02-23-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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gw. o 5. Wetlands Management ^5.1 General As described in Section 3, the formation of the landscape in Orono has resulted in the creation of many wetlands. The City recognizes a variety of functions and values provided by its wetlands, including: ❖ Acting as part of the natural surface water management system • maintenance of water quality • flood attenuation • erosion and sedimentation reduction ❖ Providing habitat for a variety wildlife ❖ Preserving open spaces and natural landscapes ❖ Contributing to an enharx:ed overall quality of life Orono's leaders formally recognized these values In the 1960's and adopted the City's first comprehensive wetland protection ordinance in 1970. Based on various water quality/quantity studies that supported the 1974 SWMP, Orono adopted additional ordinances in 1975, which proNbited filling or dra'ning wetlands, and required a 26-foot setback from a wetland boundary to any construction or grading activity. This section of the SWMP describes the City's multi-faceted resource management approach to maintaining or improving the City's wetland resources. Stemming from the goals and policies of both MCWO and Orono, the following process serves as the backbone of Orono's wetland management plan: ❖ Discussion of impacts to wetland resources (Section 5.2) ❖ Inventory wetlands likely to be affected by runoff (Section 5 3) ❖ Assessment of wetland functions and values (Section 5.S) ❖ Determination of a runoff susceptibility rating (Section 6.3) ❖ Develop protection strategies to minimize impact (Section 5.4) • dassify wetlands by recuired level of protection • volume and rote control (quantity) to manage bounce • phosphorous limits to maintain or innprove water quality • buffer strip standards for quantity and quality ❖ Plan for enhancement or restoration of wetlands (Section 5.5) • identify candidate wetlards • create an improvement plan for each Otyof Orono Suri^ Water MmgementPlin S-J Wedan/s nanaaememt