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MITIGATION |
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Design |
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Development projects that impact wetlands are
typically required to mitigate the lost ecological functions through one of
several mitigation alternatives. Mitigation plans acceptable to the
regulatory agencies typically include any combination of wetland preservation,
enhancement, creation, or the use of an approved mitigation bank. Mitigation
plans are coordinated on a case-by-case basis during the permit application
process, and are tailored to meet the specific objectives and limitations of
each project. During the design phase, the costs and timing of each
option are evaluated as are any potential engineering requirements
related to the
selected alternative. Mitigation planting details and long term management
obligations are also determined.
The final step in the design phase is to prepare necessary plan view and
cross-section exhibits to depict wetland mitigation areas, planting schemes,
and other details necessary for final permit approval.
The ecological value of specific mitigation
alternatives are evaluated utilizing several methodologies, including: the
Unified Mitigation Assessment Methodology (UMAM), the Wetland Rapid
Assessment Procedure (WRAP) and, if necessary, the Hydrogeomorphic Approach for
Assessing Wetland Functions as developed by the USACE.
Lotspeich and Associates, Inc. (L&A)
staff are trained and experienced in all of these evaluation techniques, and
strive to prepare mitigation plans that fulfill the regulatory requirements of
each of the permitting agencies.
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Implementation |
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As any mitigation plan is prepared
for implementation, whether it be a small or large scale planting effort, some
form of wetland enhancement program, or the purchase of credits from a
mitigation bank, it is necessary to understand the long term objectives of the
project as well as the timing and sequencing of events.
It may also be necessary to assist in the preparation of construction
specifications; development of management plans; or selection and purchase of
off-site lands. L&A has a broad range of experience in this
area and
prides itself in knowing what steps need to be taken, who needs to be contacted,
and when everything needs to come together for a successful mitigation project. |
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Monitoring |
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L&A
has a
vast amount of experience in field monitoring and the preparation of
reports for submittal to the regulatory agencies. We have provided
mitigation-type monitoring services for projects ranging in size from less than an acre to
hundreds of acres.
The L&A staff prides itself on the level of detail provided to the
client and the regulatory agencies. In doing so, our company has
finely honed its knowledge of agency requirements.
Our monitoring projects include water quality,
mitigation
areas, and variety of habitat evaluation assignments. Our involvement in these
projects has
enabled us to
work with the regulatory agencies
to achieve a mutual goal, as well as to provide varied public and
private interests with an increased awareness of project status.
L&A can provide multi-layered reporting of field monitoring
activities, ranging from qualitative assessments through rigorous
statistical analyses. We are capable of generating reports that
layer monitoring data over GIS mapping, using
point-and-click technology, to provide the client with "smart" maps
that not only locate areas of concern, but provide background data
as well. |
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Maintenance |
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The management of natural areas, including permit obligated mitigation areas,
requires a keen understanding of the intended natural condition or final success
criteria of the agencies, plus an in-depth knowledge of techniques and methods
used to achieve
these
results. Hand removal efforts and/or the use of
approved herbicides are the primary tools
for this effort. While L&A does
not
actually conduct these maintenance activities, our management and
oversight will ensure the efforts of sub-contractors are appropriately
directed
to achieve the
desired
results in the most timely and cost efficient manner. |
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Banking |
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The availability of
mitigation banking provides a developer the opportunity to satisfy
its mitigation requirements through the purchase of credits from an
approved entity. These credits represent the ecological lift
required to offset the losses incurred by a development project. The
developer, after following the avoidance and minimization
criteria during permitting, does not have to go through the
time-consuming process to create or restore a
wetland. The use of a mitigation bank also eliminates the risk and
responsibility of other options, as the credit transaction
transfers the responsibility for mitigation to the
mitigation banker.
L&A
has a been involved in all stages of mitigation
banking including the development of several bank projects across the
State of Florida.
L&A also performed a State-wide Mitigation Banking Study for the
US Army Corps of Engineers. |
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