Our project is located on the bank of the Willamette River in Portland, OR. The site is being redeveloped (i.e. it is not a greenfield). Prior to the initial development the site was covered in water from the river. In order to do that initial develop the site was filled in and a wall was erected to keep the river back. We are including a 2 acre pond in our project. Since the undeveloped condition of the site consisted mostly of water, can we count the pond toward the restoration of 50% of the site area?
The intent of SSc5.1 is to conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity. It is theoretically possible for a pond to achieve these functions, but there is not enough detail in your question to verify whether this is the case. In your credit submittal, provide details about the nature and construction of the pond, the habitats created, the plant and animal species that are supported, and the hydrologic processes.