Weston s Wetlands, Stormwater, & Open Space

Transcription

1 Weston s Wetlands, Stormwater, & Open Space

2 Weston s Wetlands, Stormwater, & Open Space Conservation Commission Role and Responsibilities Laws that protect wetlands What residents can do to protect wetlands and open space

3 Conservation Commission Made up of 7 volunteer residents (members) 1 staff (Conservation Administrator) Generally meets every other Tuesday Experience with stormwater, engineering, landscaping, and wetland laws

4 The Commission s Three-Part Mission Open Space Protection & Management Wetland Protection & Permitting Public Education & Engagement

5 Open Space Protection & Management Commission owns approx. 2,000 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands

6 Open Space Protection & Management Trail Maps available at Town Hall

7 Open Space Management Collaborate with Weston Forest and Trail Assoc. & Land s Sake to maintain trails

8 Open Space Management Mow Fields Preserve Field Edges

9 Open Space Protection & Management Survey and Identify boundaries Identify and address encroachments

10 Why Protect Wetlands? Wetlands protect our groundwater Wetlands store floodwater and release it slowly downstream preventing storm damage Wetlands absorb excess nutrients and trap many kinds of pollutants Wetlands provide vital habitat for wildlife.

11 Wetland Permitting Anyone wishing to work within 100 of a wetland or 200 of a perennial stream MUST get a permit from the Conservation Commission

12 What is considered work? Building New construction, additions, etc. New paving Sheds Cutting trees and shrubs To expand a lawn, let in more light, etc. To clean up the woods, improve safety, etc. Grading To rebuild a lawn or driveway, etc. Improving drainage

13 What wetland resource areas are protected? Ponds, rivers, & streams

14 What wetland resource areas are Banks of waterways & water bodies protected?

15 What wetland resource areas are protected? Bordering Vegetated Wetlands

16 What wetland resource areas are Vegetated Wetlands protected?

17 What wetland resource areas are Vegetated Wetlands protected?

18 What wetland resource areas are protected? Land within 200 feet of streams & rivers 100-year Floodplains

19 What wetland resource areas are Work within 100 Buffer Zone must also be permitted protected?

20 What wetland resource areas are protected? Vernal Pools

21 How Do I Know If Wetlands Exist Near My Property? Call the Conservation Office

22 Wetland Permitting Process Applicant submits an Application Commission reviews the application & performs a site visit.

23 Conservation Permitting Process Commission holds a public hearing If the project will not impact the functions of the wetland, the Commission issues a permit

24 What Happens if You Don t File? Enforcement Order requiring restoration of buffer zone and/or wetland Landowner may be required to hire a wetland scientist to prepare a restoration plan and monitor site for 2 years May 2006

25 What Happens if You Don t File? Restoration of illegally altered areas

26 What Happens if You Don t File? Restoration of stream and wetlands

27 Public Education and Engagement Homeowners: assist with permit applications Prospective buyers & realtors: provide maps and information Special groups: mail issue-specific outreach letters to neighborhoods, landscapers, and pond abutters

28 Other Local Laws That Protect Wetlands Proposed Stormwater Bylaw: Land clearing, Earth removal,& New construction Illicit Discharge Bylaw

29 Why we need a Stormwater Bylaw? Annually, Massachusetts receives an average of 45 inches of precipitation, that includes rain and melted snow.

30 Why we need a Stormwater Bylaw? Paved surfaces and rooftops generate a lot more stormwater.

31 Why we need a Stormwater Bylaw? Eroded sediment from construction sites and bare slopes

32 Why Adopt a Stormwater & Erosion Control Bylaw? The impacts of construction, land disturbance, and the rate and volume of stormwater runoff have adversely affected: public safety, groundwater resources, drinking water supplies, wetlands, recreation, & public & private property in Weston

33 Why Adopt a Stormwater & Erosion Control Bylaw? Purpose - New development, redevelopment & land disturbance will reduce or maintain existing stormwater runoff.

34 Why Adopt a Stormwater & Erosion Control Bylaw? Purpose Ensure that the addition, stockpiling or earth removal complies with By-Law; Prevent flooding of private property & roadways, Prevent or diminish impacts by controlling runoff & soil erosion & sedimentation

35 Stormwater Permitting Process Application Requirements Stormwater Management Plan Erosion Control Plan Operation & Maintenance Plan Must Comply with Performance Standards No increase in the rate or volume for certain size storm events Permit Issuance, Inspections, & Compliance 35

36 Good stormwater management makes sound economic sense protecting our water resources saves taxpayers money. Weston must comply with Federal and State requirements to manage stormwater quality and flow and we need YOUR help

37 Everyone can help prevent stormwater pollution. A cleaner environment begins with YOU.

38 Lawn Care and Garden Tips Use fertilizer, pesticides & herbicides sparingly Try using organic lawn care methods Mow 2-3 inches high to encourage dense growth and deter weeds Replant bare areas to stop erosion Mulch lawn clippings and leaves Do not over-water your lawn

39 More Lawn Care and Garden Tips Reduce lawn size by planting rock gardens, shrubs and trees Maintain native vegetation along streams and lake fronts Do not dump leaves, grass clippings or branches in streams or wetlands Join National Wildlife Federation s Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat program

40 Car care tips Use a commercial carwash that treats and/or recycles the wash water Maintain your car to prevent fluid leaks Recycle motor oil, antifreeze, tires, and batteries

41 More Ideas Pick up after your pet - dispose of droppings in the toilet or trash Aim your roof downspouts away from paved surfaces or into a rain barrel

42 More Ideas Dispose of paint, oil and other household chemicals at a local hazardous waste collection day Recycle paper, cardboard, cans, plastic, and glass

43 Support your Municipal Services Street sweeping to pick up sand and winter debris before it gets washed down the storm drain Catch basin cleaning to clean out heavy particles caught in the storm drain

44 NEVER put anything down a storm drain, including pet waste, motor oil, paint, litter, leaves, sand Sweep leaves and debris away from storm drains Start a storm drain stenciling program in your neighborhood

45 Thank you for protecting Weston s Natural Resources Michele Grzenda Weston Conservation Commission P.O. box 378 Weston, MA Telephone: x 322 grzenda.m@westonmass.org Fax:

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47 Conservation Challenges We Face Educating residents about wetland values of wetland laws Assisting residents through the permitting process Addressing wetland violations & bringing sites back into compliance Protecting and Managing Weston s Open Space