2022.11.21 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

15650 36th AVENUE NORTH, SUITE 110, PLYMOUTH, MN 55446 \ TEL 763.489.7900 \ FAX 763.489.7959 \ CARLSONMCCAIN.COM ENGINEERING \ LAND SURVEYING \ ENVIRONMENTAL November 2, 2022 Mr. Tim Mauseth Xcel Energy 414 Nicollet Mall -2 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Re: Minnesota Joint Application – Attachment C: Avoidance and Minimization 13620 Fenway Boulevard North Hugo, Minnesota Dear Mr. Mauseth: Carlson McCain, Inc. is pleased to present this Avoidance and Minimization narrative to fulfill the requirements of the Minnesota Joint Application – Attachment C, as required for the wetland fill and replacement project for the above referenced Site (also referred to as the Property). The narrative was completed to explain the Project purpose, need, & requirements, as well as address avoidance and minimization, as required by Minnesota State Statute. The attached site plan (C2-1) impacts wetland resources on the property by placing a stormwater retention pond over an existing 0.39-acre Type 3 wetland in the center of the property (Wetland 1, shown on Figure 1). The wetland was originally delineated as 0.47 acres by Cedar Corporation (Cedar) during a field visit on September 22, 2021; however, it was never confirmed by the Local government Unit(LGU), who in this area is the city of Hugo. Carlson McCain then arranged a site visit with the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) to confirm the wetland boundary on July 20, 2022. During this meeting, an additional soil boring was completed (BORE 1-4) which identified an upland mound. The delineation was revised to avoid this mound which resulted in a 0.39-acre wetland. This entire wetland will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio. The proposed stormwater pond rim will be vegetated with a BWSR- approved seed mix. This wetland is located within the Clearwater Creek minor watershed and the Mississippi River major watershed, in Washington County (Middle Mississippi River Wetland Bank Service Area). The attached Figure 2 shows the soil survey map, including hydric ratings for the Property. As required by the City of Hugo, the FEMA floodplain and nearest watercourse are shown on Figure 3 (there are no surface inlets or outlets for the wetland). The wetland is currently within a drainage and utility easement; however, the City of Hugo has indicated that it will vacate the easement upon approval of the development plans.