Wetland Mitigation Credit buy/sell agreement with Cowlitz mitigation Partners, LLC BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF: ) RESOLUTION NO. 18-
Approving a Wetland Mitigation Credit Buy/Sell Agreement
with Cowlitz Mitigation Partners, LLC for the purchase of 0.47
acres of wetland mitigation credits
WHEREAS, Cowlitz Mitigation Partners, LLC(Bank Sponsor) has established a wetland mitigation bank known
as the Coweeman River Mitigation Bank(CRMB)which has been approved by the Washington State
Department of Ecology, U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National
Marine Fisheries Service, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Cowlitz County; and
WHEREAS,the purpose of the CRMB is to provide off-site mitigation for unavoidable impacts to wetlands,fish
habitat, and other critical areas associated with certain development activity within the CRMB Service Area;
and
WHEREAS,Lewis County is proposing development activities in the Ed Carlson Memorial Field/South Lewis
County(Toledo)Airport Taxiway Improvements Project (Project)that will require permits and/or approval
from regulatory agencies and cause unavoidable impacts to wetlands and require mitigation; and
WHEREAS, Lewis County wishes to purchase from Bank Sponsor and Bank Sponsor wishes to sell to Lewis
County wetland credits from the CRMB for wetland mitigation due to the impacts from Project for the terms
and conditions in the attached Wetland Mitigation Credit Buy/Sell Agreement (Agreement); and
WHEREAS,the Community Development Director has reviewed the Agreement and recommends that the
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) authorize execution of the Agreement with the purchase price of
$124,550.00 for Project wetland mitigation credits; and
WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to authorize the execution of Agreement between
Lewis County and Bank Sponsor.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC concurs with the recommendation and approves the
Wetland Mitigation Credit Buy/Sell Agreement with Cowlitz Mitigation Partners, LLC for the purpose of
purchasing 0.47 acres of wetland mitigation credits in the amount of$124,550.00 and the BOCC hereby
authorizes the Community Development Director to sign the same.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this O day of 2018.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jonatha s'ecuting Attorney LEWIS COUNTY,WASHINGTON
"Th
:.': ''eputy Prosecuting Attorney Edna . Fund, Chai
•�`SCOUIV �••
ATTEST: •ok " O.4`s ,pert C.Jackson,Vice Chair
SINCE ` s* '
Rieva Lester, Clerk of the Board ®`y �l� ,c5 /Qary Sta per, Commissioner
°•�NS iscc o°
MITIGATION CREDIT BUY/SELL AGREEMENT
COWEEMAN RIVER MITIGATION BANK
This Wetland Mitigation Credit Buy/Sell Agreement("Agreement") is made by and
between Cowlitz Mitigation Partners, LLC a Washington limited liability company("Bank
Sponsor"), and Lewis County, a Washington municipal corporation("Buyer") (collectively
"Parties").
1. RECITALS
1.1. With approval and authorization from the Washington State Department of Ecology
("Ecology"),U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("Corps"), Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA"),National Marine Fisheries Service ("NMFS"), Washington
Department of Fish and Game("WDFW") and Cowlitz County (collectively the
"Permitting Authorities"), Bank Sponsor has established a mitigation bank known as the
"Coweeman River Mitigation Bank" ("CRMB").
1.2. The CRMB is established to operate in the State of Washington with a Service Area
defined by the Mitigation Banking Instrument.
1.3. The purpose of the CRMB is to provide off-site mitigation for unavoidable impacts to
wetlands, fish habitat and other critical areas associated with certain development
activity within the Service Area.
1.4. Bank Sponsor is authorized by the Permitting Authorities to operate the CRMB and to
obtain,hold, sell, and transfer wetland mitigation credits("Wetland Credits") and fish
habitat mitigation credits ("DSAYs"), said credits being units of trade representing the
increase in ecological value of a site, as measured by acreage, functions, and/or values
("Mitigation Credits").
