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BEFORE YOU BREAK GROUNDHow to Address Endangered Species, Wetlands, and Stormwater Pollution Prevention PlansJosiah Frey & William Shane

August 26, 2015

Click to edit Master title stylePRESENTATION OVERVIEW

• Endangered Species– Northern Long Eared Bat Listing– Working with USFWS in Kentucky

• Stream and Wetlands Permitting– WOTUS Update– Permitting Near Streams– Permitting Near Wetlands

• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans– Permitting Basics– State Permitting – Local Permitting

August 26, 2015 • 2© Copyright 2015 Smith Management Group

Click to edit Master title styleAre You Building Here?


Source: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/pdf/WNSBufferZone.pdf

Click to edit Master title styleDoes This Look Familiar?

August 26, 2015 • 4

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination Form Instructional Guidebook. 5/30/2007. Photo 18. Page 29.

© Copyright 2015 Smith Management Group

Click to edit Master title styleAre You Building Here?

August 26, 2015 • 5

Photo Credit: Josiah Frey


Click to edit Master title styleWho Does This Apply To?

• Manufacturing Facilities– Plant expansions– Facility acquisitions

• Linear Projects– Natural gas, water, fiber optic lines– Transportation projects (roads, bridges, railroads, dams)

• Homebuilders– Subdivisions– Property development

• Mining Companies– Limestone quarries– Coal Mines


Click to edit Master title styleWhy Should I Care?

• Endangered Species Act Violations– Civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation– Criminal penalties up to $50,000 and one year in jail per violation (ESA Section 11)

• Clean Water Act Violations– Civil penalties up to $16,000 per day, up to $177,500 for a single violation

• Lawsuits– Civil Suits authorized by the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act

• Consent Decrees– 99 Clean Water Act Consent Decrees since 2008 (340% increase compared to 2000-

2008). – Examples

» City of Lexington, KY ($425,000 fee, $290 million in infrastructure upgrades)» Trans Energy Inc ($3 million penalty for filling streams and wetlands in WVA)» Aggregate Industries ($2.75 million civil penalty)


Click to edit Master title styleWhat Do I Do?

• Before You Buy…– Consider the regulations – Observe the property– Minimize Potential Problems

» Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment» Assess potential threatened and endangered species habitat» Assess potential for wetlands» Plan – understand the regulatory scheduling requirements» Costs – understand the costs associated with environmental evaluation and permitting

• Review Public Resources– Endangered Species - http://www.smithmanage.com/wp-

content/uploads/2015/06/USFWS-Bat-Rules-in-KY2015.pdf– Wetlands and Streams - http://www.smithmanage.com/wp-

content/uploads/2014/11/Revision-to-Waters-of-the-US-Comments-2.pdf– Regulations - http://www.smithmanage.com/insights/reg-watch/


http://www.smithmanage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/USFWS-Bat-Rules-in-KY2015.pdf

http://www.smithmanage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Revision-to-Waters-of-the-US-Comments-2.pdf

http://www.smithmanage.com/insights/reg-watch/

Click to edit Master title styleWhat Do I Do?

• Consult a Qualified Professional – Phase I – Professionals qualified by ASTM 1527-13.– Wetlands – Professionals trained on the appropriate Regional Supplements to the Corps

of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual.– Endangered Species - Professionals trained in Endangered Species Consultation with the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.



ENDANGERED SPECIES: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BATS



Why Do I Have To Worry About Endangered Species?

• The Endangered Species Act of 1973

• ESA Section 9(a)(1)(B)

• Prohibits “take”

• In other words, you can’t kill, hurt, or bother a threatened or endangered species.

August 26, 2015 • 11

ENDANGERED SPECIESIt’s All About The Bats

Photo Credit: http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/this-day-in-politics-85535.html


Click to edit Master title styleENDANGERED SPECIESIt’s All About The Bats

What Species Do I Have to Worry About On MY Project?• http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/• http://www.fws.gov/frankfort/pdf/KY_te_list_by_county.pdf


http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/

http://www.fws.gov/frankfort/pdf/KY_te_list_by_county.pdf


Northern Long-Eared Bat• Listed as “Threatened” • Interim 4(d) Rule, effective May 4, 2015• Primary business impact – summer tree

removal limitations

» http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/Interim4dRuleKeyNLEB.html

August 26, 2015 • 13

ENDANGERED SPECIESIt’s All About The Bats

Photo Credit: New York Department of Environmental Conservation; Al Hicks


http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/Interim4dRuleKeyNLEB.html


Northern Long-Eared Bat Interim 4(d) Rule Exemptions• Forest Management Practices

• Maintenance and limited expansion of transportation and utility right-of-ways

• Prairie Habitat Management

• Limited tree removal projects



Northern Long-Eared Bat Habitat

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Reference: “The Northern Long-Eared Bat.” Carrie L. Allison. USFWS.


