18E.30.070 – Appendix D Compensatory Mitigation Plan for
Regulated Activities in Wetlands – Conceptual Phase
A. The conceptual phase of a mitigation plan for regulated activities in wetlands shall be prepared, signed, and dated by a wetland specialist and shall include the following:
1. General goals of the compensatory mitigation plan, including an overall goal of no net loss of wetland function, value, and acreage;
2. Mitigation projects that involve Category I wetlands associated with documented habitat for endangered or threatened plant, fish, or animal species or for potentially extirpated plant species recognized by State or Federal agencies must also demonstrate a net benefit to the conservation of the affected species;
3. Site topography before and after construction;
4. Location of proposed wetland mitigation area;
5. General hydrologic patterns on the site before and after construction;
6. Field data confirming the presence of adequate hydrology to support the existing and created wetland area(s). At a minimum, the following information shall be included:
a. Seasonal (growing season) water level;
b. Sources of water (if the water source is adjacent to a stream or river then no instream structures will be allowed that restrict fish migration or access);
c. Pre- and post-development inflow and outflow volumes and velocity and frequency of flooding;
d. Groundwater and surface water table (from "Guidelines for Developing Freshwater Wetlands Mitigation Plans and Proposals," 1994, COE, EPA, DOE, USFWS, WDFW);
7. Nature of mitigation, including wetland types (in-kind and out-of-kind), general plant selection and justification, approximate project sequencing and schedule, and approximate size of the new wetland buffer. A discussion of the function and values of both the impact and creation areas is also to be provided;
8. A conceptual maintenance plan; and
9. Conceptual monitoring and contingency plan.
B. Once the Department approves the conceptual mitigation plan, a detailed mitigation plan shall be submitted. Due to the complex nature of creating and restoring wetlands, very detailed plans are needed (See PCC 18E.30.070 – Appendix E for further information on detailed mitigation plans).