LWVCT Supports Uniform Riverfront Buffers and Clarification of Wetlands Law 2/27/08
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CGA Environment Committee Public Hearing February 27, 2008 Support for:RB 362 An Act Concerning Riverfront Protection RB 5603 An Act Concerning Enhancements To The Inland Wetlands And Watercourses Act Comments submitted by Cheryl Dunson, Drinking Water Specialist
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut, a statewide organization with over 2400 members, has long recognized that our water resources should not be taken for granted. We adopted a strong position in support of policies and programs that protect our state’s inland wetlands and watercourses and based upon this longstanding position, the League urges your support for RB 362 An Act Concerning Riverfront Protection and RB 5603 An Act Concerning Enhancements To The Inland Wetlands And Watercourses Act.
Through the work of UCONN’s NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) project and others, it is well documented that water quality deterioration, flooding, negative impacts to plant, fish and other wildlife can occur any time activities disturb the land or water. Much of the remaining undeveloped land in Connecticut contains more wetlands and steep slopes than was typical in the past when we had more land to choose from. As we continue to develop this marginal land, the margin for error shrinks, and the community bears the cumulative costs of all the major and minor mistakes along the way.
Consistent with the Department of Environmental Protection’s Fisheries guidelines, RB 362 An Act Concerning Riverfront Protection would establish a consistent statewide 100-foot wide buffer. According to an analysis undertaken by the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, 73% of municipalities have at least a 100 ft. buffer. This bill will codify it statewide to ensure that all municipalities are applying a minimum standard based upon the science to properly protect this resource.
RB 5603 An Act Concerning Enhancements To The Inland Wetlands And Watercourses Act aids our local volunteer boards by clarifying that applicants must provide the evidence to prove that their project will protect the functions and features of existing inland wetland resources. It further clarifies that our local volunteer board members can rely on input provided by the state officials, i.e., Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Protection, expert environmental review team reviews, local companies in reaching their decision.
Although development is inevitable, the damage to the environment need not be. The League of Women Voters of Connecticut urges your support for RB 362 An Act Concerning Riverfront Protection and RB 5603 An Act Concerning Enhancements To The Inland Wetlands And Watercourses Act
League of Women Voters of Connecticut · 1890 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 · 203/288-7996
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