Proposed Key Agenda Topics

1
Proposed Key Agenda Topics
Discussion Options for Managing AOCs
Environmental Clearinghouse Topic Briefing on
Permitting for OTIA III Bridge Projects

• Water Quality Committee Meeting
• February 3, 2004

2
Environmental Clearinghouse

• Major Component of My Job/Performance Standards
• To Date, Consolidating Information on
• Laws/Rules/Policies/Guidance/BMPs/BMP Design
  Manuals
• Developing/Posting this Information On-line (see
  hand-out)
• Visit Compliance Guide on the Environmental
  Services website
• http//aocweb.org/em
• Options for Managing this Information

3
Environmental Clearinghouse Options

• Web-based decision-making tree like TurboTax
• Take info. in on-line create a decision-making
  tree
• Design based on perspective of road dept.
  employee
• E.g., If ditch cleaning, what do I need to do
  if anything to comply?
• User prompted by a question w/ several reply
  choices
• Replies take you key information or application,
  guidance etc.
• Create an Information Management System (EMS)
• Environmental Management System
• Decision-making tree like TurboTax database aid
  in compliance decisions automate completion of
  permit applications reports
• GIS of county road system w/ environmental
  constraints to target BMP application
• GPS/PDA for automating monitoring requirements
• Tracking/database of staff environmental training
  

4
Permitting of OTIA III Bridges

• In a Nutshell
• If feasible, design for compliance with SPGP
• Using ODOTs Bridge GA RGP is not an Option
• However, can use ODOTs planning current
  contract work to date to save time/money on
  county permitting
• No ODOT Wetland Mitigation Sites/Banks to Tap
  Into

5
Permitting OTIA III Bridges (continued)

• If feasible, Design for Compliance w/ SPGP
• Requires context sensitive design
• Have to comply with SLOPES II
• Key in on Section 2.2.3
• Terms/Conditions 2.r and 2.t. i(1)(b) and
  7.a.b.c.
• www.nwr.noaa.gov/1publcat/bo/2003/200300850_slopes
  _07-08-2003.pdf
• ESA Section 7 Consultation already done
  programmatically
• ODOTs Bridge GA/RGP Not an Option
• Designed for specific ODOT bridge projects.
• However, ODOTs work could serve as a foundation
  for a future programmatic GA/GRP
• ODOT is reluctant to assume liability of county
  projects

6
Permitting OTIA III Bridges (continued)

• Using ODOTs Planning/Contract Work to date
• When Possible, Use ODOTs BA to save /reduce
  permitting issues
• This will reduce the number of ecological effects
  to consider
• Reduce the ecological effects to negotiate w/
  Services
• Reduce the level of contractor support needed
• ODOT Bridge GA (Jan./Feb. 2004) and Bridge RGP
  (March 2004)
• ODOTs Contractor is Negotiating Performance
  Standards
• These are agreed upon terms/conditions
• Stds. integrate regulatory programs/requirements
• These include SLOPES II terms/conditions
• If counties use these when possible, it will
  reduce consultation time
• Parametrix will develop a performance standard
  guide for agencies
• ODOTs Bridge Program Management Firm
• OACES may want to meet w/ ODOT management
• Request that P.M. Firm train Co. Project Managers

7
Permitting OTIA III Bridges (continued)

• No ODOT Wetland Mitigation Sites To Tap Into
• ODOT doesnt want to get into the land mgt.
  business
• ODOT is developing a framework/approach for
  replacing wetland ecological functions lost
• This is a tool not a place where you can do
  mitigation
• Establishes key ecological functions for region
• Goal is to establish function-based mitigation
  standards
• This will avoid the current ratio approach to
  mitigation
• Oregon R-F statute allows for this but ratio
  approach is currently used
• Once tested/approved, other agencies can use
  approach
• Listing of mitigation banks will be included in
  Permitting Template for county road programs

8
Permitting Guide for Bridge Projects

• Draft Guide for Navigating the Permitting OTIA
  III Bridge Projects
• For Draft in Development, see
• http//www.aocweb.org/em
• Click on Compliance Guide Site Link
• Click on Wetlands/Streamsides Link

9
SPGP Update

• Goal for SPGP Issuance is April 1 this year
• DSL/Corps pushing Services to wrap-up the Section
  7 Consultation
• Issuance date will likely be too late for 2004
  work window