07/25/2007 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • At least 50 percent of the area of disturbed wetland would need to be replaced by wetland of the same type (Paragraph 5(c)). • To receive New Wetland Credit, replacement wetland must be accompanied by protected vegetated buffer at least 25 feet in width at all points (Paragraph 5(b)). The buffer may be credited as Public Value Credit. • To qualify for New Wetland Credit, replacement wetland must be designed to meet specified slope limits at the wetland edge (Paragraph 5(e)). The RCWD also proposes to require that where wetland disturbance is proposed for a project involving subdivision, any replacement wetland must be located on an outlot and protected from potential encroachment by a physical barrier such as an existing wetland, stormwater facility or other permanent physical feature (Paragraph 5(d)). The intent of this provision is to address the tendency for property owners or residents to act on expectations of property access and use and gradually to encroach on "passive" lands over time. Comment is particularly welcomed from developers and local units of government on the extent to which this limitation would present platting or development challenges. The rule also would delete the existing specific criterion limiting use of wetlands for stormwater storage or treatment (present Paragraph 3(c)). Instead, all such proposed use would be reviewed by the RCWD under the general requirement of Paragraph 3(d) limiting actions that would affect the character, quantity, quality or biological diversity of wetlands. The rule also would clarify that in order to be used for replacement for another project, any replacement credits would need to be designated for banking, and properly deposited, in accordance with WCA requirements (Paragraph 5(f)). This includes designation for banking in an original banking plan prior to creation. The rule would permit use of such credits before they actually are finally accepted for deposit into the state wetland bank if the application for their use is submitted and complete Tess than two years after their construction and the District finds that allowing the use is appropriate after considering the comments of the WCA Technical Evaluation Panel. Finally, the proposed rule would clarify the submittal requirements and the numbers of copies of particular documents that must be submitted. 18