Improving Mitigation 'win-win' For State's Environment, Economy

摘要

Bolstered by a set of recommendations from a diverse and independent advisory group, the Washington Department of Ecology is expanding efforts to improve environmental mitigation in Washington. Until recently, practices designed to offset or "mitigate" the damaging environmental effects that development can have on wetlands and other aquatic resources have been fraught with problems. Poor site selection, bad design and lack of compliance has meant most mitigation projects have fallen short of replacing the function and value of wetlands, estuaries, streams, shorelines and other aquatic habitat damaged by road building and commercial and residential expansion. Ecology Director Jay Manning has elevated improving state mitigation practices to one of Ecology's top priorities - on par with tackling climate change, protecting Puget Sound, managing state waters, and reducing toxic threats.