1.5. Buyer contemplates undertaking a development activity within the Service Area
("Project"), which will require permits and/or approvals("Permit(s)") from regulatory
agencies and which development activity may cause unavoidable impacts to wetlands
and may require mitigation. Buyer is solely responsible for determining whether such
mitigation can be satisfied by its acquisition of Mitigation Credits.
1.6. Buyer wishes to purchase from Bank Sponsor and Bank Sponsor wishes to sell to Buyer
Wetland Credits or DSAYs from the CRMB for the Project on the terms and conditions
contained in this Agreement.
2. AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions and promises
contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration,the receipt and
sufficiency of which is acknowledged, Bank Sponsor and Buyer agree as follows:
I September 4. 2018
Purchase/Sale of Mitigation Credits
2.1.1. Purchase/Sale. Bank Sponsor hereby sells to Buyer and Buyer hereby buys from
Bank Sponsor forty-seven hundredths of a(0.47) Wetland Credits or DSAYs upon
all of the terms, covenants, and conditions set forth in this Agreement ("Project
Mitigation Credits").
2.1.2. Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Project Wetland Credits shall be one
hundred twenty-four thousand, five hundred fifty and 00/100 Dollars (U.S.
$124,550.00) ("Wetland Credit Purchase Price").
2.1.3. Payment. Buyer agrees to pay the Purchase Price to Bank Sponsor as otherwise
provided in this Agreement.
2.2. Buyer's Obligations/Limitation on Transfer of Mitigation Credits/Project Information.
2.2.1. Mitigation Credits for Project. Buyer shall be solely responsible for
determining whether the Mitigation Credits may be used for the Project and the
Permit(s). Bank Sponsor provides no representation or warranty as to the utility or
applicability of the Mitigation Credits to the Project or Permit(s). Buyer
acknowledges and agrees that Bank Sponsor shall sell the Project Mitigation Credits
specifically for the Permit(s) identified in Section 2.2.2 below and that, as of
Closing, said credits shall not be transferable.
2.2.2. Project. [to be completed by Buyer] The Project, Permit(s), and related
information is as follows:
2.2.2.1. Buyer's name, address, &telephone number:
Lewis County Community Development, 2025 NE Kresky Avenue, Chehalis
WA 98532
2.2.2.2. Permitting Agency(ies) name(s), address(es), telephone number(s):
US Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, P.O. Box 3755, Seattle, WA
98124 (206) 764-6248;_and Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box
47775, Olympia, WA 98504 (360)407-6300
2.2.2.3. Permit(s)Number(s) Date of Permit:
Permit Agency Number Date of Issuance
USACE NWS-2016-1061 Sept 4, 2018
2.2.2.4. Project Name & Location:_Ed Carlson Memorial Field/South Lewis County
(TDO)- Airport Improvement Project. 5239 Jackson Highway,Toledo, WA
98591; legal description Township 12N, Range 1 West, Sections 33 and 34.
2.2.2.5. Brief Description of Impact(s)to be Compensated for by the Project
2 September 4, 2018
Mitigation Credits: 0.47 Wetland Credits purchased for permanent impacts to
0.44 acres of Category III wetland and 0.03 acres of Category IV wetland for
the Ed Carlson Memorial Field/South Lewis County Airport Improvement
Project.
2.2.3. Disclosure. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Bank Sponsor may, as part of
the process for transferring the Project Mitigation Credits, disclose the information
provided under Section 2.2.2 above to the permitting agency(ies)described in
Section 2.2.2, the Clark County Auditor, and the Permitting Authorities.
2.3. Title/Risk of Loss
2.3.1. Conveyance. At Closing, Bank Sponsor shall convey to Buyer the Project
Mitigation Credits, free of liens, encumbrances, restrictions,rights, and conditions,
except as expressly provided for herein. Conveyance shall be in the form of a letter
from the Bank Sponsor to the Buyer and Permitting Authorities notifying them that
credits have been transferred by the bank to the Buyer for the permits and projects
detailed in Section 2.2.2
2.3.2. Risk of Loss. Bank Sponsor shall bear the risk of loss of the Project Mitigation
Credits prior to Closing.
