New Search
3. Designation of wetlands for protection, conservation and development is <br /> consistent with the resource functions and values of the area and the capability of the <br /> wetland area to withstand alterations and maintain important tun ions and values. <br /> A detailed evaluation of the functions and values of each wetland site was <br /> conducted using the WET evaluation technique and other methods. Value <br /> determinations and other criteria were used to identify protection, conservation and <br /> development sites. Sites with significant values were identified for protection. Sites with <br /> lower values and high potential for restoration were identified for their mitigation value. <br /> Sites designated for development have been specified for fill or removal (Appendix B of <br /> the Plan). The City has developed a specific procedure to review and provide conditions <br /> for projects requiring fill or removal before development. Subsequent evaluation of sites <br /> for federal or state listed plant species determined that federally listed Lomatium <br /> bradshawii occurs on sites 11 and 12a. State listed species were located on sites A4a, <br /> A5, C1, 11 and 12a. Additional review of the West 11th Parkway project found listed <br /> plants on sites A4d, A4e, A4f, A4a, A5 and B7. Western Pond Turtles were found in <br /> sites A2b, D2a, and Cab. Since site designations were made before sensitive species <br /> were located, approval of development of these sites will require further review. <br /> Table 1 (p. 36) describes the functional value tradeoffs for the site types proposed <br /> for fill and explains the mitigation options to replace the lost values. There is a net gain <br /> in wetland functional values as a result of protection measures and the mitigation <br /> strategy. The capability of the wetland system to withstand cumulative impacts and <br /> maintain important functions and values will be enhanced by implementing the plan. <br /> 4. Wetland areas may be designated for development induding fill or removal, or <br /> both, only if they meet the following standards: <br /> a There is a public need for the proposed uses set forth in the acknowledged <br /> comprehensive plan for the area <br /> The criteria for designating wetland uses within a wetland conservation plan area <br /> differ from the procedures used for individual removal -fill permit evaluations. Individual <br /> permit applications are evaluated by determining whether adverse effects can be avoided <br /> or minimized or unavoidable impacts compensated. Designation of sites for <br /> development, conservation or protection based on the wetland functions and values <br /> within a wetland conservation plan allows consideration of a more general public need as <br /> defined by the local comprehensive plan. <br /> The Metro Area General Plan describes the need for future residential, commercial <br /> and industrial land in the City. The City conducted an industrial land study as a part of <br /> the wetland planning process. Based on the revised analysis, the protection of more <br /> than 1019 acres of wetland would impact at least 725 acres of industrial designated land <br /> and 297 acres of residentially designated land. At least 135 acres of the protected <br /> wetlands had been previously deducted from the city's buildable lands inventory. <br /> There is also a competing public need for protection of wetland and waterway <br /> resources. ORS 196.672 identifies "the protection, conservation, and best use of <br /> wetland resources, their functions and values" as state policy. The City has identified <br /> wetlands and waterways as significant resources for protection. The Plan provides more <br /> certain protections for wetlands than the existing permit process. <br /> Page 6 - PROPOSED ORDER AND CONDITIONS - City of Eugene <br />