4.4.1

4.3.5.3.4 Enhanced Public Relations and Communication
Due to the importance and preservation commitment regarding natural soundscapes, any construction plans
for the project would include methods for reducing construction noise and soundscape impacts as much as
practical to keep sound levels to a minimum. One method to reduce impacts would be to implement a Public
Outreach Program informing gateway communities and Park visitors of construction activities and schedules
and soliciting public comments throughout the construction period. Another method would be to specify
newer and quieter types of equipment that have such features as low-noise mufflers and/or rubber tires
instead of inetal tracks. Portable noise barriers could also be considered for use around noisy pieces of
stationary equipment.
4.3.5.4 Impairment Evaluation
Impairment (as defined by NPS policy) to the eXisting soundscape of GSMNP and the AT would not occur
under the No-Action Alternative, Monetary Settlement Alternative, Laurel Branch Picnic Area, and the
Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. The Northern Shore Corridor is not likely to impair the existing
soundscapes of GSMNP or the AT based on the information obtained to date. Due to the magnitude of this
alternative, it is likely that additional NEPA documentation would be required to address sit�specific
impacts not currently known, to determine detailed avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures as
they relate to final design, and to r�evaluate the impairment determination related to the existing
soundscapes.
4.4 Impacts to the Natural Environment
4.4.1 Wetlands
In compliance with Executive Order 11990 and Directar's Order #77-1, a Statement of Findings for wetlands
would be developed and released for public review if a partial-build or build alternative was selected for
implementation. A Statement of Findings explains why an alternative with wetland impacts was identified
as the preferred alternative, and includes such inforrnation as tbe delineated wetland mapping, a description
of the wetlands, disclosure of the adverse impacts, minimization efforts, and proposed compensation. For
any study alternative that impacts wetlands, more detailed design and additional field surveys may be
required before a Statement of Findings is developed.
4.4.1.1 Methodology for Assessing the Wetland Impacts
Wetlands, both jurisdictional wetland and special aquatic habitats, were evaluated to determine impacts.
Details regarding wetland types and classifications are discussed in Section 3.4.1, Appendix M, and
Attachment M-3 and approximate wetland locations are depicted in Figure 3-5. Wetland impact analysis
utilizes the wetland acreage expected to be lost or altered as a result of the new location of a road or
recreational facilities or disturbance during construction. ArcGIS software was used to determine the
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-152
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

wetlands directly and indirectly impacted by the potential construction footprint. Within the project study
corridor, wetlands were identified by a GPS point, and acreages were estimated in the field. As a result of
potential GPS inaccuracy and location of the single GPS point, direct impacts were determined as wetland
GPS points that occurred directly in or within ] 00 ft (30 m) of the consiruction footprint. Indirect impacts
were calculated as wetlands outside of the direct impacts but witbin 330 ft (100 m) upstream or 1,320 ft (400
m) downstream (based on NCDOT guidelines). Detailed discussions of inethodologies are described in
Appendix M. The assessment of impacts to wetlands was completed assuming no implementation of
mitigation measures; this is the worst-case scenario. However, NPS is committed to "no net loss" of
wetlands. Applicable avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures, such as described in Section
4.4.1.3, would be utilized if a partial-build or build alternative were implemented.
Type
Impact rypes are either beneficial and/or adverse. Beneficial impacts are defined as having a positive effect
on jurisdictional wetlands or special aquatic habitat. Adverse impacts have a negative effect on jurisdictional
wetlands or special aquatic habitat.
Context
Context is defined as site-specific, local, or regional. Sit�specific impacts are wetlands that would be filled
ar otherwise altered by a construction footprint. Local impacts are based on current NCDOT guidelines.
Local impacts would occur within 330 ft (100 m) upstream and 1,320 ft(400 m) downstream of the
construction footprint. These areas would not be directly affected by the road footprint but may have altered
flow regimes or sedimentation from a project, especially during construction. Regional impacts are those
impacts that occur downstream and outside of the localized impacts.
Duration
Short-term impacts are those that would occur for less than 1 year, typically as an episodic or temporary
event. Long-term effects occur as a result of construction activities at a specific location throughout tbe life
of construction (this is assumed to be between 1 year and 15 years), but the impact is more than that of a
temporary event. Permanent impacts are considered to be anything that persist throughout the construction
period. These impacts include the permanent loss of wetland acreage and function.
Intensity
The definitions far the wetland intensity levels are based on the current USACE agency requirements
associated with permitting for linear transportation projects (Nationwide Permit 14). Due to the potentially
large number of wetlands that would be filled and the total area of fill needed, selection of the partial-build or
build alternatives would likely exceed the threshold of a Nationwide Permit 14 and it is likely that an
Individual Permit would be required. Estimated wetland acreage far each alternative are used to determine
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-153
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

intensity impacts. Tl�e indicated threshold limits for each threshold level were used to determine the
intensity for both direct and indirect impacts. For the purposes of this analysis, communities were considered
rare when the Global Rank was G1 or G2, or when the Global Rank indicated an uncertainry, (G2? or G3?)
that included the potential far a GI or G2 communiry. All other community Global Ranks (G3, G4, G5, GD,
and GW) were considered as secure. It should, however, be noted that under this Global Ranking system G3
communities are defined as vulnerable, but not imperiled.
No/Negligible
Impacts may occur, but are not detectable and have no observable effects on jurisdictional wetlands and
special aquatic habitats. These are impacts that are not expected to be significant or observable.
Minor
Impacts associated with the fill or complete loss of less than 0.1 ac (0.04 ha) of jurisdictional wetlands and
special aquatic habitats or when the construction footprint is within 50 ft(16 m) of a jurisdictional wetland
and special aquatic habitat.
Moderate
Impacts associated with the fill ar total loss of between 0.1 ac (0.04 ha) and 0.5 ac (0.20 ha) of jurisdictional
wetlands and special aquatic habitats or up to 0.1 ac (0.04 ha) of jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic
habitats ranked G1 or G2, meaning a globally rare community.
Major
Impacts associated with the fill or total loss of more than 0.5 ac (0.20 ha) of jurisdictional wetlands and
special aquatic habitats or more than 0.1 ac (0.04 ha) of jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats
ranked G1 or G2, meaning a globally rare community.
4.4.1.2 Summary of Impacts
The most obvious impact to a wetland community is filling for a road crossing. Aside from the direct filling
of wetlands, an increase or decrease in hydrologic inputs to a wetland adjacent to a road is a likely indirect
consequence. Indirect upstream impacts are caused by damming effects, while indirect downstream impacts
are caused by loss of hydrology due to culverts and a road r�directing flow. Other indirect impacts include
shading and the possible introduction of invasive exotic species. Direct and indirect impacts to jurisdictional
wetlands are summarized in Table 4-17a. Direct and indirect impacts to special aquatic habitats are
summarized in Table 4-17b. Detailed impacts to both jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats are
in Attachment M-1. All values of impact are approximate and are based on function designs prior to
inclusion mitigation.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-154
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 4-17a. Direct and Indirect Jurisdictional Wetland Impacts within the
Proposed Partial-Build and Build Alternatives'
Primitive Park
Road
Direct Impacts
Count
Total Acreage
(ha)
Primitive Park
Road
Indirect Impacts
Count
Total Acreage
(ha)
Principal Park
Road
Direct Impacts
Count
Total Acreage
(ha)
