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Banner flags Topeka shiner, erosion controls and compensatory mitigation in EA
Summary
Banner Associates said the Big Sioux River area may contain Topeka shiner habitat and US Fish and Wildlife is consulting; the EA lists timing restrictions, erosion controls, rapid stabilization and possible compensatory wetlands mitigation as likely permit conditions.
Banner Associates told the Brookings County Drainage Board the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified the study area as potentially supporting Topeka shiner and that the agency is still consulting with the project team.
Kelly Buscher said the Service identified eight federally listed species that could be relevant and that for seven the Service agreed the project would have "no effect;" the Topeka shiner remains the principal concern. Buscher described early mitigation concepts discussed with the Service: avoid in‑stream construction from mid‑May through the end of July during Topeka shiner spawning, require on‑site erosion controls and inspections to limit sedimentation, and implement compensatory wetland mitigation if permanent wetland fill is authorized under a Corps 404 permit.
Banner said compensatory mitigation could mean establishing or restoring wetlands at another location to offset permanent loss where the dike footprint would be in water or wetland. The consultants also said stormwater and flood‑plain permits from state agencies could apply and that the contractor would be required to have hazardous‑materials protocols to prevent spills during construction. Banner emphasized consultations with US Fish and Wildlife and state agencies are ongoing and that the EA documents these commitments as conditions for moving forward.
