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Stafford looks at limiting uses around reservoirs Date published: 6/17/2009
By JONAS BEALS
Stafford supervisors agree they don't want anyone swimming in the county's sources of drinking water, but they voted yesterday to gather more input about restricting additional development near its reservoirs. Current ordinances allowed supervisors some latitude to allow activities around reservoirs on a case-by-case basis. Swimming and gasoline-powered boats already were prohibited on Smith and Abel lakes. But the new ordinances are more specific and also would apply to the new Rocky Pen Run Reservoir when it comes online in about two years. The first ordinance proposes creating a reservoir-protection overlay district. The ordinance could create a series of four concentric areas around reservoirs where a varying degree of activities would be limited. For instance, property owners would not be allowed to disturb vegetation within 200 feet of the water's edge. On a 4-1 vote, the supervisors sent that ordinance to the Planning Commission for further discussion and a public hearing. Supervisor Paul Milde voted against the measure and Supervisor Cord Sterling was absent. Supervisor Joe Brito abstained, explaining that he owns property that will border the new reservoir.
"This obviously strives to fix a problem," Milde said. "I'm trying to understand what that problem is."
Milde went on to suggest that the ordinance was a downzoning in disguise. Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer agreed.
"This looks like an attempt to stop growth," Dudenhefer said. "We haven't had any problems that I'm aware of. Regulations like this could get to the point of being silly."
Jeff Harvey, Stafford's director of planning and zoning, felt that while there might not be an immediate problem, it would be a smart way to protect drinking water in the county.
"This ordinance is trying to prevent a problem. There is no documented problem right now," he said. "This is a forward-thinking proposal."
A similar ordinance was developed by the Utilities Commission. The terminal reservoir ordinance was adopted by the board with an identical 4-1 vote. Most notably, the ordinance will specifically prohibit swimming, wading and gas-powered motors for water-quality and liability reasons. It also would prohibit building in a 200-foot buffer zone around a reservoir, a measure designed to eliminate the situation that arose on Abel Lake, where property owners built docks into the reservoir.
Cause fish poop in the water.
It is terrifying to consider that an ignorant shortsighted individuals are in position to make terrible decisions that can impact something as critical as the quality of drinking water for generations to come.
We need to keep bodies & gasoline out. I support the decision.
They should consider installing wild animal traps as well, Just in case tigers move into the immediate area surrounding the reservoir.
Also, perhaps something to deter mechanized killer robots, while they’re exploring possible future problems.
Sounds like good government to me. Especially when the same practices are already in place in surrounding jurisdictions.
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