Conversion of Wastewater Ponds for Wetland Mitigation

Abstract

The Conceptual Wetland Mitigation Plan for Phase II expansion to the John J. Briscoe Reservoir (Briscoe Reservoir) near Monroe, Georgia uses innovative approaches to restoring palustrine wetland functions to existing lacustrine habitats. This paper presents strategies for the design of forested and scrub-shrub wetland habitats in former wastewater treatment ponds and wetland design approach and monitoring methodology. The plan includes a full compliment of mitigation techniques (i.e., wetland restoration, preservation, creation, and enhancement) to compensate for loss of wetland functions due to permanent inundation.