Flood Risk Management Project

Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project

Preliminary-Draft EIS June 12, 2015

Prepared by:

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25

St. Paul, MN 55155

T:\1472 DNR\09 Fargo Moorhead EIS\PreDraft EIS\PDEIS Document_2015-06-12_AJD_rev2A LINES NUMBERED.docx

Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement i

Table of Contents

ACRONYMS .................................................................................................................................. XVIII

DEFINITIONS .....................................................................................................................................XI

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................X

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 About the Project Proposer ............................................................................................. 1-1 1.1.1 Other parties involved ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Need For a State of Minnesota Environmental Impact Statement ................................. 1-2 1.2.1 Federal Environmental Review ........................................................................ 1-2

1.3 Project Purpose and Need ............................................................................................... 1-2 1.4 Government Agencies and Approvals ............................................................................. 1-4

1.4.1 United States Army Corps of Engineers ........................................................... 1-7 1.4.1.1 Section 404 Clean Water Act ........................................................... 1-7 1.4.1.2 Section 7 Endangered Species Act Consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ................................................................................................. 1-7 1.4.1.3 Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act Determination for Historic Properties ............................................................................................ 1-7 1.4.1.4 Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 Sections 9 and 10....................... 1-8

1.4.2 Federal Emergency Management Agency ....................................................... 1-8 1.4.2.1 Conditional Letter of Map Review .................................................. 1-8 1.4.2.2 Letter of Map Review ...................................................................... 1-8

1.4.3 Natural Resources Conservation Service ......................................................... 1-9 1.4.3.1 Prime and Unique Farmlands .......................................................... 1-9

1.4.4 North Dakota Game and Fish Department ...................................................... 1-9 1.4.4.1 Aquatic Nuisance Species Rule ........................................................ 1-9

1.4.5 North Dakota Department of Health ............................................................... 1-9 1.4.5.1 Section 401 Water Quality Certification ......................................... 1-9 1.4.5.2 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits1-10 1.4.5.3 NPDES/SDS General Storm Water Discharge Permit for Construction Activity 1-10

1.4.6 North Dakota State Water Commission ......................................................... 1-10 1.4.6.1 OSE Construction Permit ............................................................... 1-10 1.4.6.2 North Dakota Waters Drain Permit ............................................... 1-10 1.4.6.3 OSE Sovereign Lands Permit ......................................................... 1-11

1.4.7 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ............................................... 1-11 1.4.7.1 Invasive Species ............................................................................. 1-11 1.4.7.2 Dam Safety Permit ........................................................................ 1-11 1.4.7.3 Public Waters Work Permit ........................................................... 1-11 1.4.7.4 Burning Permit .............................................................................. 1-12 1.4.7.5 Water Appropriations Permit ........................................................ 1-12

1.4.8 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ............................................................. 1-12 1.4.8.1 Section 401 Water Quality Certification ....................................... 1-12

Table of Contents (cont.)


Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement ii

1.4.8.2 NPDES/SDS General Storm Water Discharge Permit for Construction Activity 1-12

1.4.9 Local Government Approvals ......................................................................... 1-12 1.4.9.1 Zoning Variance, Conditional Use Permit ..................................... 1-13 1.4.9.2 Zoning Amendment ....................................................................... 1-13 1.4.9.3 Wetland Conservation Act ............................................................ 1-13 1.4.9.4 Floodplain Permit .......................................................................... 1-14 1.4.9.5 Shoreland Permit ........................................................................... 1-14

1.4.10 Other Jurisdictions ......................................................................................... 1-14 1.5 EIS Organization ............................................................................................................. 1-15

2.0 PROPOSED PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................. 2-1

2.1 Proposed Project .............................................................................................................. 2-1 2.1.1 Detailed Project Description ............................................................................ 2-2

2.1.1.1 Dam ................................................................................................. 2-2 2.1.1.2 Red River and Wild Rice River Hydraulic Structures ....................... 2-3 2.1.1.3 Connecting Channel ........................................................................ 2-3 2.1.1.4 Diversion Inlet Control Structure .................................................... 2-3 2.1.1.5 Staging Area .................................................................................... 2-4 2.1.1.6 Diversion Channel ........................................................................... 2-5 2.1.1.7 Maple River and Sheyenne River Aqueducts .................................. 2-7 2.1.1.8 Lower Rush River and Rush River Spillways .................................... 2-8 2.1.1.9 Inlets, Ditches, and Smaller Hydraulic Structures ........................... 2-9 2.1.1.10 Oxbow/Hickson/Bakke Ring Levee .................................................. 2-9 2.1.1.11 Comstock Ring Levee ..................................................................... 2-10 2.1.1.12 Transportation and Utility Features .............................................. 2-11 2.1.1.13 Project Operation .......................................................................... 2-11 2.1.1.14 Floodwalls and In-Town Levees .................................................... 2-12 2.1.1.15 Non-structural Project Features .................................................... 2-14 2.1.1.16 Recreation Features ...................................................................... 2-15

2.2 Alternatives .................................................................................................................... 2-16 2.2.1 Alternatives Evaluation Summary .................................................................. 2-16

2.2.1.1 Process Overview .......................................................................... 2-16 2.2.1.2 Screening Analysis ......................................................................... 2-17 2.2.1.3 Alternatives Considered But Dismissed From Further Evaluation 2-19

2.2.2 Project Alternatives Analyzed in the EIS ........................................................ 2-25 2.2.2.1 No Action Alternatives .................................................................. 2-25 2.2.2.2 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................... 2-35

3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ..................................... 3-38

3.1 Project Hydrology and Hydraulics .................................................................................. 3-38 3.1.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................... 3-38



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3.1.1.1 Hydrologic and Hydraulic Evaluation for Project Design .............. 3-39 3.1.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 3-44

3.1.2.1 Proposed Project ........................................................................... 3-44 3.1.2.2 Base No Action Alternative ........................................................... 3-48 3.1.2.3 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) ...................... 3-49 3.1.2.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................... 3-49

3.1.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures ............................................ 3-52 3.2 FEMA Regulations and the CLOMR Process................................................................... 3-52

3.2.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................... 3-53 3.2.1.1 Flood Hazard Areas ....................................................................... 3-54 3.2.1.2 NFIP Map Revisions ....................................................................... 3-54 3.2.1.3 Floodplain Management Requirements ....................................... 3-54

3.2.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 3-54 3.2.2.1 Proposed Project ........................................................................... 3-55 3.2.2.2 Base No Action Alternatives .......................................................... 3-55 3.2.2.3 No Action Alternatives (with Emergency Measures) .................... 3-55

