INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

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INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

• Enhancing Our Resource Base

Ohio Department of Natural
Resources Division of Parks and Recreation
Prepared by Brent Culver 3/02
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It is recommended that you refer to the ODNR
Internal Environmental Review process packet as
you review the slide show. If you need a packet,
please contact Brent Culver of the Planning and
Development Group. He can be contacted by
calling 614/265-6523 or emailing at
brent.culver_at_dnr.state.oh.us.
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Introduction

• IER helps to ensure that construction projects
  are done in an environmentally responsible
  manner.

• Nice or Necessary you be the judge.
• Cease and desist orders against the ODNR
• Lose of credibility as a resource management
  agency
• Crisis oriented management response
• Bad public / internal relations
• Broken promises to our customers

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IER Pre-test

• 1. The purpose of the IER is to
• a) assist in ensuring responsible management
• b) ensure awareness, education and compliance
• c) provide guidance
• d) all of the above

2. The checklist is a tool that. a) enables
managers to construct projects b) reduces the
ability to implement projects c) is a bunch of
whooie d) identifies important environmental
factors to consider
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Pre-test continued

• 3. The reference manual can be used to
• a) start fires
• b) become aware of useful contacts
• c) identify the legal basis for environmental
  factors
• d) both b and c

4. The IER Process Flowchart provides a)
natural resource data b) a means by which
Managers can screen projects c) nothing I need
to know about d) a format for decision making
and conflict resolution
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IER Understanding the Purpose

• The ODNR has the task of ensuring that its
  construction projects are undertaken in an
  environmentally responsible manner.
• Divisions have authorities and policies that
  relate to a variety of resource areas that can
  affect a variety of construction projects.
• Prior to the creation of the IER, divisions had
  no formal mechanism to coordinate environmental
  reviews with other divisions.

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Threefold Purpose

• Assist Managers in designing and implementing
  environmentally responsible construction
  projects.
• Ensure awareness, education and compliance with
  departmental policies increase communication
  between divisions.
• Provide guidance for projects that need federal
  or state permits.

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The IER Packet Includes

• A Checklist that identifies key environmental
  factors.
• The Reference Manual that describes authorities,
  policies, needed permits and contacts.
• A Flowchart that outlines the IER process.
• A Sample Project illustrating the process.

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Checklist

• All construction projects on ODNR lands need to
  be considered for checklist review!
• What is a construction project?
• A construction project may include earthmoving,
  construction of buildings, roads, dikes, etc.
• Routine maintenance to existing buildings or
  facilities, land management practices,
  agriculture and minor utility installations
  generally do not need review.

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Checklist continued

• The manager is responsible for reviewing the
  Checklist and deciding if a project requires
  review.
• 18 Key environmental factors
• Yes/Maybe to Factors 1 9 informal review
• Yes/Maybe to Factors 10 13 more info
• A No response - no review required
• Factors 14 18 cross your t and dot your i

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Reference Manual

• Your guide to
• 18 nifty references identifying authorities,
  policies and contacts you need to know.
• Including cool topics like drainage, wetlands,
  earthmoving, rare plants and animals and more!

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Flowchart

• Outlines the environmental review and conflict
  resolution process, providing direction toward
  project implementation.

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Case Study

• Expand a crowded maintenance facility by...
• Constructing a pole building and adding fuel
  tanks that are to be located down a slope near a
  mowed stream bottom.
• Is a review needed?

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ODNR INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
FACTORS CHECKLIST FOR CONSTRUCTION

• Are you working in or adjacent to a wetland or
  lake?
• Yes Maybe No
• Are you working in or adjacent to a stream or
  river?
• Yes Maybe No
• Will your work occur on or adjacent to Lake
  Erie?
• Yes Maybe No
• Will your work alter the landscape through
  earthmoving
• or construction?
  
• Yes Maybe No
•  

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• Will your work affect any rare, endangered,
  threatened plants or animals?
• Yes Maybe No
• Will your work occur on or affect any cave or
  sinkhole?
• Yes Maybe No
• Will your work require a dam or levee?
• Yes Maybe No
• Are you working in a floodplain?
• Yes Maybe No
• Will your work affect drainage or adjacent
  privately owned property?
• Yes Maybe No
•  

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• Will your work occur within 100 feet of a gas/oil
  well?
• Yes Maybe No
• Will your work occur on or affect any unique
  ecological or geological features?
• Yes Maybe No
• Are soils in area susceptible to erosion,
  landslides or settlement?
• Yes Maybe No
• Will the project occur in areas known to include
  underground mines?
• Yes Maybe No
•  

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• Did you remember to.
• with the Ohio Historical Society (particularly if
  you need a permit from the US Army Corps)?
• for suspected hazardous wastes or underground
  storage tanks?
• for any well head protection programs in your
  area?
• with the Division of Water, OEPA, and DOH if you
  plan to dewater an area or drill/seal a well?
• to see if you could use recycled products in your
  project?
•  

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Environmental Factors That Require Further Review

• Adjacent to a stream or river

• Alteration to the landscape by earthmoving

• Work in floodplain

• Soils susceptible to erosion

• Well head protection program

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• Use Reference Manual to determine contact.

• Seek input providing appropriate
  information.

• Determine if there are any concerns, and if
  there are, if those concerns can be addressed
  through plan modification.

• If the plan can be modified to everyones
  satisfaction, then the IER is complete.

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IER Post-test

• 1. The purpose of the IER is to
• a) assist in ensuring responsible management
• b) ensure awareness, education and compliance
• c) provide guidance
• d) all of the above

2. The checklist is a tool that. a) enables
managers to construct projects b) reduces the
ability to implement projects c) is a bunch of
whooie d) identifies important environmental
factors to consider
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Post-test continued

• 3. The reference manual can be used to
• a) start fires
• b) become aware of useful contacts
• c) identify the legal basis for environmental
  factors
• d) both b and c

4. The IER Process Flowchart provides a)
natural resource data b) a means by which
managers can screen projects c) nothing I need
to know about d) a format for decision making
and conflict resolution
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TAKE HOME WITH YOU!

• Be aware of the resources at your park.
• Be aware that you need to consider conducting an
  IER Checklist Review for each planned
  construction project at your park.
• Plan your projects with an awareness of the
  resource base and the policies, rules and laws
  that protect those natural resources.

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If you have questions about the ODNR Internal
Environmental Review process, please contact
Brent Culver of the Planning and Development
Group. He may be contacted by calling
614/265-6523 or by email at brent.culver_at_dnr.state
.oh.us.
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1996 Internal Environmental Review Process
Team Members
Kim Baker, Team Leader Div of REALM Chad
Berginnis, Div of Water Scott Brockman, Div of
Geologic Survey Brent Culver, Div of Parks and
Recreation Kevin Elder, Div of Soil Water
Conservation Bob Fletcher, Div of Wildlife Pat
Jones, Div of Natural Areas Preserves Don
Karas, Div of Forestry Harry Payne, Div of
Mineral Resources Tom Wasson, Facilitator - Div
of Wildlife
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INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

• Enhancing Our Resource Base

Ohio Department of Natural
Resources Division of Parks and Recreation
Prepared by Brent Culver 3/02