10/30/2002 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chapter Item -by -item guidance cause a land use conflict due to safety concems but it is not an environmental matter. The EQB rules define "environment" to include: land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, energy resources, and man -made objects or natural features of historic, geologic or aesthetic significance (part 4410.0200, sub- part 23). As of 1998, the item includes any pipelines for gas or hazardous liquids that may pass through or near the site. 10. Cover types Estimates of the acres of land cover before and after the project should be provided. One important purpose of this information is to assess the project's impact on wildlife habitat. Site surveys or recent aerial photos provide the best source of information. If the total number of acres is not equal for the pre - project and post - project conditions, explain why not. Be sure to provide descriptions for any acres listed under "other." In identifying types of wetlands, use the guidelines in the Appendix. Dedicated stormwater detention ponds should not be designated as wetlands. The "wooded/forest" category should be applied only to relatively undisturbed wooded areas; "urban/suburban lawn/landscaping' is the appropriate classification for develop- ments constructed in wooded areas, even if many of the trees are maintained. Similarly, the "brush/grassland " category applies to areas that are undisturbed or infrequently maintained; if an area is to be regularly mowed or maintained, even if in a rural setting, list it under " urban/suburban lawn/landscaping." 11. Fish, wildlife and ecologically sensitive resources • a. Fish and wildlife habitat areas exist throughout the state and are not all specifically designated. State and federally designated refuges and protected trout streams or spawning areas are well - defined and lists can be obtained for your county. Nearly all undeveloped land has some wildlife habitat value. The quality and value of the habitat depends on many factors includ- ing the degree of disturbance, the nature of the adjoining areas, and the area and type of vegetation or water resources present. Questions about the value of the habitat can be directed to re- gional offices of the DNR listed in Appendix A. Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of the RGU to determine the nature and significance of any project- related impacts. If unusu- ally valuable or extensive habitat may be impacted, it may be necessary to hire a specialist to conduct a field survey of the site. • b. "Ecologically sensitive resources" generally refers to rare or unique natural features or features of special significance, includ- ing threatened and endangered species; habitats that are rare statewide such as prairie remnants or virgin timber, locally rare habitats; colonial waterbird nesting colonies; and high quality wetland complexes. A database of these features is maintained by the DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Program; contact pro- gram staff for a listing of known features near the project (a fee may be charged for this information). This information should be incorporated into the EAW; state the correspondence number on the EAW for reference. The worksheet also asks whether a habitat site survey was conducted. Ecologically sensitive resources not in the DNR database should also be identified and described in the EAW. "Mitigation measures" for fish, wildlife or ecologically sensitive resources impacts include avoiding, minimizing and compensating for impacts. Examples include landscaping or revegetation with plant species of value to wildlife, retaining wooded travel corri- dors (especially along waterways), and construction or restoration of wetlands. 12. Physical impacts on water resources Physical or hydrologic alteration of any surface water should be discussed in this question. Hydrologic modifications include all actions which alter the existing hydrologic regime, that is, rate of discharge into or out of a waterbody, frequency and extent of water level fluctuations, interaction with ground water. The de- scription of the alteration should address: the construction process; volumes of dredged or fill material; the area to be af- fected; the timing and magnitudes of fluctuations in water surface elevations; spoils disposal sites; and any other relevant informa- tion. Modifications of all wetlands should be discussed, not only "pro- tected wetlands" subject to DNR regulation. Refer to the appendix for information on wetlands classifications. The public waters inventory number and information on permits required for alteration of or construction in aquatic areas may be obtained from DNR regional or area hydrologist offices. 13. Water use This item covers information about the appropriation and use of water and the systems from which the water will be obtained. It also covers information about any wells already existing on the project site. The EAW should describe any water use such as water supply, dust control, dewatering or pond testing, and give the source and the permit number if issued. In cases of major appropriations, or where cumulative appropriations are significant, it may be neces- sary to include a quantitative analysis of the impacts on ground water levels. Appropriation of water in excess of 10,000 gallons per day or one million gallons per year requires permits from the DNR Division of Waters. Information can be obtained from the division or the applicable DNR regional or area hydrologist's offices. You must have a licensed well contractor and a permit from the Minnesota Department of Health or the local community health services agency before the construction of any new wells, includ- 8 EAW Guidelines