WEBVTT 00:03.080 --> 01:14.829 [music] 01:14.829 --> 01:18.972 >> This video is an introduction to Alternatives Analysis. 01:18.972 --> 01:24.124 For detailed information on this topic please visit the Corps website. 01:24.124 --> 01:29.098 The Corps regulatory program requires applicants to demonstrate that 01:29.098 --> 01:34.617 a proposed project to dredge and/or fill waters of the United States 01:34.617 --> 01:38.800 is the least environmentally damaging practical alternative 01:38.800 --> 01:41.423 to achieve the project's purpose. 01:41.423 --> 01:44.240 We refer to this as the LEDPA. 01:44.240 --> 01:49.215 To meet this requirement the applicant conducts an alternative analysis 01:49.215 --> 01:57.477 as required by the Clean Water Act, Section 404-B1 01:57.477 --> 02:00.453 >> Under this requirement a project must be both practical 02:00.453 --> 02:03.911 and the least environmentally damaging alternative. 02:03.911 --> 02:08.510 There must be an attempt to avoid impacts rather than compensate for them. 02:08.510 --> 02:11.645 Let's look at an example of an alternative analysis. 02:11.645 --> 02:15.221 An applicant proposes a 20,000-square-foot grocery store 02:15.221 --> 02:18.485 with parking on site A. 02:18.485 --> 02:21.861 His range of alternatives include three alternate locations 02:21.861 --> 02:28.460 for the grocery store, sites B, C and D. 02:28.460 --> 02:31.907 Upon reviewing the applicant's original range of alternatives, 02:31.907 --> 02:36.481 the Corps determines the applicant needed to provide additional alternatives. 02:36.481 --> 02:39.218 Specifically the Corps asked the applicant 02:39.218 --> 02:41.745 to consider moving the project to site B 02:41.745 --> 02:44.569 and minimizing impacts through a smaller building 02:44.569 --> 02:47.040 and an elevated parking structure. 02:47.040 --> 02:52.127 Upon analysis the Corps determined the LEDPA was an 18,000-square-foot building 02:52.127 --> 02:56.206 with an on-grade parking lot located on site B. 02:56.206 --> 03:00.799 In this example the criteria used to determine the practicality of alternatives 03:00.799 --> 03:04.564 included land cost, percentage of wetlands, 03:04.564 --> 03:11.027 proximity to major roads, parking structure cost and market demand. 03:11.027 --> 03:14.339 So as the project purposes identified, 03:14.339 --> 03:16.971 the applicant develops a range of alternatives 03:16.971 --> 03:21.322 including the alternatives specified in the permit application. 03:21.322 --> 03:25.330 Additional alternatives may also develop during project review 03:25.330 --> 03:27.609 and will also be evaluated. 03:27.609 --> 03:32.031 The least environmentally damaging practical alternative or LEDPA 03:32.031 --> 03:34.624 will be determined from this range. 03:34.624 --> 03:38.215 Specific criteria are also developed to use in determining 03:38.215 --> 03:40.263 the practicality of alternatives 03:40.263 --> 03:43.695 and eliminating the non-practical alternatives. 03:43.695 --> 03:48.206 This is what we call the alternative analysis. 03:48.206 --> 03:51.060 The permit applicant must provide sufficient evidence 03:51.060 --> 03:55.589 to demonstrate that the proposed project is the LEDPA. 03:55.589 --> 03:59.620 The applicant must also show that there are no practical alternatives 03:59.620 --> 04:05.186 including non-aquatic to the proposed discharge. 04:05.186 --> 04:08.401 >> A non-water dependent project means the project 04:08.401 --> 04:13.298 does not need to be located near a water body to achieve its purpose. 04:13.298 --> 04:17.345 For example non-water dependent projects include 04:17.345 --> 04:20.735 grocery stores or housing subdivisions. 04:20.735 --> 04:26.047 So when an applicant proposes placing a grocery store in an aquatic resource, 04:26.047 --> 04:31.342 the Corps presumes that practical alternatives do exist. 04:31.342 --> 04:37.590 Conversely when a project is water dependent, like a marina or a boat ramp, 04:37.590 --> 04:41.244 it requires proximity to an aquatic resource 04:41.244 --> 04:44.333 to achieve the basic project purpose. 04:44.333 --> 04:52.251 In this case the Corps presumes that practical alternatives do not exist. 04:52.251 --> 04:55.666 >> This alternative analysis is most effective when it is addressed 04:55.666 --> 04:59.313 by the permit applicant before the application is submitted. 04:59.313 --> 05:03.593 Practical alternatives are those that are available and capable of being done 05:03.593 --> 05:07.960 after considering cost, existing technology and logistics 05:07.960 --> 05:10.783 in light of the overall project purpose. 05:10.783 --> 05:16.311 Please also refer to the video on Clean Water Act Section 404-B1 guidelines 05:16.311 --> 05:19.542 for further information on practical alternatives. 05:19.542 --> 05:22.309 While the applicant bears the burden of demonstrating that 05:22.309 --> 05:26.604 no less environmentally damaging practical alternative is available, 05:26.604 --> 05:30.100 the Corps determines whether the LEDPA has been selected. 05:30.100 --> 05:34.930 The Corps is neither proponent nor opponent of any permit proposal. 05:34.930 --> 05:36.874 Once the LEDPA is determined, 05:36.874 --> 05:39.907 the applicant must take all appropriate and practical steps 05:39.907 --> 05:44.450 to minimize the potential adverse impacts on the aquatic environment. 05:44.450 --> 05:46.729 The mitigation sequence is the same as it is 05:46.729 --> 05:50.129 for all projects that impact aquatic resources. 05:50.129 --> 05:52.439 First avoid impacts. 05:52.439 --> 05:55.975 Then minimize impacts to the greatest extent possible. 05:55.975 --> 06:00.063 And finally compensate for the impacts. 06:00.063 --> 06:04.086 >> As with every other aspect of the Corps regulatory program, 06:04.086 --> 06:11.644 the alternatives analysis component must be fair, balanced and objective. 06:11.644 --> 06:15.989 When each proposed project is reviewed under these guidelines 06:15.989 --> 06:19.053 the resulting projects have a greater inclination 06:19.053 --> 06:21.620 to be protective of the environment. 06:21.620 --> 06:25.714 This supports reasonable development and economic benefits, 06:25.714 --> 06:31.586 providing a more sustainable environment for our future. 06:31.586 --> 06:35.329 >> Before beginning any project in waters of the United States 06:35.329 --> 06:40.385 be sure to find out if a Department of the Army permit is required. 06:40.385 --> 06:44.976 While this video attempts to give a general overview of the regulatory process, 06:44.976 --> 06:49.169 viewers should refer to the actual laws, regulations and guidance 06:49.169 --> 06:54.167 for complete and current information.