This is the stage for dispelling doubts about marginal cases. If 

 an activity being tested in this review proves, under the assessor's 

 analysis, not to have significant potential for impact , it is tentatively 

 dismissed. On the other hand, if any activity is identified as having a 

 potential for significant adverse impact , it is carried to step 4. 



2.3.4 Identify Modifications to Work Plan (Step 4) 



The assessor usually has the opportunity to suggest modifications 

 to the proposed project. In fact, most permits reviewed in depth by the FWS 

 are approved with conditions. To suggest modification often requires a 

 higher degree of informed judgment than to forecast adverse effects . 



The variety of possible modifications is summarized below in four 

 general categories: 



1. Design changes : This category includes all changes in design 

 (including layout) of subprojects that reduce adverse effects. 



2. Changes in construction or operation : This category includes 

 all changes in construction and operations that may be 

 suggested to ameliorate or reduce the severity of adverse 

 effects . 



3. Mitigation : This category includes any additional work 

 recommended to reduce the damage caused or to restore 

 ecosystems. 



4. Substitute projects : This category includes suggestions for 

 alternative projects to accomplish the human need as a substitute 

 for proposed projects that are environmentally unsuitable for the 

 location proposed. 



Suggestions for modification must be tailored specifically to the 

 circumstances of the project under review and may range from a small set- 

 back (to preserve a fringing marsh) to a major rescheduling of dredging 

 (to avoid the spawning season). Whether a change is practicable or not 

 depends upon many factors, such as the planned sequence of events, the degree 

 of commitment of the sponsor to the present configuration, the costs that 

 would be incurred, and the timing of the modification in the overall construc- 

 tion sequence. 



Project Location 



By the time a permit application is filed, a site has usually been 

 chosen for proposed development. Often the site has been purchased or 

 optioned. As a result, the FWS staff rarely has an opportunity to discuss 

 its selection with the project sponsor. In some major cases this may be 

 unfortunate because site selection reduces future capability to avert ad- 

 verse effects upon fish and wildlife and their habitats. 



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