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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplication Files_89666_pg0014 SedimentlToxicant/Pathogen Retention-This function reduces or prevents degradation of water quality. It relates to the effectiveness of the wetland as a trap for sediments, toxicants or pathogens in runoff water from surrounding uplands,or upstream eroding wetland areas. The wetlands are associated with a major waterway which limits the potential for this function. However,the floodplain does provide some limited potential for this function. Overall the function is present but is not a primary function. Nutrient RemovaMetention/Transformation-This function considers the effectiveness of the wetland as a trap for nutrients in runoff water from surrounding uplands or contiguous wetlands,and the ability of the wetlands to process these nutrients into other forms or trophic levels. One aspect of this function is to prevent ill effects of nutrients entering aquifers or surface waters such as ponds,lakes,streams,rivers or estuaries. The wetlands are associated with a perennial watercourse that limits the effectiveness for the function. During flood events this function is present,but during normal flows nutrients tend to pass through the wetlands. Production Export-This function relates to the effectiveness of the wetland to produce food or usable products for human,or other living organisms No usable food products were noted in the wetlands adjacent to the site. This function may exist in other parts of the large Podunk River watershed;however, for this site it is not a primary fiunction. Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization-This function evaluates the effectiveness of a wetland to stabilize stream banks and shorelines against erosion. This is a primary function of the wetlands. The flood plain and associated stream's side vegetation play an important role in the stabilization of the water course channel. Wildlife Habitat-This function considers the effectiveness of the wetland to provide habitat for various types and populations of animals typically associated with wetlands and wetland edge. Both resident and/or migrating species are considered. The Podunk River is a large and diverse wetland system and a small portion of the system cannot be separately evaluated under this methodology. Although the near off-site wetlands are not particularly diverse they are part of a much larger system and diverse resource. This is a primary function of the wetlands. 4