Agenda - Council - 06/25/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV Transmission Line March 2012 Environmental Assessment adjacent to water resources as practicable. Wetland impact avoidance measures that will be implemented during design and construction of the transmission line include spacing and placing the power poles at variable distances to span and avoid wetlands where possible. When it is not possible to span the wetland, several measures will be utilized to minimize impacts during construction: • When possible, construction will be scheduled during frozen ground conditions. • Construction crews will attempt to access the wetland with the least amount of physical impact to the wetland (e.g., shortest route) and will access poles near/in wetlands from roadways whenever possible to minimize travel through wetland areas. • The structures will be assembled on upland areas before they are brought to the site for installation, when practicable. • When construction during winter is not possible, construction mats (wooden mats or those similar to the Dura-Base Composite Mat System) will be used to protect wetland vegetation. Additionally, all -terrain construction vehicles may be used, which are designed to minimize impact to soils in damp areas. Permanent impacts to wetlands occur where structures must be located within wetland boundaries. In such cases where a wetland cannot be avoided, approximately 20 square feet of permanent impacts (i.e., fill) will occur for each structure in the wetland. Wetland vegetation will be restored in the disturbed areas following construction. In the event that impacts to hydrologic features are unavoidable, the Applicant will work with the jurisdictional agencies to determine the best ways to minimize the impacts and implement appropriate mitigation measures. Vegetation maintenance procedures under transmission lines prohibit trees from establishing. Existing trees must be removed throughout the entire right-of-way, including forested wetlands. If these wetlands undergo permanent vegetative changes within the right-of-way, mitigation may be required by the Corps for the conversion of forested wetlands to emergent and shrub/scrub wetlands. 5.2.4. Flora The Project is located in a highly developed suburban area. Most of the Project area has been planted with turf grasses. Voluntary grasses and noxious plants have become established in some of the lesser developed areas. Property owners have planted non- native vegetation, gardens, and trees as part of their individual landscaping efforts. Little to no native vegetation remains. There are some forested areas around River Bend Park. The Project follows a bridge and road to River Bend Park and would impact minimal amount of vegetation. Mitigation — Flora No impacts to native vegetation are anticipated. If native vegetation areas are later identified, pole placement in those areas will be avoided. 48