How can you reduce the impact of construction on wetlands?

2 Minimize disturbance

If you cannot avoid wetlands completely, you should try to minimize the disturbance to them as much as possible. This means using the least invasive techniques and equipment, limiting the duration and extent of your activities, and restoring the site to its original condition after completion. You should also implement erosion and sediment control measures, such as silt fences, straw bales, mulch, and vegetation, to prevent soil runoff and sedimentation in wetlands. Additionally, you should avoid or reduce the use of chemicals, fuels, and other hazardous substances that could contaminate wetlands.

3 Compensate for losses

If your project results in unavoidable and permanent loss of wetland functions and values, you may need to compensate for it by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving other wetlands. This is known as wetland mitigation, and it is often required by law or permit conditions. Wetland mitigation should follow a mitigation plan that specifies the location, size, type, and objectives of the compensation wetlands, as well as the monitoring and maintenance procedures. Wetland mitigation should aim to achieve no net loss or net gain of wetland functions and values.

4 Educate and train staff

Another important way to reduce the impact of construction on wetlands is to educate and train your staff on the importance and sensitivity of wetlands, and the best practices to protect them. You should provide your staff with clear guidelines and instructions on how to identify, avoid, and minimize disturbance to wetlands, how to handle and dispose of wastes and materials, and how to report and respond to any incidents or emergencies. You should also supervise and monitor your staff's performance and compliance, and provide feedback and incentives for improvement.

5 Collaborate and communicate

Finally, you should collaborate and communicate with all the relevant parties involved in your project, such as regulators, consultants, contractors, suppliers, clients, and community members. You should seek their input and feedback on your project design, implementation, and evaluation, and address any concerns or issues that may arise. You should also inform them of your goals and achievements in reducing the impact of construction on wetlands, and share your lessons and best practices. By collaborating and communicating, you can build trust and credibility, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.