Clarifying Information. This rule update is not intended to imply that water crossing structures must fully span the floodplain or fully accommodate channel migration through the life of the structure. WDFW will allow encroachment into the floodplain and channel migration zone. If WSDOT’s new structure is not significantly increasing the main channel average velocity compared to existing conditions, then no compensatory mitigation would be required. If the new structure significantly increases the main channel velocity above existing conditions in such a way that it significantly impacts fish habitat, then WSDOT would need to mitigate. Furthermore, WDFW does not intend to require compliance with any specific design criteria as long as the final design does not measurably impact fishlife. WSDOT and FHWA bridge design methodologies can be used to design a crossing that is adequate for the protection of fish life.
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