Draft Wetland Evaluation Report Design Update Technical Memorandum

I-75 (SR 93) at SR 884 (Colonial Blvd) Interchange Lee County, Florida

Financial Project ID No. 413065-1-32-01

Prepared for:

Florida Department of Transportation District One

P.O. Box 1249 Bartow, Florida 33830-1249

May 2017

Draft Wetland Evaluation Report Design Update Technical Memorandum

I-75 (SR 93) at SR 884 (Colonial Blvd) Interchange Lee County, Florida

Financial Project ID No. 413065-1-32-01

Prepared for:

Florida Department of Transportation District One

P.O. Box 1249 Bartow, Florida 33830-1249

Prepared by:

American Consulting Professionals, LLC 2818 Cypress Ridge Boulevard, Suite 200

Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544-6302

May 2017

I-75 at Colonial Boulevard Design i Wetland Evaluation Report Addendum FPID No. 413065-1-32-01 Technical Memorandum

Table of Contents SECTION 1 Project Description .................................................................................................................. 1

SECTION 2 Land Use .................................................................................................................................. 1

SECTION 3 Wetlands and Surface Waters ................................................................................................. 3

3.1 Existing Permits and Wetland/Surface Water Impacts ................................................................. 3

3.2 Avoidance and Minimization ........................................................................................................ 3

3.3 Wetland Impacts ........................................................................................................................... 3

3.4 Surface Water Impacts .................................................................................................................. 4

3.5 Wetland Functional Analysis ......................................................................................................... 4

3.6 Wetland Mitigation ....................................................................................................................... 5

List of Figures Figure 1 Project Location Map ................................................................................................................ 2 Figure 2 Wetland Overview Map ............................................................................................................ 6 Figure 3 Project Design Wetland Impact Map ........................................................................................ 7

List of Tables Table 1 Wetland Impact Summary/Functional Loss .................................................................................. 4

I-75 at Colonial Boulevard PD&E 1 Wetland Evaluation Report Addendum FPID No. 413065-1-32-01 Technical Memorandum

SECTION 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study was completed for Interstate 75 (I-75) from south of Bonita Beach Road to north of State Road (SR) 78, in Lee County, FL, a distance of approximately 27.9 miles. The Type 2 Categorical Exclusion for this project was approved in December 2002 by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The I-75/Colonial Boulevard (SR 884) interchange was part of the approved PD&E.

This design update focuses on improvements to the I-75/Colonial Boulevard interchange as well as improvements along Colonial Boulevard. This section of Colonial Boulevard is an urban principal arterial in the City of Fort Myers in Lee County. This project begins from west of Ortiz Ave to east of Dynasty Drive including ramp improvements on I-75. The project is anticipated to enhance overall safety, capacity, and emergency evacuation within the County. In addition, the project will help serve travel demands created by anticipated countywide population and employment growth. The planned improvements will enhance access to I-75, as the I-75 interchange is in the center of this project. Colonial Boulevard is state maintained from US 41/SR 45 in the west to Dynasty Drive in the east, serving as a main connection of the west and east sections of Lee County. Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes on Colonial Boulevard for the opening year, 2020, are projected to be 88,000 while the design year, 2042 is anticipated to be 99,800.

The purpose of this report update is to identify wetland impacts from the November 2002 Wetland Evaluation Report (WER) from the PD&E study and compare them to impacts proposed from the current design. This includes permitting changes, mitigation opportunities and other regulatory issues associated with wetlands and surface waters.

SECTION 2 LAND USE

The majority of the land use within the project limits is classified by the Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCCS) as commercial and services (FLUCCS 140). The majority of the project will be included within the existing right of way (ROW), with the exception of storm water management facilities which will require additional ROW along the north side of Colonial Boulevard adjacent to Ortiz Boulevard. There are small areas of natural habitat that exist within the ROW that are either a continuation of habitats from off-site or the remainder of habitats that were previously developed adjacent to the interstate.

