Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment Wetlands topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident raises wetland and eagle-nest concerns about North Creek development
Summary
A Lakeville resident urged city officials to verify a wetland delineation and possible bald eagle nesting near the North Creek development, saying federal agencies were notified and warning of potential fines if protections are violated.
A Lakeville resident told the City Council on March 3 that a recent wetland delineation for the North Creek development shows far less wetland than an earlier assessment and that the parcel may host bald eagles.
Jeff Carvel said he received a survey from Midwest Natural Resources indicating that only a small portion of the area remains classified as wetland after recent work, and that he has forwarded the study and his concerns to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I just don't want the city of Lakeville or anybody to get in trouble for it without actually being aware of it,” Carvel said during the public-comment period.
Carvel said he also received an earlier reply indicating that portions of the site are “man-made” and therefore developable; he said he had asked the consulting firm that performed the delineation and had contacted federal agencies to verify whether the remaining water features are protected wetlands. He told council members he was also told the Fish and Wildlife Service had reported eagles on the property during a prior review and that work within 600 feet of an active eagle nest generally requires a permit.
Mayor and staff acknowledged the concern and said staff would follow up. City staff offered to provide Carvel with a clarification on the procedural question he raised about the list of stipulations that must be satisfied before development begins.
Why it matters: Wetland delineations and the presence of federally protected species can affect whether development may proceed as planned and whether permits or mitigation are required. Carvel asked the city to confirm the delineation and to ensure any necessary agency consultations or permit requirements are satisfied before construction begins.
The comment came during the meeting’s public-comment period and did not prompt an immediate council action; staff said they would follow up with Carvel about the Fish and Wildlife and EPA contacts and about outstanding stipulations for the project.
Carvel provided copies of the survey and an email from a federal contact to the city clerk at the meeting.
