Cedar Stone Park Phase 2 needs updated hydraulic study after wetlands found; additional permitting and possible archeological survey may add costs

Town staff asked the council to authorize the mayor to execute an amendment with Thomas & Hutton to update the hydraulic determination for Cedar Stone Park Phase 2. Planning and consultant staff said an updated delineation identified Wetland D near Rocky Fork Branch; because that wetland connects to the branch through channels, the US Army Corps of Engineers may assert jurisdiction, triggering additional federal permitting steps.

Consultant representatives — including Ryan Chamblee and Caitlin Howard of SNME — answered technical questions about wetland delineation. Howard explained the three criteria used by the Corps for wetlands determination (hydrophilic vegetation, hydrology, and hydric soils), and noted that changes in federal regulation mean jurisdictional lines shift over time. The contract amendment covers the updated hydraulic work at a base cost of $25,002.51, with an additional $10,450 budgeted for possible extra services such as in-field archaeological reconnaissance if tribal or state historic-preservation review requires follow-up.

Staff said they will meet with the Corps of Engineers and TDEC to clarify the permitting timeline before bidding construction; the contract is a pass-through to Thomas & Hutton with reduced flow-through pricing from the subcontractor. Council placed the item on the consent agenda for next week pending final packet exhibits.