How did the applicants proposed streams and wetlands mitigation plan factor into the Division Engineers decision?
The applicant’s proposed streams and wetlands mitigation plan was a focal point of the review of this permit application. The plan calls for restoration/creation of 806 acres of wetlands and enhancement, restoration and preservation of approximately 37 linear miles of streams. Almost all of the proposed mitigation would occur within the York River watershed. Overall, successful execution of the streams and wetlands mitigation plan would achieve the “no net loss” goal of the Corps’ Regulatory program. Other aspects of the streams and wetlands mitigation plan include upland restoration, preservation of upland buffers, and restoration of fish passage in one or more waterways in the project area. The City of Newport News is working with the Commonwealth of Virginia to determine the optimal fish passage restoration project(s). Including the reservoir footprint plus mitigation sites and upland restoration/buffers, the City of Newport News would preserve over 5,300 acres of upland and aquatic
