Regional Wetland Mitigation Feasibility Analysis for the 100 acre property.

Atwell performed a wetland mitigation feasibility analysis to determine current site conditions and the potential success of the site for a regional wetland mitigation area.  Staff biologists performed a comprehensive assessment of existing upland, wetland, woodland, open and agricultural fields to:

• Determine past uses and historic community types
• Identify and map ecological community types utilizing GPS
• Assess stream geomorphology and determine water budget for possible wetland areas
• Perform a Floristic Quality Analysis (FQA) to evaluate vegetative quality
• Assistance in gaining approvals from State and Local regulatory agencies

A survey and habitat assessment for the state threatened and endangered species was also performed.  Based on the site inventory, the team identified mitigation options including areas of wetland creation, invasive species control areas, riparian enhancement, and preservation of existing high-quality woodlands.  The team also outlined areas for state and local easements and placement of public access trails and interpretative signs. Additionally, Atwell provided a wetland mitigation planting oversight and currently monitors the mitigated wetlands on site.

200 acre site with approximately 22 acres of on-site wetlands & 1million square feet of proposed mixed-use space.

Located near the fast-growing I-90/Center Road interchange in the City ofAvon, thisgreenfieldsite is the ideal location for a new development but the presence of numerous on site wetlands deterred potential buyers from considering the site.

To assist the client in marketing the property, Atwell's Ecological Services Group performed the wetland delineation, classification, assessment and survey of the property.  Field data was recorded on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers data forms and all features were evaluated using Ohio's wetland and stream assessment methods.  Working closely with in-house planners, Atwell developed multiple conceptual site plans illustrating various ways to maximize the developable area with varying amounts of wetland impact. By considering wetlands at the outset, it was possible to illustrate the true development potential of the property, showing unexpected opportunities while at the same time encouraging buyers by handling the due diligence upfront.

200,000-square-foot retail facility located on 24 acres; impact to 1.5-acre wetland and state-threatened species concerns.

Formerly an agricultural site, Atwell conducted a wetland delineation and identified both federal and county regulated wetlands on-and off-site.  At the request of the IDNR, Atwell conducted a Sandhill Crane breeding season survey which concluded that construction and operation of the Walmart store would not detrimentally impact the species' inhabiting this area ofIllinois.  The IDNR issued a clearance letter based on Village approvals.

The development team worked with the site's natural features to avoid impacting the jurisdictional wetlands and secured the appropriate mitigation credits for the impacted county wetlands in compliance with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.

30 miles of wetland delineation and GPS survey, involved 81 wetlands, streams and rivers.

The G526 Wind Farm project required 30 miles of wetland delineation within an extremely short timeframe in order to meet the client's need to get transmission maintenance plans out to bid.  Utilizing field staff from offices in multiple states, the Ecological Team was able to complete all background review, field work, and wetland delineation plan set preparation within three weeks.  Atwell tailored their traditional delineation services in response to the client's concerns regarding project visibility.  By utilizing handheld GPS technology, on-staff biologists were able to survey the wetland boundaries without the use of visible flagging.  The team is also providing "on-call" wetland delineation services using traditional flagging techniques, as needed during post project activities.

In addition, Atwell's Ecological Team is preparing standard wetland and stream crossing specifications for any new construction or maintenance activities for electrical transmission distribution lines statewide.  This set of specifications will address state laws regulating wetlands, waterbodies and floodplains within Michigan and provide detailed crossing methods and best management practices.