A total of 1.833 acres of mangrove swamps (FLUCFCS 6120) will be impacted by the Preferred Alternative. The total functional loss for this wetland system is 0.89 units. Compensatory mitigation options for wetland impacts will be addressed in future phases of this project, but at this time, Mangrove Point Mitigation Bank has a service area that overlaps the project and has the appropriate credits available.

The proposed bridge will cross 6.09 acres of USACE- and SWFWMD-jurisdictional surface waters. Construction of bridge pilings will result in permanent surface water impacts; however, these impacts are considered minimis, for they total less than 0.10 acres of impact and result in less than 0.01 units of functional loss; therefore, mitigation is not required. Shade impacts are not considered since this area for surface waters consists of a non-vegetated bottom. Based upon the current seagrass bed boundaries, no seagrass impacts are anticipated.

A total of 1.10 acres of impacts to OSWs are anticipated. These features are roadside ditches created as part of the roadway system for the conveyance of stormwater. They will be replaced as part of the new roadway system, and therefore, no mitigation is required. A wetland and surface water summary table is summarized in Table 7-55.

Table 7-5 – Wetland and Surface Water

Wetland and Surface Water

FLUCFCS/ID USFWS Classification Preferred Alternative

Impact type Impact Acreage UMAM Score Functional Loss

6129 / WL 1-2 E2FO3N Direct 1.156 0.73 0.84

Secondary 0.677 0.07 0.05

Total 1.833 - 0.89

5400 / SW 1 E1UB2 Direct (Fill) <0.10 - <0.01

5100 / OSW 1-11 PEM1Cx Direct (Fill) 1.10 - -

Wetlands

Surface Waters

Other surface waters

The proposed project will have no significant short-term or long-term adverse impacts to wetlands, there is no practicable alternative to construction in wetlands, and measures have been taken to minimize harm to wetlands. FDOT will employ various strategies to fulfill mitigation needs, which may include using approved mitigation banks or restoration, enhancement, preservation, and/or creation of wetlands, either on or off-site.

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