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I-75 at Colonial Boulevard PD&E 3 Wetland Evaluation Report Addendum FPID No. 413065-1-32-01 Technical Memorandum

SECTION 3 WETLANDS AND SURFACE WATERS

A Wetland Evaluation Report (WER) was completed for the PD&E study in November 2002. The PD&E study limits were from South of Bonita Beach Boulevard to north of SR 78. There are forested wetlands located in the following areas: along north and south of Colonial Boulevard west of Ortiz Avenue, within the northeast and northwest quadrants of the interchange and along the north side of Colonial Boulevard, west of the interchange. There are also surface waters along the I-75 northbound off-ramp and on-ramp, and south bound off-ramp and on-ramp. An overview wetland map is attached at the end as Figure 2 showing all wetlands within the overall project area.

3.1 Existing Permits and Wetland/Surface Water Impacts

The wetlands along the eastern side of Colonial Boulevard were delineated in 2008 as part of the project to widen Colonial Blvd from I-75 to SR 82. The wetlands within the interchange were delineated in 2009 as part of a prior project widening I-75 from south of Colonial Boulevard to south of SR 82. The full extent of these wetlands within ROW was impacted and mitigation was provided as part of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) permits 36-01223-S and 36-03802-P. A wetland overview map including the previously permitted wetland impacts is provided as Figure 2.

3.2 Avoidance and Minimization

As mentioned above, wetlands within the I-75/Colonial Boulevard interchange and along Colonial Boulevard, east of I-75, have been permitted as part of other projects. However, along the west side of the interchange an additional area of ROW is needed for a storm water management facility which directly and permanently impacts the wetland. Alternatives were evaluated for the location of this facility but other placements were not feasible due to the following reasons: the sufficient amount of water storage could not be possible in other areas, conflicting underground utilities, and anticipated development by the city.

3.3 Wetland Impacts

The I-75/Colonial Boulevard interchange limits extend along Colonial Boulevard from approximately ½ mile west of Ortiz Avenue to just east of Dynasty Drive. Two wetlands were identified as part of the current project that were not included within the PD&E limits. These wetlands are located along Colonial Boulevard to the west of Ortiz Avenue. A detailed description of each wetland system is provided below and summarized in Table 2 with the wetland ID, classification, impact acreage and functional loss provided. Wetland classifications include the FLUCCS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wetland and Deepwater Habitats Classification.

Wetland 1 (W1) is located along the north side of Colonial Boulevard, west of the I-75 interchange. This wetland is identified as a forested wetland system and some of the dominant vegetation consists of pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), with others including wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), and swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora). This wetland will have approximately 2.08 acres impacted.

I-75 at Colonial Boulevard PD&E 4 Wetland Evaluation Report Addendum FPID No. 413065-1-32-01 Technical Memorandum

Wetland 2 (W2) is a small forested system dominated by pond cypress. This system was likely connected to W1, but has been bisected by Colonial Boulevard. The remaining system functions mainly as a ditch but has vegetation consistent with W1. Other vegetation includes wax myrtle, swamp tupelo, pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata L.), ferns and invasive Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia). This wetland may be impacted by the southward shifting of the sidewalk. This wetland will have approximately 0.46 acres impacted.

Wetlands 1 & 2 for this project are shown on Figure 3. There are approximately 2.54 total acres of forested wetland impacts anticipated for this project. The prior PD&E did not extend to the area containing the above named wetlands. The Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) was used to determine the proposed functional loss from the wetland impacts. Wetland functional analysis is provided below in Section 3.5. As mentioned in Section 3.1, all other wetlands within the I-75/Colonial Boulevard interchange and along Colonial Boulevard east of I-75 have been accounted for under existing permits.

Table 1 Wetland Impact Summary/Functional Loss

Wetland ID FLUCCS USFWS Classification Impact Acreage Functional Loss Wetland 1 621 PFO2 2.08 1.39 Wetland 2 621 PFO2 0.46 0.25 Total 2.54 1.64

3.4 Surface Water Impacts

No additional surface waters exist within the project area being evaluated as part of the design update.

3.5 Wetland Functional Analysis

UMAM assessments were used to assess functions and values for the wetlands within the project corridor. The wetland quality ratings (delta values) are expressed numerically with numbers ranging between 0 and 1, with 1 representing an extremely high quality wetland and 0 reflecting an extremely low quality wetland, or an area that is no longer functioning as a wetland.

