Consult the Chapter 3, in

Project Development Process Manual

for environmental concerns. (See Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Clean Water Act (CWA), in the Environmental Procedures in Project Development Process Manual.) Consider stream channel modification only after examining all other alternatives. Regulatory requirements invoked by stream channel modifications can be substantial.

Consider the (USFWS) review requirements where review may result in recommendations to avoid, minimize, or compensate for the adverse effects to wildlife habitat.

Refer to Chapter 3, for more information. It is prudent to plan measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for stream modifications.

Justify the selection of a stream modification alternative. Consult with resource agencies early in design planning, and include these consultations in the Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with supporting documentation. (See Chapter 3, , in the

Project Development Process Manual

for more details.) The EA should also contain compensation plans for replacing any removed habitats. Avoid or minimize adverse effects, or implement mitigation plans to the best of your ability when transportation projects impact riparian corridors as described in the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA). (See Chapter 3, , in the

Project Development Process Manual

for more details.) If the department cannot offer mitigation for riparian corridor impacts, offer an explanation as justification in the environmental documentation.