Environmental Considerations
Environmental impacts must be considered along with the hydraulic issues as one may directly affect the other. (See the for details.)
Biological considerations in site selection include the effects on habitat and ecosystems in the floodplain, stream, and associated wetlands. Biologists should assess this aspect of site selection, but provide much of the information necessary for a valid assessment of the biological effects and the available alternatives for mitigation, including the following:
- economic viability of using a bridge rather than filling in wetland areas
- cost to replace lost marsh or wetland areas
- circulation of fresh or brackish water in marshes and estuaries
- feasibility of providing mitigating measures for the loss of invertebrate population
- shade and resting areas for fish.