The functional loss of a wetland system is the estimated loss of function by the proposed project impacts and is calculated by multiplying the delta value by the impact acreage. Functional loss values for wetland habitat types along the project corridor range from 0.25-1.39. Functional loss values are used to determine the amount of mitigation that would be required to offset the loss of wetland function caused by the proposed project. Different formulas are used based on the type of proposed mitigation. The total functional loss value for wetlands within the project is 1.64. Table 1 above summarizes impact acreage and functional loss for each wetland. UMAM assessments are attached for wetlands that are proposed to be impacted.

I-75 at Colonial Boulevard PD&E 5 Wetland Evaluation Report Addendum FPID No. 413065-1-32-01 Technical Memorandum

3.6 Wetland Mitigation

Mitigation will be provided for the wetland impacts identified above. At a minimum, mitigation will be provided to offset the functional loss calculated utilizing UMAM. The project is located within the service area of the following approved mitigation banks: Little Pine Island, Panther Island, Panther Island Expansion, Big Cypress and Corkscrew Regional. Mitigation options are being coordinated with the Department and will be decided as part of the environmental resource permitting with SFWMD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for this project.

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LegendExisting ROWProposed ROWWetlands Previously Permitted Wetland Impacts

±Wetland Overview Map 0 500250

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I-75 (SR 93) at Colonial Boulevard Interchange Design StudyFPID: 413065-1-32-01Lee County, FL

Figure 2

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LegendExisting ROWProposed ROWField Delineated Wetland Line Proposed Wetland Impacts

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I-75 (SR 93) at Colonial Boulevard Interchange Design StudyFPID: 413065-1-32-01Lee County

Figure 3

I-75 at Colonial Boulevard Design Wetland Evaluation Report Addendum FPID No. 413065-1-32-01 Technical Memorandum

UMAM Assessments

Site/Project Name Application Number Assessment Area Name or Number

Impact or Mitigation Site? Assessment Area Size

Assessment conducted by: Assessment date(s):

Incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-345.300(3)(a), F.A.C.

Geographic relationship to and hydrologic connection with wetlands, other surface water, uplands

Functions Mitigation for previous permit/other historic use

Significant nearby features

Assessment area description

This wetland is a forested cypress system with a canopy consisting mostly of pond cypress. Brazilian pepper lines the southern edge near Colonial Blvd.

Uniqueness (considering the relative rarity in relation to the regional landscape.)

This system is located south of a golf course and north of Colonial Blvd. The majority of the surrounding area has been developed. This wetland may have been part of Six-Mile Cypress Slough, but appears to no longer be connected.

Wetland 1

621 PFO2 Impact 2.08

Further classification (optional)

(See Rule 62-345.400, F.A.C.)

North Colonial Waterway Type III N/ASpecial Classification (i.e. OFW, AP, other local/state/federal designation of importance)Affected Waterbody (Class)Basin/Watershed Name/Number

I-75 / Colonial Boulevard Interchange

FLUCCs code

N/A

Large nest in tree, unclear which species, could either be bird or squirrel. An abandoned, potential gopher tortoise burrow along upland edge was discovered.

Large, old cypress trees present within wetland.

Observed Evidence of Wildlife Utilization (List species directly observed, or other signs such as tracks, droppings, casings, nests, etc.):

Anticipated Utilization by Listed Species (List species, their legal classification (E, T, SSC), type of use, and intensity of use of the assessment area)

Anticipated Wildlife Utilization Based on Literature Review (List of species that are representative of the assessment area and reasonably expected to be found)

PART I – Qualitative Description

Form 62-345.300(1) [effective date 02-04-2004]

Chris Salicco and Anna Petracca 4/5/2017

Other similar habitats within close proximity.