3.2.3 Mitigation and Monitoring Measures ............................................................ 3-56 3.3 Stream Stability .............................................................................................................. 3-56

3.3.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................... 3-58 3.3.1.1 Geomorphic Stream Classification ................................................ 3-59 3.3.1.2 Riparian Vegetation Analysis ......................................................... 3-59 3.3.1.3 Hydrologic Assessment ................................................................. 3-62 3.3.1.4 Stability Analysis ............................................................................ 3-62 3.3.1.5 Sediment Transport and Channel Bed Stability ............................ 3-65

3.3.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 3-67 3.3.3 Proposed Project ............................................................................................ 3-67 3.3.4 Project Area .................................................................................................... 3-67

3.3.4.1 Protected Area Stream Stability (Downstream of the Tieback Embankment) ................................................................................................. 3-69 3.3.4.2 Inundation Area Stream Stability (Upstream of the Tieback Embankment) ................................................................................................. 3-69 3.3.4.3 Bed Scour at Water Control Structures ......................................... 3-73 3.3.4.4 Base No Action Alternative ........................................................... 3-73 3.3.4.5 No Action Alternative (With Emergency Measures) ..................... 3-73 3.3.4.6 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................... 3-73

3.3.5 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures ............................................ 3-74 3.4 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................ 3-75

3.4.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................... 3-76 3.4.1.1 Existing Conditions ........................................................................ 3-76 3.4.1.2 Regulatory Framework .................................................................. 3-78

3.4.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 3-79 3.4.2.1 Proposed Project ........................................................................... 3-79 3.4.2.2 Base No Action Alternative ........................................................... 3-83



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3.4.2.3 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) ...................... 3-83 3.4.2.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................... 3-84

3.4.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures ............................................ 3-85 3.4.3.1 Forested Wetlands ........................................................................ 3-86 3.4.3.2 Non-Forested Wetlands ................................................................ 3-87

3.5 Cold Weather Impacts on Aqueduct Function and Biotics ............................................ 3-90 3.5.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................... 3-91

3.5.1.1 CRREL Report Maple River Hydrology and Meteorology .............. 3-91 3.5.1.2 Sheyenne River Hydrology and Meteorology ............................... 3-93 3.5.1.3 Maple and Sheyenne Rivers Habitat Assessments- Current Conditions ...................................................................................................... 3-93

3.5.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 3-93 3.5.2.1 Proposed Project ........................................................................... 3-94 3.5.2.2 Base No Action Alternative ......................................................... 3-101 3.5.2.3 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) .................... 3-101 3.5.2.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................. 3-101

3.5.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-101 3.5.3.1 Fish and Biological Connectivity .................................................. 3-102 3.5.3.2 Habitat Loss ................................................................................. 3-102

3.6 Cover Types .................................................................................................................. 3-102 3.6.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-103 3.6.2 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 3-104

3.6.2.1 Proposed Project ......................................................................... 3-104 3.6.2.2 Base No Action Alternative ......................................................... 3-106 3.6.2.3 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) .................... 3-107 3.6.2.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................. 3-107

3.6.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-108 3.7 Potential Environmental Hazards based on prior site use........................................... 3-109

3.7.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-109 3.7.1.1 2010 Moorhead ESA .................................................................... 3-110 3.7.1.2 2010 Fargo ESA ............................................................................ 3-110 3.7.1.3 2012 Supplemental ESA .............................................................. 3-111 3.7.1.4 2013 In-Town Levee ESAs ............................................................ 3-112 3.7.1.5 2014 OHB ESA ............................................................................. 3-112

3.7.2 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 3-113 3.7.2.1 Proposed Project ......................................................................... 3-113 3.7.2.2 Base No Action Alternative ......................................................... 3-116 3.7.2.3 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) .................... 3-116 3.7.2.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................. 3-117

3.7.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-117 3.8 Fish Passage and Biological Connectivity ..................................................................... 3-120

3.8.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-121 3.8.1.1 Habitat Assessment ..................................................................... 3-121



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3.8.1.2 Macroinvertebrates .................................................................... 3-122 3.8.1.3 Sensitive and Significant Species ................................................. 3-123 3.8.1.4 Index of Biotic Integrity ............................................................... 3-125


3.8.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-148 3.8.3.1 Proposed Mitigation .................................................................... 3-149 3.8.3.2 Proposed Monitoring .................................................................. 3-152

3.9 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat ........................................................................................ 3-153 3.9.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-153

3.9.1.1 Prairie .......................................................................................... 3-155 3.9.1.2 Wetland-Nonforest ..................................................................... 3-155 3.9.1.3 River Habitat ................................................................................ 3-156 3.9.1.4 Forest-Lowland Deciduous .......................................................... 3-159

3.9.2 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 3-160 3.9.2.1 Proposed Project ......................................................................... 3-160 3.9.2.2 Base No Action Alternatives ........................................................ 3-164 3.9.2.3 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) .................... 3-164 3.9.2.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................. 3-165

3.9.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-165 3.10 State-listed Species ...................................................................................................... 3-167

3.10.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-167 3.10.1.1 State-Listed Species in the Project Area ..................................... 3-168


3.10.3 Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................................... 3-173 3.11 Invasive Species ........................................................................................................... 3-174

3.11.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-176 3.11.1.1 Aquatic Invasive Species ............................................................. 3-176 3.11.1.2 Terrestrial Invasive Species: Noxious Weeds .............................. 3-177 3.11.1.3 Existing Management Programs ................................................. 3-177


3.11.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-180



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3.12 Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................... 3-182 3.12.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-183

3.12.1.1 Existing Conditions ...................................................................... 3-184 3.12.1.2 Regulatory Framework ................................................................ 3-190

3.12.2 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 3-191 3.12.2.1 Proposed Project ......................................................................... 3-191 3.12.2.2 Base No Action Alternatives ........................................................ 3-198 3.12.2.3 No Action Alternatives (with Emergency Measures) .................. 3-198 3.12.2.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................. 3-198

3.12.3 Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................................... 3-200 3.13 Infrastructure and Public Services ............................................................................... 3-202

3.13.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-203 3.13.1.1 Roads and Bridges ....................................................................... 3-203 3.13.1.2 Railroads ...................................................................................... 3-203 3.13.1.3 Utilities ........................................................................................ 3-204 3.13.1.4 Public Services ............................................................................. 3-204


3.13.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-213 3.13.3.1 Roads and Bridges ....................................................................... 3-213 3.13.3.2 Railroads ...................................................................................... 3-216 3.13.3.3 Utilities ........................................................................................ 3-216 3.13.3.4 Public Services ............................................................................. 3-216

3.14 Land Use Plans and Regulations .................................................................................. 3-216 3.14.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-217

