Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/25/2021

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Riverstone SouthEAWDraft December 2020 term positive effects on species adapted to suburban habitats.Non-migratory species with small home ranges such as small mammals may experience adverse effectssuch as mortality during project construction. Theproject is not expected to adversely affectthe black sandshell mussel and the silver maple floodplainforest becausetheywere located outside the project area. The projectwill implement stormwater and erosion control practices to minimized potential indirect effects onthe Mississippi Riverandspecieslike the black sandshell mussel. The project may have effects on s that may occur in the area. To minimize potential adverse effects on turtlesand their mobility,the project will avoid wetlands, implement sediment and erosion controls, consider use of surmountable curbs on roadways,and consider using erosion control materials constructed of organic fibers rather than plastic. The projectinvolves removal of woodland that may be suitable for northern long-eared batroosting, but the federally threatened bat has not been documented on the siteand the over half the construction area is cropland devoid of potential roost trees. To the extent practicable, potential effects on northern long-eared bats can be further minimized by clearing trees during October to April when bats roost in hibernaculum rather than woodlands, and by avoiding tree clearing during June 1 to August 15 when bats are rearing young. Althoughprojectconstruction could be expected to slightly increase the potential for spread of invasive and weedy species, much of the project area has been disturbed by agricultural use for decades. BMPs may include thecleaning of construction equipment before transport, which might reduce the potential spread of invasive species. d.Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effectsto fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources. Measures to minimize and mitigate adverse effectson wildlife include the preservation of 8.43 acres of woodland, creation of 4.82 acres of stormwater basins, and setting aside a total of 17.46 acres of open space, including parks and buffers. Specific measures to minimize potential effects on 14.Historic Properties Describe any historic structures, archeological sites, and/or traditional cultural properties on or in close proximity to the site. Include: 1) historic designations, 2) known artifact areas, and 3) architectural features. Attach letter received from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Discuss any anticipated effects to historic properties during project construction and operation. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to historic properties. Theproject area includes cropland and woodland that slopes gradually toward the south and the Mississippi River, which is located 650 to 780 feet from thesite. the Mississippi River, Nienow Cultural Consultantswas retained tocomplete a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the project area. 24