1 / 52

E cological

0. E cological. Wetlands Streams & Rivers Other Surface W aters Terrestrial Habitat Threatened & Endangered S pecies Agency Coordination. Categorical Exclusion Training Class. 0. Ecological Process. Project Initiation Package Field Review. Ecological Survey Report.

arlene
Download Presentation

E cological

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. 0 Ecological Wetlands Streams & Rivers Other Surface Waters Terrestrial Habitat Threatened & Endangered Species Agency Coordination Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  2. 0 Ecological Process Project Initiation Package Field Review Ecological Survey Report Present/Impacted ODOT Review Agency Coordination Not present NEPA Document Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  3. 0 Overview • Project Initiation Package • Ecological Survey Reports • Level I - Projects that meet the MOA • Minor Impacts (NWP) • Projects that involve stream crossings, bank stabilization, and/or minor wetland fills • Level II – Projects with multiple alternatives • Will require an individual 404/401 permit and/or a Level 3 Isolated Wetland Permit • Level III - Projects with multiple corridors Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  4. 0 Overview • Agency Coordination • Level 1 ESR • ODNR • USFWS • Level 2 & 3 ESRs • ODNR • USFWS • USACE • OEPA • EA/EIS • USEPA Special coordination may occur with NPS and ODNR Scenic Rivers for any level of project. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  5. 0 Wetlands Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  6. 0 Types • Adjacent or Abutting Wetlands(Non-Isolated) • Hydrologic Connection • OEPA Category (1, 2 or 3) • Isolated Wetlands • No Hydrologic Connection • Regulated by OEPA • OEPA Category (1, 2 or 3) Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  7. 0 Online CE – Ecological TabWetlands • Answer drop-downs appropriately • If wetlands are impacted, a table is generated Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  8. 0 Remarks • Identify who completed literature and field reviews • Include date of when each was completed • Identify each wetland by name or ID identified during field investigations • If impacted, list accordingly in the table • Discuss the functions and values of each wetland including ORAM scores • List the work that is occurring in each wetland and associated impacts • List commitments in a table that can be generated in the Agency Coordination section • Discuss wetland finding and analysis Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  9. Example The ecological survey was conducted by Mannik and Smith biologists on August 15-16, 2011. A Level 2 ESR was submitted to ODOT on December 10, 2011. The proposed project will substantially rehabilitate the existing I-70 bridges over the Stillwater River. In order to accommodate the widened bridge deck, the proposed rehabilitation will include widening of the in stream piers. A temporary causeway and coffer dams/cribs/sheeting will be required to allow for construction access, including pier reconstruction. Six emergent wetlands are present on gravel bars within the stream and below the ordinary high water mark. These gravel bars will be impacted in whole or in part by the temporary causeway and widened piers. The installation and removal of the temporary causeway is expected to eliminate these wetlands. However, it is anticipated that wetland areas will redevelop as sediments are re-deposited following completion of the project. Avoidance methods were considered. Eliminating the main line improvements proposed under this project (the "No Build" alternative) will not meet the identified needs of the project to maintain adequate pavement condition, address conditions contributing the high accident rate, or provide adequate maintenance-of-traffic. The No Build alternative was dismissed from consideration as it does not meet the purpose and need of the project. Rehabilitation of these bridges without a temporary causeway would require full closure of each bridge during construction. Maintaining at least two lanes of traffic on the interstate, which is considered vital to national security, precludes closure of the bridges. Therefore rehabilitation as an avoidance measure is not prudent. Any necessary wetland mitigation will be addressed as part of the waterway permit process. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  10. 0 Programmatic Wetland Finding Agreement between FHWA and ODOT • Must include: • Do Nothing (No Build) • Improvements that will not result in wetland impacts • Measures to minimize and mitigate wetland impacts Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  11. 0 Programmatic Wetland Finding • Do Nothing Alternative • One or more of the following must bedocumented: • Would not correct existing or projected capacity deficiencies • Would not correct safety hazards • Would not correct existing deteriorated conditions and maintenance problems • Would result in serious impacts to public • Addressed in Purpose & Need Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  12. 0 Programmatic Wetland Finding • Improvements that will not result in impacts are not practicable because such avoidance would: • Substantial adverse community impacts • Substantially increases project cost • Unique engineering, traffic, maintenance, or safety issues • Substantial adverse social, economic, or environmental impacts • Would not meet identified needs Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  13. 0 Programmatic Wetland Finding • Discuss ways wetland impacts can be avoided • Retaining walls • Alignment shifts • Narrowed roadway • Design exceptions Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  14. 0 Streams&Rivers Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  15. 0 Types • National Scenic Rivers • National Park Service (NPS) • State Wild, Scenic or Recreational Rivers • Ohio Department Natural Resources (ODNR) • Navigable Rivers • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Section 9 (Commercial) • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 10 (Commercial & Recreational) Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  16. 