4.4 EAW Attachment - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 22 Table 20. Wetlands Delineated Within the Project Area ID Wetland Type Onsite Area Circular 39 Cowardin Eggers & Reed HGM WL 1 Type 3/2/1 PEM1C/B/Af Wet meadow with a shallow marsh and a farmed seasonally flooded portion Depression/ Slope 3.65 ac. WL 2 Type 2/1 PEM1B/A Floodplain forest with a wet meadow portion Riverine 10.73 ac. This is consistent with the MnDNR’s Wetlands Inventory, which identified two PEM1A wetlands within the project area and a R2UBH riverine feature along the western project area boundary (Figure 19). Direct wetland impacts have not been finalized. The current open space/park concept plan proposed for the lower cultivated field may involve wetland impacts. This portion of the site is anticipated to be deeded to the City for park dedication. A pedestrian trail is anticipated through the lower cultivated field and may require leveling for grass and trail installation. It is anticipated the paved trail would run north/south crossing the southern tip of Wetland 1. This corresponds with a narrower, farmed, and seasonally flooded portion of Wetland 1. Moreover, a trail within the western floodplain wetland may be proposed with crossings/bridges over the oxbow channel, this may require review and permitting from the USACE, MnDNR, and the City of Elk River. As shown in Appendix E, four groundwater seep locations were identified during the delineation. In addition to the groundwater component, the two wetlands are also fed by surface runoff. The runoff from the upper cultivated/hayfields flows to Wetland 1 down the bluff/hillslope. Similarly, the runoff from the western portion of the lower cultivated field flows to Wetland 2. Deep piezometers have been installed to identify the source/direction of the groundwater movement. Potentially secondary impacts will be evaluated at a later date once additional information about the water table and the grading/excavation depths are known. A specialist from Midwest Natural Resources (MNR) reviewed the groundwater seep areas and found that both wetland features lacked any evidence of calcium carbonate. The soils throughout were generally sandy with some organic matter present but not similar to soils typically found in river terrace fens. The wetlands were determined not to be calcareous fens. The community class was determined to be a Seepage Meadow/Carr (WMs83) likely either a WMs83a1 (Tussock Sedge) or a WMs83a2 (Aquatic Sedge) subtype. The wetlands were given a status rank of “S3” meaning it is common and widespread in Minnesota. The concept plan will continue to be refined during the PUD ordinance amendment process. The majority of the site is upland, and minimal wetland impacts are anticipated. The final design will attempt to avoid and/or minimize impacts to the extent possible. Unavoidable impacts will be required to follow the proper permitting processes in accordance with the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act and Section 404 of the U.S. Clean Water Act, as applicable. Replacement for impacted wetlands will be required at a 2:1 ratio either mitigated for onsite via the establishment