Illinois § 3-6

§ 3-6.

Compensation ratios. Wetland Compensation Plans must adhere to a schedule of increasing compensation ratios based upon the amount of adverse wetland impact and the location of compensation projects. (a) Compensation ratios are required to: (1) Ensure that wetland systems are not destroyed without careful evaluation of other alternatives; and (2) Discourage destruction of wetland resources in rapidly developing areas of Illinois and their replacement within other regions of the State. (b) Compensation ratios shall be established and shall be progressively higher to reflect the priority actions identified in Section 3-4. The lowest compensation ratio shall be for minimal alteration and compensation on-site. The highest compensation ratio shall be for destruction and compensation outside the impacted wetland's drainage basin. Progressively higher compensation ratios shall strongly encourage agencies to avoid or minimize adverse wetland impacts and to compensate on-site. (c) Compensation may be accomplished through a combination of creation of new wetlands, restoration of degraded wetlands, acquisition of existing wetlands, or research. Compensation shall be accomplished using the best available technology. (d) The Department, through the Interagency Wetlands Committee, shall review the compensation ratios to determine their adequacy and appropriateness, and shall report the results of this review in the biennial report required in Section 2-1. (e) When adverse wetland impacts occur, the Wetland Compensation Plan must include the creation of at least one-for-one replacement of new wetlands of comparable functional type and size, before restoration, acquisition or research alternatives are considered. One provision of a Wetland Compensation Plan may include funding for needed research on wetland functions, restoration or creation. Credit for research funding requires approval of the Department upon consultation of the Committee. (Source: P.A. 86-157.)