A. The approximate location and extent of known or suspected wetlands are shown in the city of Aberdeen Critical Area Map 1 and the National Wetlands Inventory Map, or their latest revisions. This information is to be used as a guide for the city, project applicants and/or property owners, and may be updated as new information becomes available. Other, unmapped wetlands may exist within the city. These maps are to be used as a reference and do not provide a definitive critical area designation. A landscape-scale watershed characterization may identify areas that are conducive to forming wetlands based on topography, soils and geology and hydrology. Any potential locations of wetlands based on the National Wetlands Inventory or landscape-scale watershed characterization should be confirmed by field visits, either before or as part of permitting activities and identified wetlands should have their boundaries delineated for regulation consistent with the wetlands definition in RCW 36.70A.303.

B. The approximate location and extent of wetlands that have been preassessed in accordance with Section 14.100.250 is shown in the Best Available Science Review dated January 10, 2008, or its latest revision. This information is to be used as a guide for the city, project applicants and/or property owners, and may be updated as new information becomes available.

C. The exact location of a wetland’s boundary shall be determined through the performance of a field investigation by a qualified professional applying the Wetland Rating System for Western Washington or as revised, as required by RCW 36.70A.175.

D. Identification of wetlands and delineation of their boundaries pursuant to this chapter shall be done in accordance with the approved federal wetland delineation manual and applicable regional supplements. All areas within the shoreline jurisdiction of the city meeting the wetland designation criteria in that procedure are designated critical areas and are subject to the provisions of this chapter. Wetland delineations are valid for five (5) years; after such date, the city shall determine whether a revision or additional assessment is necessary.