4.3 SR 03-20-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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iv. Surface Waters a) Wetlands — Describe any anticipated physical effects or alterations to wetland features such as draining, filling, permanent inundation, dredging and vegetative removal. Discuss direct and indirect environmental effects from physical modification of wetlands, including the anticipated effects that any proposed wetland alterations may have to the host watershed. Identify measures to avoid (e.g., available alternatives that were considered), minimiae, or mitigate environmental effects to wetlands. Discuss whether any required compensatory wetland mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts will occur in the same minor or major watershed, and identify those probable locations. 12 wetland areas, totaling approximately 71 acres, were delineated on the main Project site and approved by the Local Government Unit (City of Elk River) of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (Minnesota Rules 8420). A Notice ofDecision was issued on November 10, 2021 (LGUProjectNo. W-21-21). Approximately 18 acres of the current wetland area on site consists of land that had previously been mined as part of a gravel pit. These areas would meet the definition of an "incidental wetland" under Minnesota Admi�ristrative Rule 8420.0105 and therefore are not regulated under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Additionally, portions of these areas have depths up to approximately 20'. As a result, these areas function more as deep-water habitats rather than wetlands. Wetland impacts were avoided to the extent possible during the preliminary design phase of th�e overall site plan (ExhibitA). The final design will attempt to avoid and/or minimize impacts to the extentpossible. Should unavoidable impacts remain, the proper permitting processes will be followed in accordance with the WCA and/or Section 404 of the Clean Water Act as applicable. This process would involve applying for a replacement plan potentially requiring compensatory mitigation. Th�e area of wetland impact and jurisdictio�al status of the wetlands will be determined by the proper governmental agency during the permitting process following conclusion of the environmental review process. b) Other surface waters- Describe any anticipated physical effects or alterations to surface water features (lakes, streams, ponds, intermittent channels, county/judicial ditches) such as draining, �lling, permanent inundation, dredging, diking, stream diversion, impoundment, aquatic plant removal and riparian alteration. Discuss direct and indirect environmental effects from physical modification of water features. Identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental effects to surface water features, including in-water Best Management Practices that are proposed to a�oid or minimize turbidity/sedimentation while physically altering the water features. Discuss how the project will change the number or type of watercraft on any water body, including current and projected watercraft usage. Page 12