Wetlands

A NYSDEC Class I wetland is located on this site along the bay's shoreline. Wetlands are areas saturated by surface or ground water sufficient to support distinctive vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands serve as natural habitat for many species of plants and animals, and absorb the forces of flood and tidal erosion to prevent loss of upland soil. Some function and benefits of wetlands include: • Flood and Storm Water Control

• Surface and Groundwater Protection

• Erosion Control

• Pollution Treatment and Nutrient Cycling

• Fish and Wildlife Habitat

• Public Enjoyment

Class I wetlands are the most valuable and are subject to the most stringent standards. The weighing standard for Class I wetlands states that a reduction in the benefits provided “is acceptable only in the most unusual circumstances.” Further, “a permit will be issued only if it is determined that the proposed activity satisfied a compelling economic or social need that clearly and substantially outweighs the loss of or detriment to the benefits(s) of the Class I wetland.” In discussing the specific standards, it is stated that “the vast majority of activities that could not avoid reducing a benefit provided by a Class I wetland would not be approved.” Further, the definition of compelling economic or social need is that the proposed activity carries more than a sense of desirability or urgency, “but of actual necessity; that the proposed activity must be done; that it is unavoidable.”