Proposed Stormwater Regulations Public Forum Richland County Government September 2009

Ordinance Changes Stormwater Regulations & Yard Debris 87 pages of Stormwater regulations 2 Pages of Yard Debris Concern over 2 elements Buffers Leaf bagging

ONLY IF you want your leaves picked up- Leaves must be bagged Raking Leaves is NOT required Bagging Leaves is NOT required Bagging Leaves

You CANNOT rake leaves into the street Leaves clog storm drains and cause flooding

Bagging Leaves IF you want leaves picked up, Put leaves in bags or containers IF you put leaves at the curb Put leaves in bags or containers

Options for leaves and yard debris: Biodegradable Bags (30-50 gallon) Garbage cans (30 gallons) marked “Yard Waste” Bagging Leaves

Stormwater Buffers BenefitsImportanceIncentives Proposed Regulations

Stormwater Buffers Benefits Slows rainwater Reduces erosion Allows water to soak into the ground Recharges groundwater Reduces flooding Reduces pollution (nitrogen, sediment and silt) Vegetated buffers provide shade Provide wildlife habitat & food sources

Stormwater Buffers Reduces Silt and Erosion Cary LakeLake Catherine

Stormwater Buffers Optimum benefits begin when buffers are 100 ft. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Model Ordinance to Protect Natural Resources – 100 ft The Center for Watershed Protection Minimum Buffer Width – 100 ft. SC Dept of Health and Environmental Control Vegetated Riparian Buffers and Buffer Ordinances (DHEC website) – 100 ft

Other Communities Chatham County, NC Perennial Streams – 100 feet Intermittent Streams – 50 feet Wetlands – 50 feet Charlotte, NC Based on the size of the drainage basin >100 acres=35 feet >300 acres= 50 feet >640 acres= 100 feet plus Stormwater Buffers

Importance Richland waterways and waterbodies are sick and need help Waters are polluted Waters are polluted Lakes are filled with silt Lakes are filled with silt Stream banks are eroding Stream banks are eroding Buffers improve water quality

Stormwater Buffers Incentives For Developers The Green Code provides density bonuses for protecting buffers For Land Owners Federal income tax deductions and state credits for conservation easements Stream and wetland mitigation provides cash Technical assistance available for creating conservation easements

Stormwater Buffers Proposed Regulations New water quality buffers for all Richland County waterways Proposed buffers for new construction and redevelopment Existing homeowners are NOT impacted

Stormwater Buffers Proposed Regulations Perennial streams Staff Recommendation ft County Council Recommendation – 85ft Intermittent streams Staff Recommendation – 50 ft County Council Recommendation – 40ft

Stormwater Buffers Proposed Regulations Shoreline buffers Staff Recommendation - 50 ft County Council Recommendation – 40ft Wetland buffers Staff Recommendation – 50 ft County Council Recommendation – 40ft

Stormwater Buffers Proposed 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 etc.

Stormwater Buffers New Revisions Waiver process Single-family lots less than 1 acre Subdivisions approved, but not built Landscaping options are permitted Native species encouraged Plants filtering pollutants

Stormwater Buffers Endorsed By SCDHEC Center for Watershed Protection Friends of Congaree Swamp Gills Creek Watershed Association Richland County Conservation Commission Richland County Neighborhood Council Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District Carolina Clear (Clemson Extension) Lexington County

Flexible Options Buffer Averaging Option Waiver Process Single-family less than One acre Stormwater Buffers

NO – Buffers are not required Ponds and lakes not connected to streams are EXEMPT

Stormwater Buffers Yes - Buffers are required. Activities not allowed Clearing or clear cutting of vegetation, Soil disturbance (construction or other practices) Filling or dumping Filling or dumping Use, storage, or application of chemicals Use, storage, or application of chemicals

Bagging Leaves & Stormwater Buffers Questions?