Additional relevant factors:

Florida long-tailed weasel, Many-flowered Grass-pink, Celestial Lily, Florida Beargrass, Southeastern Big-eared Bat, white ibis, gopher frog, snowy

egret

Wood stork (T) foraging, likely use, Big Cypress Fox Squirrel (FL-T), nesting possible use, Florida Panther (E) unlikely use, Bald Eagle (Migratory bird

treaty) nesting, unlikely use, osprey (migratory bird treaty) nesting, unlikely use, American Alligator (T), unlikely use, wading birds (little blue heron,

tricolored heron etc) (T) likely use, Florida Sandhill Crane (FL-T), foraging, likely use

Golf course to the north with larger wetland system north of golf course, Colonial Blvd to the south, Ortiz Ave to the east and surrounding development in the general area

Provides some foraging habitat and cover, water quality and storage, potential nesting and breeding

w/o pres orcurrent

w/o pres orcurrent

w/o pres orcurrent

currentor w/o pres

Incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-345.300(3)(b), F.A.C.Form 62-345.300(2) [effective date 02-04-2004]

FL = delta x acres = 1.39

If mitigation For mitigation assessment areasDelta = [with-current] Time lag (t-factor) =

RFG = delta/(t-factor x risk) = 0.67 Risk factor =

Score = sum of above scores/30 (if uplands, divide by 20)

If preservation as mitigation, For impact assessment areasPreservation adjustment factor =

with Adjusted mitigation delta = 0.67 0

.500(6)(c)Community structure

Outer edge of wetland has invasive/exotic species such as Brazilian pepper and melaleuca. In the past there was a clear, formal effort to eradicate melaleuca and most trees are only stumps now. Internal area of wetland is a quality

habitat with sufficient canopy cover of and shrub cover of native species. System contains large mature pond cypress and pine trees, mostly near outer areas. Other species observed include wax myrtle, sawgrass and

several ferns.

1. Vegetation and/or 2. Benthic Community

with8 0

.500(6)(a) Location and Landscape Support This wetland lacks connectivity on three sides to historically connected wetlands. It remains connected to a large

wetland system to the north via a small strip, approximately 200 feet wide. There is a golf course located to the north and Colonial Blvd to the south. Large portions of the surrounding areas have been developed.

with5 0

.500(6)(b)Water Environment (n/a for uplands) Area remains as a naturally depressed area and continues to receive water that leaves clear indication of

indundation (high stain lines, elevated lichen lines and cypress knees). However, surrounding area on three sides has been built up to construct golf course and Colonial Blvd. The area is connected to possible natural flow from the north but to the southwest, the area has been built up and a manmade canal has been constructed. There is

connection to W2 to the south via a culvert under Colonial Blvd.

with7 0

Scoring Guidance Optimal (10) Moderate(7) Minimal (4) Not Present (0)The scoring of each

indicator is based on what would be suitable for the

type of wetland or surface water assessed

Condition is optimal and fully supports

wetland/surface water functions

Condition is less than optimal, but sufficient to

maintain most wetland/surface waterfunctions

Minimal level of support of wetland/surface water

functions

Condition is insufficient to provide wetland/surface

water functions

Impact or Mitigation Assessment conducted by: Assessment date:Impact Chris Salicco and Anna Petracca 4/5/2017

PART II – Quantification of Assessment Area (impact or mitigation)(See Rules 62-345.500 and .600, F.A.C.)

Site/Project Name Application Number Assessment Area Name or NumberI-75/Colonial Boulevard Wetland 1

Site/Project Name Application Number Assessment Area Name or Number

Impact or Mitigation Site? Assessment Area Size

Assessment conducted by: Assessment date(s):

Incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-345.300(3)(a), F.A.C.

Geographic relationship to and hydrologic connection with wetlands, other surface water, uplands

Functions Mitigation for previous permit/other historic use

Significant nearby features

Assessment area description

This wetland is a forested cypress system with a canopy consisting mostly of pond cypress. Brazilian pepper lines the edges, intermingled are native wetland species such as wax myrtle.

Uniqueness (considering the relative rarity in relation to the regional landscape.)

This system is located south of Colonial Blvd. This wetland may have been part of Six-Mile Cypress Slough, but appears to no longer be connected. It does seem to be connected to W1 via a culvert. The majority of the surrounding area has been developed. There is a dry stormwater pond to the south of the wetland, surrounded by commerical buildings.

Wetland 2

621 PFO2 Impact 0.46

Further classification (optional)

(See Rule 62-345.400, F.A.C.)

