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Buffers Why we are here

Stormwater Buffers. Benefits buffers provideHow buffers workWhy buffers are important. Benefits Buffers Provide. Remove pollution and sedimentsPrevent erosion and reduce sedimentProvide storage for flood waterProvide shade for streams Provide food sources Provide wildlife habitat. How Buf

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Buffers Why we are here

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    1. Buffers Why we are here Today’s discussion focuses on proposed Stormwater Regulations 81 pages of regulations Much concern over 1 element – buffers Proposed buffers only for new construction and redevelopment Existing homeowners are not impacted

    2. Stormwater Buffers Benefits buffers provide How buffers work Why buffers are important

    3. Benefits Buffers Provide Remove pollution and sediments Prevent erosion and reduce sediment Provide storage for flood water Provide shade for streams Provide food sources Provide wildlife habitat

    4. How Buffers Work Vegetated buffers slow rainwater, allowing water to soak into the ground, reducing flooding and recharging groundwater Vegetated buffers remove pollution, especially nitrogen and sediment Buffers slow stormwater reducing erosion

    5. How Buffers Work Vegetated buffers remove silt Vegetated buffers provide shade, keeping streams cool and fish healthy

    6. Why buffers are important National Best Practices show buffers are natural filters for removing pollution, preventing erosion and protecting habitat Research shows greatest benefits begin with 100 foot buffers

    7. Why buffers are important Richland waterways and waterbodies are sick and need help Lakes are filling with up with silt Stream banks are eroding Waters are polluted

    8. Health of our lakes

    9. Health of our streams

    10. Health of our Streams

    11. Why are buffers important Buffers are an important component of proposed Stormwater Management regulations Buffers will improve water quality

    12. Why we need buffers Clean Water Act Violations Nov 30, 2004 – SCDHEC notified County of Non-Compliance April 15, 2005 – Permit expired. June 16, 2005 – Notice of Violation and Call for Enforcement by DHEC

    13. Why we need buffers Clean Water Act Violations July 6, 2005 – Enforcement conference. Dec 28, 2005 – Consent order penalty; $7,300,000 March 13, 2006 – DHEC accepted Corrective Action Plan. Revised consent order and penalty; $830,549 May 1, 2006 – Corrective Action Plan and fines officially signed and effective. Quarterly payment of $41,500 until April 15, 2011.

    14. Why we need buffers Clean Water Act Violations Implementing a 5-year permit; Sept 11, 2006 through Sept 10, 2011. Aug 8-9, 2007 – DHEC reviewed County stormwater program, noting “significant improvement”. Maintain current momentum with some recommendations.

    15. Why we need buffers Clean Water Act Violations Today – Consent Order is part of Permit Implementation. New regulations are part of Consent Order’s Effective Implementation. September 10, 2011 – Consent Order Completion Date End date of Permit Last Payment of Penalty .

    16. Why we need buffers Clean Water Act Violations To Date: Consent order deadlines accomplished. Continuous progress meeting DHEC standards.

    17. Proposed Stormwater Regulations Bagging or containing leaves & yard debris Adopting Best Management Practices Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for any land disturbance activity Level 1 SWPPP < 1 acre Level II professional SWPPP > 1 acre Inspection requirements

    18. Proposed Stormwater Regulations Water quality design criteria Inspections Inspection reporting Land Disturbance Permit Requiring Notice of Termination submission Recurring annual fees if Termination not submitted

    19. Proposed Stormwater Regulations Creating Environmental Protection (EP) Districts. Stringent regulations for development in EP districts. Post-development peak discharge rates are ˝ pre-development rates Gills Creek watershed is the first EP district

    20. Proposed Stormwater Regulations New water quality buffers for all Richland County waterways Perennial streams – 100 ft Intermittent streams – 50 ft Wetland buffers Shoreline buffers – 50 ft measured from 100-year high water elevation Other tributaries (ditches, outfalls and open drains) – 10 ft Maintenance and Management of buffer areas

    21. Proposed Stormwater Regulations Impeding the flow of water is not permitted in floodways Maintenance responsibility and enforcement outlined New language for NPDES components Pesticide, Herbicide and Fertilizer (PHF) regulations Illicit Discharge and Disposal Programs Post Construction Maintenance

    22. New Revisions Waiver process Single-family lots less than 1 acre Subdivisions approved, but not built Landscaping options are permitted Native species encourage Plants which filter pollutants

    23. Buffer incentives The Green Code development option provides density bonuses for protecting buffers Federal income tax deductions and state credits available for creating conservation easements Stream and wetland mitigation options provide cash for land owners Technical assistance available for creating conservation easements

    24. Proposed Changes endorsed by SCDHEC Center for Watershed Protection Friends of Congaree Swamp Gills Creek Watershed Association Richland County Conservation Commission Richland County Neighborhood Council Carolina Clear (Clemson Extension) Lexington County Calhoun County (considering the same language in their Ordinances)

    25. Rumor vs. Reality Rumor My house backs up to a stream, the buffer will not allow me to use my backyard? Fact Existing homeowners are exempt from proposed buffer regulations, although homeowners are encouraged to protect and landscape buffers.

    26. Rumor vs. Reality Rumor These regulations will kill farming. Reality Agriculture and forestry are exempt from these regulations.

    27. Rumor vs. Reality Rumor This is a taking, the County is stopping me from using my buffer land! Reality The proposed regulations prohibit construction and clear-cutting in buffers

    28. Rumor vs. Reality Reality Buffers may be used for Recreation Landscaping (with an approved plan) There is a waiver process allowing buffer alternatives

    29. Rumor vs. Reality Rumor You can’t touch anything in the buffer, can’t remove dead trees or prune. Reality Landscaping can be approved in buffers. Dead trees may be removed, trees may be pruned.

    30. Rumor vs. Reality Rumor I bought a piece of lakefront property, now I cannot build a house Reality A proposed waiver process creates water-quality buffer alternatives allowing home construction.

    31. Buffers Buffers are proven tools for improving water quality Buffers are important for Richland County

    32. Buffers Thank you

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