SAC-2020-01405

The proposed project consists of establishing a Statewide In Lieu Fee Mitigation Program initially in the Lower and Upper Catawba and Wateree River Watersheds (HUCs 3050101, 03050103, and 03050104) in the Piedmont ecoregion.

The proposed SCDOT ILF Program will operate by providing enhancement and restoration of aquatic systems through the replacement of perched or undersized culverts within the SCDOT’s transportation system. The SCDOT will identify projects and provide funding for the ILF Program. Projects will be selected and implemented as mitigation needs require. All selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the USACE and IRT prior to implementation. The ILF Program will be used to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements for Department of the Army permits for SCDOT projects. Thus, the SCDOT will be both the ILF Program Sponsor and the permittee for all compensatory mitigation projects and impacts that are authorized through this program.

Credits will only be used for SCDOT transportation projects that require compensatory mitigation in the same watershed as the enhancement or restoration project that is funded through the ILF Program. The SCDOT will follow the mitigation hierarchy to determine the appropriate mitigation strategy for a project. Prior to submitting the permit application, the SCDOT will determine if the purchase of credits is practicable from an existing mitigation bank in the watershed. If credits are not available, the SCDOT will utilize credits from the ILF Program. The SCDOT will request use of credits from the ILF Program when the permit application is submitted for the project. It is anticipated that the ILF Program will be used to offset impacts for smaller roadway improvement projects.