HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-11 Dept of Army Engineers Corp. Ltr to Westwood ProfessionalConstruction-Operations
Regulatory (99°00943 -DJs)
DERRTMENT OF THE ARMY
ST. RIJL DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGJNEL
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CENTRE
190 FIFTH STREET EAST
S7: PAUL, MN 66101d638
June 11, 1999
Mr. Charlie Melcher
Westwood Professional Services, Inc.
7599 Anagram Drive
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Dear Mr. Melcher:
I would like to thank you and Mr. "Skip" Sorenson for
meeting Dan Seemon and myself on June 10, 1999. The intent
of
this meeting was to give the Corps an opportunity to survey �' vey the
project site of the proposed Boutwells Landing Senior Housing
ng
Complex. We appreciate your willingness to consult with us
during the development of this project.
Our visit revealed to Dan and I, the diverse and thriving which exists at the site This g
This wetland complex contains
several desirable wetland plants including broad leaved
arrowhead, sedges, bulrush and blue flag iris. The diversity and
water quality benefits that these
areas currently exhibit are
highly desirable and virtually irreplaceable. In addition, the
area undoubtedly provides aesthetic, recreational and wildlife
values which are rare and generally not accessible in the metro
area®
Following our review of the site, it was evident that it is
not in the public interest to adversely impact these areas for
the purpose of providing open water habitat. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the Corps that all excavation within the
wetland areas be avoided to the maximum extent possible.
However, the Corps does recognize some recreational benefit
by providing open water habitat at the project site. Therefore,
we have concluded that the most northern wetland area would
provide the most suitable site for this type of modification.
The extensive stand of Reed Canary grass surrounding the open
en P
water area present at the time of our visit, is somewhat less
distinct in relation to the other wetland areas at the site. The
Corps of Engineers is willing to review grading plans for this
area if it is determined that the creation of additional open
water habitat is a preeminent goal of the project sponsor.
As we discussed at the site, excavation of a trench between
the existing wetland basins with a bottom elevation of 926 would
not significantly impact the current wetland functions and allow
flowage between basins during periods of high water levels.
Therefore, the Corps has determined that this work is in the
public interest. A Department of the Army permit would be
required for this work as grading activities would be required o n
the fringe of the wetland areas.
q
If you have any questions, contact David A. Studenski in our
St. Raul office at (651) 290-5370. In any correspondence or
inquiries, please refer to the Regulatory number shown above.
Copy furnished:
Sincerely,
Char M. Hauger
Chief, Regulatory Branch
Mr. Carl "Skip" Sorenson
Johnson, Sheldon, Sorenson and Hafner Architects Inc.
14525 Highway 7, Suite 375
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345