10/10/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Mr. Gordon said Ms. lev employed the biologically-based definition of a wetland in her inventory. She found that the largest concentration of wetlands in the metro area is in West Eugene. Mr. Gordon said staff is confident that Ms. Levis inventory is well-done and in cases other regulatory agencies have done independent inventories, the results of their inventories have been virtually identical to those of Ms. Lev. Mr. Gordon said if the City were to use the definition of a wetland employed by the Division of State lands and the Army Corps of Engineers, the number of wetlands in the metro area would be less extensive. He said the City has applied for a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to do additional soil sampling, hydrological testing, and plant analyses. Mr. Gordon stressed that wetlands are protected by State and Federal agencies. He said staff recognizes the value of wetlands to the public; wetlands provide flood control relief, water purification, stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, provide wildlife and plant habitat, and recreational opportunities. Mr. Rutan asked why the City is just now recognizing the wetlands in West Eugene after putting significant amounts of money into improving and developing the area. Mr. Gordon said the Federal law regarding wetlands changed in 1977 with passage of the Clean Water Act. After the law was passed, it took time to get State laws into place and for the State to become active in enforcing those laws. Mr. Gordon said even today State and Federal e regulations surrounding wetlands are not well understood. Mr. Gleason added that until quite recently the City believed it had successfully resolved the wetlands issues as they pertained to property being developed in West Eugene. In response to a question from Mr. Miller, Mr. Gordon said the push for recognizing wetlands issues is growing nationwide. He said there is just beginning to be case law upon which local jurisdictions can base their interpretations of State and Federal wetlands regulations. Mr. Gordon felt it has taken longer for the issue to reach Oregon than Seattle or San Francisco because development pressures have not been as great here. Answering a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Gordon said past legislation has not sided with the property owners with regard to taking issues. He felt that pending legislation might reverse this trend, however. Mr. Croteau reviewed Spectra-Physics' plans for expansion. He said it is estimated that 750 or more jobs could be created by the expansion. The City has been working with Spectra-Physics to identify regulated wetlands on the company's property and to prepare an application for mitigation to be made to the Division of State Lands and the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Croteau said one critical piece in receiving a fill permit is the demonstration of need for the fill on that site. He said Spectra-PhysiCS has a real need to locate its expansion on the site which will work in its favor. - .. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 10, 1988 Page 2