However, the Project proponent would mitigate adverse effects by implementing appropriate erosion and sediment control mechanisms. Sedimentation may reduce plant growth, particularly to native species sensitive to disturbance. Biodiversity may be reduced in wetland communities as sensitive species are displaced by species more tolerant of disturbance. Changes in community composition may also include the increase or establishment of invasive plant species. Although the effects of sedimentation associated with a wind energy project may not be widespread, they could result in long-term impacts on local wetland communities in certain circumstances. However, because of regulatory requirements limiting the generation of fugitive dust and release of sediments it is likely that impacts from these factors would be minor. Plant communities adjacent to Project construction areas could be affected by hydrologic changes such as reduced infiltration and increased runoff from exposed or compacted soils. Alterations of surface drainage patterns, including stream crossings along Project roads or access roads, could result in hydrologic changes in wetlands. Hydrologic changes could result in term changes in wetland plant community composition, including the increase or establishment of invasive species. Changes in local hydrology may also occur if the Project proponent withdraws water for the production of concrete at an on-site batch plant or performs dewatering excavations for tower foundations. Locally reduced groundwater levels may affect nearby wetlands that are supported by groundwater discharge; however, impacts from water use or dewatering during construction would be localized and temporary. Trenching for the installation of power cables may also alter surface and subsurface flows, resulting in long-term changes in the hydrology of wetlands along or near the cable line. The Project proponent expects excavations for foundations, roadways, and underground collector lines to be relatively shallow and occur in a minimal amount of land within the overall Project area. The Project proponent expects impacts to plant communities to be minimal since hydrologic changes would be very localized and temporary. Construction equipment and vehicles brought to the Project site may introduce seeds or other propagules of invasive plant species. Such species can become established and spread rapidly, displacing native species and sometimes forming monocultures over areas and decreasing habitat quality. Invasive species could also become established in undisturbed native communities near the Project, or become established on soils disturbed by Project activities and spread to adjacent areas. The Project proponent would utilize appropriate mitigation measures to minimize the spread of noxious weeds and invasive species within the Project area.
However, the Project proponent would mitigate adverse effects by implementing appropriate erosion and sediment control mechanisms. Sedimentation may reduce plant growth, particularly to native species sensitive to disturbance. Biodiversity may be reduced in wetland communities as sensitive species are displaced by species more tolerant of disturbance. Changes in community composition may also include the increase or establishment of invasive plant species. Although the effects of sedimentation associated with a wind energy project may not be widespread, they could result in long-term impacts on local wetland communities in certain circumstances. However, because of regulatory requirements limiting the generation of fugitive dust and release of sediments it is likely that impacts from these factors would be minor. Plant communities adjacent to Project construction areas could be affected by hydrologic changes such as reduced infiltration and increased runoff from exposed or compacted soils. Alterations of surface drainage patterns, including stream crossings along Project roads or access roads, could result in hydrologic changes in wetlands. Hydrologic changes could result in changes in wetland plant community composition, including the increase or establishment of invasive species. Changes in local hydrology may also occur if the Project proponent withdraws water for the production of concrete at an on-site batch plant or performs dewatering excavations for tower foundations. Locally reduced groundwater levels may affect nearby wetlands that are supported by groundwater discharge; however, impacts from water use or dewatering during construction would be localized and temporary. Trenching for the installation of power cables may also alter surface and subsurface flows, resulting in long-term changes in the hydrology of wetlands along or near the cable line. The Project proponent expects excavations for foundations, roadways, and underground collector lines to be relatively shallow and occur in a minimal amount of land within the overall Project area. The Project proponent expects impacts to plant communities to be minimal since hydrologic changes would be very localized and temporary. Construction equipment and vehicles brought to the Project site may introduce seeds or other propagules of invasive plant species. Such species can become established and spread rapidly, displacing native species and sometimes forming monocultures over areas and decreasing habitat quality. Invasive species could also become established in undisturbed native communities near the Project, or become established on soils disturbed by Project activities and spread to adjacent areas. The Project proponent would utilize appropriate mitigation measures to minimize the spread of noxious weeds and invasive species within the Project area. term