The SDS project will not adversely affect wetlands and waters in
the project area and waters outside the project area. Impacts to
wetlands and waters in the project area will be mitigated to ensure
protection. Waters outside the project area have undergone significant
study and review.
| • |
The need for Section 404 dredged and fill material
permits was taken into consideration during alternative creation
and the completion of the DEIS. |
| • |
Actions related to wetland mitigations are compliant
with Section 404(b)(1) and related guidelines. |
| • |
Wetlands were delineated for the DEIS following
the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. The
SDS effects on jurisdictional and isolated wetlands have been
avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. |
| • |
Further avoidance and minimization of wetlands
will occur during final design. |
| • |
The Project Participants will implement compensatory
mitigation for unavoidable adverse effects that remain after
all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization have
been achieved. |
| • |
Permanent and temporary effects on wetlands from
the alternatives would range from 8.1 acres for the Wetland
Alternative to 35.4 acres for the No Action Alternative. |
| • |
For the proposed project, compensatory wetland
mitigation opportunities were considered in the following order:
on-site wetland creation, off-site wetland creation, and private
land acquisition that allows preservation or enhancement of
existing wetlands. |
