Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 3 · column 1 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
What is the purpose of the SWM Ordinance?
The purpose of the proposed Ordinance is to protect local streams, rivers, groundwater and properties from increases in the volume and rate of stormwater runoff and increases in pollutants when land is converted to more intensive uses such as commercial or residential subdivisions. This protects the safety and welfare of citizens, property owners, and businesses by minimizing negative impacts of increased stormwater discharges from new land development. By minimizing runoff groundwater supplies are also protected.
What special concerns of Rappahannock County citizens does this SWM Ordinance address?
We in this county have special concerns related to protection and preservation of rainwater. Nearly all our citizens depend on well water for human use as well as for agriculture and animals. We do not have large rivers or reservoirs from which public water supplies can be drawn. Hence we must take care that rainwater replenishes the groundwater, rather than letting stormwater runoff cause damage and flooding downstream. Because we are in the headwaters of the Rappahannock River Basin, we have many (755) miles of small streams criss-crossing our lands, often on steep slopes. These small streams are particularly vulnerable to increases in stormwater runoff Much of our residential development is on large parcels, which naturally provides vegetated spaces for rainwater to penetrate the ground easily and cheaply if we design carefully. At the same time, our development patterns result in many (over 400) miles of private roads and long, often steep, driveways that are a major source of erosion, sedimentation, and pollution of streams.
Our goals affect the types of stormwater management practices that are most desired and affordable. Rappahannock County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Chapter 6 of the Comprehensive Plan) calls for the “preservation of our unspoiled, natural setting, which gives it special character and identity.” The county’s goals include preservation of the mountains; overall viewshed; rural and open spaces; natural, scenic, and historic resources; viable rural agricultural and tourism-based economy; eco
88.0%