Click to edit Master title styleEndangered SpeciesIts all about the bats

Indiana Bat Habitat

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Tree Snag with Holes

Photo Credit: John B., Wikimedia

Shagbark Hickory

Photo Credit: Josiah Frey



Conservation Strategy for Forest-Dwelling Bats

In Kentucky, you can choose to pay a mitigation fee instead of surveying.

• Starts at $3,150/acre.

• This mitigation fee applies to impacts to Northern Long-Eared Bats and Indiana Bats.

• Different area classifications represent different fee multipliers.

• Limits tree clearing in June and July for known and potential maternity .

• Previous CMOA fees for Indiana Bat may be re-evaluated to include Northern Long-Eared Bat (may increase fees).



August 26, 2015 • 18

Source: http://www.fws.gov/frankfort/pdf/March2015_KnownForestDwellingBatMap.pdf



August 26, 2015 • 19

WETLAND AND STREAM PERMITTING


Click to edit Master title styleWETLAND AND STREAM PERMITTINGUS Army Corps 404 Permitting

August 26, 2015 • 20

Recent Developments Affecting Wetland and Stream Permitting

• Clean Water Rule: Definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) - 33 CFR Part 328

• WOTUS definition in effect August 28, 2015.

• Facilities MUST have a basic understanding of the rule to determine any potential permitting requirements.



August 26, 2015 • 21

Source: http://ditchtherule.fb.org



August 26, 2015 • 22

Source: http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Jurisdiction.aspx



Permitting Stream Impacts –What to Do?

• Delineate and avoid

• Consider the Cost

• Plan ahead

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WETLAND AND STREAM PERMITTINGUS Army Corps 404 Permitting

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination Form Instructional Guidebook. 5/30/2007. Photo 18. Page 22.




Stream Mitigation Costs• Compensatory Mitigation costs in Central Kentucky range from $180/linear foot to

$1,080/linear foot based on stream quality and type.

• Example: Impacting 800 linear feet of streams in Fayette County will cost between $144,000-$864,000 in mitigation fees.

• Eastern Kentucky stream mitigation costs are higher and credits are limited. Consult a professional and contact the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to assess stream mitigation costs.

Calculation References:• http://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/Stream-Team-Program.aspx• http://water.ky.gov/permitting/Pages/StreamWetlandDoc.aspx• http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Mitigation/EasternKentucky.aspx

http://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/Stream-Team-Program.aspx

http://water.ky.gov/permitting/Pages/StreamWetlandDoc.aspx

http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Mitigation/EasternKentucky.aspx


Permitting Wetland Impacts –What to Do?

• Check the National Wetland Inventory – http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/

• Check a floodplain map– http://msc.fema.gov/portal

• Hire a wetland delineator, or request the Corps to delineate.

• Consider the costs

• Plan ahead!

August 26, 2015 • 25


Photo Credit: Josiah Frey “Broadleaf Cattail” Typha latifolia


http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/

http://msc.fema.gov/portal


August 26, 2015 • 26


Wetland Mitigation Costs

• Current wetland mitigation fees cost $110,016-$165,024 per acre of wetland impacts.

Calculation References:• http://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/Stream-

Team-Program.aspx• http://water.ky.gov/permitting/Pages/S

treamWetlandDoc.aspx

Photo Credit: Josiah Frey “American Water Lotus” Nelumbo lutea


http://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/Stream-Team-Program.aspx

http://water.ky.gov/permitting/Pages/StreamWetlandDoc.aspx


August 26, 2015 • 27

Example – Expansion of Lexington’s Airport

Source: www.fws.gov/wetlands/



August 26, 2015 • 28

Example – Expansion of Lexington’s Airport

Source: fema.maps.arcgis.com


Click to edit Master title styleBEFORE YOU BREAK GROUNDRecommended Scheduling and Planning Calendar

August 26, 2015 • 29

Month January February March April May June

USFWS Cut Trees Cut Trees Cut Trees No Cutting No Cutting No Cutting

USACE Don’tDelineate

Don’tDelineate

Don’t Delineate

Delineate Delineate Delineate

Month July August September October November December

USFWS No Cutting No Cutting No Cutting No Cutting Cut Trees Cut Trees

USACE Delineate Delineate Delineate Don’t Delineate

Don’t Delineate

Don’tDelineate



August 26, 2015 • 30

STORMWATER PERMITTING



Who’s affected?• Developers• Homebuilders• Any project that disturbs more than:

– 750 sq ft (0.017 ac) – Bowling Green– 2,000 sq ft (0.046 ac) – Louisville – 1 acre – Lexington – 1 acre – Statewide

August 26, 2015 • 31

DO I NEED A PERMIT?

