11/19/2008 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The rule identifies those WCA provisions that will be replaced by the RMP and those that will continue to apply. The agricultural, wetland restoration, utilities, de minimis and wildlife habitat exemptions of WCA will remain available. The drainage exemption will apply if the applicant demonstrates that there will be no hydrological impact to a high - quality plant community type within the WPC. The incidental wetland exemption will apply provided the area was not wetland before human disturbance. As indicated above, replacement wetland requirements will be determined on the basis of several factors. First, the ratio of replacement wetland acres to acres of impact will be fixed on the basis of the type of wetland plant community type that is to be disturbed. Then, if the impact is within the WPC, the replacement acreage will be further increased. In summary, replacement ratios will range from 1:1 to 3:1 (replacement acres: impact acres). Replacement requirements for partly drained wetland will be based on an analysis of the impact of the partial drainage on wetland function. Activities that may be used to meet replacement obligations include hydrologic and vegetative restoration of partly or wholly drained wetland; establishment and protection of upland buffer or habitat area adjacent to wetland; vegetation restoration within the WPC; and preservation of wetland with "exceptional natural resource value" pursuant to WCA guidance. Credit for acres restored or protected ranges from 25 percent to 100 percent of actual acreage. If the replacement area is not within the WPC, the credit is diminished by half. The replacement plan also will provide for a WPC that includes habitat and stormwater management corridors consistent with the strategies for each resource management unit as delineated and described in the RMP. Finally, RMP -3 would state the criteria for when a replacement wetland or upland habitat area has been considered "established." At least 50 percent of the native species in the planting plan must be established, there must be at least 80 percent areal coverage, and the vegetation must achieve a medium or high plant community ranking. Certain public road projects would not be subject to the wetland replacement, replacement credit banking or wetland buffer terms of Rule RMP -3, but instead would be evaluated under District Rule F. Projects in this category are those on 5 RCWD Rule RMP -3 SONAR Letter October 23, 2008 •