Wetland Impact Minimization

Compensation for Impacts (Mitigation)

To compensate for wetland impacts which could not be avoided, the County intends to purchase mitigation credits from a USACE approved and permitted Wetland Mitigation Bank which is located in Pasco County south of SR 52 and east of US 41. The property had been a significantly degraded wetland system before being preserved and restored to healthy function. The USACE and SWFWMD awarded Mitigation Credits based on this preservation and restoration which the County will now purchase as compensation for the impacts of RRE.

For the FTE segment of the project FTE proposes to provide compensatory mitigation via one of two options. The first option is per FTE’s Draft COE Mitigation Plan dated March 13, 2018 that proposes the use of the available unused 5% wetland impact contingency and surplus federal mitigation credits from the original permit for the Suncoast Parkway Project 1 – Ridge Road Interchange (199604305 [IPMN]). FTE’s mitigation plan is currently under review by the Corps. If the Corps does not accept the submitted Draft Mitigation Plan, FTE’s second option is the purchase of mitigation credits from the Old Florida Mitigation Bank. If the Corps accepts the Draft Mitigation Plan in whole or part but the accepted credits are insufficient to offset all of the unavoidable impacts the FTE would purchase any additional credits needed from the mitigation bank.

The estimated credit needs are as follows:

Habitat Continuity

To provide opportunity for wildlife to cross the roadway the following upland wildlife crossings are planned, in addition to the bridges over wetland areas. Each crossing location and type was individually discussed with US Fish and Wildlife staff after a review of the alignment in the field: