Cross Bayou Bridge Wetland Permitting and Mitigation

This project involved wetland permitting and mitigation design associated with a new bridge over the Cross Bayou Canal in Tampa Bay, Florida. Amelioration of wetland impacts was troublesome as very few sites existed for mitigation and the cost of land for mitigation was not a viable option. The project posed some permitting challenges as approval from three agencies was required for wetland delineation, permitting, and mitigation. The new bridge and road design incorporated several features to avoid and minimize wetland impacts. The plan called for replacing the vegetated freshwater upland ditches with a scrub/shrub wetland. Impacts to the estuarine habitats were compensated by enhancing the wetlands adjacent to the canal, removing exotic vegetation, and creating mangrove habitats. The avoidance, minimization, and compensation of wetland impacts was difficult due to the potential cost, limited available space, and the project area.