Wetland Banking System and
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Wetlands

In order to mitigate impacts of their construction activities on wetlands in a manner that would restore lost wetland functions most effectively and efficiently, the Prince George's County Government decided to implement a Wetland Banking System. We researched existing wetland banking systems across the country and worked with the local, state and federal regulatory agencies to develop a Memorandum of Agreement to establish the Prince George's County Wetland Banking System. The System is now in operation and provides a system of credits (new wetlands or wetland enhancement projects) and debits (unavoidable wetland impacts by County Government construction activities that cannot be mitigated effectively on-site).

In conjunction with the Wetland Banking System, we evaluated numerous potential sites for new wetlands, and designed two wetlands totaling 7.5 acres at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. One of the wetlands is used for research and as a demonstration site, and provides tertiary treatment from the wastewater from the Visitors Center. This project won an Environmental Excellence Award from the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources.