Mitigation projects designed by EEG have been successful in converting uplands to wetland habitats and in securing final agency approval and project signoff. Wetland mitigation projects designed and implemented by EEG typically involve the following phases. First, a site must be selected. Several sites are often evaluated to identify a site with the highest potential for success. Preliminary plans are developed which include consideration of the species composition of nearby undisturbed wetlands.
Construction is initiated after approval of preliminary plans by regulatory agencies.
Onsite supervision by experienced personnel is essential since cut depths to the seasonal high water table may have to be reestablished or reevaluated during construction. The establishment of an appropriate elevation is crucial to wetlands mitigation. Stockpiled topsoil must be carefully respread to a depth that ensures seasonal wetness. The growing medium is fertilized, seeded with an appropriate erosion control mixture, and planted with appropriate native wetland species. Upon project completion, the survival rate of the project is monitored for a period specified by the supervising regulatory agency.