Wetland and Floodplain Statement of Findings to Rehabilitate Propane Distribution Lines & Cedar Pass Lodge Cabin Road

The National Park Service at Badlands National Park has prepared a Wetland Statement of Findings(WSOF) in accordance with Directors Order (DO) 77-1 & Executive Order (EO) 11990 and a Floodplain Statement of Findings (FSOF) in accordance to DO 77-2 for the Rehabilitation of a Propane Distribution Line and Cedar Pass Lodge Cabin Road.

The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate the propane distribution system in the administration/housing area, rehabilitate Cedar Pass Lodge Cabin Road, and alleviate flood risks along Ben Reifel Road and other areas of the park that are threatening park infrastructure and visitor safety. Rehabilitation of the propane distribution system is needed due to aging infrastructure and the need for flood mitigation along Ben Reifel Road. Similarly, Cedar Pass Lodge Road requires rehabilitation to address its deteriorating gravel surface in the cabin loop area and to mitigate flooding that affects the cabin loop and Cedar Pass cabin area. The project would replace the existing propane distribution system with more durable materials to ensure long-term reliability, and improvements to Cedar Pass Lodge Road would include subgrade and base preparation, followed by resurfacing with crushed aggregate.

The WSOF determined A total of 1.025 acres of wetlands and riverine systems would be impacted from the proposed project, and a total of 1.389 acres would be created from the newly excavated channel. A wetland delineation was conducted within the project area in accordance to the guidance in NPS DO 77-1 and the 1987 US. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Wetland Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and in conjunction with US. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al. 1979). A total of five palustrine wetlands (Wetlands 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and one riverine wetland (Waterway 1) were identified during the survey. In general, the wetlands at the site are located within the floodplain of the riverine system. In addition to the standard wetland delineation methods, a Function and Value Assessment of the wetlands delineated within the project area was performed.

The FSOF determined there would be long-term beneficial impacts of the proposed action include increased safety and access during flood events, restored flow capacity of culverts and channels, and reduced potential for pollution entering floodwaters. Short-term negative impacts to the floodplain during construction would be coordinated to minimize to the extend possible. These mitigations would include implementations of best management practices and an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to minimize impacts to hydrology, wetlands and water quality. Additional migration measures can be found in Section 4 of the FSOF.

Document Content:

BADL Wetlands SOF_5081.pdf   (5.2 MB, PDF file) Final FSOF BADL_5081.pdf   (5.7 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.