ESA and the National Flood Insurance Program
Habitat Assessment and Mitigation Guidance


Habitat Assessment
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When do I need to conduct an assessment?.
Development must obtain a permit.
Allowed Activities

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Projects Already Consulted on

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All other projects




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4 Step Process

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Communicate and check in

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Is it worth it?






flowchart_SFHA

Conducting the Assessment
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Step 1:Describing the Project Area.
Written Description.
Location

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Water Resource Information

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Fish and Wildlife Conservation Areas




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Map








Conducting the Assessment
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Step 2: Describe the Habitat in the Project Area.
Background Research.
Species Identification




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Site Investigation

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Habitat Narrative

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Habitat Area Map






IMG_0290

Conducting the Assessment
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Step 3: Project Description.
Final Project.
Features after project is completed

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Description of any ongoing activities

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Map to relate features to project area and habitat map




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Construction Process.
Description of the process

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Protection measures taken









construction
readmap

Conducting the Assessment
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Step 4: Assess the Impact.
Direct Effects.
Temp or Permanent Clearing and grading of any habitat area

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Structures or impervious surfaces placed within the habitat areas

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Stream Alterations

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Water Diversions












Conducting the Assessment

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Step 4: Assess the Impact.
Indirect Effects.
Disrupting Stream Flows

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Blocking Habitat Corridors

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Water Temperature Increases

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Vegetation Disturbance

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Wetland Modification




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Interdependent and Interrelated Actions






Puyallup River aerial

Conducting the Assessment

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Step 4: Assess the Impact.
Cumulative Impacts.
Reasonably certain to occur

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One “minor project” vs. 100 “minor projects”









Image

Conducting the Assessment
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Step 4: Assess the Impact.
Effects Determination.
Follow NMFS, USFWS and USACE Criteria.
No Effect

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May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect

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Likely to Adversely Affect












IMG_3955

Conducting the Assessment
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Assessment Report.
No effect or NLAA w/ Minimization and Conservation Measures.
Submit to community

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Show your work




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NLAA w/o Minimization or Conservation measures.
Prepare a Mitigation Plan









NFIP-U01-01b

Preparing a Mitigation Plan
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Step 5: Review of Mitigation Alternatives (Mitigation Sequencing).
Avoidance (preferred)

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Minimization (except PA)

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Restoration

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Compensation






Tarboo Creek bridge

Preparing a Mitigation Plan
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Step 6 Prepare the Mitigation Plan .
Objective.
Compensate for Habitat Impacts

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Protected Area vs. Floodplain




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Format.
Community determined format

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Wetland Mitigation in Washington State Part 2




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Minimum Standards






OV290

Reviewing Habitat Assessments and Mitigation Plans
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Suggested Ways a Community can Review Habitat Assessments and Mitigation Plans.
Qualified Consultants.
Ordinance Language

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Maintain a List




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Require Public Comment Periods

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Third Party Review

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Review Checklists






100_9405