› What is Mitigation?

Mitigation is a process where by enhancement or restoration measures are provided to a wetland and/or its buffer in order to compensate for adverse impacts to the Critical Areas that are planned or were inadvertently conducted. For example, in order to reduce a wetland or stream buffer width if avoidance is not an option, there are typically three ways made available in regulations to achieve this.
     

The first is Buffer Averaging which allows the buffer to be reduced in one area and increased in another area so long as there is no net loss of buffer area, that the buffer is not reduced beyond a predetermined minimum established by each jurisdiction (50% in Thurston County and 75% in Pierce County), and that Buffer Averaging will improve wetland values.
       

The second is an Administrative Variance which allows for a buffer reduction up to the predetermined minimum so long as buffer enhancement is offered in a Mitigation Plan.

    
The third method is a Reasonable Use Exception should the amount of buffer reduction being requested surpass the predetermined minimum. This process involves a public hearing among other requirements and includes the need for a Mitigation Plan.

    
Sometimes, other applications are needed in conjunction with requests to alter Critical Areas such as a Hydraulic Permit Application (JARPA)  if a creek crossing is involved, an Environmental Checklist (SEPA) that reviews project impacts or a Fish & Wildlife Habitat Assessment.