Principal Park
Road
Indirect Impacts
Laurel partial-Build Southern
Branch Alternative to Option at
Picnic Bushnell Forney Creek
Area2 (baseline) Embayment
0 1 1 less than
baseline
0.21 (0.09)
0 0.21 (0.09) less than
baseline
0 4 2 more than
baseline
0.10 (0.04)
0 0.22 (0.09) more than
baseline
NA 5 3 less than
baseline
0.28 (0.11)
NA 0.42 (0.17) less than
baseline
Northern
Shore
Corridor
(baseline)
10
1.23 (0.50)
16
2.18 (0.88)
15
1.60 (0.65)
Southern
Option at
Forney Creek
Embayment
Southern Southern
Option at Option
Hazel/Eagle Crossing
Creek Fontana Dam
9 less than 2 less than 5 less than
baseline baseline baseline
0.21 (0.09) 0.09 (0.04) 0.63 (0.26)
less than less than less than
baseline baseline baseline
2 more than No change 3 less than
baseline from baseline
baseline
0.10 (0.04) 0.19 (0.08) 0.68 (0.28)
more than more than less than
baseline baseline baseline
3 less than 2 less than 5 less than
baseline baseline baseline
0.28 (0.11) 0.09 (0.04) 0.63 (0.26)
less than less than less than
baseline baseline baseline
3 more than 3 more than No change 3 less than
Count NA 2 baseline 16 baseline from baseline
baseline
Total Acreage 0.20 (0.08) 0.20 (0.08) 0.19 (0.08) 0.68 (0.28)
(ha) NA 0.13 (0.05) more than 2.09 (0.85) more than more than less than
baseline baseline baseline baseline
Notes:
1 All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to mitigation.
2 The entrance/exit road to Laurel Branch Picnic Area is best discussed as a Primitive Park Road, but its design does not
necessarily conform to the NPS design criteria for a Primitive Park Road.
NA Not Applicable
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-155
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Primitive Park
Road
Direct Impacts
Count
Total Acreage
(ha)
Primitive Park
Road
Indirect Impacts
Count
Total Acreage
(ha)
Principal Park
Road
Direct Impacts
Count
Total Acreage
(ha)
Principal Park
Road
Indirect Impacts
Table 4-17b. Direct and Indirect Special Aquatic Habitat Impacts within the
Proposed Partial-Build and Build Alternatives'
Laurel partial-Build Southern Northern Southern Southern Southern
Branch Alternative to Option at Shore Option at Option at Option
Picnic Bushnell Forney Creek Corridor Forney Creek Hazel/Eagle Crossing
Creek
AreaZ (baseline) Embayment (baseline) Embayment �„„�,,,,,„„„,� Fontana Dam
0 0
0 0
No change
from
baseline
No change
from
baseline
No change
0 3 from
baseline
No change
0 0.26 (0.10) from
baseline
NA 1 1 less than
baseline
0.007
NA 0.007 (0.003) less
(0.003) than
baseline
0
0
6
0.53 (021)
2
0.03 (0.01)
No change No change No change
from from from
baseline baseline baseline
No change No change No change
from from from
baseline baseline baseline
No change
from
baseline
No change
from
baseline
1 more than 1 less than
baseline baseline
0.03 (0.01) 0.02 (0.008)
more than less than
baseline baseline
1 less than No change
baseline from
baseline
0.007 No change
(0.003) less from
than baseline
baseline
No change
from
baseline
No change
from
baseline
1 less than 1 less than No change 1 less than
Count NA 3 baseline $ baseline from baseline
baseline
Total Acreage 0.01 (0.004) 0.01 (0.004) No change 0.02 (0.008)
(ha) NA 026 (0.11) less than 0.57 (023) less than from less than
baseline baseline baseline baseline
Notes:
1 All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to mitigation.
2 The entrance/exit road to Laurel Branch Picnic Area is best discussed as a Primitive Park Road, but its design does not
necessarily conform to the NPS design criteria for a Primitive Park Road.
NA Not Applicable
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-156
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

4.4.1 Wetlands (continued)
4.4.1.2.1 No-Action
The No-Action Alternative would not impact jurisdictional wetlands or special aquatic habitats in the project
study corridors.
4.4.1.2.2 Monetary Settlement
The Monetary Settlement Alternative would not directly impact jurisdictional wetlands or special aquatic
habitats in the project study corridors. Indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands or special aquatic habitats
within GSMNP would be unlikely.
4.4.1.2.3 Laurel Branch Picnic Area
No jurisdictional wetlands or special aquatic habitats were identified within the project study corridors for
this alternative; therefore, no direct or indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats
within GSMNP would be anticipated.
4.4.1.2.4 Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would impact wetlands in three general areas: Gray Wolf
Creek, Forney Creelc, and Glady Branch. The Primitive Park Road would directly impact one jurisdictional
wetland totaling 0.21 ac (0.09 ha) and indirectly impact four jurisdictional wetlands totaling 0.22 ac (0.09
ha). All four of the jurisdictional wetlands that may be indirectly impacted are ranlced as globally rare. The
Primitive Park Road would have no direct impacts to special aquatic habitat areas, but may indirectly impact
0.26 ac (0.10 ha) of three wetlands all classified as globally rare. Direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands
would be moderate and permanent. Due to the presence of rare communities the indirect impacts to
jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats would be major and permanent. The Principal Park Road
would directly impact five jurisdictional wetlands totaling 0.42 ac (0.17 ha), of which 0.13 ac (0.05 ha) are
classified as rare, and indirectly impact two jurisdictional wetlands totaling 0.13 ac (0.05 ha), which are also
classified as rare. The direct and indirect impacts would be major and permanent due to the presence of rare
communities. Impacts to special aquatic habitats may also occur from the Principal Park Road. Impacis
would directly occur to one special aquatic habitat comprising 0.007 ac (0.003 ha) and indirectly occur to
three special aquatic habitats comprising 0.26 ac (O.11 ha). All four are rare communities. Again, the direct
impact to special aquatic habitats for the Principal Park Road would be moderate, and the indirect impacts
would be major.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
As compared to the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, the Southem Option at Forney Creek
Embayment would avoid impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats associated with Gray
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-157
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Wolf Creek and Forney Creek. However, this option would impact wetlands associated with Glady Branch.
The Primitive Park Road would reduce direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, but increase indirect
impacts. For the Primitive Park Road, there would be no change from baseline Partial-Build Alternative to
Bushnell for direct or indirect impacts to special aquatic habitats. The Principal Park Road would reduce
direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, including rare communities. Indirect impacts to jurisdictional
wetlands from the Principal Park Road would increase, but indirect impacts to rare communities would
decrease. The Principal Park Road would directly and indirectly impact fewer acres of special aquatic
habitat. All of these special aquatic habitat areas are classified as rare communities.
4.4.1.2.5 Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor Primitive Park Road would have fewer direct impacts than the
Principal Park Road and approximately equal indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic
habitats. 1'he Primitive Park Road would directly impact 10 jurisdictional wetlands comprising 1.23 ac (0.50
ha), of which nine are rare communities comprising 1.02 ac (0.41 ha). These impacts would be major and
permanent. There would be no direct impacts to special aquatic habitats from the Primitive Park Road. The
Primitive Park Road would indirectly impact 16 jurisdictional wetlands camprising 2.18 ac (0.88 ha) and six
special aquatic habitats comprising 0.53 ac (0.21 ha). Thirteen of the 16 jurisdictional wetlands are rare
(1.61 ac [0.65 ha]), and all of the special aquatic habitats are rare. Therefare, indirect impacts would be
major to both wetland types for the Primitive Park Road.
The Principal Park Road would directly affect 15 jurisdictional wetlands comprising 1.60 ac (0.65 ha). Of
the 15 wetlands, ] 3 are rare communities and comprise 0.98 ac (0.40 ha). These direct impacts would be
major. The Principal Park Road would directly impact two special aquatic habitats comprising 0.03 ac (0.01
ha); however, both are rare communities, so the impacts would be moderate. The indirect impacts from the
Principal Park Road are similar to the indirect impacts from the Primitive Park Road. The Principal Park
Road would indirectly impact 16 jurisdictional wetlands comprising 2.09 ac (0.85 ha), of which 1.85 ac (0.75
ha) are rare, and eight special aquatic habitats comprising 0.57 ac (0.23 ha), of which all are rare. Similar to
the Primitive Park Road, the Principal Park Road would have major indirect impacts to jurisdictional
wetlands and special aquatic habitats.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
As compared with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor described above, the Southern Option at Forney
Creek Embayment would eliminate impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats associated
with Forney and Gray Wolf creeks by bridging the Forney Creek Arm of Fontana Lake. However, this
option would impact wetlands associated with Glady Branch. For the Primitive Park Road, this option
would decrease direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, with no change in the impacts to rare communities.
Indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands would increase, but the indirect impacts to rare communities
would decrease. There would be no change from the baseline Northern Share Corridar in the atnount of
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-158
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

direct ar indirect impacts to special aquatic habitats for the Primitive Park Road at the Southern Option at
Forney Creek. The Principal Park Road would decrease the direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and
special aquatic habitats including rare communities when compared with tbe baseline Northern Shore
Corridor.
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
When compared with the baseline Northern Share Corridor, the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek
Embayments would eliminate impacts to wetlands associated with these two stream systems but increase
indirect impacts. For this option, the Primitive and Principal Park Roads would have similar footprints with
almost identical impacts. The Primitive and Principal Park Roads would reduce direct impacts to two
jurisdictional wetlands; both are rare communities. There would be no change fram the baseline Northern
Shore Corridor in the direct impacts to special aquatic habitats for both road types. The indirect impacts to
jurisdictional wetlands would also be the same for both road types. There would be an increase in indirect
impacts, all of which are in rare communities. There is a slight difference in the amount of indirect impacts
to special aquatic babitats for the two road rypes. The Primitive Park Road would impact one additional
special aquatic habitat, and there would be no change from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor for the
Principal Park Road.
Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Primitive and Principal PaNk Roads)
The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam could only decrease impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and
special aquatic habitats, as this section of road does not impact any additional wetlands (for both Primitive
and Principal Park Roads). All impacts are reductions from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor by
avoiding wetlands. In addition, the reductions are the same for both road types and are discussed together.
The direct and indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands are reduced by avoiding five wetland areas, all of
which are rare communities. There would be no change from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor in the
amount of special aquatic habitats directly impacted for either road type, but indirect impacts would be
reduced by avoiding one rare wetland community.
4.4.1.2.6 Cumulative Impacts
USFWS NWI mapping indicates approximately l 0,333 ac (4,182 ha) of wetlands or deepwater habitats in
the study area. Field investigations identified 69 wetlands totaling 6.93 ac (2.81 ha) in the project study
corridors. The baseline Northern Shore Corridor for the Primitive Park Road would directly impact 17
wetland areas totaling approximately 1.63 ac (0.66 ha) and indirectly impact 24 wetland areas totaling
approximately 2.66 ac (1.08 ha).
Past actions in the study area, described in Section 4.1.2, affected wetlands in the study area with Fontana
Dam and development prior to the dam having the most evident impact. The creation and subsequent
flooding of Fontana Dam and the series of impoundments on the Little Tennessee River eliminated the
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-159
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

wetland area associated with these waters. Currently, many wetlands are located in areas that were disturbed
by settlements for farming or housing or by the mining and timber industries during the later 1800s and early
1900s.
The wetland impacts from other projects in the area were considered to determine the potential for
cumulative impacts. Ravensford Land Exchange would transfer less than 0.1 ac (0.04 ha) of wetlands to the
EBCI, although none of these wetlands would be directly affected by construction on the site (NPS 2003d).
A proposed wetland enhancement/restoration plan would compensate the loss of wetland to GSMNP.
Mitigation is proposed to off-set indirect impacts due to construction of the schools.
