Download Ticonderoga Stormwater Management Plan Vol.1

DECEMBER 2000
STATE OF NEW YORK
MANAGEMENT PLAN
for PORTIONS of the
LAKE GEORGE WATERSHED
WITHIN the TOWN of TICONDEROGA
ESSEX COUNTY, NY
VOLUME 1 of 2
Prepared for:
TOWN OF TICONDEROGA
324 Champlain Avenue
Ticonderoga, NY 12883-0471
Prepared by:
Lake George Park Commission
PO Box 749
Lake George, NY
(518) 668-9347
FAX: (518) 668-5001
www.lgpc.state.ny.us
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.0
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2
Lake George Park Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2
Lake George Park Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3
Purpose of the Stormwater Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4
Goals of the Stormwater Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
4
5
5
6
2.0
Watershed Background Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2
Natural Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.1 Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.2 Freshwater Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2.3 Flood Insurance Rate Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2.4 Community Water Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3
Demographics and Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.3.1 Zoning districts and Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.3.2 Sewer Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3.3 Ticonderoga Outlet/LaChute River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.3.4 Recreational Use - Mossy Point Boat Launch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.0
Defining Nonpoint Source Pollution and its Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.1
Stormwater Runoff Rate and Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.2
Existing Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.0
Identification of Problem Areas and Strategies for Recommendation . . . . . . . 25
4.1
Comments from Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.2
Additional Strategies for Remediation of Existing Problems . . . . . . . . . 31
5.0
Strategies for Management of Future Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
6.0
Implementation of the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
6.1
New Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
6.1.2 Public Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.0
Recommendations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Stormwater Management Plan has been prepared for the Town of Ticonderoga by
the Lake George Park Commission pursuant to Title 6 of the Official Compilation of
Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York Part 646-4 (6NYCRR 646-4).
The Plan was prepared with the assistance of Town residents having direct knowledge
of local stormwater problems. Work involved in preparing the stormwater management
plan included an analysis of the watershed, including field reconnaissance and
investigations, data gathering, review and consolidation of available maps and aerial
photography, as well as a review of local ordinances and administrative procedures.
The FUND for Lake George, Inc., contributed a grant in support of the preparation of
the Plan through the Lake George Park Stormwater Planning Local Assistance
Program.
Of the 56,320 acres (88 square miles) that the Town encompasses, approximately
2,880 acres (4.5 square miles) are located within the Lake George drainage basin
(hereafter “basin”). There are approximately 750 parcels of land within this area, of
which approximately 350 are located along the shoreline. Within the basin area of the
Town, the shoreline is characterized generally by single family homes on moderate
sized lots interspersed with areas of open vacant land that is undergoing development
at a modest pace.
The Lake George Watershed Stormwater Management Program is a basin-wide
community effort designed to protect and improve the water quality of Lake George by
reducing runoff and pollution contained in runoff. Lake George is fed primarily by runoff
from its land drainage basins. Pollutants accumulate rapidly on hard surfaces during
dry periods. Runoff washes those pollutants away, directing them quickly to the lake.
Stormwater runoff from developed areas of the drainage basin often contains grease,
lead, oil, salt, pathogens, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), and sediments among
other contaminants.
The State Legislature through Chapter 617 of the Laws of 1987 has directed the
Commission to develop regulations governing the preparation of local stormwater
management plans and stormwater regulatory programs in order to preserve and
protect the water quality of Lake George.
The goals of this stormwater plan as set forth in Chapter 617 are as follows:
•
to prevent any increase in stormwater runoff from any development in order to
reduce flooding, siltation, and stream bank erosion; and
•
to prevent any increase in pollution caused by stormwater runoff from
2
development which would otherwise degrade the quality of water in Lake George
and its tributaries and render it unfit for human consumption, interfere with
water-based recreation or adversely affect aquatic life.
When compared to the Stormwater Plans prepared for other municipalities, particularly
those in the South Basin, the Ticonderoga Plan is broader and more varied. The plan
contains a number of suggestions that the Town could use on the planning level to help
with projects involving logging, conservation, and shoreline development.
