03/31/2004 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 22, 2004 Wayne Junes 599 62nd Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Dear Mr. Junes, I have reviewed the wetland application plan you submitted for your property located at 599 62nd Street in the City of Lino Lakes (RCWD Permit application, number 03 -090). Your proposed plan involves the creation of two additional lots north of 62nd Street and West of West Shadow Lake Drive and 9,771 square feet of wetland impact. The Rice Creek Watershed District is required by State law to accept or deny wetland replacement plans based on their compliance with Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420, the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420.0548 Subp 3C5 states that "If the local government unit determines that a feasible and prudent alternative exists that would avoid impacts to wetlands, it shall deny the replacement plan." Minnesota Rules 8420.0548 Subp 3C2 states that "An alternative shall be considered feasible an d prudent if it meets all of the following requirements: (a) it is capable of being done from an engineering point of view; (b) it is in accordance with accepted engineering standards and practices; (c) it is consistent with reasonable requirements of the public health, safety, and welfare; (d) it is an environmentally preferable alternative based on a review of social, economic, and environmental impacts; and (e) it would create not truly unusual problems. The wetland impacts may be avoided by building the third lot in the location of the existing barn. This would eliminate any degradation of the wetland from the horses. Impacts from residential edge could be minimized or eliminated by placing signs along the edge to educate the residents of the existence of the wetland and what activities are not allowed within the wetland. Another alternative would be to eliminate lot 2 and change the footprint of lot 1 to avoid wetland impacts. According to Minnesota Rule 8420.0520 Subp. 7a., the case that the wetlands proposed to be impacted are extremely degraded and the proposed project will increase the quality of the wetland can only be made if a functional assessment is conducted using a methodology approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and is reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Panel. The Technical Evaluation Panel includes representatives from the Soil and Water Conservation