Mitigation Credits

Calculating Mitigation Banking Credits in Florida

One Credit Does Not Equal One Acre: Calculating Mitigation Banking Credits in Florida   Wetland mitigation banking credits are a valuable commodity. However, the methodology behind calculating credit amounts can be confusing and often leads to misconceptions about how many acres equal a wetland credit. This is to say nothing of how habitat credits are calculated.  The calculation of credits in Florida is not a straightforward mathematical formula. The exact formula may vary based on the method and regulations

Get the Lowdown on Credit Types and Mitigation Credit Classifications 

Get the Lowdown on Credit Types and Mitigation Credit Classifications    Mitigation credit types refer to the type of mitigation being used, while credit classifications refer to the level of ecological value and function provided by the mitigation site. Together, these concepts help to ensure that mitigation credits are used in a way that effectively offsets the impacts of a project while also protecting and enhancing the environment. These classifications bridge the gap between the scientific and regulatory world.

Mitigation Credits Ratio/Wrap Methodology

Mitigation Credits Ratio/Wrap Methodology How do I assess how many mitigation credits I need with a RATIO methodology from a mitigation bank? Prior to 2005; mitigation banks were permitted with RATIO credits from the 5 Water Management Districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and E-WRAP, M-WRAP or WRAP Credits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Therefore, these mitigation banks that were permitted from 1996-2004 are assessed via RATIO; and are considered grandfathered in. Therefore, some of the new environmental consultants

How many wetland mitigation credits do I need to purchase?

How many wetland mitigation credits do I need to purchase?   Depending on the quality (chart below) and acreage/square feet to be impacted will determine how many credits are needed. An analysis will be performed by an environmental consultant to seek if the condition of the wetland to be disturbed is insufficient, has minimal level of support, less than optional, or fully supports wetland & surface water functions (0-10). For example, let’s say you have 1 acre of average quality wetland, and with

Conservation Bank Credit Ledger 

Conservation Bank Credit Ledger Q: When a developer buys mitigation or conservation credits from the mitigation/conservation bank, does he need to keep the credit in perpetuity or can he resell the credits once the negative impact is considered offset so that the conservation bank can resell it after to another who needs to mitigate for negative impacts on the environment? A: When you purchase a Conservation/Mitigation bank credit, the credit is debited from the conservation/mitigation bank ledger which is held by the

Process of Determining How Much Wetland Mitigation Credits Cost?

  Process of Determining How Much Wetland Mitigation Credits Cost?   Depending on the quality of the wetland/surface water functions will play an important factor into the price, which can range from $30,000.00- $360,000.00/Acre of Impact.   Once you apply for an Environmental Resource Permit to the appropriate agencies, we will send a reservation letter showing that the credits are reserved for your project (with a signed agreement & deposit).   The process takes approx. 90 days. Once the permit is issued, and the final balance has

How Multipurpose Mitigation Banks are Credited in FL

Changes to multipurpose mitigation banks regulation in Florida: (CESAJ-RD)   On December 21, 2021, the Jacksonville Florida District Corps of Army Engineers (USACE) issued updated information on the establishment of mitigation banks. This guidance called, Guidance for Establishment and Use of Multipurpose Mitigation Banks and In-Lieu Fee Programs in the Jacksonville District (CESAJ-RD), provides regulation for banks that provide ecosystem functions fulfilling the obligations of more than one program or authority at different levels of government. This guidance, directly resulting from the

RGL 19-01 Update To Mitigation Banking Credit Release Process

From performance-based to post-construction: How to alter the mitigation banking credit release process   A mitigation bank needs “financial assurances” prior to being approved. These assurances act as collateral, ensuring that the bank will meet performance standards and offsetting the risk of investing money in a bank before credits are sold.  As credits are released and sold, the sponsor gets their financial assurances back in turn. The Corps has recently reiterated language from  RGL 19-01 that a mitigation bank may get

Reedy Creek Mitigation Bank: Federal Credit Release Update

Reedy Creek Mitigation Bank: Federal Credit Release Update 207.45 Palustrine Federal credits are now released and available for sale by the Reedy Creek Mitigation Bank to provide compensatory mitigation for impacts to waters of the United States. This is the fourth credit release the Corps has approved for RCMB and first release for Phase III. To date, including this action, the Corps has released a total of 1006.48 Palustrine federal mitigation credits to RCMB. For more information on Reedy Creek Mitigation

Purchasing Mitigation Credits

Purchasing Mitigation Credits Depending on which watershed your property is located in will determine which mitigation bank you can purchase credits from. Mitigation Banks are priced differently depending on which watershed you are located in. Pricing ranges from $100,000.00/UMAM Credit to $500,000.00/UMAM Credit. If Mitigation Credits are $200,000.00/UMAM, you can estimate $60,000.00- $160,000.00/acre of direct impact (pricing depends on the quality of the wetland impact). The better quality the wetland, the more mitigation credits that need to be purchased. To find out the