Mitigation site classification in Taos County, NM
Mitigation site classification including wetlands delineation, of an approximately 1.35 acre site located in Taos County was performed by GGI. A 0.4 ac portion of the 1.35 ac site was proposed by the client as a mitigation site for offsetting impacts to an existing wetland located at a nearby construction site. Classification and delineation were performed pursuant to Mitigation plan submitted to Army Corps of Engineers by GGI based on the results of vegetation, hydrology, soils, wildlife habitat/use, T&E species and historical site investigations.
Vegetation survey: A vegetation survey was conducted for assessing the type, density and general health of existing wetlands vegetation; assessing the need for the introduction of additional species and identification of exotic or pest plants requiring control or removal from the mitigation site.
Hydrology: Surface water and ground water conditions, including water quality, at and in the vicinity of the mitigation site were investigated and characterized for establishing base line conditions; evaluating surface water supply to support the proposed mitigation plan and delineation of the existing wetlands.
Surface water Hydrology: An Onsite and offsite drainage patterns were investigated and a flume was installed and discharge was measured using a plastic tub. A surface water sample was collected and analyzed for major cations and anions, TDS, pH, total N and total P.
Groundwater Hydrology: Twelve pits were hand dug or augured for the purposes of describing soil properties and determining soil saturation and depth to groundwater. In addition 12 peizometers were installed at the pit locations to provide permanent groundwater monitoring points.
Soils: Soils were examined to determine the presence and extent of hydric soils and to determine their hydrologic suitability for supporting the wetlands mitigation plan.
Wild life habitat/T&E species: A site survey was conducted to identify the occurrence of T&E species and wildlife habitat within and adjacent to the mitigation site. Potential impacts of implementation of the mitigation plan on T&E species and their habitat was also assessed.
Historical/Current land use: An archeological survey was conducted on the property to determine if any archeological sites or historically significant resources were present.