11-04-1999 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to the above concerns, Orono in the 197Q's h as become became a nationally recognized leader in espousing environmental protection. Land use planning since the 1950's has stressed the environmental advantages of low density development. Shorelands, wetlands and natural drainage systems have been preserv ed by tradition and by ordinance. Orono's Land Use Plan will continue this tradition and this commitment. A principal goal of Orono's planning program is the protection of natural resources and environmental amenities, particularly the water quality of Lake Minnetonka. The Environmental Protection Plan emphasizes Orono ’s unique environmental position in relation to the long-term health of Lake Minnetonka. Land use and development will not be permitted at the expense of environmental protection. Retention of natural vegetation, light, air, and open space will be promoted. Shorelines will be protected from erosion and alteration. Wetlands and marshland will be protected and preserved as wildlife habitats, unique open spaces and most importantly as the only economically practical method of flood protection and storm water runoff filtration. Water quality preservation is dependent upon effective surface water management. The Environmental Protection Plan identifies how the speed, quantity and quality of surface water runoff is alTected by urbanization and how’ these factors in turn directly affect the water quality of Lake Minnetonka. Development density will be limited to a level which will not overload the natural surface water drainage and filtration system. Direct runoff into the Lake will be avoided whenever possible. Marshes, wetlands, floodplains and natural drainageways will be protected from encroachment or alteration. Storm water quality ponding systems will be dev eloped to supplemciiL the natural system where necessary and feasible. Water qualit>' preservation is dependent upon effective sewage treatment programs. The Comprehensive Sewer Policy Plan discusses Orono's commitment to City-wide sewage treatment quality. Urban ized areas, sh oreline shoreland areas and remaining existing higher-densitv housing clu.sters along th e Oreno-Long Lak e Intereeptof route have been or will be prov ided with municipal sanitarv' sewer to prev cnt discharge of untreated or insutTiciently treated sew age effluent into the Lake. In the rural areas, low density land use can be safely served long-term by individual on-site sewage treatment systems. The City will strictly enforce treatment standards to protect the health and environment, and also to eliminate the need for central sewers vshich would only force denser development with its attendant surface water runoff hazards. CMP 3B - 6