3.14.1.1 Counties in Project Area .............................................................. 3-217 3.14.1.2 Affected Townships in the Project Area ...................................... 3-219 3.14.1.3 Affected Cities in the Project Area .............................................. 3-220 3.14.1.4 Other Local Government Units in the Project Area .................... 3-221 3.14.1.5 Plans and Regulations in the Project Area .................................. 3-223


3.14.3 Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................................... 3-239 3.15 Dam Safety ................................................................................................................... 3-241

3.15.1 State Regulatory Framework and Process ................................................... 3-241 3.15.1.1 MNDNR Dam Safety Permitting Process and Permit Decision Criteria3-242

3.15.2 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-244



Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement vii


3.15.4 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-249 3.16 Socioeconomics ........................................................................................................... 3-249

3.16.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................. 3-251 3.16.1.1 Socioeconomic Conditions .......................................................... 3-251 3.16.1.2 Population ................................................................................... 3-251 3.16.1.3 Educational Attainment .............................................................. 3-252 3.16.1.4 Housing ........................................................................................ 3-253 3.16.1.5 Employment and Income ............................................................ 3-254

3.16.2 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 3-257 3.16.2.1 Modeling and Evaluation Approach ............................................ 3-258 3.16.2.2 SE Report ..................................................................................... 3-258 3.16.2.3 Proposed Project ......................................................................... 3-264 3.16.2.4 Construction, Operation and Maintenance ................................ 3-264 3.16.2.5 Impacts to Structures and Structure Function ............................ 3-270 3.16.2.6 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) .................... 3-303 3.16.2.7 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................. 3-306

3.16.3 Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring Measures .......................................... 3-320 3.16.3.1 FEMA/USACE Coordination Plan Mitigation ............................... 3-320 3.16.3.2 USACE and Diversion Authority Other Proposed and Required Mitigation ..................................................................................................... 3-322 3.16.3.3 Property Acquisition and Estimated Costs .................................. 3-325

4.0 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS .......................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Cumulative Effects Screening Summary .......................................................................... 4-1 4.1.1 Federal Cumulative Impacts Analysis Definition .............................................. 4-1 4.1.2 Minnesota Cumulative Potential Effects Definition ......................................... 4-2 4.1.3 Federal Cumulative Impacts Analysis Methodology ........................................ 4-3 4.1.4 Minnesota State Cumulative Potential Effects Anlaysis Methodology ............ 4-3

4.1.4.1 Defining the Environmentally Relevant Areas ................................ 4-6 4.1.4.2 Identifying the Reasonably Foreseeable Projects ........................... 4-6

4.2 Hydrology ......................................................................................................................... 4-9 4.2.1 Affected Environment/Environmentally Relevant Area .................................. 4-9 4.2.2 Environmental Consequences .......................................................................... 4-9

4.1.1.1 Base No Action Alternative ........................................................... 4-10 4.1.1.2 No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) ...................... 4-10 4.1.1.3 Proposed Project ........................................................................... 4-10 4.1.1.4 Northern Alignment Alternative ................................................... 4-11

4.3 Stream Stability .............................................................................................................. 4-11



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4.3.1 Affected Environment/Environmentally Relevant Area ................................ 4-11 4.3.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 4-12


4.4 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................ 4-14 4.4.1 Affected Environment/Environmentally Relevant Area ................................ 4-14 4.4.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 4-14


4.5 Aquatic Habitat and Fish Passage .................................................................................. 4-16 4.5.1 Affected Environment/Environmentally Relevant Area ................................ 4-16 4.5.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 4-17


4.6 Wildlife Resources ......................................................................................................... 4-18 4.6.1 Affected Environment/Environmentally Relevant Area ................................ 4-18 4.6.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 4-20


4.7 Cultural Resources ......................................................................................................... 4-21 4.7.1 Affected Environment/Environmentally Relevant Area ................................ 4-21 4.7.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 4-22


4.8 Social and Economic ...................................................................................................... 4-23 4.8.1 Affected Environment/Environmentally Relevant Area ................................ 4-23 4.8.2 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 4-23


5.0 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES .......................................................................................... 5-1



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5.1 Reasonable Alternatives .................................................................................................. 5-1 5.1.1 Base No Action Alternative .............................................................................. 5-2 5.1.2 Base No Action Alternative (with Emergency Measures) ................................ 5-2 5.1.3 Northern Alignment Alternative ...................................................................... 5-2

5.2 Comparison of Alternatives Evaluation ........................................................................... 5-3 5.3 Using Comparison of Alternatives Information ............................................................... 5-3

6.0 EFFECTIVENESS OF PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES......................................................... 6-1

6.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 6-1 6.1.1 Types of Mitigation .......................................................................................... 6-2

6.1.1.1 Adaptive Management .................................................................... 6-2 6.1.1.2 Structure Mitigation ........................................................................ 6-7 6.1.1.3 Other Mitigation .............................................................................. 6-7

6.1.2 Mitigation Evaluation Process .......................................................................... 6-8 6.1.3 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation Measures .................................................. 6-9 6.1.4 Project Hydrology ........................................................................................... 6-33

6.1.4.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-33 6.1.4.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-33 6.1.4.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-33 6.1.4.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-33 6.1.4.5 FEMA Regulations and the CLOMR Process .................................. 6-33 6.1.4.6 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-33 6.1.4.7 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-34 6.1.4.8 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-34 6.1.4.9 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-34

6.1.5 Stream Stability .............................................................................................. 6-35 6.1.5.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-35 6.1.5.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-35 6.1.5.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-35 6.1.5.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-36

6.1.6 Wetlands ........................................................................................................ 6-39 6.1.7 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ........................................ 6-39

6.1.7.1 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-40 6.1.7.2 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-40 6.1.7.3 Forested Wetlands ........................................................................ 6-41 6.1.7.4 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-42 6.1.7.5 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-43

6.1.8 Cold Weather Impacts on Aqueduct Function ............................................... 6-43 6.1.8.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-43



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6.1.8.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-43 6.1.8.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-43 6.1.8.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-44

6.1.9 Cover Types .................................................................................................... 6-44 6.1.9.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-44 6.1.9.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-44 6.1.9.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-44 6.1.9.4 Additional Cover Types Mitigation Needs ..................................... 6-45

6.1.10 Potential Environmental Hazards Due to Past Site Use ................................. 6-45 6.1.10.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-45 6.1.10.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-45 6.1.10.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-45 6.1.10.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-45

6.1.11 Fish Passage and Biological Connectivity ....................................................... 6-46 6.1.11.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-46 6.1.11.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-46 6.1.11.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-48 6.1.11.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-50

