LP1: Wetland Preservation

(5 points)

Purpose

Protect natural habitats, flood control and water filtration functions of swamps, bogs, fens, fresh water marshes, salt water marshes and other wetlands in the Southeast.

Criteria

Provide an undisturbed 100-foot buffer for all jurisdictional or non-jurisdictional wetlands on site or on adjacent properties off-site. The buffer should be protected from all land clearing and development activity, and must be permanently protected.

Coastal projects may obtain this credit if they locate on a site that does not contain wetlands. Piedmont and Mountain projects may only achieve this credit if the site contains wetlands and the buffer requirements are achieved.

Clarifications 

• Buffers are calculated from the edge of the delineation and must be preserved in both area and vegetation. 
• Buffers will be required on both sides of the wetland delineation (when applicable) or to the projects side of the wetland if located across a site boundary.

Verification 

• Wetland delineation map. 
• Grading plans or erosion and sedimentation control plans clearly identifying protection fencing around all wetlands and buffers. 
• Inspection by an ECC Technical Advisor.