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Looking at property with hydric soils (wetland) should I avoid it?

 
pollinator
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Location: Central Texas
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I'm looking at a parcel that has a few warning tags:
  • WETLAND
  • Hydric Soils
  • Aquifer Recharg


  • I'm not sure how often these tags are set, last owner to file for permits was in 1994 when a structure burnt down and was demolished.

    Anyone dealt with wetlands? Should I pass on this or could it be fixed with swales/ponds?

    It's about 7 acres of "predominantly" wetland but must have some buildable area if there used to be a building. It would mostly be used for food forest rather than dwellings.

    I think the reason for it being wetland is because it is near a river delta;  the land is in a rain shadow so local rains would rarely flood the site.
     
    pollinator
    Posts: 5721
    Location: Bendigo , Australia
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    What are the warnings that come with each of this 3 points?
    Have you asked the local controlling body about the ability to build, get rid of waste?
    How would you get drinking water? Rainfall catchment etc.
    What percentage of the land is affected by those above points?
    From elsewhere.

    Hydric soils are often organic (peat or muck) and not suitable construction material. If the area qualifies as a wetland, then it is subject to federal regulation, and any disturbance would require a permit from appropriate agencies, such as the Army Corps of Engineers.


    Hydric soils information
     
    Posts: 325
    Location: Tip of the Mitt, Michigan
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    Hi,  It has been my experience to stay as far away from "wetland designated property."  The "powers that be" can have people who are married to their ideology. It can be their religion and no amount of scientific data will sway them, and it costs a lot of money to go to court to do something reasonable with your property.  I have known some "officials" who will not allow anything done to any part of the property if 1ft of the property is designated wetlands. That even includes planting anything. It has to be left "pure unadulterated habitat." I'm sorry but the hassle can outweigh the benefit.
     
    I agree. Here's the link: http://stoves2.com
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