LCA Myrtle Grove - US Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District

9. MODEL CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL
EC 1105-2-407 mandates the use of certified or approved models for all planning activities to ensure the
models are technically and theoretically sound, compliant with USACE policy, computationally accurate,
and based on reasonable assumptions. Planning models, for the purposes of the EC, are defined as any
models and analytical tools that planners use to define water resources management problems and
opportunities, to formulate potential alternatives to address the problems and take advantage of the
opportunities, to evaluate potential effects of alternatives and to support decision making. The use of a
certified/approved planning model does not constitute technical review of the planning product. The
selection and application of the model and the input and output data is still the responsibility of the
users and is subject to DQC, ATR, and IEPR (if required).
EC 1105-2-407 does not cover engineering models used in planning. The responsible use of well-known
and proven USACE developed and commercial engineering software will continue and the professional
practice of documenting the application of the software and modeling results will be followed. As part
of the USACE Scientific and Engineering Technology (SET) Initiative, many engineering models have been
identified as preferred or acceptable for use on Corps studies and these models should be used
whenever appropriate. The selection and application of the model and the input and output data is still
the responsibility of the users and is subject to DQC, ATR, and IEPR (if required).
Planning Models. The following planning models are anticipated to be used in the development of the
decision document:
A. General. Most of the models to be employed in the study have either been developed by or for the
USACE.
Ecosystem Output Model –
The Wetland Value Assessment (WVA) methodology is a quantitative habitat-based assessment
methodology developed for use in determining wetland benefits of project proposals submitted
for funding under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA).
The WVA quantifies changes in fish and wildlife habitat quality and quantity that are expected to
result from a proposed wetland restoration project. The results of the WVA, measured in
Average Annual Habitat Units (AAHUs), can be combined with cost data to provide a measure of
the effectiveness of a proposed project in terms of annualized cost per AAHU gained. In
addition, the WVA methodology provides an estimate of the number of acres benefited or
enhanced by the project and the net acres of habitat protected/restored.
The WVA has been developed strictly for use in determining the wetland benefits of proposed
CWPPRA projects; it is not intended to provide a detailed, comprehensive methodology for
establishing baseline conditions within a project area. Some aspects of the WVA have been
defined by policy and/or functional considerations of the CWPPRA; therefore, user-specific
modifications may be necessary if the WVA is used for other purposes.
The WVA is a modification of the Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) developed by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1980). HEP is widely used by the Fish and
Wildlife Service and other Federal and State agencies in evaluating the impacts of development
projects on fish and wildlife resources. A notable difference exists between the two
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