Opinion ID: 2333047
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Mitigation Sequencing

Text: The MOA mitigation sequencing program was triggered in this case because the Corps determined that the impact to wetlands caused by the DelDOT Route 54 project required compensatory mitigation. The relevant provision of the MOA addressing DelDOT's obligation for compensatory mitigation states: Appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation is required for unavoidable adverse impacts which remain after all appropriate and practicable minimization has been required. Compensatory actions (e.g., restoration of existing degraded wetlands or creation of manmade wetlands) should be undertaken, when practicable, in areas adjacent or contiguous to the discharge site (on-site compensatory mitigation). If on-site compensatory mitigation is not practicable, off-site compensatory mitigation should be undertaken in the same geographic area if practicable (i.e., in close physical proximity and, to the extent possible, the same watershed). In determining compensatory mitigation, the functional values lost by the resource to be impacted must be considered. Generally, in-kind compensatory mitigation is preferable to out-of-kind. [72] Under this provision, a hierarchy of preferences is established regarding the type of compensatory action that should be undertaken. The MOA sets forth a preference for on-site compensatory mitigation over off-site, and in-kind compensatory mitigation over out-of-kind. The MOA provides, as appears from the testimony, the following hierarchical preferences for compensatory mitigation: on-site, in-kind; on-site, out-of-kind; off-site, in-kind; off-site, out-of-kind. In assessing the type of compensatory actions the permit applicant will be required to undertake, the MOA conditions the compensatory action on whether it is practicable. [73] The MOA specifically states that in determining practicable mitigation [p]racticable is defined at Section 230.3(q) of the Guidelines. [74] Section 230.3(q) of the Guidelines reads as follows: `The term practicable means available and capable of being done after taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes. ' [75] The proper focus on the practicability of accommodating the Corps' preference for compensatory action by DelDOT with on-site, in-kind compensatory mitigation must logically begin on land already owned by the State or available from a willing seller. If undertaking on-site compensatory mitigation was not practicable from land owned by the State or that could be voluntarily acquired, the MOA permitted DelDOT to offer off-site compensatory mitigation. Therefore, it was not necessary to condemn the Cannons' additional land to accomplish the improvements to Route 54.