North Colonial Waterway Type III N/ASpecial Classification (i.e. OFW, AP, other local/state/federal designation of importance)Affected Waterbody (Class)Basin/Watershed Name/Number

I-75 / Colonial Boulevard Interchange

FLUCCs code

N/A

Black birds in trees

Observed Evidence of Wildlife Utilization (List species directly observed, or other signs such as tracks, droppings, casings, nests, etc.):

Anticipated Utilization by Listed Species (List species, their legal classification (E, T, SSC), type of use, and intensity of use of the assessment area)

Anticipated Wildlife Utilization Based on Literature Review (List of species that are representative of the assessment area and reasonably expected to be found)

PART I – Qualitative Description

Form 62-345.300(1) [effective date 02-04-2004]

Chris Salicco and Anna Petracca 4/5/2017

Other similar habitats within close proximity.

Additional relevant factors:

Florida long-tailed weasel, Many-flowered Grass-pink, Celestial Lily, Florida Beargrass, white ibis, gopher frog, snowy egret

Wood stork (T) foraging, likely use, Big Cypress Fox Squirrel (FL-T), nesting possible use, Florida Panther (E) unlikely use, Bald Eagle (Migratory bird

treaty) nesting, unlikely use, osprey (migratory bird treaty) nesting, unlikely use, American Alligator (T), unlikely use, wading birds (little blue heron,

tricolored heron etc) (T) likely use, Florida Sandhill Crane (FL-T), foraging, likely use, Sherman's Short-tailed shrew (SSC), possible use

Dry stormwater pond to the south, Colonial Blvd to the north, vacant land to the west, likely soon to be developed.

Provides some foraging habitat and cover, water quality and storage, potential nesting and breeding

w/o pres orcurrent

w/o pres orcurrent

w/o pres orcurrent

currentor w/o pres

Incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-345.300(3)(b), F.A.C.Form 62-345.300(2) [effective date 02-04-2004]

FL = delta x acres = 0.25

If mitigation For mitigation assessment areasDelta = [with-current] Time lag (t-factor) =

RFG = delta/(t-factor x risk) = 0.53 Risk factor =

Score = sum of above scores/30 (if uplands, divide by 20)

If preservation as mitigation, For impact assessment areasPreservation adjustment factor =

with Adjusted mitigation delta = 0.53 0

.500(6)(c)Community structure

Wetland is dominated by the invasive/exotic Brazilian pepper and pond cypress (some mature trees present due to likely part of system to north prior to Colonial Blvd). Other wetland species such as wax myrtle, dahoon holly, swamp tupelo, leather fern (and other fern species) and hydrocotyle, among others, were present within this

system.

1. Vegetation and/or 2. Benthic Community

with7 0

.500(6)(a) Location and Landscape Support This wetland lacks connectivity on all sides to historically connected wetlands. Currently it exists only as a narrow

depressed area/ditch along the roadway. Colonial Blvd is located directly north and cleared land and dry stormwater pond to the south. The overall surroundings are commercial development.

with3 0

.500(6)(b)Water Environment (n/a for uplands) Area remains as a naturally depressed area, however, all sides have been built up and water flow is interrupted. A

drainage pipe exists on the eastern edge. There is connection to W1 to the north via culvert under Colonial Blvd. Stain lines, elevated lichen lines and Cypress knees were observed.

with6 0

Scoring Guidance Optimal (10) Moderate(7) Minimal (4) Not Present (0)The scoring of each

indicator is based on what would be suitable for the

type of wetland or surface water assessed

Condition is optimal and fully supports

wetland/surface water functions

Condition is less than optimal, but sufficient to

maintain most wetland/surface waterfunctions

Minimal level of support of wetland/surface water

functions

Condition is insufficient to provide wetland/surface

water functions

Impact or Mitigation Assessment conducted by: Assessment date:Impact Chris Salicco and Anna Petracca 4/5/2017

PART II – Quantification of Assessment Area (impact or mitigation)(See Rules 62-345.500 and .600, F.A.C.)

Site/Project Name Application Number Assessment Area Name or NumberI-75/Colonial Boulevard Wetland 2