11625 AIRPORT RD SONRISE CHRISTIAN CENTER 2022-08-25

5.2 EXISTING FUNCTIONS AND VALUES 5.2.1 Wetland A Hydrologic Function Wetland A is a riverine wetland with high value for this function. In general, riverine wetlands provide important storage opportunity during flood events. This wetland is directly associated with Stream A, which is located in a sub basin prone to flooding issues. Thus, the wetland area provides high water storage value. Furthermore, this wetland and stream complex is located in a highly developed landscape, and a majority of Stream A is controlled within a stormwater conveyance system. Because Stream A is free to flood and migrate within the Wetland A area on the subject site, areas down-gradient of the site are further protected from flooding problems and damage. Water storage opportunity and landscape position in an urban area allow this wetland to provide high hydrologic functions and values. Water Quality This wetland provides moderate to high water quality benefits as water moves through this urban environment. This wetland likely receives a high level of pollutants from the surrounding commercial and urban use. Furthermore, this wetland is located along a stream channel that includes Category 4A and 5 listings for bacteria and dissolved oxygen. Wetland A contains a small number of depressions and a large amount of shrub and tree cover. These factors help filter polluted water, and allow polluted sediment to drop out of suspension before being carried downstream. The largest limiting factor to this wetland performing a higher level of water quality function is the small amount of storage area and residence time. Wildlife Habitat Wetland A provides low wildlife habitat value and functions. While the wetland site itself provides some valuable habitat characteristics and complexity, the largest limiting factor is the lack of accessible habitat corridors within this urban environment. Furthermore, the wetland site itself is regularly disturbed by human foot traffic, which limits nesting and resting opportunities for wildlife. The potential for higher wildlife use is effectively isolated and limited by the neighboring urban use and consistent human disturbance. 5.3 POST-CONSTRUCTION FUNCTIONS AND VALUES The proposed development includes the application of buffer enhancement, fencing, and signage measures, which will offset any negative impacts caused by the proposed parking lot. Buffer enhancement measures will provide the wetland and stream with higher wildlife, hydrologic, and water quality functions. The inclusion of armored and thicket-forming plants, as well as fencing, will help prevent further human disturbance of the onsite buffer, wetland, and stream areas. New plantings will also provide better foraging, cover, and nesting opportunities for local wildlife. The newly vegetated buffer area will provide a biofiltration and erosion prevention function to protect the wetland and stream. After project installation, the onsite buffer will provide greater functions and values to the wetland and stream complex beyond, and will further benefit the down- gradient sub-basin. Sonrise Christian Center 18 Critical Areas Study,Buffer Averaging, March 2,2018 &Buffer Enhancement Plan