6.1.12 Wildlife Resources .......................................................................................... 6-51 6.1.12.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-52 6.1.12.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-52 6.1.12.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-52 6.1.12.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-53

6.1.13 State-listed Species and Special Status Species ............................................. 6-53 6.1.13.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-53 6.1.13.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-53 6.1.13.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-54 6.1.13.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-54

6.1.14 Invasive Species .............................................................................................. 6-54 6.1.14.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-54 6.1.14.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-54 6.1.14.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-55 6.1.14.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-55

6.1.15 Cultural Resources ......................................................................................... 6-56 6.1.15.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-56 6.1.15.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-56



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6.1.15.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-56 6.1.15.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-56

6.1.16 Infrastructure and Public Services.................................................................. 6-56 6.1.16.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-57 6.1.16.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-57 6.1.16.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-57 6.1.16.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-58

6.1.17 Land Use Plans and Regulations ..................................................................... 6-58 6.1.17.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-58 6.1.17.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-58 6.1.17.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-58 6.1.17.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-58

6.1.18 Dam Safety ..................................................................................................... 6-58 6.1.18.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-58 6.1.18.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-59 6.1.18.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-59 6.1.18.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-59

6.1.19 Socioeconomics .............................................................................................. 6-59 6.1.19.1 Summary of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ....................... 6-59 6.1.19.2 Evaluation of Proposed Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-60 6.1.19.3 Evaluation Conclusions, Recommendations, and Other Considerations or Requirements ................................................................... 6-61 6.1.19.4 Additional Mitigation Needs ......................................................... 6-61

7.0 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION ................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Agency Coordination........................................................................................................ 7-1 7.1.1 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ................................................. 7-1 7.1.2 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........................................................................... 7-1 7.1.3 Diversion Authority .......................................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Public Involvement .......................................................................................................... 7-1

8.0 LIST OF PREPARERS ............................................................................................................... 8-1

9.0 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 9-1



Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xii

LIST OF TABLES Table 1.1 Summary of Permits and Approvals Related to the Project ......................................... 1-5 Table 2.1. Residual Peak 100-yr Flood Stage, Discharge, and Approximate

Existing Frequency Conditions. ...................................................................................... 2-23 Table 2.2. Fargo - Completed FDR Projects. ............................................................................... 2-28 Table 2.3. Fargo Construction-In-Progress FDR Projects. ........................................................ 2-29 Table 2.4. Fargo - 2014 Under Design and To Be Constructed FDR Projects. ............................. 2-30 Table 2.5. Fargo - Planned FDR Projects for 2015. ...................................................................... 2-31 Table 2.6. Moorhead Completed FDR Projects. ....................................................................... 2-32 Table 2.7. Moorhead In-Progress FDR Projects. ...................................................................... 2-33 Table 2.8. Moorhead Funded Future FDR Projects (Proposed). .............................................. 2-33 Table 3.1 Summary of Red River Peak Flow and Stage data at the USGS Gage ......................... 3-39 Table 3.2 Summary of Historic Flood Events in the F-M Urban Area ......................................... 3-40 Table 3.3 Summary of Hydrologic and Hydraulic Impacts in the Project Area ........................... 3-44 Table 3.4 Project and No Action w/Emergency Measures ......................................................... 3-47 Table 3.5 NAA and No Action with Emergency Measures ......................................................... 3-51 Table 3.6 NFIP Communities With FIRMs ................................................................................... 3-53 Table 3.7 Aerial Imagery Source Dates ....................................................................................... 3-60 Table 3.8 Rosgen Level III Riparian Vegetation Summary .......................................................... 3-61 Table 3.9 Cross Section Geometry Source Dates ....................................................................... 3-63 Table 3.10 Cross Section Geometric Change Rates ................................................................... 3-64 Table 3.11 Reach Averaged Channel Velocity and Shear Stress for Bankfull Conditions .......... 3-65 Table 3.12 Threshold Values for Shear and Velocity .................................................................. 3-66 Table 3.13 Predicted Geomorphology Impacts Resulting from LPP Diversion Channel Alternative1

....................................................................................................................................... 3-68 Table 3.14 Wetland Types, using the Eggers & Reed and Circular 39

Classification Systems, Present in the Project Footprint ............................................... 3-76 Table 3.15 MnRAM Functional Assessment Ratings .................................................................. 3-78 Table 3.16 Estimated Direct Wetland Impacts by Wetland Type ............................................... 3-81 Table 3.17 Estimate of Indirect Wetland Impacts from New Inundation

During the 100-year Flood ............................................................................................. 3-82 Table 3.18 Estimate of Indirect Wetland Impacts from New Inundation during the 100-year Event

....................................................................................................................................... 3-85 Table 3.19 Estimated Direct Wetland Impacts Associated with Tieback

Embankment in Minnesota ............................................................................................ 3-89 Table 3.20 Summary of Gage Data Records................................................................................ 3-91 Table 3.21 Most Severe Periods of Intense Cold ....................................................................... 3-92 Table 3.22 Summary of Simulations .......................................................................................... 3-96 Table 3.23 Insulation Impacts on Ice Volume ............................................................................. 3-99 Table 3.24 Heat Impacts on Ice Volume ..................................................................................... 3-99 Table 3.25 Comparison of Heat Application and Insulation ..................................................... 3-100 Table 3.26 Cover Types Present in the Project Footprint ......................................................... 3-103



Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xiii

Table 3.27 Cover Types: After Construction and Operation of the Project .............................. 3-104 Table 3.28 Cover Types Impacted by New Inundation During NAA

Operation For the 100-year Flood Event ..................................................................... 3-107 Table 3.29 Summary of RECs Identified in the 2010 Fargo ESA ................................................ 3-111 Table 3.30 Summary of RECs Identified in 2013 In-town Levee ESAs....................................... 3-112 Table 3.31 Summary of Potential Environmental Consequences from Identified RECs ........... 3-113 Table 3.32 Summary of Environmental Consequences from Potential Additional RECs .......... 3-116 Table 3.33 Summary of Potential Mitigation Measures for Potential RECs ............................. 3-119 Table 3.34 Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index ...................................................................... 3-121 Table 3.35 Summary of QHEI Data ............................................................................................ 3-122 Table 3.36 Summary of Macroinvertebrate Data ..................................................................... 3-123 Table 3.37 MPCA Fish IBI Sensitive Species Collected in the Project Area ............................... 3-124 Table 3.38 MPCA Fish IBI Categories for the Red River in Minnesota ...................................... 3-126 Table 3.39 Red River Fish IBI Scores Using the MPCA Southern Rivers Scoring Protocol1 ....... 3-127 Table 3.40 Wolverton Creek Monitoring Data .......................................................................... 3-129 Table 3.41 Fish IBI Scores From NDDH Monitoring .................................................................. 3-130 Table 3.42 Fish IBI Scores from USACE Monitoring Efforts in the Project Area ....................... 3-131 Table 3.43 Impacts to Aquatic Habitat on the Red River From Construction of the Project .... 3-133 Table 3.44 Impacts to Aquatic Habitat on North Dakota Tributaries From

