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2A — November 13 - December 10, 2020 — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal

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M id A tlantic R eal E state J ournal Publisher, Conference Producer . .............Linda Christman AVP, Conference Producer ...........................Lea Christman Publisher ........................................................Joe Christman Editor/Graphic Artist ......................................Karen Vachon Contributing Columnist ............................ Stout & Caldwell Mid Atlantic R eal E state J ournal ~ Published Semi-Monthly Periodicals postage paid at Hingham, Massachusetts and additional mailing offices Postmaster send address change to: Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal 350 Lincoln St, Suite 1105, Hingham, MA 02043 USPS #22-358 | Vol. 32, Issue 18 Subscription rates: 1 year $99.00, 2 years $148.50, 3 years $247.50 & $4.00 single issue - plus postage REPORT AN ERROR IMMEDIATELY MARE Journal will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion Phone: 781-740-2900 | Fax: 781-740-2929 www.marej.com

WETLANDS 101: The History, Impact and Considerations

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Development • Industrial Market • M ulti-Family Market Retail Market • Distribution Centers

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istorically, wetlands were viewed as use- less areas of land

• M ediation • Real Estate Law • Mold Environmental • Architecture • Engineering

filled or used for refuse dis - posal. However, freshwater and coastal wetlands play a vital role in the function- ing ecosystem. They provide a unique habitat for many species of flora and fauna, enhance water quality by re- moving nutrients and serve as storage for floodwaters. To protect their integrity, wetlands are regulated at the Federal and State levels, and increasingly by many county and municipal agencies. The potential impact of wetlands upon a particular property’s value should be considered in all real estate transactions. Similarly, this is true for potential needs re- lated to development projects. Whether specific to property purchase and development, wetlands should be profes- sionally reviewed employing a three step process: STEP 1 – IDENTIFICA- TION Using methodology estab- lished by the US Army Corps

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of Engineers, the presence, ab- sence and/or limits of wetlands are identified and established. This is done through an exten- sive investigation of soils, veg- etation and hydrologic indica- tors. The identification process should be completed by a qualified individual who has the proper training, familiar- ity and expertise in employing appropriate and proven tech- niques to accurately evaluate a particular property specific to the presence of wetlands STEP 2 – VERIFICATION Once areas of wetlands have been identified on a prop- erty, their limits (boundar- ies) should be verified by the respective overseeing govern- mental agency. Depending on a particular wetlands resource value, function, configuration

and watershed affiliation, the extent to which the area will be regulated can be es- tablished. During this same verification process, establish - ment of upland transition ar- eas (wetland buffers) are also made. These buffers are also strictly regulated as important to a functioning ecosystem and further protect the adjoining wetlands from adjacent devel- opment activities. STEP 3 – MANAGEMENT The identification of wetlands does not negate property value or prevent development. Rather the presence of wetlands needs to be managed as part of the development process. Designs must take into account the ar- eas of wetlands and their asso- ciated buffers. They can further continued on page 7A

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