The submitted manuscript has b e n authored by a p m a c t o r of the U.S. however, the data also indicate secondary contributions fiom expulsion of fluids under geopressure along active growth faults and from original waters of deposition. Expulsion of water fiom growth faults has been described previously for deeper sections of the Pleistocene, but has not been reported for the Holocene or upper Pleistocene beneath the Louisiana wetlands. Porewater chemistry variations beneath the coastal wetlands are a consequence of the following (in order of importance): (1) environment of deposition; (2) a basin-wide, regional flow system; (3) expulsion from deep-seated growth faults; and (4) pore water extrusion due to compaction. Water chemistry in Holocene clays and muds is influenced primarily by the deposition environment In Pleistocene sands, the chemistry is a function of the other three factors.

No abstract

Wetland mitigation banks are already in existence in the United States, and the number is increasing. To date, most of these banks have been created and operated for mitigation of impacts arising from highway or commercial development and have not been associated with the oil and gas industry. Argonne National Laboratory evaluated the current status and effectiveness of wetland mitigation banking as a mitigation option for the oil and gas industry by examining banks already created for other uses by federal, state, and private entities. Specific issues addressed in this study include (1) the economic, ecological, and technical effectiveness of existing banks; (2) the changing nature of local, state, and federal jurisdiction; and (3) the unique regulatory and jurisdictional problems affecting bank developments associated with the oil and gas industry. Fifty existing and planned mitigation banks were characterized from the perspectives of technical parameters, jurisdiction and regulations, management, monitoring, and banking procedures. Thirteen banks were chosen for site visits and in-depth interviews with site managers and regulators. A set of definitions for wetland mitigation banking was established early in the project through technical review of federal and state agency manuals. A literature survey of wetland mitigation banking included all published articles and studies in progress by other organizations. All current state wetland banking policies and regulations concerning wetland mitigation banking were reviewed through telephone interviews and follow-up written surveys. A common basis for economic cost comparison between mitigation banking and conventional mitigation techniques was developed by using information provided by the private mitigation banks. The evaluation yielded the following results: • Only a priori banks fit the definition of wetland mitigation banking established for this research. Concurrent credit use and in lieu fee programs are distinct from true banks. Banks and banking transactions must be treated independently from the Section 404(b)(1) permit sequencing in order to be viable. • As a practical matter under the present regulatory climate, banking transactions may need to be limited to exchanges involving comparable wetland functions within drainage basins and ecoregions. Wetlands being used as banks should not be limited in their credit or acreage to only the area occupied by jurisdictional wetlands. • Currency may be established on the basis of wetland functions, wetland values, regional wetland needs, acreage, and habitat value. Banking programs that have fully developed and agreed-upon systems of currency, transactions, and management are less dependent on mitigation ratios. vi This report on wetland mitigation banking was funded by the Gas Research Institute, the American Petroleum Institute, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Thanks go to many members of those organizations for their reviews and comments. Special tha...

No abstract

No abstract