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Sec. 78-1605. -Wetland buffer areas and setbacks. <br /> (a) This subsection establishes authority for wetland buffer areas around protected wetlands. Buffer <br /> areas are necessary and beneficial to maintain the health of wetlands. Buffer areas protect the edge <br /> of wetlands from erosion while filtering sediment, chemicals and other nutrients from runoff that <br /> drains into wetlands. Buffer areas can improve the biological diversity and health of a wetland <br /> 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), <br /> which has rules and regulations for the establishment and maintenance of wetland buffers. In an <br /> effort to avoid overlapping or conflicting regulations, the city defers jurisdiction for the establishment <br /> and maintenance of wetland buffers to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. If application of <br /> MCWD buffer regulations is in conflict with city regulations, the Watershed District requirements shall <br /> apply. <br /> (c) In order to provide for a minimum level of wetland protection where Minnehaha Creek Watershed <br /> District buffer rules do not provide for adequate separation between wetlands and buildings or other <br /> structures or surfaces, the city shall require setbacks from the delineated edge of a protected <br /> wetland as follows: <br /> Minimum distance setback from delineated edge of wetland to any <br /> building (principal or accessory) or other structure, hardcover, <br /> septic systems or wells: <br /> Where no formal buffer exists and <br /> where MCWD does not require a 35 feet <br /> buffer <br /> Where a formal buffer exists or 35 feet or established buffer width plus 10 feet, whichever is <br /> where MCWD buffer is required greater <br /> Areas within the required setback area subject to filling, grading or excavation as part of a <br /> construction project shall be revegetated immediately upon completion of such earthwork. <br /> (d) The City of Orono has established wetland protection strategies in the Orono Surface Water <br /> Management Plan (SWMP) (January 2011). A protection classification has been assigned to each <br /> wetland in Orono based on the stormwater susceptibility and functional assessment for each <br /> wetland. The city has also established additional protection requirements for each classification. The <br /> four protection classifications for all properties except those zoned as "residential" are described as <br /> follows: <br /> Additional Protection <br /> Protection Susceptibility Requirements <br /> Description a in <br /> Classification Rating (B= Bounce = Change <br /> water level <br /> due to runoff event) <br />