Ecological Survey Reports The level of ESR Report is determined by the type of project and its probable level of impacts.

Ecological Survey Reports Ecological Survey Reports are coordinated with the resource agencies: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

Ecological Survey Reports Three Levels of Ecological Survey Reports Level 1 Ecological Survey (was called the MOA report) Level 2 Ecological Survey Level 3 Ecological Survey: Includes 3 Reports Preliminary Draft Level 3 ESR Draft Level 3 ESR Final Level 3 ESR

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report Used to coordinate projects that meet the Memorandum of Agreement between ODOT, ODNR, FHWA and USFWS for Interagency Coordination for Highway Projects which involve Stream Crossings, Bank Stabilizations, and/or Minor Wetland Fills (1/12/11). Fulfills coordination and consultation requirements of the Fish & Wildlife Act and ESA, Section 7. Coordinated with USFWS and ODNR

Level 1 Ecological Survey Reports Projects that can be authorized under USACE Nationwide Permits, and/or require a Level 1 or 2 PAN. Bridge replacement/rehabilitation Minor road realignment Road widening Bike trail Slip repairs Stream erosion repairs along roadways Projects that may impact Scenic Rivers, State Listed species, or mussel beds will require project specific coordination, but may still be coordinated under the MOA, using the Level 1 ESR. If a specimen of a federally listed species is found in the project area, or a recent record of a federally listed species occurs within the project area, contact OES for instructions. What Projects Qualify?

Level 2 and 3 Ecological Survey Reports Projects that require Individual Waterway Permits Individual 404, Individual 401, and/or a Level 3 PAN Projects that will impact a National Scenic River below OHWM.

Level 2 and 3 Ecological Survey Reports Checklist of Environmental and Engineering Issues Requires literature review (portions can be used for the ESR) Requires field visit (quick review) The Project Initiation Package is not coordinated with the agencies Both Level 2 and Level 3 Reports Require a Project Initiation Package (Red Flag Summary)

Level 2 Ecological Survey Reports Example of Level 2 Project Areas

Level 3 Ecological Survey Reports Large complex projects (often new roads on new location) that require: Corridor Studies Feasibility Study Refinement of the preferred alternative Example Level 3 ESR Study Area

Level 3 Ecological Survey Reports Preliminary Draft Level 3 ESR Draft Level 3 ESR Final Level 3 ESR Level 3 ESR’s require submission of 3 Documents :

Level 3 Ecological Survey Reports Document #1: Preliminary Draft Ecological Survey Report Survey all of the ecological resources within a wide corridor(s). Used by ODOT to aid in the development of feasible alternative alignments. Preliminary Draft does not include a discussion of impacts (as no alternatives have been developed).

Level 3 Ecological Survey Report Document #2: Draft Ecological Survey Report Includes a discussion of the proposed feasible alternative alignments Includes a comparison of the impacts associated with each of the feasible alternative alignments Used to aid in the selection of a preferred alternative

Level 3 Ecological Survey Reports Document #3: Final Ecological Survey Report Used to follow up ecological survey reports with final impacts (including wetland delineations and final stream assessments) on the PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ONLY. Used in the jurisdictional determination field review with the USACE and OEPA. Data used to prepare the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit and the Ohio EPA’s 401 Water Quality Certification.

Survey and Report Selection Flowchart

Supplemental Information Any level of project may require additional resource specific coordination, such as: Coastal Consistency if project is located within Coastal Management Zone (Lake Erie). State and National Scenic River Coordination if project is located within 1,000 feet of a designated wild or scenic river... Federally Listed Species: Biological Assessment Biological Opinions State Listed Species.

Things To Remember Three Levels of Ecological Survey Reports Level 1 (MOA projects) Level 2 Level 3 (3 separate report submissions) IMPORTANT: Consultants need to work with the ODOT District environmental staff so that projects are scoped for the correct level of effort and ecological report.

Ecological Survey Reports All information regarding ecological surveys and reporting can be found on the ODOT-OES website: cal_Resources_Permits/Ecology/Pages/MANUALSANDFORMS.aspx cal_Resources_Permits/Ecology/Pages/MANUALSANDFORMS.aspx

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