4800 DOGWOOD DR 2016-01-01 MF Import

2.5 �VETLAND FUNCTIONS AND VALUES ASSESS�IEN1' �VeUand fwutions asscssed indude, water qualiry, hydrologic, and habitat functions. The value of a wetland is an estimatc of the importance or worth of one or more of its functions ro socicty. Netland functions were assessed using the �VA State Dept. of Ecology �Vetland ILzting System for �Vestem Nashington (Appcndix B), which includes and assessment of cach of the ��•etiand functioi�s de: bed below. 2.5.1 Watcr Qualitv Functions WeUands improvc �vatcr quality by acting as natural filtcrs as watcr passcs through them. \Vcdands improve water quality Uy intercepting surface runoff, removing and retaining inorganic nutricnts, processing organic w;utes, and reducing suspended solids. Plant roots :uid microorganisms in the soil within wedands ofien absorb excess nutricnts that arc dissolvcd in water. Other pollutants adsorb to soil particles. 2.5? HvdroloQic P�roctions Nedands function likc nariiral tubs or spongcs, storing watcr and slo�vly :cicasing it. This process slo�vs the water's momentum and erosive potential, reduces flood hcights, and may contribute to base tlo�v to surface waters during dry periods. 2.5.3 Ilabitat functions �Vetlands providc a sourcc of subst�ntial biological divcrsity ancl arc among thc most biolugically productive natural ecosystems in the world. �Vctlands have the potential to providc diversc habi�lt for aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species Cor food, water, shelter, foraging, breeding, and eeg dcposition. Environmental conditions favorable to wildlife consist of connections to other habitat arc.is and movcment corridors, intcrspersion atid divcrsity of vcgctation, multiplc plant svata, undcvelopcd surrounding land uses, and similar fcatures. �Yildlifc spccies likcly to inhabit the project area werc idcntified based on the conditions and habitat types prescnt. 1Vildlifc habitat on the site was asscsscd Uy walking the subjcct property and cxamining all obvious hene(icial habitai features, such :�s snags and foragc, and by obseiving signs of wildlife. Direct obscrvations consist of actual sightings of spccics, rccognition of vocalizations, �nd presencc of tracks, scat, bunows, and nesting stnictures. 2.6 1�4PACT ASSESS�LENT AND NIITIGA'C10N CES assessed pemiancnt and temporary impacts [o wetlands and buffers using preliminary engineering design dra�vings for the project and the surveycd data collccted on wetlands. CES also assesscd permanent and temporary construction impacts to weUands, buffers, and wildlife habitat functions based on Uest professional judgment of d�e effects assaiated with altering vegetation, hydrology, and topography. Criticnl Arens Report J .l�oic 2011 Vie�v Ridge Clmrdi CF_SNI106