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A. Mitigation shall achieve equivalent or greater biological functions. Mitigation for alterations to wetlands shall achieve equivalent or greater biologic functions and shall be consistent with the Department of Ecology’s Wetland Mitigation in Washington State--Part 2, Developing Mitigation Plans--Volume 1, and Selecting Wetland Mitigation Sites Using a Watershed Approach, as revised.

B. Mitigation shall result in no net loss. Wetland mitigation actions shall not result in a net loss of wetland area except when the following criteria are met:

1. The lost wetland area provides minimal functions and the mitigation action(s) results in net gain in wetland functions as determined by a site-specific function assessment; or

2. The lost wetland area provides minimal functions as determined by a site-specific function assessment and other protected or enhanced habitats provide greater benefits to the functioning of the watershed, such as riparian habitat protection and enhancement.

C. Mitigation for Lost Functions and Values. Mitigation actions shall address functions affected by the alteration to achieve functional equivalency or improvement, and shall provide similar wetland functions as those lost except when:

1. The lost wetland provides minimal functions as determined by a site-specific function assessment and the proposed mitigation action(s) will provide equal or greater functions or will provide function shown to be limiting within a watershed through a formal watershed assessment protocol; or

2. Out of kind replacement will best meet formally identified regional goals, such as replacement of historically diminished wetland types.

D. Preference of Mitigation Actions. Mitigation actions that require compensation by replacing, enhancing, or substitution, shall occur in the following order of preference:

1. Avoid the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.

2. Minimize impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation, but using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts.

3. Rectify the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment.

4. Reduce or eliminate the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations.

5. Compensate for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments.

6. Monitor the required compensation and take remedial or corrective measures when necessary. (Ord. 1505 §17, 2017; Ord. 1215 §13, 2003).