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Orono, MN Code of Ordinances Page 1 of 2 <br /> Sec.78-1605.-Wetland buffer areas and setbacks. <br /> (a) This subsection establishes authority for wetland buffer areas around protected wetlands. Buffer areas are necessary <br /> and beneficial to maintain the health of wetlands. Buffer areas protect the edge of wetlands from erosion while filtering <br /> sediment,chemicals and other nutrients from runoff that drains into wetlands. Buffer areas can improve the biological <br /> diversity and health of a wetland environment while reducing the adverse impacts of human activities. <br /> (b) All wetlands within the City of Orono are within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District(MCWD),which has rules and <br /> regulations for the establishment and maintenance of wetland buffers. In an effort to avoid overlapping or conflicting <br /> regulations,the city defers jurisdiction for the establishment and maintenance of wetland buffers to the Minnehaha <br /> Creek Watershed District. If application of MCWD buffer regulations is in conflict with city regulations,the more <br /> restrictive requirements shall apply. <br /> (c) In order to provide for a minimum level of wetland protection where Minnehaha Creek Watershed District buffer rules <br /> do not provide for adequate separation between wetlands and buildings or other structures or surfaces,the city shall <br /> require setbacks from the delineated edge of a protected wetland as follows: <br /> Minimum distance setback from delineated edge of <br /> wetland to any building(principal or accessory)or <br /> other structure, hardcover, septic systems or wells: <br /> Where no formal buffer exists and where MCWD 35 feet <br /> does not require a buffer <br /> Where a formal buffer exists or where MCWD 35 feet or established buffer width plus 10 feet, <br /> buffer is required whichever is greater <br /> Areas within the required setback area subject to filling,grading or excavation as part of a construction project shall be <br /> revegetated immediately upon completion of such earthwork.Setbacks must be verified with wetland delineation <br /> information.The determination of whether a Level 1 delineation or Level 2 delineation is required shall be at the discretion <br /> of the planning director. Level 2 delineation information shall be provided on a certified certificate of survey.The <br /> requirement for delineation shall be applied in cases where the wetland exists within 150 feet of the proposed project. <br /> (d) The City of Orono has established wetland protection strategies in the Orono Surface Water Management Plan(SWMP) <br /> Qanuary 2011).A protection classification has been assigned to each wetland in Orono based on the stormwater <br /> susceptibiliry and functional assessment for each wetland.The city has also established additional protection <br /> requirements for each classification.The four protection classifications are described as follows: <br /> I <br /> Protection Susceptibility Description Additional Protection <br /> Classification Rating Requirements <br /> (B = Bounce = Change in water <br /> level due to runoff event) <br /> (P = Phosphorus) <br /> "Preserve" Highly Highly susceptible to both B: Maintain bounce at or below <br /> Susceptible quantity and quality impacts from existing conditions <br /> runoff; have the highest degree P: Limit loadings to <br /> of protection predevelopment loading(0.14 <br /> Lbs/Ac/Yr) <br /> about:blank <br />