(A) The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are one of the most important and productive estuarine systems in the world, providing economic and social benefits to the citizens of the town and the state. The health of the bay is vital to maintaining the town’s economy and the welfare of its citizens.
(B) The Chesapeake Bay waters have been degraded significantly by many sources of pollution, including nonpoint source pollution from land uses and development. Existing high-quality waters are worthy of protection from degradation to guard against further pollution. Certain lands that are proximate to shorelines have intrinsic water quality value due to the ecological and biological processes they perform. Other lands have severe development constraints from flooding, erosion, and soil limitations. With proper management, significant ecological benefits can be achieved by providing water quality maintenance and pollution control, as well as flood and shoreline erosion control. The lands designated by the Town Council as Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas need to be protected from destruction and damage in order to protect the quality of water in the bay and consequently the quality of life in the town and the state.
(1998 Code, § 66-191) (Ord. passed 9-5-2017)