The SMP also outlines a number of significant recommendations to correct existing
stormwater problems. These include:
•
Black Point Road: Weeds Bay. This road is very close to the lake and may be an
area where the road could be sloped to the far side away from the lake.
Installation of a ditch system with cross culverts and catch basins would also
help slow down the runoff.
•
Public Launch access road. An interceptor trench installed across the front of
the boat launch that leads to a catch basin to slow the water down prior to it
discharging into Lake George is needed.
•
Black Point Road: Mossy Pont Road to Tiroga Point Road. This area needs
catch basins installed at the cross culverts.
•
West Shore Drive. Although this road is relatively flat, the ditching along the
western edge of the north-south portion of the road could be improved. Catch
basins are recommended at the cross culverts.
•
Baldwin Road: North end of Delano Point Road to Baldwin Dock Road. It is
recommended that this area accommodate additional stormwater measures that
include catch basins and/or check dams along a stabilized ditch leading towards
the filtration plant from Baldwin Dock Road.
These recommendations and other suggestions in the stormwater plan are voluntary
and should be considered a flexible guide to help preserve Lake George. Acceptance
of priority recommendations has, in other communities, opened the door to funding
opportunities and provides an important first step toward improved environmental
management of the lake.
By approving and accepting this Stormwater Plan, the Town is taking the initiative to
fulfill one of its important goals, – to reduce nonpoint source pollution and thereby
protect the water quality of Lake George.
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4
1.0
Introduction
This Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) has been prepared for the Town of
Ticonderoga pursuant to Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and
Regulations of the State of New York Part 646-4 (6NYCRR 646-4). This document has
been prepared by the Lake George Park Commission with the assistance of Town
residents having direct knowledge of local stormwater problems. The FUND for Lake
George, Inc., contributed a grant in support of the preparation of the Plan through the
Lake George Park Stormwater Planning Local Assistance Program.
1.2
Lake George Park Law
The purpose of stormwater management initiatives within the Park is set forth in
chapter 617 of the Laws of 1987 which amended the Lake George Park Law.
The Lake George Park Law [Article 43 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)]
requires the Commission, in consultation with the Department of Environmental
Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency and each municipality within the Lake
George Park, to adopt rules and regulations for the preparation of local stormwater
management plans and stormwater regulatory programs. The regulations are for lands
where development is occurring or may occur in the future. The regulations are subject
to approval by the Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Park
Agency. The stormwater management regulations of the Commission were adopted on
September 26, 1990 and were later amended on September 16, 1998.
According to Section 43 of the ECL, stormwater management plans and their
implementing stormwater control regulatory programs shall be designed to:
(1)
(2)
to prevent any increase in stormwater runoff from any development in order to
reduce flooding, siltation and stream bank erosion, and
to prevent any increase in pollution caused by stormwater runoff from
developments which would otherwise degrade the quality of water in Lake
George and its tributaries and render it unfit for human consumption, interfere
with water-based recreation or adversely affect aquatic life.
Article 43 ECL requires that in addition to pollution standards, stormwater regulatory
programs must incorporate a standard which requires that the total annual volume of
surface water runoff which flows from any specific site during and following
development shall not exceed that which prevailed prior to development.
The law conveyed to each municipality, wholly or partially within the Park, the authority
to implement stormwater management plans and stormwater regulatory control
programs. It also required that if the Commission determines that any such
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municipality has failed to adopt a program or to implement it after it has been adopted,
then the Commission is authorized and empowered to assume the authority of the
municipality to implement a stormwater management plan.
1.2
Lake George Park Commission
The Lake George Park Commission is a New York State agency with specific planning,
regulatory and enforcement authority for the Lake George Park. The Lake George
Park consists of Lake George and the surrounding land drainage basin comprising
some 300 square miles of land and water surface area.
Although established by State law, the Commission has in recent years received no
State or local government appropriations. The Commission is supported mostly by
user fees from the annual registration of docks, moorings, and boats.
The purpose of the Commission generally is to preserve, protect, and enhance the
unique natural and scenic resources of the Lake George Park which is comprised of
Lake George and essentially all public and private lands draining thereto.
1.3
Purpose of the Stormwater Plan
The need for stormwater management and the benefits derived from Stormwater
Management Programs relate to the preservation and protection of the lake’s water
quality from increases in pollutant loads from new and existing development in the
lake’s watershed. The wise conservation of stormwater is really the wise management
of water resources in the lake’s watershed. This has the direct benefit of preserving the
existing use of the lake from being diminished.
Standard land development can drastically alter waterways. Improper stormwater
management associated with some development may begin a chain of events that
results in flooding, erosion, stream channel alteration and ecological damage.
Pollutants accumulate on hard surfaces during dry periods and are washed into
streams and storm sewers during storm events. Water quality is measurably reduced
near storm sewer outfalls.
Stormwater has been extensively tested at Lake George and found to contain grease,
oil, lead, fecal coliform, plant nutrients and other contaminants.1 Areas of the lake near
1
Sutherland, James W., Bloomfield, Jay A., Swart, James M. Lake George Urban Runoff
Study (NYSDEC 1983).
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storm sewer outfalls have measurably reduced water quality after storm events.2
Across the whole lake, reduced water quality has been tied to contaminants in
stormwater runoff from developed areas of the Park.3
Development can include stormwater management which protects water quality and
downstream property from flooding with a minimum of additional design and
construction expense. By adding retainment and detainment structures to project
designs or by retrofitting existing development it is possible to improve the quality as
well as diminish the quantity of stormwater runoff and the pollutants contained in
stormwater.
1.4
Goals of the Stormwater Plan
The goals of this stormwater plan are as follows:
•
to prevent any increase in stormwater runoff from any development in order to
reduce flooding, siltation, and stream bank erosion; and
•
to prevent any increase in pollution caused by stormwater runoff from
developments which would otherwise degrade the quality of water in Lake
George and its tributaries and render it unfit for human consumption, interfere
with water-based recreation or adversely affect aquatic life.
Specific stormwater management objectives to achieve these goals were developed
based on an analysis of the watershed, which included field reconnaissance and
investigation, stormwater management system inventories, data gathering, review and
consolidation of available maps and aerial photography, as well as review of local
ordinances and administrative procedures.
Based on the analysis, specific problems were identified and prioritized by the
Commission. Recommended methods of solution were developed and are discussed.
Additionally, there is a description of how stormwater management planning and
permitting can be coordinated and integrated with zoning and land use planning and
the issuance of permits.
2
Siegfried, Clifford A., Water Quality and Phytoplankton of Lake George (NYSDEC
1982).
3
Boylen, Charles W., Eichler, Lawrence W., Clear, Timothy B., Collins, Carol D., Report
on the Lake George Chemical Monitoring Program 1980-1990.
7
2.0
Watershed Background Conditions
2.1
General
The Town of Ticonderoga is located in the eastern Adirondack Mountain region of New
York State (NYS) approximately 90 miles north of the State’s capital, the City of Albany
(Fig. 2-1, App. A ) The Town is located in the northern most region of the Lake George
Park and encompasses 56,320 acres or 88 square miles.
The Lake George watershed is within the limits of latitudes 43(22' and 43(51' north and
longitudes 73(24' and 73(47' west. The Lake George Park roughly includes all
contributing watershed areas draining to Lake George. (Fig.2-2 ).
The Lake is long and narrow having the major axis extending in a north-northeast
direction. It consists of two distinct basins, North and South, which are similar
morphometrically. The average depth is 60 feet and the breadth varies from 0.4 miles
to 2.5 miles along the 31.7 mile length. The Lake surface at mean level is 320 feet
above sea level and encompasses 44 square miles. The watershed surface area is 190
square miles and the total catchment area is 234 square miles, resulting in a tributary
watershed to Lake surface ratio of 4.3 The Lake flows south to north, and a water
retention time of 8 years has been calculated (Ferris and Clesceri, 1977).
The Lake is located within the Lake Champlain Basin and is classified in accordance
with the New York State Standards of Classification and Purity AA Special, meaning its
water is best used for contact recreation and as a supply of water. It boasts a total of
172 islands, 147 of which are state-owned and 25 privately owned. 131 miles of
shoreline surrounds the lake, with 3487 privately held lakefront parcels in the nine
municipalities around the Lake.
Lake George lies in a glacial-scoured basin which is predominantly Pre-Cambrian
metamorphic and igneous rock, with small patches of Cambrian deposits at the
southern end of the basin (Schoettle and Friedman, 1971). Most of the watershed is
covered with shallow soil from glacial debris and numerous outcroppings. The Lake
shore is irregular, rocky and steep, with some elevations of considerable height. The
elongate shape of the basin and steep topography have resulted in a large number of
tributaries with small drainage areas relative to the size of the Lake. About 25% of the
80 tributaries flowing into Lake George are intermittent.
Of the 56,320 acres (88 square miles) that the Town encompasses, approximately
2,880 acres (4.5 sq. miles) is a portion of the Lake George watershed that discharges
into Lake George within the corporate limits of the Town. This portion of the Lake
George watershed is described as the project area. The contributory watershed map
identifies the project area within the limits of the Lake George Park. (App. B)
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2.2
Natural Characteristics
The topography of a drainage area affects the manner in which surface runoff flows
across the drainage area. The rate and direction are controlled by grade changes and
contour patterns. As grades steepen, the rate of runoff increases, flowing in a direction
perpendicular to the topographic contours. The topography of the project area is
characterized by low to moderately steep to very steep slopes, with a range of
elevation from 317 ft. to 1245 ft. (App. C)
Northern hardwoods, which include sugar maple, yellow birch and beech, are the most
common forest vegetation. Also prevalent are red spruce, white pine, hemlock, white
ash and red maple and northern red oak.
2.2.1 Soils
Soil considerations associated with a drainage area affect the volume of runoff which
flows off-site, and thus the potential for pollutant transport. Permeable soils, such as
sands and gravels, will typically promote more infiltration and provide pollutant removal
through the soil. Less permeable soils, such as silts and clays, typically allow less
infiltration and more runoff, thereby allowing more pollutants to be transported
overland.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
has not completed soils mapping for Essex County. The Soil Conservation Service was
able to determine approximate soils in Ticonderoga around Lake George as follows:
(App. D)
Kingsbury clay - 0 to 3% slopes. This is a very deep, nearly level, somewhat poorly
drained, high lime, clayey soil, formed in marine and lacustrine sediments. Surface
runoff is very slow. Permeability is slow in the surface and very slow in the subsoil and
substratum. Available water capacity is high.
Vergennes clay - 3 to 8% slopes. This is a very deep, gently sloping, moderately well
drained, high lime, clayey soil formed in marine and lacustrine sediments. Surface
runoff is slow. Permeability is slow or very slow. Available water capacity is moderate.
Nellis silt load - 15 to 25% slopes. This is a very deep, moderately steep, well
drained, high lime, loamy soil formed in glacial till deposits. Surface runoff is rapid.
Permeability is moderate in the surface and subsoil, and moderately slow or moderate
in the substratum. Available water capacity is high.
Kars gravelly sandy loam - 3 to 8% slopes. This is a very deep, gently sloping, well
to excessively drained, high lime, gravelly soil formed in glacial outwash deposits.
10
Surface runoff is slow. Permeability is moderate or moderately rapid in the surface,
moderately rapid in the subsoil, and rapid in the substratum. Available water capacity
is low.
Pittsfield-Chatfield Complex - 15 to 25% slopes, rocky. This is a very deep and
moderately deep, moderately steep, well drained, medium lime, loamy soil formed in
glacial till deposits. The very deep Pittsfield soil makes up the major part of this unit.
Acid metamorphic bedrock underlies the moderately deep soils and occasionally
outcrops. Surface runoff is rapid. Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity
is high in very deep areas and moderate in the moderately deep areas.
Tunbridge-Lyman complex - 8 to 15% slopes, rocky. This unit is a moderately deep
to shallow over bedrock, strongly sloping, well drained, low line, glacial till soil. The
moderately deep Tunbridge soils occupy about 45% of this unit, the shallow Lyman
soils occupy about 30% of this unit, and bedrock exposures occupy up to 5% of this
unit. Surface runoff is medium. Permeability is moderate or moderately rapid.
Available water capacity is low or very low.
Hollis-Rockoutcrop Complex - 25 to 45% slopes. This is a shallow, steep, well
drained, low lime, loamy soil with 10 to 25 percent of the surface covered by bedrock
outcrops. Surface runoff is very rapid. Permeability in the Hollis soils is moderate or
moderately rapid. Available water capacity is very low.
Covington clay - 0 to 3% slopes. This is a very deep, nearly level, poorly and very
poorly drained, high lime soil formed in clayey sediments. Surface runoff is very slow.
Permeability is moderately slow in the surface and slow or very slow in the subsoil and
substratum. Available water capacity is high.
Lyman-Rock Outcrop Complex 35 to 60% slopes. This unit combines areas of
shallow, steep to very steep, well drained, low lime, glacial till with areas of acid
metamorphic bedrock outcrop in the form of cliffs and ledges. The shallow Lyman soil
occupies about 45% of this unit. Surface runoff is very rapid. Permeability is
moderately rapid. Available water capacity is low or very low.
Ricker-Lyman Complex, 35 to 60% slopes, very rocky. This unit is a very shallow to
moderately deep, steep to very steep, well drained, low lime, glacial till with partially
decomposed organic deposits over mineral soil. The very shallow to moderately deep
Ricker soil occupies about 45% of this unit, the shallow Lyman soil occupies about 30%
of this unit and bedrock exposures occupy up to 10% of this unit. Surface runoff is very
rapid. Permeability is moderate or moderately rapid. Available water capacity is low or
very low.
Mapping prepared as part of the Rogers, Golden and Halpern (RCH) report entitled,
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"Data Base Report, " dated September 1988, described through soil and overland
potential for pollutant transport. The mapping describes areas with low transport
potential (best treatment of stormwater runoff), moderately low transport potential,
moderate transport potential, moderately high transport potential, and high transport
potential (worst treatment of stormwater runoff). (App. E)
Streams and waterbodies are directly impacted by stormwater quality and quantity.
Uncontrolled discharges often result in stream bank erosion, flooding and accelerated
eutrophication. At least one stream, Trout Brook, discharges into the lake, and is
located within the project area.
The area of the lakeshore in the Town, from Spencer Point north has been designated
a warm and cold water fisheries, nursery and spawning area.
2.2.2 Freshwater Wetlands
Freshwater wetlands are valuable natural resources. The primary function of wetlands
includes:
Water Quality Protection – Wetlands function as natural water purification systems. In
addition to removing silt, they are capable of filtering out, and in some cases absorbing,
nutrients or toxic chemicals.
Plant and Wildlife habitat – The vast majority of vegetation that wetlands support
provides food and shelter for a variety of fish, waterfowl, interior dwelling birds,
mammals, and reptiles. Wetlands are especially important ecosystems in that they
provide habitat for at least one-third of the nation’s threatened and endangered
species.
Freshwater wetlands are known to act as both "sinks" and "sources" of nitrogen and
phosphorus. Plant tissues absorb these nutrients during the growing season (acting as
a "sink") and release them in the fall when plants die off (acting as a "source").
Wetland areas provide flood control and can intercept eroded sediments transported
from upland areas.
Wetlands also provide significant natural, recreational, and economic benefits to man
including shoreline stabilization, flood control, and recreation.
Freshwater wetlands within the Town’s watershed area were identified and reviewed.
(App. F)
Wetlands are located throughout the Town and vary from a few hundred square feet to
acres in size. Many of these wetlands presently serve to cleanse stormwater runoff.
Under certain conditions, additional wetlands can economically be brought into use for
purifying stormwater runoff from roadways.
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2.2.3 Flood Insurance Rate Map
Flood Insurance Studies investigate the existence and severity of flood hazards and aid
in the administration of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood
Disaster Protection Act of 1973. These studies are used to convert municipalities to the
regular program of flood insurance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA). These studies are utilized to promote sound flood plain management. The
100-year flood event has been adopted by the FEMA as the base flood event for
purposes of flood plain management.
