LP0.3 Minimize Wetland Impact

Requirement

Purpose

Improve the quality of surface water and groundwater, protect natural habitats and manage water naturally during rainfall events.

Criteria

Design the community on land without jurisdictional or non-jurisdictional wetlands.

OR

Protect 100% on-site jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional wetlands from all construction activity.

OR

If wetlands are disturbed, obtain at least 2 points under Advanced Stormwater Quality credit (Water Management Section)

AND

Adhere to the following requirements:

Jurisdictional: Do not disturb by fill, discharge or drain more than 10% of jurisdictional wetlands on site. Disturbance can be allowed for installation of infrastructure only; not to create buildable area. Follow federal law for mitigation acreage and protocol.

Non Jurisdictional: Non-jurisdictional, isolated wetlands must be mitigated in a ratio of 1:1 in compliance with the following protocol (in order of priority):

1. On-site. 
2. If it is impractical to mitigate on site, the project should mitigate off-site within the same watershed. The project team must demonstrate why it is impractical to mitigate on site. 
3. If it is impractical to mitigate off-site within the same watershed, the project must purchase land from a land trust or credits from a mitigation bank.

Any acreage created for mitigation of wetland impacts is not awarded ECC credit under other criteria or requirements.

Verification

• Wetland delineation map. 
• Grading plans or erosion and sedimentation control plans clearly identifying protection fencing around all wetlands and buffers.
• Narrative explaining why wetlands must be disturbed. 
• If the project is mitigating off-site, provide a map that indicates the mitigated area is within the same watershed. 
• If the project is working with a land trust or mitigation bank, provide proof of mitigation credit purchase.