Construction of the Project .......................................................................................... 3-142 Table 3.45 Stream Restoration Projects to Serve as Mitigation for Impacts

to Aquatic Habitat ........................................................................................................ 3-149 Table 3.46 Comparison of Minnesota and North Dakota Habitat Classification Systems ........ 3-154 Table 3.47 Minnesota State-listed Species in the Project Area ................................................ 3-168 Table 3.48 State and Federal Regulations Pertaining to Invasive Species ................................ 3-175 Table 3.49 Listed Noxious Weeds Potentially Present in the Project Area .............................. 3-177 Table 3.50 Site Identification Results for Project ...................................................................... 3-191 Table 3.51 Additional Site Identification Results for the NAA .................................................. 3-199 Table 3.52 NAA Infrastructure Impacts1 ................................................................................... 3-212 Table 3.53 Summary of North Dakota County Land Use Management

within the Project Area ................................................................................................ 3-217 Table 3.54 Summary of Minnesota County Land Use Management within the Project Area .. 3-218 Table 3.55 Summary of North Dakota Township Land Use Management

within the Project Area ................................................................................................ 3-219 Table 3.56 Summary of Minnesota Township Land Use Management

within the Project Area ............................................................................................... 3-220 Table 3.57 Summary of North Dakota City Land Use Management within the Project Area ... 3-220 Table 3.58 Summary of Minnesota City Land Use Management within the Project Area ....... 3-221 Table 3.59 Summary of Other Local Government Units Land Use Management

within the Project Area ................................................................................................ 3-221 Table 3.60 Summary of Plans and Regulations ......................................................................... 3-224 Table 3.61 Local Government Permitting and Approvals That May Be Needed

for Project Construction or Operation ........................................................................ 3-239



Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xiv

Table 3.62a: Estimated Maximum Loss of Life in the F-M Urban Area - Existing Conditions Due to Levee Overtopping or a Levee Failure 1 ............................ 3-246

Table 3.62b: Estimated Maximum Loss of Life in the F-M Project Area Project Condition Due to a Levee Breach of the Storage Area1 ..................................................... 3-247

Table 3.63 Historical Population Trends: National, State, County, and City ............................ 3-252 Table 3.64 Highest Educational Attainment 2010-2012 ........................................................... 3-252 Table 3.65 Total Housing Units ................................................................................................. 3-253 Table 3.66 Available Housing Units .......................................................................................... 3-254 Table 3.67 Civilian Labor Force Estimates 2010-2012 .......................................................... 3-254 Table 3.68 Unemployment Rate (%): National, State, County, and City (2002-2012) .............. 3-255 Table 3.69 Per Capita Income .................................................................................................. 3-255 Table 3.70 Median Household Income (2000 & 2010) ............................................................. 3-256 Table 3.71 Components of Personal Income, in Millions of Dollars (2012)1 2 .......................... 3-256 Table 3.72 Model Frameworks for Fargo Moorhead SE Report Socioeconomic Analysis ........ 3-260 Table 3.73 SE Report HAZUS Modeling Level of Effort ............................................................. 3-261 Table 3.74 Estimated Project Construction Cost ...................................................................... 3-265 Table 3.75 Proposed Project Economic Impacts from Construction, Operation and Maintenance

($Millions) .................................................................................................................... 3-266 Table 3.76 Summary of Utility Relocation Costs for the Project .............................................. 3-268 Table 3.77 Proposed Project Nearest Healthcare Facilities Outside of

Inundation Area (Comstock / Oxbow) ........................................................................ 3-269 Table 3.78 Structures Impacted by the Proposed Project During the

10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year Flood Events1 .............................. 3-272 Table 3.79 Proposed Project Estimated Residual Damages to

Buildings and Contents; and Vehicles ($ Millions) ................................................. 3-274 Table 3.80 Proposed Project Summary of Estimated Cost of Land Acquisition and Damages . 3-276 Table 3.81 Proposed Project Property Acquisitions, Easements, and Costs ............................ 3-276 Table 3.82 Proposed Project Number and Type of Structures Impacted

under 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year Floods within the Upstream Inundation Area1 2 3 4 5 6 ........................................................................ 3-278

Table 3.83 Proposed Project Number of Parcels Impacted under 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year Floods within the Upstream Inundation Area1 2 3 4 5.................................................................................. 3-279

Table 3.84 Proposed Project Annual Impacts from Loss of Building Function ($ Millions) ...... 3-281 Table 3.85 Organic Farms Located Within the Vicinity of the Proposed Project

Inundation Areas During the 100-year Flood1 ............................................................ 3-289 Table 3.86 Organic Farm Acreage By 100-Year Flood Event for Proposed Project 1 2 3 4 ........... 3-291 Table 3.87 Structures Impacted under the Base No Action Alternative During

the 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year Flood Events ........................ 3-297 Table 3.88 Base No Action Alternative Estimated Damages to Buildings and

Contents; and Vehicles ($ Millions) ............................................................................ 3-298 Table 3.89 Base No Action Alternative Summary of Average Annual Impacts

from Loss of Building Function ($ Millions) ................................................................. 3-300



Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xv

Table 3.90 Organic Farm Acreage By 100-Year Flood Event for Base No Action Alternative1 2 3 4 ............................................................................................ 3-302

Table 3.91 Estimated Northern Alignment Alternative Construction Cost .............................. 3-306 Table 3.92 Northern Alignment Alternatives Economic Impacts from

Construction, Operation and Maintenance ($Millions) ............................................... 3-307 Table 3.93 Summary of Utility Relocation Costs for the Northern Alignment Alternative ...... 3-308 Table 3.94 Structures Impacted by the Northern Alignment Alternative

During the 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year Flood Events 1 ............ 3-309 Table 3.95 Northern Alignment Alternative Estimated Residual Damages ($ Millions) ........... 3-311 Table 3.96 Northern Alignment Alternative Summary of Estimated

Cost of Land Acquisition and Damages ........................................................................ 3-312 Table 3.97 Northern Alignment Alternative Property Acquisitions, Easements, and Costs ..... 3-313 Table 3.98 Northern Alignment Alternative: Number and Type of Structures

Impacted under 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year Floods within the Upstream Inundation Area1 2 3 4 5 6 ............................................. 3-314

