The village hereby finds that:
(A) The soil types found in the village are susceptible to erosion and if left unprotected could cause severe loss of soil with resultant damage to property;
(B) The topography of the village contains areas with steep slopes upon which, if clearing of trees and/or inappropriate construction takes place, could result in severe erosion and slope stability problems which could result in damage to property;
(C) Excessive quantities of soil may erode from areas undergoing development for certain non- agricultural uses including but not limited to the construction of dwelling units, commercial buildings and industrial plants, the building of roads and highways, the modification of stream channels and drainage ways, and the creation of recreational facilities;
(D) The washing, blowing, and falling of eroded soil across and upon roadways endangers the health and safety of users thereof, by decreasing vision and reducing traction of road vehicles;
(E) Soil erosion necessitates the costly repairing of gullies, washed out fills, and embankments;
(F) Sediment from soil erosion tends to clog sewers and ditches and to pollute and silt rivers, streams, lakes, sinkholes, wetlands, and reservoirs;
(G) Sediment limits the use of water and waterways for most beneficial purposes, promotes the growth of undesirable aquatic weeds, destroys fish and other desirable aquatic life, and is costly and difficult to remove; and
(H) Sediment reduces the channel capacity of waterways and the storage capacity of flood plains and natural depressions, resulting in increased chances of flooding at risk to public health and safety.
(Ord. passed 12-9-02)