§ 109-357. Purpose and intent.

(a)

To provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public and a healthy economic climate within the city and the region, it is essential that the quality of public water supplies be ensured. The ability of natural systems to attenuate the negative effects of stormwater runoff can be threatened by unrestricted urban and suburban development. Land disturbing activities associated with development can increase erosion and sedimentation that threaten the aquatic integrity and storage capacity of reservoirs. In addition, stormwater runoff, particularly from impervious surfaces can introduce toxicants, nutrients and sedimentation into drinking water supplies, making water treatment more complicated and expensive and rendering water resources unusable. Studies have documented that the main causes of degradation are increased flows, sedimentation and erosion, and habitat destruction. This article addresses these concerns through stream buffers and water quality protection requirements.

(b)

It is the intent of this article to comply with the requirements of section IV of General Permit (No. GAR100000), Authorization to Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity, June 12, 2000, which requires those persons conducting a construction activity of five acres (disturbed area) on sites greater than five acres or part of a common development greater than five acres to prepare and implement an erosion, sedimentation and pollution control plan (plan) and a comprehensive monitoring program (program).

(Ord. of 3-16-2004(02), § III(10.1))