62-345.200. Definitions

(1) “Assessment area” means all or part of a wetland or surface water impact site, or a mitigation site, that is sufficiently homogeneous in character, impact, or mitigation benefits to be assessed as a single unit.

(2) “Reviewing agency” means the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, or any water management district, local government or other governmental agency required by subsection 373.414(18), F.S., to use this methodology.

(3) “Ecological value” means the value of functions performed by uplands, wetlands, and other surface waters to the abundance, diversity, and habitats of fish, wildlife, and listed species. Included are functions such as providing cover and refuge; breeding, nesting, denning, and nursery areas; corridors for wildlife movement; food chain support; natural water storage, natural flow attenuation, and water quality improvement which enhances fish, wildlife, and listed species utilization.

(4) “Impact site” means wetlands and other surface waters as delineated pursuant to Chapter 62-340, F.A.C., that would be impacted by the project. Uplands shall not be included as part of the impact site.

(5) “Indicators” means physical, chemical, or biological indications of wetland or other surface waters function.

(6) “Invasive Exotic” for purposes of this rule means animal species that are outside of their natural range or zone of dispersal and have or are able to form self-sustaining and expanding populations in communities in which they did not previously occur, and those plant species listed in the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s 2001 List of Invasive Species Category I and II, which is incorporated by reference herein, and may be found on the Internet at www.fleppc.org or by writing to the Bureau of Beaches and Wetland Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400.

(7) “Listed species” means those animal species that are endangered, threatened or of special concern and are listed in Rules 68A-27.003, 68A-27.004 and  68A-27.005, F.A.C., and those plant species listed in 50 Code of Federal Regulations 17.12, when such plants are located in a wetland or other surface water.

(8) “Mitigation credit” or “credit” means a standard unit of measure which represents the increase in ecological value resulting from restoration, enhancement, preservation, or creation activities.

(9) “Mitigation site” means wetlands and other surface waters as delineated pursuant to Chapter 62-340, F.A.C., or uplands, that are proposed to be created, restored, enhanced, or preserved by the mitigation project.

(10) “With impact assessment” means the reasonably anticipated outcome at an assessment area assuming the proposed impact is conducted.

(11) “With mitigation assessment” means the outcome at an assessment area assuming the proposed mitigation is successfully conducted.

(12) “Without preservation assessment” means the reasonably anticipated outcome at an assessment area assuming the area is not preserved.

Specific Authority 373.026(7), 373.043, 373.414(9), (18) FS. Law Implemented 373.414(18) FS. History–New 2-2-04.