2.4. Representations and Warranties
Bank Sponsor represents and warrants to Buyer that:
2.4.1. Bank Sponsor is authorized by the Permitting Authorities to operate the CRMB
and to obtain, hold, sell, and transfer Mitigation Credits; and
2.4.2. Bank Sponsor owns the Project Mitigation Credits and has the right to sell said
credits to Buyer.
2.5. Closing
2.5.1. Closing and Closing Date. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Project
Mitigation Credits ("Closing")shall occur when the Bank Sponsor receives a
cashiers check for the purchase amount,under the terms of this Agreement within
ten(10)days after the effective date of this Agreement("Closing Date").
2.5.2. Limits on Closing Date. The Closing Date shall not be modified without the
written approval of Bank Sponsor and Buyer.
2.6. Notice
2.6.1. Except as may be otherwise expressly provided for herein, all notices required or
permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
delivered or sent: (a) in person; (b)by U.S. Mail, postage prepaid and certified with
return receipt requested; or(c)by nationally recognized overnight delivery service,
prepaid, and addressed as set forth below. Either party may change its address by
3 September 4, 2018
notifying the other party in writing of the change of address. Notice shall be
deemed delivered immediately, if delivered in person, or within two days if sent by
any other means set forth in this Section 2.6.
2.6.2. If to Bank Sponsor: CRMB
C/O Habitat Bank
801 E 1st St. Suite B-107
Cle Elum, WA 98922
2.6.3. If to Buyer: As provided in Section 2.2.2 above.
2.7. Miscellaneous
2.7.1. Effective date. The effective date of this Agreement shall be the earliest date by
which both Bank Sponsor and Buyer have executed this Agreement.
2.7.2. Assignment. Buyer's rights under this Agreement shall not be assigned or
apportioned, either voluntarily or by operation of law, without the prior written
consent of Bank Sponsor, which shall be in Bank Sponsor's reasonable discretion.
Subject to the foregoing limitation,this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
be binding upon the Parties' respective successors and assigns.
2.7.3. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and
understanding between the Parties with respect to the purchase and sale of the
Project Mitigation Credits,and supersedes and replaces any prior agreements and
understandings,whether oral or written, between them with respect to said matters.
2.7.4. Time. Time is of the essence of this Agreement.
2.7.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.
2.7.6. Amendment. No change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless
the same is in writing and signed by the Parties. No waiver of any of the provisions
of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the party against
whom it is sought to be enforced.
2.7.7. Captions. The captions of this Agreement have no effect upon its interpretation
and are for convenience and ease of reference only.
2.7.8. Severability. The unenforceability, invalidity,or illegality of any provision
hereof shall not render any other provision unenforceable, invalid, or illegal.
2.7.9. Computation of Time. If any date set forth in this Agreement for the delivery of
any document or the happening of any event should,under the terms hereof, fall on
a weekend or holiday,then such date shall be automatically extended to the next
succeeding weekday that is not a holiday.
2.7.10. Attorneys' Fees. In the event either party to this Agreement finds it necessary to
4 September 4, 2018
bring an action at law or other proceeding against the other party to enforce any of
the terms, covenants,or conditions of this Agreement or any instrument executed
pursuant to this Agreement, or by reason of any breach or default under this
Agreement,the prevailing party in any such action or proceeding (and any appeal
thereof) shall be paid all costs and reasonable attorneys' fees by the other party.
This provision shall survive Closing and shall not be merged into the Bill of Sale.
