Iron Mine - Marquette County, Michigan
Services: Wetland determination, wildlife and habitat evaluation
JFNew provided wetland and natural resource consulting services for a 2500 acre mine site. JFNew's services included completing a wetland delineation and resource evaluation and preparing permit applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and USEPA, including development of wetland mitigation and monitoring plans.
The mining operation produces a substantial volume of waste rock which must be disposed in the vicinity of the mine requiring wetland/resource impacts in the vicinity of the mine. Evaluation of this property required detailed office analysis of aerial photographs, U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangles, detailed topographic maps and National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps. This data was analyzed to determine the locations of potential wetlands within the investigation area. Potential wetlands were flagged for field investigation and a work plan was prepared based on the preliminary findings.
Each potential wetland was investigated in the field to determine wetland character and boundaries. Field data was recorded for each wetland complex as appropriate for verification by state and federal agencies. Wetland boundaries were mapped onto 1:24,000 scale topographic maps. Mapping and orienteering in the thickly wooded, remote terrain was accomplished utilizing 1:2400 scale color infrared aerial photographs and topographic maps. Regulatory analysis of each wetland identified was performed to determine regulatory status. In addition, all waterbodies and streams were mapped if they were not present on existing maps.
Fieldwork performed during the wetland determination also included documentation and evaluation of wildlife and fisheries habitat. Vegetation and landscape were evaluated regarding life stage, food value, and cover value to determine which species of wildlife could be expected to utilize the investigation area. Direct evidence of wildlife usage was also recorded. Aquatic insects within streams were sampled and identified, as well as substrate character, turbidity and silt content, fish abundance, and character of the riparian corridor.
An 80-page report of the wetland determination and natural resource evaluation was prepared, including a review of available literature regarding the geology and hydrogeology. The wetland determination was approved without modification following review and field verification by the Michigan DNR, the USEPA and Corps of Engineers.
Marquette Mine - Marquette County, Michigan
Services: Wetland determination and delineation, permitting strategy, endangered species review and habitat assessment, representation at public meetings
JFNew provided wetland consulting services in a mine expansion project encompassing approximately 2,000 acres. The scope of services included a review of NWI maps, topographic maps, aerial photography, historic data, and other collateral information. Wetlands were delineated and the wetland boundaries were flagged in the proposed mine operation area, along with an evaluation of surface hydrology within delineated wetlands. JFNew then mapped the wetland boundaries using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
JFNew evaluated the wetland functions within the identified mining impact area and data collected in the field was used to assess the wildlife and fisheries habitat value of the wetlands. These identified "values" were used to formulate a strategy in the permit application process. A summary report was prepared documenting all field findings, regulatory determinations, and functional evaluations. Elements of the assessment included hydrological functions and classification, soil descriptions, wildlife and fisheries habitat evaluation, nutrient cycling capabilities, and water quality considerations, as well as required public interest considerations such as: cumulative impacts; historic, cultural, and scenic or recreational values; and economic value. JFNew performed biological and botanical inventories for inclusion in the permit application process. JFNew prepared a conceptual mitigation strategy and permit application package. JFNew also attended and participated in the Public Hearing process.
Betchler Marsh - Chippewa County, Michigan
Services: Endangered species surveys
JFNew evaluated over 1200 acres for threatened and endangered species, wildlife, wetlands, fisheries, and invertebrate impacts relative to a jack pine timber salvage sale for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. JFNew also estimated percentage of damage/mortality per jack pine stand. Preferred alternative actions proposed by JFNew included salvage clear cut for jack pine, thinning of red pine stands, site planting preparation, white pine underplanting, prescription burning, and creation of openings and savannahs. JFNew prepared a scoping letter and coordinated the scoping process. The project was ultimately approved and completed as recommended by JFNew.
CACM Specialty Sands - Ottawa County, Michigan
JFNew provided regulatory negotiation and permitting services with the municipal and state agencies for a 40+-acre proposed facility expansion of a sand mining complex. Because of the sensitive nature of the proposed sand mining facility, JFNew frequently interacted with the agency personnel to resolve conflicts and represent CACM at public meetings/hearings before permits were successfully obtained.
Endangered Species Surveys - Jackson County, Michigan
JFNew conducted and supervised endangered species surveys on a proposed landfill expansion site. Species of concern included the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and silphium borer moth, as well as ginseng, showy orchid, goldenseal and purple twayblade. JFNew determined that suitable habitat was not present for several of the species and successfully negotiated with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for a reduced scope of surveys.
Karner Blue Butterfly Survey - Lake Station, Indiana
The proposed extension of two roads in the sand dune areas of northwest Indiana required a habitat evaluation for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. JFNew surveyed the right-of-way corridors along with our associate entomologist to examine botanical indicators of this species and prepared a report on our findings.
