SPR 13-458 Mitigation Exemption - Low Quality Streams

KTC (Kentucky Transportation Center) researchers will work with both the Louisville District USACE and KYTC to determine more efficient methods of handling mitigation exemptions for low quality streams. KTC (will work with KYTC and meet with the Louisville District USACE to 1) understand the criteria set forth by this district; 2) identify the existing differences between the Louisville District and other USACE Districts and understand the reasoning for these differences; and 3) determine how to bridge the gap between understanding and implementing mitigation exemption in Kentucky. KTC will request Louisville USACE to provide sample cases of stream mitigation exemption success stories in the context of roadside ditch relocations with a goal of identifying best practices to be followed when applying for a mitigation exemption. KTC will work with KYTC SAC members to identify potential relocation projects that could be included in the study. A pre-relocation study will be conducted on at least one selected site. KTC (Kentucky Transportation Center) researchers will work with both the Louisville District USACE and KYTC to determine more efficient methods of handling mitigation exemptions for low quality streams. KTC (will work with KYTC and meet with the Louisville District USACE to 1) understand the criteria set forth by this district; 2) identify the existing differences between the Louisville District and other USACE Districts and understand the reasoning for these differences; and 3) determine how to bridge the gap between understanding and implementing mitigation exemption in Kentucky. KTC will request Louisville USACE to provide sample cases of stream mitigation exemption success stories in the context of roadside ditch relocations with a goal of identifying best practices to be followed when applying for a mitigation exemption. KTC will work with KYTC SAC members to identify potential relocation projects that could be included in the study. A pre-relocation study will be conducted on at least one selected site.