2.7.11. Acts Beyond Party's Control. Neither party to this Agreement shall be in
default or violation as to any obligation created hereby and no condition precedent
or subsequent shall be deemed to fail to occur if such party is prevented from
fulfilling such obligation by, or such condition fails to occur due to, forces beyond
such party's reasonable control, including without limitation, destruction or
impairment of facilities resulting from breakdown not resulting from lack of
ordinary care and maintenance, flood, earthquake, slide, storm, lightning, fire,
epidemic, war, riot, civil disturbance, sabotage,proceeding by court or public
authority, or act or failure to act by court,public authority, or third party, which
forces by exercise of due diligence and foresight such party could not reasonably
have expected to avoid.
2.7.12. No Joint Venture. It is not intended by this Agreement to, and nothing contained
in this Agreement shall,create any partnership,joint venture, or other arrangement
between Buyer and Bank Sponsor. No term or provision of this Agreement is
intended to be, or shall be, for the benefit of any person, firm, organization, or
corporation not a party to this Agreement, and no such other person, firm,
organization, or corporation shall have any right or cause of action hereunder.
2.7.13. Counterparts/Faxes. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts with like effect as if all signatures appeared on one copy. Facsimile
transmission of any signed original document (other than the Bill of Sale), and
retransmission of any signed facsimile transmission shall be the same as delivery of
an original. At the request of either party or the Escrow Agent, the Parties shall
confirm facsimile transmitted signatures by signing an original document.
The Parties have executed this Agreement as of the dates set forth below.
COWLITZ MITIGATION PARTNERS,LLC, Bank Sponsor
B y - 6 / / g
Victor Woodward, Manager Date
Lewis County Buyer
3J
B ask • /.rte LJ1 1 D 15s
Lee Napier, I' -c +r D to
5 September 4, 2018
TAT Op DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
,4 ,A?C''f r r;d• CORPS OF ENGINEERS, SEATTLE DISTRICT
a..: P.O.BOX 3755
la,� IIP�1 P7' SEATTLE,WASHINGTON 98124-3755
41 °,1' F
e!
�sCA7C5 OF 7!�
Regulatory Branch September 4, 2018
Ms. Lee Napier
Lewis County
2025 Northeast Kresky Avenue
Chehalis, Washington 98532
Reference: NWS-2016-1061
Lewis County (Ed Carlson
Memorial Field /South
Lewis County Airport
Improvements —NWP Re-
Authorization)
Dear Ms. Napier:
We have reviewed your application to place fill in 0.47 acre of wetlands to make taxiway
and airport improvements near Toledo, Lewis County, Washington. Based on the information
you provided to us, Nationwide Permit (NWP) 14, Linear Transportation Projects (Federal
Register January 6, 2017, Vol. 82, No. 4), authorizes your proposal as depicted on the enclosed
drawings dated June 2018.
In order for this authorization to be valid, you must ensure the work is performed in
accordance with the enclosed NWP 14, Terms and Conditions and the following special
conditions:
a. You shall implement and abide by the revised Ed Carlson Memorial Field South Lewis
County Airport, Wetland Mitigation Bank Use Plan, dated August 21, 2018, prepared by
WHPacific, Inc., and obtain mitigation bank credits from the Coweeman River
Mitigation Bank in accordance with Section 9 of the Bank Use Plan.
b. You shall obtain from the Coweeman River Mitigation Bank sponsor documentation of
the completed mitigation bank transaction. You shall submit to the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Seattle District, Regulatory Branch, documentation on the completed
mitigation bank transaction prior to performing work in waters of the U.S. authorized by
this permit. All submittals must prominently display the reference number NWS-2016-
1061.
-2-
The Federal Aviation Administration completed no effect determinations for the National
Historic Preservation Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Magnuson
Stevens Act essential fish habitat (EFH) for its involvement in the proposed activity. For the
purpose of this Department of the Army authorization, we have determined this project will
comply with the requirements of these laws provided you comply with all of the permit general
conditions. We have determined the permit action is sufficiently addressed in their ESA and
EFH determination documents. By this letter we are advising you and the Services, in
accordance with 50 CFR 402.07 and 50 CFR 600.920(b), that this agency has served as the lead
Federal agency for the ESA and EFH consultation responsibilities for the activity described
above.