Wetlands were also identified within and adjacent to the NPS right-of-way for Foothills Parkway (Section
8D) and might be adversely affected by construction of the parkway. With mitigation, the total wetland
indirectly affected would be less than 1 ac (0.4 ba). Wetland impacts associated with all sections of Foothills
Parkway are not known at this time.
While major wetland impacts are expected due to the construction of the Northern Shore Corridor, these
impacts would be reduced through avoidance and minimization techniques. Avoiding impacts to wetlands
may result in additional impacts to other resources. The potential benefits of avoidance for one resource will
need to be weighed against the potential to impact other resources on a case-by-case basis. Remaining
wetland degradation or loss would be offset through wetland compensation. This project combined with
other current or planned projects in the area are not expected to have cumulative impacts to wetlands in the
study area.
4.4.1.3 Options to Address Potential Impacts
Wetlands (referring to both jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats) are identified by the NPS as
important natural resources. NPS has implemented a"no net loss of wetlands" policy in national parlcs and
strives to achieve a"net gain" of wetlands across the national park system through restoration of previously
degraded or destroyed wetlands. Wben planning for future development or other activities occurring in
national parks, the NPS tries to avoid wetlands whenever practicable, minimize wetland impacts when
avoidance is not possible, and mitigate all wetland impacts.
Avoidance Technigues
Once delineations have been conducted, the preliminary road designs would be re-evaluated to avoid direct
and indirect impacts whenever possible. Direct impacts for wetland permitting requirements could be
avoided by changing the footprint of the road or bridging the entire wetland system; however, the ecologic
function of the wetland could still be impacted.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-160
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Minimization Technigues
Where no alternatives that avoid adverse impacts on wetlands are found to be practicable, minimization steps
must be einployed to reduce adverse impacts. Implementation of these steps would be required through
design modifications and implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to limit and control impacts
during and after project construction. A summary list of BMPs is provided in Section 2.3.2 of Appendix M.
Every practicable effort must be made to maintain the integriry of the natural wetland systems, preserving
their features and functions.
Mitigation Technigues
After avoidance and minimization have been applied to the maximum practicable extent, remaining wetland
degradation or loss must be offset through wetland compensation. Compensatory mitigation for wetlands
will be determined by both the USACE and the NPS. Compensatory actions include restoration, creation,
and enhancement of wetlands. Restoration is the returning of a degraded wetland to a pre-existing condition;
creation is converting non-jurisdictional uplands to a wetland through site manipulation; and enhancement is
increasing one or mare of the functions preformed by an existing wetland beyond what exists in the wetland
(USEPA no date).
For the purpose of wetland compensation, wetland restoration proposals must, at a minimum, provide 1:1
wetland function replacement and a minimum of 1:1 wetland acreage replacement (NPS 1998b). Wetland
mitigation sites should be on lands managed by the NPS and in the following order ofpreference: (1) within
the same wetland system as the impacted wetland, (2) within the same watershed, or (3) in another watershed
witbin the Park (NPS 1998b). The process for compensatory mitigation for wetland impacts may be time
consuming, expensive, and complex. The success of restoration efforts, including the final communiry type,
is uncertain, and the functionaliry may never fully reach that of the naturally occurring community.
Final compensatory mitigation requirements of USACE permits would be commensurate with the type and
aruount of impact associated with the permitted activity. It is unknown if compensatory mitigation would be
required for the proposed project. NCDWQ may also require mitigation for wetland impacts as a condition
of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification. NPS would comply with all mitigation requirements.
4.4.1.4 Impairment Evaluation
Impairment (as defined by NPS policy) to the wetlands of GSMNP and the AT would not occur under the
No-Action Alternative, Monetary Settlement Alternative, Laurel Branch Picnic Area, and the Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell. The Northern Shore Corridor is not likely to impair the wetlands of GSMNP or the
AT based on the information obtained to date. Due to the magnitude of this alternative, it is likely that
additional NEPA documentation would be required to address site-specific impacts not currently known, to
determine detailed avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures as they relate to final design, and to r�
evaluate the impairment determination related to wetlands.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-161
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement