DISCHARGES TO WATERBODIES AND NATURAL WETLANDS

This section governs all natural wetlands (as distinct from stormwater wetland systems that are constructed expressly for stormwater management purposes), when a natural wetland is incorporated in an overall stormwater management scheme.

A. Wetlands will be protected from damaging modification and adverse changes in runoff quality and quantity associated with land developments. Before approval of the final construction plans, all necessary wetland permits from the MDEQ and local governments must be in place.

B. Direct discharge of untreated stormwater to a natural wetland is prohibited. All runoff from the development must be pre-treated to remove sediment and other pollutants prior to discharge to a wetland. Such treatment facilities must be constructed before property grading begins.

C. Site drainage patterns will not be altered in any way that will modify existing water levels in protected wetlands without proof that all applicable permits from the MDEQ and/or local government agencies have been obtained including Soil Erosion Permits.

D. A 25 foot permanent buffer strip, vegetated with native plant species, must be maintained or restored around the periphery of all affected wetlands.

E. Wetlands must be protected during construction by appropriate soil erosion and sedimentation control measures.