Agenda - Council - 04/13/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Riverstone South EAW January 2021 d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources. Measures to minimize and mitigate adverse effects on 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. As indicated above, specific measures under consideration to minimize potential effects on Blanding's turtles include wetland avoidance, sediment and erosion controls constructed of organic fibers rather than plastic, and surmountable curbs on roadways. To the extent practicable, potential effects on northern long-eared bats and other woodland wildlife can be further minimized by clearing trees during October to April, outside of the wildlife breeding season. The most important practice is to avoid tree clearing during June 1 to August 15 when bats are rearing young. 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. The project area includes cropland and woodland that slopes gradually toward the south and the Mississippi River, which is located 650 to 780 feet from the site. In light of the site's proximity to the Mississippi River, Nienow Cultural Consultants was retained to complete a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the project area. Field work was conducted during October 14-15, 2020, under the direction of Principal Investigator Jeremy Nienow, PhD., RPA, and licensed archaeological surveyor. Fieldwork consisted of surface surveying corn fields, a cabbage, and pumpkin patch, and shovel testing the wooded area. Surface visibility in the agricultural fields ranged between 0 and 80%. Surface survey transects were spaced on four to five -meter intervals. Fifty-two shovel tests were excavated. Shovel tests were typically 35- 40 centimeters (cm) wide and at least 80cm deep. No prehistoric cultural material or archaeological features were identified during the field survey. Shovel test profiles documented consistent ancient floodplain soils. Based on these results, no additional archaeological work was recommended. The Phase I Archaeological Survey Report is included in Appendix F. 15. Visual Describe any scenic views or vistas on or near the project site. Describe any project related visual effects such as vapor plumes or glare from intense lights. Discuss the potential visual effects from the project. Identify any measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate visual effects. There are no scenic views or vistas located on or adjacent to the project area. The project area is near the Mississippi River, but the site has relatively gradual topography and does provide any views that overlook the river. Substantial effects on visual resources are not anticipated in conjunction 25