Source: Microsoft Office Clipart

Be aware!• Site selection

– Streams & status• Local ordinances

– MS4 Permit & Requirements– Post construction requirements



Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW)

• KYR1000000 General PermitStormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity– eNOI-SWCA– eNOT-SWCA

• KYR0000000 General Permit Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity– eNOI-KYR00– eNOT-SW– No Exposure Certification

• Individual Permit

August 26, 2015 • 32

WHAT PERMITS DO I NEED?

Source: William Shane, SMG



What you should know?• Project timeline• Status of receiving water• Erosion and sediment controls• Regular Inspections• Stabilization requirements & buffer

zones• Other federal, state, and local permits

may be required• Who should apply: owner, developer, or

general contractor?

August 26, 2015 • 33

KYR10 STORMWATER CONSTRUCTION PERMIT

Source: EPA



Don’t Forget Local Permits!• Lexington

– Land Disturbance Permit Application with SWPPP

– Notice of Construction• Louisville

– Site Disturbance Permit Application with EPSC Plan

– Notice of Construction• Bowling Green• Don’t assume – check local ordinances

August 26, 2015 • 34


Source: Wikimedia Commons



We’re not done yet?• US Army Corp of Engineers 404 Permit

– Working in a stream or river• KDOW 401 Water Quality Certification

– Crossing a stream or development of a riparian area

• Local Planning Commission– Development in a floodplain or flood

prone area• EPA Class V Injection Wells

– Improving a sinkhole or drilling a drywell

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STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLANS (SWPPP)



Construction SWPPP*Site-specific written document

• Identifies potential sources of stormwater pollution

• Describes practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges

• Identifies procedures that will be implemented to comply with the requirements of the KPDES general permit

• Construction sites with cumulative disturbance greater than the permitting threshold

Industrial SWPPPSite-specific written document

• Identifies potential sources of stormwater pollution

• Describes practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges

• Identifies procedures that will be implemented to comply with the requirements of the KPDES general permit

• Industrial facilities with exposure to stormwater

August 26, 2015 • 37

STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLANS


*The construction SWPPP may also be referred to as a Best Management Practices (BMP) Plan, Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plan, or Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) Plan



Prevent stormwater pollution• Required by your permit• Satisfy local ordinances• Protect the owner and operator from

liability• Identify sedimentation and erosion

controls• Establish inspection procedures• Provide guidance for employees

August 26, 2015 • 38

WHY DO I NEED A SWPPP?

Source: Ky Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Field Guide



Contents of the SWPPP• Site description which identifies

potential sources of pollution• Detailed site map• Description of erosion and sediment

control measures and other BMPs• Procedures for maintenance of

stormwater controls• Management of non-stormwater

discharges• Schedule of Inspections • Certification

• The plan must be kept up-to-date!

August 26, 2015 • 39

HOW DO I PREPARE A SWPPP?

Source: EPA SWPPP Template



August 26, 2015 • 40

LOCAL REQUIREMENTS



Division for Water Quality• LFUCG Ordinance Ch 16, Article X, Division 5

Reduction of Soil Erosion– Active construction sites ≥1 acre– Erosion and sediment controls (BMPs)– Site plan review– Potential water quality impacts– ESC Plan– Sanctions to ensure compliance– Expect oversight

August 26, 2015 • 41

LOCAL REQUIREMENTSLexington

Source: LFUCG



Division for Water QualityNew emphasis on culture of compliance

• In the plan? Install, maintain, and inspect it

• Use the LFUCG inspection report

• Keep documentation on site

• Stabilization

• Post-construction removal of abandoned temporary BMPs

• Streamlined enforcement procedures

August 26, 2015 • 42

Local RequirementsLexington

Source: EPA



Metropolitan Sewer DistrictErosion Prevention and Sediment Control Ordinance (No. 186, Series 2007)

• Disturbance ≥ 2,000 square feet (0.045 acre)

• 80% TSS Removal

• EPSC Plan prepared by qualified preparer

• Use the MSD inspection report

August 26, 2015 • 43

Local RequirementsLouisville

Source: MSD



Josiah [email protected](859) 231-8936 x 115

QUESTIONS?


William Shane, [email protected](859) 231-8936 x 108

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


THANK YOUfrom Smith Management Group

August 26, 2015 • 45

LEXINGTON859-231-8936

LOUISVILLE502-587-6482

www.smithmanage.com


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