Forum discussion
ND-v2009 SLLp2: Imperiled species and ecological communities conservation
In order to meet this prerequisite, does the survey have to be complete (and addressed by a biologist if need by) by a certain time/stage in the project planning?
We'd also appreciate any guidance on how to properly document this Prerequisite.
Thanks!
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Eliot Allen
LEED AP-ND, PrincipalCriterion Planners
LEEDuser Expert
303 thumbs up
March 18, 2014 - 7:35 pm
Tom, from a general perspective, the earlier the biological survey happens in project planning, the better. In terms of the cert process, the survey needs to be complete prior to whatever ND Stage you're submitting under (Stage 1, no entitlements; Stage 2, entitled; Stage 3, constructed). Two items worth noting: 1) an ecologist is acceptable in addition to a biologist; and 2) the 4.0 version of the SLLp2 form gives two options for inconclusive agency consultations, either the survey or a determination that species are highly unlikely to occur on the site. The former is documented by a summary of the full biological survey (that should be prepared per state/federal guidelines for surveys); and the latter is documented by a narrative statement entered in the form. The 4.0 form (not to be confused with LEED v4) is at
http://www.usgbc.org/sampleforms/v3?keys=SLLp2. Documenting the two required agency consultations is done by uploading the agencies' response letters to an inquiry about the presence of species.
Eliot
Colin Inderwish
RNL11 thumbs up
March 21, 2014 - 6:55 pm
Eliot, thanks for the information. We're having a really difficult time getting our local Natural Heritage Program and the State Fish and Wildlife Agencies to respond to our requests to conduct the required survey. We've called and left messages and were able to speak with a person who wasn't even aware of the LEED rating system.
Is it possible to use an outside third party company or agency to conduct this imperiled species survey for our development since time is sensitive.
Our development is located in a highly urban area and we're doubtful that the survey would even show any imperiled habitat.
If you don't know the answer, is there anyone you could refer us to in Colorado that might have experience meeting this prerequisite that could be of assistance.
Thanks!
Eliot Allen
LEED AP-ND, PrincipalCriterion Planners
LEEDuser Expert
303 thumbs up
March 21, 2014 - 7:20 pm
Tom, if you're in a highly urban setting with zero chance of species, then you don't need a survey. To clarify, the state NHP and state wildlife agency don't do the survey either, they just search their databases to see if species have been reported at or near the site. If their response is inconclusive (or in your case non-responsive) a survey only needs to be done if site conditions indicate possible presence. If site conditions don't indicate a good possibility of species presence, per your highly urban setting, then you should use the Form 4.0 option to simply enter a statement in the form explaining the lack of agency responses, and describe site conditions that make it highly unlikely that species are present. In that statement you could quote an independent, qualified biologist or ecologist opinion supporting your conclusion (or upload a letter from such a consultant to that effect).
Eliot