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Memorandum Bonestroo To: Evelyn Turner Project: 25 Orono Orchard Road N. Date: 7/16/2008 2335 Highway 36w St.Paul,MN 55113 From: John Smyth,CWD Client: City or Orono Tel 651-636-4600 Fax 651-636-1311 Re: Wetland Buffer Ordinance Review Memo . File No: 139-08000 www.bonestroo.com Remarks: The property currently has one wetland that has a Manage 1 Classification. This classification requires a 35 foot vegetated buffer and 20 foot setback from the buffer. Buffer Condition and Requirements A site evaluation was completed on July 16, 2008 to determine the condition of the vegetation in the existing upland !buffer. The survey provided does not show a buffer, however it appears that a buffer was established previously. There are a number of species(black-eyed susan,ect.) adjacent to the wetland that would typically be found in a native seed mix provided for prairie development(see attached photos). The area that appeals to be an established buffer extends around the entire wetland and is approximately 30 feet between the yard and the wetland on the west side. This needs to be verified by survey. There is also a buffer that exists between the wetland and Orono Orchard Road that vanes in vfidth but is as wide as approximately 120 feet in some locations. Existing Legal NonOonforming Structures and Requirements There is currently a blacktop driveway located within the required buffer of the wetland. This is considered a legal nonconforming structure. Due to the buffer being in good shape and being wider along the road';and as a result providing increased filtration from the impervious surface the City may want to Consider allowing buffer flexibility. This would allow the property owner to make up lost buffer Blue to the driveway in the area between the wetland and Orono Orchard Road,where adequate vegetation already exists.As described below under the Certificate of Survey Requirements the landowner will need to show how the buffer area is going to be accomplished on the property. Certificate of SurveRequirements To be in compliance With the submittal requirements of the ordinance the Certificate of Survey needs to be updated to show the buffers. Buffer width averaginij should be done on the property to make up for the lost buffer. The applicant will need to have the survey firm provide a plan that shows the total acres of buffer required by the code and where the buffer is being expanded to make-up for the acres of the buffer that is lost due to the existing driveway and the slightly narrower buffer that