled above the ground within or on fixed objects in a form and manner which indicates that the material was waterborne. This indicator should be used with caution to ensure that the drift lines or rafted debris represent usual and recurring events typical of inundation or saturation at a frequency and duration sufficient to meet the wetland definition of subsection 29662-340.200(19), 297F.A.C.

    298(6) Elevated lichen lines. A distinct line, typically on trees, formed by the water-induced limitation on the growth of lichens.

    318(7) Evidence of aquatic fauna. The presence or indications of the presence of animals which spend all or portions of their life cycle in water. Only those life stages which depend on being in or on water for daily survival are included in this indicator.

    363(8) Hydrologic data. Reports, measurements, or direct observation of inundation or saturation which support the presence of water to an extent consistent with the provisions of the definition of wetlands and the criteria within this rule, including evidence of a seasonal high water table at or above the surface according to methodologies set forth in 418Soil and Water Relationships of Florida's Ecological Communities 426(Florida Soil Conservation Staff 1992).

    431(9) Morphological plant adaptations. Specialized structures or tissues produced by certain plants in response to inundation or saturation which normally are not observed when the plant has not been subject to conditions of inundation or saturation.

    467(10) Secondary flow channels. Discrete and obvious natural pathways of water flow landward of the primary bank of a stream watercourse and typically parallel to the main channel.

    495(11) Sediment deposition. Mineral or organic matter deposited in or shifted to positions indicating water transport.

    511(12) Vegetated tussocks or hummocks. Areas where vegetation is elevated above the natural grade on a mound built up of plant debris, roots, and soils so that the growing vegetation is not subject to the prolonged effects of soil anoxia.

    551(13) Water marks. A distinct line created on fixed objects, including vegetation, by a sustained water elevation.

    568Specific Authority 570373.421 FS. 572Law Implemented 574373.421, 575373.4211 FS. 577History–New 7-1-94, Formerly 17-340.500.