HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/03/2011 - memo re: wetland buffer compl check Memorandum , r Bonestroo
2335 Highway 36 W
St.Paul,MN 55113
To: Christine Mattson, Project: 4701 West Branch Date: 8-3-11 Tel 651-636-4600
Melanie Curtis Road Fax 651-636-1311
From: John Smyth Client: City of Orono www.bonestroo.com
Re: Wetland Buffer Compliance Check File No.: 139-09000
This memo restates what was in the original 1/14/09 memo but provides a few updates due to
snow cover at the time of the original site visit. The site visit was made July 22, 2011. Photo
documentation of the buffer from the site visit is included with this memo. The proposed project
involves the removal of a principal structure and reconstruction on the same property and thus per
Section 78-1601 ( C ) 3 of the Orono Wetland Ordinance a wetland buffer will be required.
There is one wetland located within the property. The wetland is classified as a manage 2 which
requires a 25 foot buffer and 20 foot setback from the buffer.
A wetland delineation has not been completed on this property so the exact location of the buffer
and setback cannot be determined at this time.
Buffer Condition and Requirements
A wood chip trail currently exists within the buffer. This trail will likely require a conditional use
permit from the City. This should be verified with City Planner. Most of the buffer is wooded.
The site may have areas of turf grass within the buffer. This will be verified once an approved
wetland delineation is completed. If there is turf grass within the buffer it will need to be
removed and replaces with native vegetation. The wooded areas of the buffer include buckthorn
and may include garlic mustard and other invasive species that are considered undesirable plant
species per the code. Per Div. 3 Sec. 78-1605 (2) (a) the undesirable plant species will need to be
removed and replaced with native vegetation.
The applicant will need to provide a Management/Landscaping plan that includes the following:
1. Method of establishing native vegetation in the buffer that is turf. (MN BWSR Web Site —
Publication: "Restoring & Managing Native Wetland and Upland Vegetation"source for
options).
2. Species proposed to be seeded or planted. According to the ordinance Div. 3 Sec. 78-1605
(3) the seed mix must contain at least 12 pounds (PLS) per acre of native prairie grass
seed and 5 pounds (PLS) per acre of native wildflower seed. Native prairie grass and
native forb mixes shall contain no fewer than four(4) and five (5) species respectively
(MN BWSR Web Site— Publication: "Restoring & Managing Native Wetland and Upland
Vegetation"source for options).
3. A schedule of activities that are part of the management and maintenance for the
establishment of vegetation in the buffer shall be provided.
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Survey Requirements
A wetland delineation will need to be completed on the property, approved by the Minnehaha
Creek Watershed District and then surveyed and placed on the certificate of survey along with a
boundary depicting the upslope edge of the buffer.
Wetland Buffer Markers
Formal buffer markers are not required for the proposed activity under the Ordinance; however it
is recommended that the buffer is marked by the surveyor so the landowner understand where
work needs to be completed.
Wetland Water Quality Treatment Requirements
The buffer will provide adequate treatment for the proposed use of the property.
Recommendations
The original memo required that these issues be addressed prior to July 1, 2009. These issues
have not been addressed so the escrow of$6,000 should continue to be held. A schedule of the
required activities discussed in this memo should be provided by the applicant.
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Woodchip encroachment into buffer.
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Woodchip trail may require conditional use permit, wetland buffer with buckthorn.
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Potential turf and structure in buffer. Will not know if this is an encroachment until
Wetland Delineation is completed.
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