Type of Document	Major Paper
Author	Sivers, Sarah Katrina
URN	etd-04212005-075411
Title	An Overview of Wetland Impacts and Mitigation in Northern Virginia
Degree	Master of Natural Resources
Department	Natural Resources
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Trauger, David L. Committee Chair Giese, Laura A. B. Committee Member Helfrich, Louis A. Committee Member Plyler, Jennifer L. Committee Member
Keywords	wetland permits wetland mitigation bank wetland impacts Virginia no net loss
Date of Defense	2005-04-18
Availability	restricted
Abstract Review of the wetland permit program in northern Virginia provides insight into the process of achieving “no net loss” of existing acreage and functions by the Virginia Water Protection Permit (VWPP) Program as administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This program was developed to protect wetlands and streams through permitting impacts and requiring compensation for those permitted impacts. An overview of wetland impacts and wetland mitigation as administered by DEQ Northern Virginia Regional Office (NVRO) provides a representative look at how wetland impacts and mitigation are handled in Virginia. Based upon the analysis of NVRO permitted wetland impacts and accepted compensation from 2000 to 2004, it appears NVRO is achieving the goal of “no net loss” in terms of acreage. In terms of functions, the analysis indicates that “no net loss” is potentially not being met. More research needs to be conducted to fully understand how to evaluate and quantify “no net loss” of functions and how certain types of mitigation options affect adequate compensation for lost functions. Until a standard is accepted for quantifying the quality of wetlands, it will be difficult to assess and therefore determine if “no net loss” of functions is being attained in Virginia.
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