230 likes | 366 Views
Proposed Stormwater Regulations Public Forum. Richland County Government September 2009. Ordinance Changes. Stormwater Regulations & Yard Debris 87 pages of Stormwater regulations 2 Pages of Yard Debris Concern over 2 elements Buffers Leaf bagging. Bagging Leaves.
E N D
Proposed Stormwater RegulationsPublic Forum Richland County Government September 2009
Ordinance Changes Stormwater Regulations & Yard Debris 87 pages of Stormwater regulations 2 Pages of Yard Debris Concern over 2 elements Buffers Leaf bagging
Bagging Leaves ONLY IFyou want your leaves picked up- Leaves must be bagged Raking Leaves is NOT required Bagging Leaves is NOT required
Bagging Leaves You CANNOT rake leaves into the street Leaves clog storm drains and cause flooding
Bagging Leaves IF you want leaves picked up, Put leaves in bags or containers IFyou put leaves at the curb Put leaves in bags or containers
Bagging Leaves Options for leaves and yard debris: Biodegradable Bags (30-50 gallon) Garbage cans (30 gallons) marked “Yard Waste”
Stormwater Buffers Benefits Importance Incentives Proposed Regulations
Stormwater Buffers Benefits Slows rainwater Reduces erosion Allows water to soak into the ground Recharges groundwater Reduces flooding Reduces pollution (nitrogen, sediment and silt) Vegetated buffers provide shade Provide wildlife habitat & food sources
Stormwater Buffers Reduces Silt and Erosion Cary Lake Lake Catherine
Stormwater Buffers Optimum benefits begin when buffers are 100 ft. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Model Ordinance to Protect Natural Resources – 100 ft The Center for Watershed Protection Minimum Buffer Width – 100 ft. SC Dept of Health and Environmental Control Vegetated Riparian Buffers and Buffer Ordinances (DHEC website) – 100 ft
Stormwater Buffers Other Communities Chatham County, NC Perennial Streams – 100 feet Intermittent Streams – 50 feet Wetlands – 50 feet Charlotte, NC Based on the size of the drainage basin >100 acres=35 feet >300 acres= 50 feet >640 acres= 100 feet plus
Stormwater Buffers Importance Richland waterways and waterbodies are sick and need help • Waters are polluted • Lakes are filled with silt • Stream banks are eroding Buffers improve water quality
Stormwater Buffers • Incentives • For Developers • The Green Code provides density bonuses for • protecting buffers • For Land Owners • Federal income tax deductions and state credits for • conservation easements • Stream and wetland mitigation provides cash • Technical assistance available for creating conservation easements
Stormwater Buffers • Proposed Regulations • New water quality buffers for all Richland County waterways • Proposed buffers for new construction and redevelopment • Existing homeowners are NOT impacted
Stormwater Buffers • Proposed Regulations • Perennial streams • Staff Recommendation - 100 ft • County Council Recommendation – 85ft • Intermittent streams • Staff Recommendation – 50 ft • County Council Recommendation – 40ft
Stormwater Buffers • Proposed Regulations • Shoreline buffers • Staff Recommendation - 50 ft • County Council Recommendation – 40ft • Wetland buffers • Staff Recommendation – 50 ft • County Council Recommendation – 40ft
Stormwater Buffers • Proposed Regulations • Impeding the flow of water is not permitted in floodways • Maintenance responsibility and enforcement outlined • New language for NPDES components • Pesticide, Herbicide and Fertilizer (PHF) regulations • Illicit Discharge and Disposal Programs • Post-Construction Maintenance etc.
Stormwater Buffers • New Revisions • Waiver process • Single-family lots less than 1 acre • Subdivisions approved, but not built • Landscaping options are permitted • Native species encouraged • Plants filtering pollutants
Stormwater Buffers • Endorsed By • SCDHEC • Center for Watershed Protection • Friends of Congaree Swamp • Gills Creek Watershed Association • Richland County Conservation Commission • Richland County Neighborhood Council • Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District • Carolina Clear (Clemson Extension) • Lexington County
Stormwater Buffers Flexible Options Buffer Averaging Option Waiver Process Single-family less than One acre
Stormwater Buffers NO – Buffers are not required Ponds and lakes not connected to streams are EXEMPT
Stormwater Buffers Yes - Buffers are required. Activities not allowed Clearing or clear cutting of vegetation, Soil disturbance (construction or other practices) Filling or dumping Use, storage, or application of chemicals
Bagging Leaves & Stormwater Buffers Questions?