The proposed project would not have any significant, adverse effects on the natural or human environment. It would improve the human environment by reducing flood-related risks of loss of life and property losses. Table 4.0 below summarizes potential impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and impact offsetting mitigation measures. After the table, any resources for which potential impacts were identified, and high priority resources, which must be considered in EAs (wetlands, floodplains, threatened and endangered species and critical habitat, cultural resources, and Environmental Justice) are discussed in greater detail. TABLE 4.0 – Summary of Potential Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action & Impact Offsetting Mitigation Measures Affected Environment / Resource Area Impacts Coordination / Approvals / Permits Mitigation/BMPs 4.1 Physical Resources 4.1.1 Geology and Soils No Action Alternative: No geology or soil changes. Proposed Action: No impact on geology. Significant soil alteration would occur at 11.0-acre retention pond, new drainage ditches, and installation of pipes. Typical, temporary construction impacts on soils. Details below. NRCS / Final and Approved Construction Plans / SWFWMD ERP Project workers would use required soil erosion reduction Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as using silt fences, wetting bare soil during construction, and vegetating bare soil after construction. See attached BMP’s outlined in the attached 03/17/2011 “Final Design Plans” and the SWFWMD ERP #: 44013208.007. 4.1.2 Air Quality No Action Alternative: No air quality changes. Proposed Action: Typical, temporary impacts on air quality from construction. Project workers would be required to water down construction areas to minimize dust when needed. Fuel-burning equipment running times would be minimized and engines must be properly maintained. 4.1.3 Climate Change No Action Alternative: No additional climate changes. Proposed Action: No impact on Climate Change. A
4.2 Water Resources 4.2.1 Water Quality No Action Alternative: No water quality changes. Proposed Action: Minor impact on water quality. Details below. Final and Approved Construction Plans / SWFWMD ERP Project workers would use required soil erosion reduction Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as using silt fences, wetting bare soil during construction, and vegetating bare soil after construction. See attached BMP’s outlined in the attached 03/17/2011 “Final Design Plans” and the SWFWMD ERP #: 44013208.007. 4.2.2 Wetlands No Action Alternative: No wetland changes. Proposed Action: No wetlands present in project construction area. Project workers would use required BMPs, such as using silt fences, wetting bare soil during, and vegetating bare soils after construction, to minimize sediment runoff to Lake Anoka. 4.2.3 Floodplains No Action Alternative: No floodplain changes. Proposed Action: Locally reduced flood elevations. Details below. Erosion control measures shall be implemented. 4.3 Biological Resources 4.3.1 Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat No Action Alternative: No changes for threatened and endangered species or critical habitat. Proposed Action: Likely to adversely impact threatened and endangered species. Details below. USFWS Project workers would contain gas/oil, properly handle all hazardous material, and stage vehicles, equipment and materials on locations away from protected species habitat. Work shall adhere to all “Reasonable and Prudent Measures”, “Terms and Conditions” and “Conservation Recommendations” stated in the 05/22/2013 USFWS Biological Opinion. 4.3.2 Wildlife and Fish No Action Alternative: No fish or wildlife changes . Proposed Action: May adversely impact species. Details below. FFWCC Project work locations would be surveyed before work starts, to find gopher tortoise burrows. Gopher tortoises and borrows would be to suitable habitat. Filled grasslands would be reseeded and restored to former use and capacity.
National Wetlands Inventory via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wetlands Mapper Tool; USFWS Biological Opinion (BO), issued May 22, 2013. Service CPA Activity Code: 2012-CPA-0195, Service Consultation Code: 2012-F-0210. 8.0 Appendices 8.1 Maps 8.1.1 – Proposed Project Site Plan 8.1.2 – FIRM Panel Map 8.1.3 – USFWS Wetland Map 8.2 Copies of Consultation Responses - Permits 8.2.1 – NRCS E-Mail 8.2.2 – USFWS Biological Opinion 8.2.3 – Florida Fish and Wildlife Gopher Tortoise Permit 8.2.4 – Florida State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Letter 8.2.5 – Seminole Tribe of Florida Letter 8.2.6 – SWFWMD Permit 8.2.7 – FAA Authorization Letter 8.3. Studies – Reports 8.3.1 – Results of Surveys for Sand Skinks (Neoseps reynoldsi), Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Burrows and Rare Plants in the Proposed Retention Pond Construction Area at Avon Park Municipal Airport