Wetlands Protection Ordinance

December 5, 2012 Andrew Pinard Ordinances/Policies 0

Wetlands Protection Ordinance

PURPOSE AND INTENT

The purpose of this article is to protect the public health, safety and general welfare by controlling and guiding the use of land areas which have been found to be saturated or subject to high water tables for extended periods of time—including established and seasonal wetlands.

It is intended that this article shall:

  • Prevent the development of structures and land uses on naturally occurring wetlands which will contribute to pollution of surface and ground water by sewage or toxic substances or sedimentation;
  • Prevent the destruction of, or significant changes to natural wetlands which provide flood protection, provide filtration of water flowing into ponds and streams, augment stream flow during dry periods, and are closely connected to the ground of surface water supply;
  • Protect unique and unusual natural areas;
  • Protect wildlife habitats, maintain ecological balances and enhance ecological values such as those cited in RSA 483-A: 1-b;
  • Protect potential water supplies and existing aquifers (water bearing stratum) and aquifer recharge areas;
  • Prevent unnecessary or excessive expense to the Town for the purpose of providing and or maintaining essential services and utilities which might be required as a result of misuse or abuse of wetlands;
  • Encourage those low-intensity uses that can be harmoniously, appropriately, and safely located in wetlands;
  • Preserve and enhance the aesthetic values associated with wetlands in the Town ofBradford;
  • Prevent damage to structures and properties caused by inappropriate development in wetlands.

Definitions

Certified soil Scientist: A person who is currently certified or licensed by the State ofNew Hampshireunder RSA 310-A to classify and to conduct high intensity mapping of soils.

Poorly drained and Very poorly drained soil: As defined by the Soil Survey,Merrimack County,NH, USDA Soil Conservation Service, issued June 1965, prepared as part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, or further defined by the most recent document prepared by the Society of Soil Scientist of Northern New England detailing the standards for making high intensity soil maps. These are on file with the Merrimack County Conservation District.