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LA20-000008 <br /> February 18,2020 <br /> Page 4 of 5 <br /> locations of the current and alternate septic sites for the property. A review will be <br /> required before a grading and land alteration permit is issued. <br /> Public Comments <br /> Given the public hearing notices for both the City and MCWD, many neighbors have called with <br /> questions regarding the application. One neighbor at 450 Willow Dr S. submitted an email with <br /> clarification questions and noted concerns about changes and impacts to the existing wetland. <br /> These comments are provided in Exhibit F. <br /> A second letter was received from the owners at 2580 Fox Street. This neighbor's concerns are <br /> regarding the purpose for the project, use of the pond, notification process and overall <br /> enforcement of pond use. <br /> Staff reviewed the submitted letter and can provide some clarification: <br /> 1. The applicant stated their intention is to "create open water space for waterfowl to use <br /> as a pond." The MCWD is the regulatory body as it pertains to the wetland and area <br /> hydrology. Commissioners can request further information from the applicant pertaining <br /> to the application and intent of the project. <br /> 2. The applicant has indicated any interest in watercraft use. Given the size of 100 foot <br /> diameter, varying depths of 6.6 feet or less and configuration of the open water, <br /> watercraft use is not likely. The City of Orono does not regulate watercraft on lakes or <br /> waterways. The MCWD has commented that the use of watercraft in the project space <br /> will most likely be damaging to the wildlife which would be a violation to the MCWD's <br /> WCA permit and the applicant's intent of the project. Stockpiling of fish would be <br /> regulated by the DNR. <br /> 3. The project is required to obtain a Wetland Alteration Permit from the City and a WCA <br /> permit from the MCWD. A conditional use permit is not applicable for this project. <br /> 4. The application was published followed the City of Orono's guidelines. Postcards were <br /> sent out within 10 days of the meeting on 2/7/20 for the 2/18/20 Planning Commission <br /> meeting. Any violation would be enforced by the appropriate regulatory authority. <br /> Issues for Consideration <br /> 1. Does the Planning Commission find that this proposed wetland change to be <br /> consistent with the purpose of the wetland protections, and the comprehensive <br /> plan? <br /> 2. Does the Commission find it necessary to impose conditions in order to mitigate the <br /> impacts created by the granting of the requested approval(s)? <br /> 3. Are there any other issues or concerns with this application? <br /> Planning Staff Recommendation <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of the proposed wetland alteration subject to the following: <br /> 1. Permits from the MCWD <br /> 2. Grading and Land Alteration Permit issuance <br /> a. Approval erosion control plan <br /> b. Identification of and Protection of Septic areas <br /> List of Exhibits <br /> Exhibit A. Application <br />