The authorized work complies with the Washington State Department of Ecology's
(Ecology) Water Quality Certification (WQC)requirements for this NWP. No further
coordination with Ecology for WQC is required.
You have not requested a jurisdictional determination for this proposed project. If you
believe the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not have jurisdiction over all or portions of your
project you may request a preliminary or approved jurisdictional determination (JD). If one is
requested, please be aware that we may require the submittal of additional information to
complete the JD and work authorized in this letter may not occur until the JD has been
completed.
Our verification of this NWP authorization is valid until March 18, 2022, unless the NWP is
modified, reissued, or revoked prior to that date. If the authorized work has not been completed
by that date and you have commenced or are under contract to commence this activity before
March 18, 2022, you will have until March 18, 2023, to complete the activity under the enclosed
terms and conditions of this NWP. Failure to comply with all terms and conditions of this NWP
verification invalidates this authorization and could result in a violation of Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act. You must also obtain all local, State, and other Federal permits that apply to
this project.
You are cautioned that any change in project location or plans will require that you submit a
copy of the revised plans to this office and obtain our approval before you begin work. Deviating
from the approved plans could result in the assessment of criminal or civil penalties.
Upon completing the authorized work, you must fill out and return the enclosed Certificate
of Compliance with Department of the Army Permit. Thank you for your cooperation during the
permitting process. We are interested in your experience with our Regulatory Program and
encourage you to complete a customer service survey. These documents and information about
our program are available on our website at www.nws.usace.army.mil, select "Regulatory
-3-
Branch, Permit Information" and then "Contact Us." A copy of this letter with enclosures will
be furnished to Ms. Karry Blake at KBlake @whpacific.com. If you have any questions, please
contact me at evan.g,carnes @usace.army.mil or(206) 316-3049.
Sincerely,
Evan G. Carnes, Project Manager
Regulatory Branch
Enclosures
cc:
Washington Department of Ecology, Federal Permit Coordinator: ecyrefedpermits @ecy.wa.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: wfwoctap @fws.gov
National Marine Fisheries Service: frankie.johnson @noaa.gov
Ed Carlson Memorial Field / South Lewis County Airport (TDO)
2017 Airport Improvements Project
Wetland Mitigation Bank Use Plan
Table of Co-,t,-,n-r,
1. Project Description 1
2. Existing Conditions of Wetlands and Buffers 1
3. Avoidance and Minimization of Wetlands Impacts 2
4. Unavoidable Wetland Impact Acreage 2
5. Impacted Wetland Functions 3
6. Wetland Mitigation Site Rationale 4
7. Wetland Functions Provided at Wetland Mitigation Bank 4
8. Wetland Functions Not Mitigated at Wetland Mitigation Bank 4
9. Proposed Mitigation Credits 5
10. Credit Purchase or Transfer Timing 5
January 11, 2018
Ed Carlson Memorial Field / South Lewis County Airport (TDO)
2017 Airport Improvements Project
Wetland Mitigation Bank Use Plan
1. Project Desc: ipt_ior
The following improvements planned for the South Lewis County Airport (Airport) will impact onsite
wetlands:
• Reconstruct the parallel taxiway and the connector taxiways north of Runway 06-24.
• Re-align entrance/exit taxiways at both ends of the runway with standard right-angle taxiways.
• Install a new subsurface edge drainage system along the taxiways and replace existing culverts
across the taxiways.
A Wetland Delineation and Wetland Functional Assessment were completed for the project. A Categorical
Exclusion (CATEX) was prepared following the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) format. The FAA is
the lead federal agency for the project. In addition, a Washington State Environmental Protection Act
(SEPA) checklist and Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) package were prepared. These
packages are included as Attachments A, B, and C respectively. Both the CATEX and JARPA packages
include copies of the Wetland Delineation,Wetlands Function and Value Assessment,and figures showing
the project area and wetlands.
