Minimal grading is proposed as shown on the Grading, Drainage and Utility Plan prepared by Haler Consulting (Sheet C400). Existing grades generally allow for positive surface drainage and stable soil conditions. No areas of excessive slope, erosion prone embankments, or geologic instability have been identified within the proposed development footprint.
The proposed subdivision layout has been designed to respect existing topographic conditions by minimizing cut and fill operations and maintaining natural drainage patterns to the maximum extent practicable. Roadway alignments, lot grading, and building envelopes follow existing contours where feasible to reduce the extent of grading and soil disturbance. Finished grades will maintain positive drainage away from structures and toward designed stormwater management facilities.
Slope stability will be maintained through engineered grading practices, soil stabilization measures, and vegetative cover. Temporary and permanent stabilization will be implemented in accordance with approved soil erosion and sediment control plans to prevent slope erosion during and after construction.
No significant alteration of natural landforms or creation of steep artificial slopes is proposed. Based on the limited grading extent, favorable soil conditions, and compliance with erosion control standards, the project is not anticipated to result in adverse impacts to site topography, slope stability, or downstream drainage characteristics.
Impacts to existing topography and slope conditions are minimized by aligning roadways, lot layouts, and building envelopes with existing contours to reduce the extent of cut and fill activities. Grading has been limited to areas necessary for infrastructure installation, drainage control, and safe building access, preserving natural landform features to the maximum extent practicable.
Slope stability is maintained through engineered grading practices, positive drainage design, and prompt stabilization of disturbed areas using vegetation, mulching, and soil stabilization measures. Temporary and permanent erosion control measures are implemented in accordance with approved soil erosion and sediment control plans to prevent slope erosion and sediment migration.
No steep slopes, excessive embankments, or significant landform alterations are proposed. Overall, the project minimizes topographic disturbance and slope impacts through limited grading, contour responsive design, and compliance with established erosion control standards.
DuBois documented existing vegetation communities on the site and assembled a list of the dominant vegetation present. The following are descriptions of the natural vegetation communities present on-site and a depiction of existing vegetation communities is presented within Figure 12: Vegetation Communities Map. Refer to Appendix A: Site Photographs for a depiction of the described vegetation communities.
Within the upland forested areas located on site dominant canopy species include white oak (Quercus alba), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), black oak (Quercus velutina) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum). Dominant species observed within shrub stratum include black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) and bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum). The vegetative composition in these areas do not exceed the 50 percent dominance criterion so the hydrophytic vegetation parameter is not met.