Table 3.99 Northern Alignment Alternative Number of Parcels Impacted under 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year Floods within the Upstream Inundation Area1 2 3 4 5 ................................................................ 3-315

Table 3.100 Northern Alignment Alternative Summary of Annual Impacts from Loss of Building Function ($ Millions) ................................................................. 3-316

Table 3.101 Organic Farm Acres Located Within the Vicinity of the Northern Alignment Alternative Inundation Areas During the 100-year Flood Event* ............................... 3-318

Table 3.102 Organic Farm Acreage By 100-Year Flood Event for the Northern Alignment Alternative1 2 3 4 5 ........................................................................................ 3-319

Table 3.103 FEMA/USACE Coordination Plan Structure and Land Mitigation Categories and Descriptions ........................................................................................ 3-322

Table 3.104 Summary of Estimated Cost of Land Acquisition and Damages .......................... 3-325 Table 4.1 Summary of Potential Cumulative Effects Categories .................................................. 4-4 Table 4.2 Reasonably Foreseeable Projects .................................................................................. 4-8 Table 5-5.1. Summary of Environmental and Sociological Effects by Alternative ....................... 5-5 Table 6.1 Summary of Proposed and Recommended Mitigation and Monitoring ..................... 6-11 Table 6.2 Evaluation Summary of Non-forested Wetlands ........................................................ 6-41 Table 6.3 Evaluation Summary of Forested Wetlands ............................................................... 6-42 Table 7.1 Public Meetings ............................................................................................................ 7-2 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Project Location Map Figure 2: Project Features Figure 3: Proposed Project 100-year Flood Inundation Area Figure 4: OHB Levee Design Plan Figure 5: Comstock Levee Preliminary Conceptual Design Figure 6: Proposed Project and Northern Alignment Staging Areas



Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xvi

Figure 7: City of Fargo: Levee Protection Locations 2011 Figure 8: City of Fargo: Flood Mitigation Projects Completed January Figure 9: City of Fargo: Flood Mitigation Projects In Progress 2014 Figure 10: City of Fargo: Flood Mitigation Projects Planned for 2014 Figure 11: City of Moorhead: Flood Mitigation Projects: Completed, In Progress, and Planned Figure 12: Base No Action Alternative 100-year Flood Inundation Area Figure 13: No Action Alternative with Emergency Measures 100-Year Flood Inundation Area Figure 14: Northern Alignment Alternative 100-Year Flood Inundation Area Figure 15: Proposed 100-Year Flood Inundation with Flow Impacts Figure 16: Proposed 500-Year Flood Inundation with Flow Impacts Figure 17: USEPA IBI Sites with Quality Ratings Figure 18: Fish IBI Sampling Locations Figure 19: Red River Control Structure Fill Area Figure 20: Wild Rice River Control Structure Fill Area Figure 21: Cultural Resources Survey Areas Figure 22: Transportation System Overview Figure 23: Transportation System Detail (North) Figure 24: Transportation System Detail (South) Figure 25: Project Control Structures Figure 26: Socioeconomic Study Area Figure 27: Project MNDNR Structure Count Analysis 100-Year Flood Impacted Structures Figure 28: Northern Alignment Alternative MNDNR Structure Count Analysis 100-Year Flood Impacted Parcels Figure 29: Northern Alignment Alternative MNDNR Structure Count Analysis 100-Year Flood Impacted Structures Figure 30: Northern Alignment Alternative MNDNR Structure Count Analysis 100-Year Flood Impacted Parcels Figure 31: Fargo Moorhead Area Topography Figure 32: Project MNDNR Structure Count Analysis 100-Year Flood Depth - Impacted Structures Figure 33: Project MNDNR Structure Count Analysis 100-Year Flood Depth - Impacted Parcels Figure 34: Reasonably Foreseeable Projects List of Illustrations Illustration 2.1 Hydraulic Control Structure. .............................................................................................. 2-3 Illustration 2.2 Diversion Inlet Control Structure. ...................................................................................... 2-4 Illustration 2.3 Diversion Channel Design. ................................................................................................. 2-5 Illustration 2.4 Diversion Channel Outlet Spillway. ................................................................................... 2-6 Illustration 2.5 Diversion Channel Cross Section. ...................................................................................... 2-7 Illustration 2.6 Maple and Sheyenne Rivers Aqueduct Design. ................................................................. 2-8 Illustration 2.7 Rush and Lower Rush Rivers Spillway Design. ................................................................... 2-9 Illustration 3.1 Proposed Project Zone Location Map ............................................................................ 3-48 Illustration 3.2: Northern Alignment Alternative Zone Location Map..................................................... 3-52



Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xvii

Illustration 3.3: Riparian Vegetation Conditions along Sheyenne River 1 ........................................... 3-72 Illustration 3.4: Typical Diversion Channel Cross Section ....................................................................... 3-87 Illustration 3.5: Fish Species Migration Periods on the Red River and Otter Tail River ......................... 3-137 Illustration 3.6: Typical Diversion Channel Cross Section ..................................................................... 3-139 Illustration 3.7: Example of a fish passage dam project on the Red River at the

Riverside Dam, Grand Forks, North Dakota. ............................................................................. 3-151 List of Graphs Graph 3.1 Flood Hydrograph and Flood Elevation Data .......................................................................... 3-46 Graph 3.2: Range of daily winter flows in the Maple River for 19952012. ........................................... 3-92 Graph 3.3: Upstream Water Levels for Water Year 1996 for Different Scenarios and for Open Water . 3-97 Graph 3.4: The average stage at the spillway weir location for each day of the

winter season under each scenario. The heated scenarios include no insulation, three inches of insulation, and six inches of insulation. ........................................... 3-99

Graph 3.5: Comparison of Flow Exceedance at the Fargo Gage on the Red River by Month ............... 3-135 LIST OF APPENDICES A. Draft Operation Plan Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project (USACE)

December 5, 2014 B. Draft Adaptive Management and Monitoring Plan (MNDNR) June 2015 C. Draft EIS Review Version - Distributed Storage Alternative Screening Analysis (MNDNR) February

17, 2015 D. Distributed Storage Alternative Final Report (Wenck) July 2014 E. Technical Memorandum Adequacy of Hydrology and Hydraulic Modeling Completed for the Fargo-

Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project (Wenck/MNDNR) July 2014 F. Final FEMA/USACE Coordination Plan April 14, 2015 G. Cemetery Study Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project (USACE, June

2015) H. Programmatic Agreement Between USACE, ND SHPO, and MN SHPO Fargo-Moorhead Metro Flood