2. Existing Conditions of Wetlands and Buffers
The study area contains five wetlands totaling 8.3 acres, three in the Airport's infield, and two along the
northern side of the taxiway.There are also two sections of drainage ditch along the taxiway with wetland
characteristics, and a wetland drainage swale. The wetland ditches and swale are included in Wetland 4
for purposes of assessment. All wetlands are classified as palustrine emergent(PEM).Table 1 contains a
description of the Airport wetlands location,vegetation type, size, HGM Class and wetland category.
Wetlands 1, 2, and 3 are located within the airport infield. They receive stormwater discharges from the
paved runway and taxiway that surrounds them. Wetlands 4 and 5 are similar to Wetlands 1-3, except
that they are bordered by impervious surfaces on only one side.
Vegetation on the Airport and in the project area is frequently mowed. The dominant plant species are
non-native grasses:tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) and bentgrass(Agrostis spp.),with patches of
common camas(Camassia quamash),slender rush(Juncus tenuis),and sedges(Carex spp.). Lady's tresses
orchid (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) are scattered among the grasses.
Wetland conditions have formed in flats and slight depressions due to a combination of high clay content
in the soils and inadequate surface drainage. Prather subsoils with high clay content were exposed by
grading.
Hydrologic support comes from direct precipitation. Wetlands on site are subject to shallow inundation
or saturation in the upper 12 inches during the winter and early spring, but dry out completely in the
summer and fall.
Wetland buffers are also regularly-mowed grasslands with the dominant plant species being non-native
grasses.
1 January 11, 2018
Ed Carlson Memorial Field / South Lewis County Airport (TDO)
2017 Airport Improvements Project
Wetland Mitigation Bank Use Plan
Table 1—Airport Wetland Descriptions
Map Unit Location,Wetland Type and Size-Area HGM Class Wetland
Vegetation (acres) Category
Wetland 1: Infield area. Flats or slight depression 0.54 Depressional IV
with seasonal standing water or
saturation. Non-native grasses,
slender rush
Wetland 2: Infield area. Flats or slight depression 1.90 Depressional IV
with seasonal standing water or
saturation. Non-native grasses,
slender rush.
Wetland 3 Infield area. Flats or slight depression 3.95 Depressional IV
with seasonal standing water or
saturation. Non-native grasses,
slender rush.
Wetland 4 Slight depression formed by grading 0.96 Depressional Ill
along north side of airport property.
Stormwater drains to this area from
infield and drainage ditches.
Seasonal standing water or
saturation. Non-native grasses,
slender rush,sedges,common camas
Wetland 5 Slight depression formed by grading 0.96 Depressional Ill
along north side of airport property.
Stormwater drains to this area from
drainage ditch. Seasonal standing
water or saturation.Non-native
grasses, slender rush, sedges,
common camas
TOTAL 8.3 acres
. Avoicidnc-e df1Ci Mum-1-17.atioti of Wetlands Impacts
The parallel taxiway was realigned to the north to reduce wetland impacts from 2.2 acres to 0.48 acres.
The original taxiway design at the current taxiway centerline alignment would have impacted 2.2 acres of
wetlands.The taxiway was redesigned by shifting the parallel taxiway to the north to avoid the wetlands
south of the existing parallel taxiway. The taxiway realignment resulted in significant reduction in wetland
impact, with only 0.48 acres of the wetlands impacted for this project.
4. Unavoidable Wetland Impact Acreage
The Wetland Delineation Report, Appendix C, contains figures showing the wetland areas. Figures 1
through 3 included with the JARPA package show the project footprint and wetlands.Tables 2 and 3 show
expected wetland impacts and an impact summary by wetland classification, respectively.