0 Online CE – Ecological Tab Streams & Rivers • Answer drop-downs appropriately • If impacts will occur, a table is generated Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  17. 0 Online CE – Ecological TabStreams & Rivers • In the table: • List name or “use designation” • No designation - list the QHEI or HHEI score • QHEI • Streams larger than 1 square mile drainage • HHEI • Streams smaller than 1 square mile • Refresh Sums button calculates total impacts Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  18. 0 Remarks • Identify who completed literature/field reviews and when they were completed • Identify each waterway by name/identification • If impacted, list accordingly in the table • Discuss each waterway’s features, function, and values • For National Scenic Rivers identify and discuss the NPS Outstanding Remarkable Values Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  19. 0 Remarks • List type of activity occurring in each waterway • List amount of impacts to each resource • For projects with multiple waterways provide information in matrix format • If waterways present, but no in-water work will occur, state measures to be used to prevent possible secondary impacts • List measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts • List commitments in a table that can be generated in the Agency Coordination section Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  20. 0 Example The ecological survey was conducted by Mannik and Smith biologists on August 15-16, 2011. A Level 2 ESR was submitted to ODOT on December 10, 2011. The proposed project will substantially rehabilitate the existing I-70 bridges over the Stillwater River. In order to accommodate the widened bridge deck, the proposed rehabilitation will include widening of the in-stream piers. A temporary causeway and coffer dams/cribs/sheeting will be required to allow for construction access, including pier reconstruction. Any necessary stream mitigation will be addressed as part of the waterway permit process. The Stillwater River is a State-designated scenic river. ODOT, ODNR Scenic Rivers and the design team conducted a field review on 03-21-2011. As the project can not avoid in-stream work (both temporary and permanent), ODOT acknowledges that some form of mitigation for involvement with the Stillwater is appropriate. Various options were discussed, including tree plantings or honeysuckle removal within Englewood's Grossnickle Park or reconstruction of the Englewood Reserve Bikeway to provide a more natural feature than the current gabion wall. The project team will continue to work with ODNR Scenic Rivers to identify an acceptable mitigation. BMPs as outlined in the most recent version of the ODOT CMS and SS 832 will be followed to minimize siltation impacts during construction. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  21. 0 OtherSurface Waters Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  22. 0 Types • Reservoirs • Lakes • Farm Ponds • Detention Basins • Storm Water Management • Jurisdictional Ditches Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  23. 0 Online CE – Ecological TabOther Surface Waters • Answer drop-downs appropriately • If impacts will occur, a table is not generated Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  24. 0 Remarks • Identify who completed literature and field reviews and when they were completed • Identify each surface water by name or identification number • Briefly discuss features, function, and values • List impacts to each surface water • List measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts • List commitments in a table that can be generated in the Agency Coordination section Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  25. 0 TerrestrialHabitat Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  26. 0 Types • Mowed/disturbed habitat (roadside, lawns, etc.) • Agricultural (row-cropped and pasture) • Old-field/scrub-shrub • Forested (riparian/upland) • Remnant Prairie • Unique or High Quality • Mature Climax Forest • Remnant Prairies • Any area with a prevalence of rare species Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  27. 0 Ecological Tab – Online CETerrestrial Habitat • Answer drop-downs and check boxes as appropriate • If Unique or High Quality Habitat present, checklist is generated (no table) Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  28. 0 Remarks • Identify who completed literature and field reviews and when they were completed • Briefly discuss type of habitat identified • List impacts • List measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts • List commitments, as appropriate, in a table that can be generated in the Agency Coordination section Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  29. 0 Example The project area consisted mostly of developed land (including developed open space, developed low intensity, medium intensity and high intensity), which included the maintained road right-of-way and adjacent less maintained areas just outside of the right-of-way. These areas were dominated by common upland herbaceous species and young trees and shrubs. Approximately 124 acres of developed areas will be impacted. A small amount of floodplain forest is present within the project area. This area is dominated by typical riparian trees and shrubs. This narrow strip of riparian woodland is located along the Stillwater River. Approximately 2.5 acres of floodplain forest will be impacted. As discussed in the wetland section of the CE, a small amount of emergent riverine (gravel bar wetlands) will be impacted by the bridge work associated with the Stillwater River. These wetlands were dominated by water willow (Justisica americana). Approximately 0.098 acre of wetlands will be impacted by this project. No unique or high quality terrestrial habitats were found within the project area. All of the habitats are common adjacent to the project area, and throughout Ohio. This project will not cause significant local declines in these common habitats or the plant and animal species found in these areas. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  30. 0 Threatened&Endangered Species Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  31. 0 Ecological Tab - Online CE • Answer drop-downs appropriately Indiana Bat Snuffbox Mussel Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  32. 0 Remarks • Federally Listed Species • Identify all listed species and listing status known from the county/counties where the project occurs • Potential habitat present within the project area and potential impacts to such habitat • List known critical habitat American Burying Beetle Indiana Bat Kirtland Warbler Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  33. 0 Remarks • State Listed Species • Identify all listed species and listing status known within a mile of the project • Discuss impacts to species and their suitable habitat • For both state and federal species, list efforts to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to listed species and suitable habitat • List commitments, as appropriate, in a table that can be generated in the Agency Coordination section Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  34. 0 Example The proposed project is located within the known habitat ranges of the Indiana bat, rayed bean mussel and snuffbox mussel (all federally-listed species of concern), the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (federally-listed candidate species) and the bald eagle (federally-listed species of concern). Review of the ODNR Biodiversity Database identified one records of the snuffbox mussel in the Stillwater River, approximately 1/4-mile north of the project. A mussel survey undertaken for the project in August 2011 identified the elktoe mussel, creek heelsplitter, kidneyshell, and wavy-rayed lamp mussel (all State-listed species of concern). Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  35. 0 Example ODOT OES made the following effect determinations for federally-listed species: Indiana bat: Based on the Level 2 ESR, two suitable roost trees and one suitable maternity roost may be removed for this project. The project is connected to over 1000 acres of woods along the Stillwater River and its tributary. Because cutting restrictions will be followed, no direct take of the Indiana bat is expected. The potential loss of the maternity roost trees and necessary relocation of an Indiana bats using the tree could cause additional stress to pregnant females and reduced survivability of the females and their young. The proposed action "may affect and is likely to adversely affect" the Indiana bat. Conservation measure 6-a (ODOT funded Indiana Bat research in the Big Darby drainage) was used to mitigate the unavoidable impacts to this species’ habitat. Snuffbox and Rayed Bean mussels: The snuffbox was historically known from this project area, and the rayed bean is known from the Stillwater River in Montgomery County. Suitable habitats for these species are found in the Stillwater River; however, no evidence of the rayed bean or snuffbox were found during the August 27 and 28th, 2011 mussel survey conducted by Dr. Michael Hoggarth (federally permitted malacologist). The project "may affect but is not likely to adversely affect" these species. Eastern massasauga: The project area consists primarily of mowed right-of-way. The wetlands located in the project area are below the OHWM of the stream and do not offer habitat for this species. No wetlands located adjacent to the project area offer habitat for this species. The project will have no effect on this species. Bald eagle: The nearest bald eagle nesting activity is over 7 miles from the project. As no nesting activity has been noted within 0.5-mile of the project area, this project will have no effect on this species. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  36. 0 Example ODOT-OES made the following effect determinations for state listed species: A record for the snuffbox was found within the project area, but this species was not found during the 2011 mussel survey. Habitat for this species was found to be present within the project area. This project is not likely to impact this species. The elktoe mussel (Alasmidonta marginata, SC), creek heelsplitter (Lasmigona compressa, SC), kidneyshell (Ptycobranchus fasciolaris, SC), and wavy-rayed lamp mussel (Lampsilis fasciola, SC) were found within the project area during the August 2011 mussel survey. All mussels will be relocated by a professional malacologist within six months of construction, and the relocation will follow all applicable state and federal survey protocols. As these species will be moved out of the impact zone of the project, this project is not likely to impact these species. The post-relocation survivability survey will be conducted 2 years after the relocation to determine the relative success of the relocation, if ODNR and USFWS requests the survey. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  37. 0 Agency Coordination Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  38. 0 Coordinating Agencies • Coordination efforts may potentially include: • ODNR • USFWS • USACE • OEPA • ODNR-Scenic Rivers • NPS-Scenic Rivers Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  39. 0 Ecological Tab – Online CEAgency Coordination • Answer drop-downs appropriately Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  40. 0 Remarks • List all coordination dates • Document agency comments (commitments) • Document coordination between agencies and ODOT on any dispute resolution Example: On 01-10-2012, ODOT coordinated the Level 2 Ecological Survey Report with USFWS, ODNR, USACOE, and OEPA. USACE Coordination:  In response to the project notification, USACOE conducted a joint field review with ODOT on 04-18-2012.  USACOE noted that the in stream vegetated sand/gravel bars should be delineated as wetlands.  No other comments or objections to the project have been received from USACOE.  