(A) The objective of this chapter is the control of soil erosion and sedimentation caused by land disturbing activities in the town. Measures taken to control erosion and sedimentation should assure that sediment is not transported from a site by storm events. The following principles apply to all land disturbing activities within the town and are helpful in the preparation of submissions required under this chapter:
(1) To minimize the potential for soil erosion, development should fit the topography and soils of the site. Areas with steep slopes where deep cuts and fills may be required should be avoided wherever possible, and natural contours should be followed as closely as possible.
(2) Natural vegetation should be retained and protected wherever possible. Areas immediately adjacent to watercourses and lakes also should be left undisturbed wherever possible.
(3) All activities on a site should be conducted in a logical sequence so that the smallest practical area of land will be exposed for the shortest practical period of time during development.
(4) Sediment basins, silt traps or filters should be installed prior to construction to remove sediment from runoff leaving the site.
(5) The selection of soil erosion and sedimentation control measures should be based on an assessment of the probable frequency of climatic events likely to contribute to soil erosion, and on evaluation of risks, costs and benefits involved.
(6) In the design of erosion control measures, aesthetics and the requirements of continuing maintenance should be considered.
(7) Provisions should be made to accommodate the increased runoff caused by changed soil and surface conditions during and after development. Drainageways should be designed so that their final gradients and resultant velocities will not cause channel scouring.
(8) Permanent vegetation and structures should be installed as soon as practical during development.
(B) The intent of this chapter is to require practices that will control soil erosion and thereby reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants leaving sites as a result of land disturbing activities. The chapter applies to nonagricultural land disturbing activities, including commercial, institutional, residential and highway development.
(Ord. 243, passed 5-12-97)