Risk Management Project, Final 2011 I. Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project Socioeconomics Technical Report In Support Of Minnesota

EIS (HMG) (Includes Appendix A Final Technical Memorandum: Opinion of Probable Construction Cost of the Northern Alignment Alternative (HMG, January 2015) April 2015

J. Ag Impacts Mitigation Plan (Diversion Authority) January 8, 2015 K. Technical Memorandum: Organic Farms Inventory (Wenck) May 4, 2015


Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xviii

Acronyms 1

()degrees 2 (ABA) Architectural Barriers Act 3 (ACMs) Potential Asbestos Containing Materials 4 (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Act 5 (AIS) Aquatic Invasive Species 6 (AMP) Adaptive Management Plan 7 (AMMP) Adaptive Management and Monitoring 8

Plan 9 (AMT) Adaptive Management Team 10 (APE) Area of Potential Effect 11 (APHIS) USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection 12

Service 13 (ASTs) Aboveground Storage Tanks 14 (ATV) All-terrain Vehicles 15 (AUAR) Alternative Urban Areawide Review 16 (Avg) Average 17 (BFEs) Base Flood Elevations 18 (BMPs) Best Management Practices 19 (BNSF) Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail Lines 20 (BRRWD) Buffalo-Red River Watershed District 21 (Btu) British thermal unit 22 (BWSR) Minnesota Board of Water and Soil 23

Resources 24 (CCJWD) Cass County Joint Watershed District 25 (CEQ) Council on Environmental Quality 26 (cfs) cubic feet per second 27 (CLOMR) Conditional Letter of Map Revision 28 (CRREL) United States Army Corps of Engineers 29

Engineer Research and Development 30 Center Cold Regions Research and 31 Engineering Laboratory 32

(CUP) conditional use permits 33 (CWA) Clean Water Act 34 (DELT) Deformities, Eroded Fins, Lesions, or Tumors 35 (DFIRM) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps 36 (DSA)Distributed Storage Alternative 37 (DSC) Downstream Control 38 (DU) Ducks Unlimited 39 (EA) Environmental Assessment 40 (ECS) Ecological Classification System 41 (EDDMS) Early Detection & Distribution Mapping 42

System 43 (EIS) Environmental Impact Statement 44 (EMB) Excavated Material Berm 45

(EMTs) Emergency Medical Technicians 46 (EOEP) Expert Opinion Elicitation Panel 47 (ESA) Environmental Site Assessment 48 (EQB) Environmental Quality Board 49 (F) Fahrenheit 50 (FCC) No Action p. 4 51 (FDR) Flood Damage Reduction 52 (FEMA) Federal Emegency Management Agency 53 (FIRMs) Flood Insurance Rate Maps 54 (FIS) Flood Insurance Study 55 (FFREIS) Final Feasibility Report and Environmental 56

Impact Statement 57 (F-M) Fargo-Moorhead 58 (FRP) Federally Recommended Plan 59 (ft) feet 60 (ft2) foot squared 61 (ft/sec) feet per second 62 (ft/yr) feet per year 63 (GIS) Geographic Information System 64 (GPS) Global Positioning System 65 (H and H) hydrologic and hydraulic 66 (HEC-FDA) Hydrologic Engineering CenterFlood 67

Damage Reduction Analysis 68 (HEC-HMS) Hydrologic Engineering Center 69

Hydrologic Modeling System 70 (HEC-RAS) Hydrologic Engineering Centers River 71

Analysis System 72 (hr) hour 73 (HUR) Halstad Upstream Retention Study 74 (Hwy) Highway 75 (HTRW) Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Wastes 76 (I-29) Interstate 29 77 (I-94) Interstate 94 78 (IBI) Index of Biotic Integrity 79 (IMPLAN) IMpact Analysis for PLANning Model 80 (I-O) input-output analysis 81 (IRT) Interagency Review Team 82 (lb/ft2) pounds per square foot 83 (LBP) Lead Based Paint 84 (LGU) Local Government Unit 85 (LiDAR) Light Detection and Ranging 86 (LOL) Loss of Life 87 (LOMR) Letter of Map Revision 88 (LPP) Locally Preferred Plan 89 (MDA) Minnesota Department of Agriculture 90


Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xxv

(MEPA) Minnesota Environmental Policy Act 91 (MN) Minnesota 92 (MNDNR) Minnesota Department of Natural 93

Resources 94 (MNRAM) Minnesota Routine Assessment 95

Methodology for Evaluation of Wetland 96 Functions 97

(MPCA) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 98 (NAA) Northern Alternative Alignment 99 (NAVD) North American Vertical Datum 100 (ND) North Dakota 101 (NDDA) North Dakota Department of Agriculture 102 (NDDH) North Dakota Department of Health 103 (NDGF) North Dakota Game and Fish Department 104 (NDNHI) North Dakota Natural Heritage Inventory 105 (NEPA) National Environmental Policy Act 106 (NFIP) National Flood Insurance Program 107 (NHIS) Minnesota Natural Heritage Information 108

System 109 (NHPA) National Historic Preservation Act 110 (NLCD) National Land Cover Dataset 111 (NRCS) Natural Resources Conservation Service 112 (NRHP) National Register of Historic Places 113 (NWI) National Wetlands Inventory 114 (O & M) Operations & Maintenance 115 (OHB) Oxbow, Hickson, and Bakke 116 (OHV) Off-Highway Vehicle 117 (OHWL) Ordinary High Water Level 118 (OMRR&R) Operations, Maintenance, Repair, 119

Rehabilitation, and Replacement 120 (OSE) Other Social Effects 121 (PAHs) Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons 122 (PCBs) Polychlorinated Biphenyls 123 (PED) Preliminary Engineering Design 124 (PFSAA) FM Diversion Post-Feasibility Southern 125

Alignment Analysis (HMG, 2012) 126 (PMF) Probably Maximum Flood 127 (PWI) Public Waters Inventory 128 (QA) Quality Assurance 129 (QC) Quality Control 130

(QHEI) Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index 131 (RECs) Recognized Environmental Conditions 132 (RGU) Responsible Government Unit 133 (ROD) Record of Decision 134 (ROW) Right-of-Way 135 (RRJWD) Red River Joint Water Resource 136

District 137 (RRWMB) Red River Watershed Management 138

Board 139 (RS) River Stage 140 (SEAW) Scoping Environmental Assessment 141

Worksheet 142 (SFHAs) Special Flood Hazard Areas 143 (SGCN) Species of Greatest Conservation Need 144 (SHPO) State Historic Preservation Office 145 (SIAM) Sediment Impact Analysis Model 146 (SoCP) Species of Conservation Priority 147 (SOW) Scope of Work 148 (SSTS) Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems 149 (STS) Storm Sewer 150 (LS) Lift Station 151 (SWAPS) State Wildlife Action Plans 152 (T138 R48) Unnamed Tributary to the Red River 153 (TCPs) Traditional Cultural Properties 154 (URS) URS, Corporation 155 (US) United States 156 (USACE) United States Army Corps of Engineers 157 (USC) United States Code 158 (USDA) United States Department of Agriculture 159 (USEPA) United States Environmental Protection 160

