Identifying Wetland Revegetation Goals in Pipeline Construction Rights-of-Way

摘要

An approach is described to evaluate wetland functions that are affected at pipeline crossings. Construction of pipeline crossings in wetlands by cut and trench methods results in removal and/or disturbance of vegetation within portions of pipeline rights-of-way (ROW). These crossings have received increased permitting scrutiny with an emphasis placed on more costly mitigation requirements and alternative crossing methods that may not be justified based on the actual functional effects of a cut-and-trench crossing. Evaluation of wetland functions affected at a specific crossing should lead to appropriate goals and techniques for wetland revegetation that would maintain or enhance key wetland functions. In many situations, this evaluation process will result in identification of a relatively small number of management considerations for individual crossings or groups of crossings, identification of appropriate revegetation goals, identification of performance standards to measure attainment of desired goals, and selection of appropriate revegetation techniques to meet these goals. In some cases, this process may allow for shifts in biological habitat type within the ROW while still maintaining key wetland functions in a manner consistent with the wetland revegetation goals.