2 January 11, 2018
Ed Carlson Memorial Field / South Lewis County Airport (TDO)
2017 Airport Improvements Project
Wetland Mitigation Bank Use Plan
Table 2—Expected Impacts to Wetlands
Wetland Wetland Permanently Temporary Indirect Cowardin Ecology Lewis HGM
Identifier Area Filled Wetland Wetland Impact Class Rating County Classification
(acres) Area(acres) Impacts Area Rating
Area (acres)
(acres)
1 0,54 0.01 0 0 PEM IV B Depressional
2 1.90 0 0 0 PEM IV B Depressional
3 3.95 0 0 0 PEM _ IV B Depressional
4 0.96 0.32 0 0 PEM III B Depressional
5 0.96 0.15 0 0 PEM III B Depressional
TOTAL 8.3 0.48 0 0
Table 3—Wetland Impact Summary by Classification
Area of Areas of 1 Areas of
Classification System Class Permanent Temporary Indirect
Impacts Impacts Impacts
(acres) (acres) (acres)
Washington State Rating III 0.47 0 0
IV 0.01 0 0
Lewis County Rating B 0.48 0 0
USFWS Cowardin PEM 0.48 0 0
Hydrogeomorphic Depressional 0.48 0 0
5. Impacted Wetland f=unct.lo
Wetlands 1, 2, and 3, located within the airport infield, collect runoff from the runway and taxiway, and
have some capacity for improving water quality. However, they are rated Low to Medium for water
quality in part because they are frequently mowed,which reduces their capacity to trap sediment. These
wetlands are rated higher for hydrologic functions because they receive stormwater discharges from
impervious surfaces. Generally, habitat functions for these wetlands are low, because the paved surfaces
surrounding them create a barrier to accessible habitat. They would be rated lower for habitat functions,
except there is a large percentage of undisturbed habitat and low to medium intensity land use in the
surrounding landscape. Each scores a total of 15 points, placing them in Category IV.
Wetlands 4 and 5 are in most respects similar to Wetlands 1-3, except that they are bordered by
impervious surfaces on only one side. As a result, habitat is much more accessible from undisturbed and
low-medium intensity land use areas in the surrounding landscape which results in a higher score for
habitat functions. Consequently, total scores are 18 (Wetland 4) and 17 (Wetland 5) placing them in
Category III.
3 January 11, 2018
Ed Carlson Memorial Field /South Lewis County Airport (TDO)
2017 Airport Improvements Project
Wetland Mitigation Bank Use Plan
6. Wetland Mitigation Site Rationale
The Coweeman River Mitigation Bank(Bank)was selected for fee-in-lieu mitigation because it provides
appropriate, in-kind mitigation within the Cowlitz River watershed-Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA 26)to compensate for wetland impacts at the Airport. The Airport is located in the Cowlitz River
watershed-WRIA 26. The Bank provides universal credits to preserve, enhance, and create
depressional, emergent wetlands with higher scores for water quality, hydrologic and habitat functions.
The purpose of the Bank is to generate mitigation credits for purchase to compensate for wetland
impacts as stipulated by permits. The ecological goals and objectives of the Bank correspond to the
needs of the project by improving hydrology, hydrological,water quality and habitat functions.
Discussion with the Bank on September 29,2016 showed they have available credit for sale that will
compensate for the loss of 0.48 acres of Category III and IV wetlands at the Airport.They can supply the
same type of function as required by the project, and their wetlands are higher quality. The Bank has
corresponding purpose, goals and objectives.
A small portion (less than 6%)of Airport wetlands will be filled by the taxiway project. The remaining
94%of wetlands will continue to function as before.
7, Wetland Functions Provided at Wetland Mitigation Bank
The functions provided at the Bank equal or exceed the functions of the 0.48 acres of impacted wetlands
on the Airport and will provide adequate mitigation from project impacts.
The Airport's depressional, emergent wetlands scored low to moderate in water quality, hydrologic and
habitat functions;whereas,the Bank scored low to moderate in water quality, moderate in hydrologic
function, and low to high in habitat function. Overall scores for the wetlands at the Airport are 15
(Category IV), 18 and 17(Category III).The Bank provides credits to preserve depressional,emergent
wetlands with higher overall scores of between 30 and 45 for Category flf wetlands. The Bank does not
contain Category IV wetlands. Additionally, habitat scores for the Airport depressional, emergent
wetlands are 4,5 and 6. The Bank's habitat scores for the same type of wetland are between 10 and 28.