Agency 161 (USFWS) United States Fish and Wildlife Service 162 (USGS) United States Geological Survey 163 (USPS) United States Postal Service 164 (USTs) Underground Storage Tanks 165 (WCA) Wetland Conservation Act 166 (WRAPS) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 167

Watershed Restoration and Protection 168 Strategy169

170


Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xi

Definitions 171

0.2-percent chance event: A flood event that has the statistical average of occurring once every 500 172 years. See also 500-year flood. 173

1-percent chance event: A flood event that has the statistical average of occurring once every 100 174 years. See also 100-year flood. 175

10-percent chance event: A flood event that has the statistical average of occurring once every 10 years. 176 10-percent chance event. This would result in an approximate flow of 17,000 cfs at the Fargo gage. 177

10- year flood: A flood event that has the statistical average of occurring once every 10 years. See also 178 10-percent chance event. 179

100-year flood: A flood event that has the statistical average of occurring once every 100 years. See also 180 100-year flood. See also 1-percent chance event. 181

500-year Event: A flood event that has the statistical average of occurring once every 500 years. See also 182 0.2 percent chance event. 183

Accessibility: refers to the ability to access a property from an adjacent roadway. 184

Accreditation: An accredited levee system is a system that FEMA has determined can be shown on a 185 FIRM as providing a 100-year flood event or greater level of flood protection. 186

This determination is based on the submittal of data and documentation required by 44 CFR Section 187 65.10 which must be certified by a Professional Engineer. The area landward of an accredited levee 188 system is shown as a moderate-risk area, labeled Zone X (shaded), on the DFIRM except for areas of 189 residual flooding, such as ponding areas, which will be shown as high-risk areas, called Special Flood 190 Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Flood insurance is not mandatory in Zone X (shaded) areas, but is mandatory in 191 SFHAs. SOURCE: http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1600-20490-192 4180/lv_accredit_checklist_nov08.pdf 193

Action Threshold: The point at which data and information indicate identified criteria have been met 194 requiring steps to address impacts or potential impacts. 195

Activity Hubs: Key locations along the proposed trail system offering recreational amenities, such as trail 196 access or interpretive signs. 197

Activity Nodes: Similar to activity hubs but provide less intensive site-specific activities and could serve 198 as secondary access points to the trails. 199

Adaptive Management: A process wherein management actions can be changed in response to a 200 monitored result or impact. An adaptive management plan proposes pre-construction and post-201


Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xii

construction studies of biota and physical habitat for both impact sites and mitigation sites, including a 202 framework for evaluation and response actions. 203

Adaptive Management Team: A decision-making body for the Adaptive Management Plan composed of 204 local, state, and federal agency personnel working collaboratively to address adaptive management 205 needs. 206

Adverse Effect: A harmful or undesired effect from the Proposed Project on the environment. 207

Anthropogenic: Relating to or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature. 208

Associated Facilities: Components of the Project that are not primary, but are necessary for Project 209 construction and operation. Primary components include the diversion channel, tieback embankment, 210 and control structures. 211

Aqueduct: a structure that looks like a bridge and that will be used to carry the Sheyenne River over the 212 Diversion Channel. 213

Bankfull: The elevation of the floodplain adjacent to the active channel. 214

Bankfull Flow: The discharge at channel capacity or the flow at which water just fills the channel without 215 over-topping the banks. 216

Base Flood Elevation: The elevation of surface water resulting from a flood that has a one percent (1%) 217 chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year. The BFE is shown on the Flood Insurance 218 Rate Map (FIRM) for zones AE, AH, A1A30, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1 A30, AR/AH, AR/AO, V1V30 and 219 VE. (source: https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program/definitions) 220

Base Flow (QBase): The component of streamflow not directly attributed to stormwater runoff. Base flow 221 defines low flow conditions for maintaining viable habitat for stream organisms. While base flow does 222 not transport large amounts of sediment it can be important in maintaining a low-flow channel needed 223 by stream organisms when water levels drop in the summer and fall. 224

Base No Action Alternative: includes the potential flood risk reduction impact of already completed 225 and currently funded projects such as levee construction and property buyouts. 226

Benthic Biodiversity: The many different kinds of organisms living on the bottom of a body of water, 227 such as mussels or other bottom-dwelling species. 228

Berms: a hill or wall of dirt or sand. 229

Best Management Practices: Methods or techniques found to be the most effective and practical means 230 in achieving an objective (such as preventing or minimizing pollution) while making use of resources. 231

Bioassessment (Biological Assessment): Biological assessments are evaluations of the condition of 232 waterbodies using surveys and other direct measurements of resident biological organisms 233 (macroinvertebrates, fish, and plants). Biological assessment results are used to answer the question 234 of whether waterbodies support survival and reproduction of desirable fish, shellfish, and other 235 aquatic species -- in other words, if the waterbodies meet their designated aquatic life uses. 236


Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement xiii

Biological Community: All the interacting organisms living together in a specific habitat of varying sizes, 237 larger biological communities may contain smaller communities. 238

Biota: flora (plants) and fauna (animals) of a particular location 239

Biotic: of, relating to, or caused by living organisms 240

Biotic Community: A group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting 241 with each other. 242

Biotic Connectivity: The quality, state or capability of the flora and fauna (i.e., organisms) or biotic 243 processes of a region being connected or being able to move unimpeded. 244

Best Management Practices (BMPs): The schedule of activities, prohibition of practices, maintenance 245 procedures, and other management practices to avoid or minimize pollution or habitat destruction to 246 the environment. BMPs can also include treatment requirements, operating procedures and practices to 247 control runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage. 248

Blue Books: US Fish and Wildlife Service habitat assessment models. 249

Brush/Grassland: grassland areas dominated by graminoid or herbaceous vegetation and shrub/scrub 250 areas dominated by shrubs less than five meters tall with shrub canopy typically greater than 20 percent 251 of total vegetation, including true shrubs, young trees in an early successional stage, or trees stunted 252 due to harsh environmental conditions. Includes those areas in the Eastern United States that commonly 253 are called brush lands (Anderson et al., 1976). 254

Buffalo-Red River Watershed District: Located in northwest Minnesot

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Flood Risk Management Project