#Cloudapp alternatives code

In carrying out the regulatory responsibilities for streams in the State of Ohio, there is a need for a methodology that deals with proposed activities in the extreme headwaters areas, what Ohio EPA calls 'primary headwater habitat (PHWH) streams. The Federal Clean Water Act provides for 'maintaining the biological integrity of the nation's waters', from the mouths to the headwaters. Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI) The index is based on six interrelated metrics: substrate in-stream cover channel morphology riparian and bank condition pool and riffle quality and gradient. The QHEI is designed to provide a measure of habitat that generally corresponds to those physical factors that affect fish communities and which are generally important to other aquatic life (for example, invertebrates). Army Corps of Engineers, through a joint rulemaking, expanded the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines to include more comprehensive standards for compensatory mitigation.Ĭompensatory Mitigation for Losses to Aquatic Resources Final Rule (April 10, 2008) Assessment Tools Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) may not be used until they are incorporated into rules unless the applicant has been notified in advance that Ohio EPA intends to consider those processes and procedures as part of the review process. This section of the statute also says that these standards, criteria, etc.

#Cloudapp alternatives code

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) section 6111.31 requires that all substantive mitigation standards, criteria, scientific methods and processes used to evaluate mitigation proposals be adopted into rules pursuant to ORC Chapter 119. Ohio EPA reviews stream and wetland mitigation projects statewide to determine if mitigation is compliant with issued 401 Water Quality Certifications and Isolated Wetland Permits. Permittee-responsible mitigation can include wetland restoration, wetland enhancement or wetland preservation. Wetland mitigation can occur by purchasing credits at an approved wetland mitigation bank, paying a fee to an approved in-lieu fee program or permittee-responsible mitigation.

Because of the valuable functions the remaining wetlands perform, it is imperative to ensure that all impacts to wetlands are properly mitigated. Since the late 18th century, 90 percent of Ohio's wetland resources have been destroyed or degraded through draining, filling or other modifications.