A request for a jurisdictional determination has been made to USACOE; a determination has not yet been received. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  41. 0 Example OEPA Coordination: On 01-24-2012, in response to the project notification, the OEPA noted that an individual 401 Water Quality Certification may be required and stated that an official decision regarding the 401 Water Quality Certification could not be provided until the jurisdictional determination and regulatory documentation are received. The OEPA did not object to the project. USFWS Coordination:  ODOT informed USFWS of its effect determinations for federally-listed species.  On 05-21-2012, USFWS concurred with the effect determinations for the Indiana bat, rayed bean mussel, and snuffbox mussel.  USFWS noted, and did not object to, the "no effect" determinations for the eastern massasauga and bald eagle. The USFWS issued, via the 05-21-2012 letter, a Programmatic Tier 1 Biological Opinion for the Indiana bat.  USFWS concluded that the project is likely to adversely affect the Indiana bat, but is not likely to jeopardize the Indiana bat.  The incidental take for this project is estimated at 1.0 acre and has been added to the cumulative total of incidental take for ODOT's Statewide Transportation Program.  The project will be subject to the tree cutting restriction from April 1 to September 30 (Programmatic Biological Opinion conservation measure A-1).  Further ODOT will apply credits from the Big Darby Creek Research Bank to this project (Programmatic Biological Opinion conservation measure M-6a). Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  42. 0 Example ODNR Coordination:  In its inter-office memo to ODNR, ODOT provided details regarding the mussel survey undertaken in August 2011 and informed ODNR that a mussel relocation will be undertaken within six months prior to construction.  On 02-16-2012, ODNR provided comments and recommendations. ODNR Division of Wildlife requested in-stream restriction dates; as these dates are less restrictive than those requested by ODNR Scenic Rivers, they will not be utilized.  As requested by ODNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, the mussel survey and relocation reports will be provided to ODNR when available. ODNR Scenic Rivers has provided specific recommendations for protection of the scenic Stillwater River.  These recommendations will be incorporated into the project design or addressed through plan notes, as appropriate (see environmental commitments).  As noted under "Streams & Rivers" above, ODOT is currently working with ODNR Scenic Rivers to identify appropriate mitigation measures for the necessary in stream work within the scenic Stillwater River.   ODNR Division of Soil & Water inquired if there would be impacts to other streams within the corridor.  Other than the bridges carrying I-70 over the Stillwater River, the project will not include in stream work at any bridges or culverts within the corridor.  ODNR DSW noted the presence of a possible shallow marsh within the Stillwater River.  As noted below, ODOT has requested a jurisdictional determination from USACOE.  ODNR DSW requested that ODOT mitigate for loss of habitat through native plantings within the interchange and median.  As ODOT has previously informed ODNR, preservation of line of sight through regular mowing generally precludes the successful use of native plantings.  Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  43. 0 Environmental Commitments • Examples may include, but are not limited to: • In-stream work restrictions • Species surveys and/or relocations • Cutting dates or avoiding terrestrial areas at certain times of year (or other avoidance/minimization) • Adhering to fill limits allowed by permit (permanent & temporary fills) • Monitoring of adjacent areas post-impact • Can be implemented by: • Plan notes • Design changes resulting in changes to plans • Special Provisions • Utilizing OES staff, consultants, or contractors (depending on activity) to conduct commitment work prior to construction • Conducting mitigation/conservation measures in some fashion Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  44. 0 Online CE Project File/Part of CE • Correspondence with Resource Agencies: • Coordination Letters to Agencies • Comments and/or Approval Letters • Map illustrating location of ecological resources • Jurisdictional Determination (JD) Letter Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  45. 0 Permits Waterways Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  46. Overview Project Initiation Package NWP or RGP w/PCN or IP Permit Determination No resources present or no design to determine impact Agency Permit Process NWP or RGP w/o PCN Mitigation Process NEPA Document Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  47. Waterway Permits • Permit Determination: • Consider level of permit needed based on level of design/impact • MOA (Level 1 ESR) projects • Nationwide Permit/Regional General Permit will likely apply • Level 2 ESR • Individual Permit will likely apply Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  48. Online CE Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  49. Remarks • If a Permit Determination (PD) has not been completed for ODOT Let projects by OES, the required permits can’t be identified • Identify and describe possible mitigation • Determined by OES (if ODOT Let) • Mitigation techniques • Location if known • Ratio or amount of mitigation • Identify special conditions required, if available Categorical Exclusion Training Class

  50. Remarks • Discuss findings of OES PD • If a PD has not been completed, include an environmental commitment to complete and obtain the necessary permits • Permits must be obtained prior to impacts to waters • Adhere to all waterway permit conditions • General, Special Conditions, and required mitigation • Include waterway permit conditions with the contract construction plans as Special Provisions Categorical Exclusion Training Class

More Related