The Bank preserves overall higher quality depressional, emergent wetlands by eliminating disturbances
to increase water quality and habitat function, removing invasive vegetation and establishing native
wetland plant communities, and creating and improving wetland hydrology and floodplain connectivity.
By connecting and protecting aquatic systems, the Bank provides higher functioning ecosystems and
corridors that benefit fish and wildlife.
8. Wetland Function~ Not Mitigated at Wetland Mitigation Bank
The remaining 7.82 acres of wetlands and stormwater features designed for the taxiway expansion
project will continue to provide stormwater treatment,flood storage and groundwater recharge.
Additionally, unneeded portions of the taxiway will be removed reducing the amount impervious
surface by 0.1 acres and decreasing the amount of runoff.
4 January 11, 2018
Ed Carlson Memorial Field / South Lewis County Airport (TDO)
2017 Airport Improvements Project
Wetland Mitigation Bank Use Plan
9. Proposed Mitigation Credits
The project will purchase 0.48 credits from the Bank to compensate for 0.48 acres of permanent fill in
wetlands. Table 4 shows the category of impacted wetlands and the credits recommended for impacts,
and Table 5 shows the credits needed per impact acre and the credits proposed for purchase.
Table 4—Coweeman Credits Recommended for Wetland Impacts
Category of Impacted Wetland Credit Recommended Per Impact
Acre
III 1:1
IV 0.85:1
Table 5—Mitigation Bank Credits Proposed for Use by Impact Project
Wetland Total Permanently Ecology Credit Credit
Identifier Wetland Filled Wetland Rating Needed Proposed
Area Area(acres) per for Use
(acres) Impact
Acre
1 0.54 0.01 IV 0.85 0.0085
2 1.90 0 IV 0 0
3 3.95 0 IV 0 0
4 0.96 0.32 III 1 0.32
5 0.96 0.15 III 1 0.15
TOTAL 8.3 0.48 0.48
10. Credit Purchase or ? ransler Timing
The project will purchase 0.48 credits from the Bank after the work is authorized under Nationwide
Permit 14 by the U.S. iu my Corps of Engineers and Department of Ecology.
5 January 11, 2018
BOCC AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Resolution: BOCC Meeting Date: Oct 08, 2018
Suggested Wording for Agenda Item: Agenda Type: Consent
Approval of a Wetland Mitigation Credit Buy/Sell Agreement with Cowlitz Mitigation Partners to purchase
wetland mitigation credits at a cost of$124,550 for the taxiway improvements project at Ed Carlson Memorial
Field/South Lewis County(Toledo) Airport.
Contact Dave Campbell Phone: (360) 864-4966
Department: Community Development
Action Needed: Approve Resolution
Description
The County is preparing to undertake an improvements project at Ed Carlson Memorial Field/South Lewis
County (Toledo) Airport. The project consists primarily of taxiway reconstruction (widening and realignment)
and tree removal. Work is now scheduled to get underway next spring. As designed it will involve impacts to
0.47 acres of wetlands on airport property.
The project requires a permit from, among others, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The Corps'
permit requires the County to implement and abide by a wetland mitigation bank use plan and obtain mitigation
bank credits from the Cowlitz River Mitigation Bank(CRMB).
Cowlitz Mitigation Partners, LLC (CMP) has established the CRMB to provide off-site mitigation for
unavoidable impacts to wetlands associated with development activity (e.g., this airport project) within the
CRMB service area.
Purchase of the credits from CMP by the County will be funded primarily by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) grant obtained by the County to undertake this improvement project.
Approvals:
User Group Status
Campbell, David Pending
Lester, Rieva Pending
Eisenberg, Eric Pending
Napier, Lee Pending
Roy, Martin Pending
Additional Copies
Graham Gowing,Dave Campbell, and Lee Napier