The flood insurance rate map for the project area, community panel number (CPN)
3611590001-0030 was reviewed to identify areas of specific flood potential or hazard.
(App. G) The Town is primarily classified as Zone X (areas of 500-year flood; areas of
100-year flood with average depths of less than 1 square miles; and areas protected by
levels from 100-year flood), and the shoreline areas of Lake George as well as the
wetland areas mentioned in Section B are classified Zone A, with no base flood
elevations indicated.
Stormwater quality and quantity has direct impacts upon the water quality of surface
and ground water sources, such as aquifers. Detrimental impacts upon water quality
have been linked to stormwater discharges. Also, dense development has resulted in
less infiltration of stormwater, impacting groundwater sources by limiting water
recharge to the source.
A review of the map entitled, "Potential Yields of Wells in Unconsolidated Aquifers in
Upstate New York Adirondack Sheet," prepared by the United States Department of
Interior Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and part of the report entitled, "Water
Resources Investigations report E7-4276, " revealed that there are lacustrine or eulian
deposits; kame, kame terrace, and kame moraine deposits; outwash deposits and
alluvium deposits around the Lake. The groundwater yields from these unconfined
aquifers can range from 10 to 100 gallons per minute.
The explanation regarding potential yield of water to wells in unconsolidated aquifers
revealed that lacustrine or eulian deposits include fine to medium sands that generally
yield less than 10 gpm. Kame, kame terrace, kame moraine, outwash, and alluvium
deposits include sand and gravel of unknown thicknesses and saturation, and yield
greater than 10 gpm where streams are present. In areas adjacent to streams, yields
could exceed 100 gallons per minute.
2.2.4 Community Water Systems
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A review of the mapping entitled, "Location of Community Water System Sources,
1982,” provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Division of
Environmental Protection, Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection, revealed the
presence of one community water supply within the project area, which is the
Ticonderoga Village Water Supply, servicing a population of 5,000. The source of the
water is from Gooseneck Pond and Lake George. The NYSDOH also references a nonmunicipal community water system source at Merritt’s Trailer Park, the source of water
from wells. (App. H)
Many residents around the lake, both seasonal and permanent, also use the Lake as a
source of water supply. Those not drawing from the lake have installed wells.
2.3
Demographics and Land Use
According to the 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Summary of Population and
Housing Characteristics, prepared by the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of
Census, issued April 1991, the population of the Town (Ticonderoga Village is
contained in the Town) was 5,149. Housing units were reported to be 2,445 for the
Town. The population, as compared to 1980 figures, shows a .06% decline within the
Town. Housing units compared over the same length of time show a .07% increase in
number.
The portion of the Town located within the Lake George basin encompasses
approximately 2,880 acres (4.5 square miles). According to current tax maps, there are
approximately 750 parcels of land within this area, of which approximately 350 are
located along the shoreline of Lake George.
Within the basin area of the Town, the shoreline area is characterized generally by
small lots and high population density, with dispersed areas of open vacant land that is
slowly being developed. Upstream areas contain larger parcels and are more sparsely
populated. Commercial property along the shoreline is limited.
2.3.1 Zoning districts and Mapping
Zoning Districts and Mapping (App. I) have been established by a Zoning Ordinance,
adopted by the Town of Ticonderoga, as follows:
HP-LC:
Historic, park, state lands, land conservation, towns lands - 80,000 sq. ft.
per principal building
RR:
Rural Residential - 40,000 sq. ft. per principal building
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MR:
Medium Residential – 20,000 sq. ft. per principal building
HR:
High Residential – no square footage per principal building.
SB:
Service Business - 20,.000 sq. ft. per principal building
CC:
Central Commercial – no square footage per principal building (main
street)
I:
Industrial – 40,000 sq. ft. per principal building
LI:
Light Industrial – 80,000 sq. ft. per principal building
Zoning districts along the shoreline include MR, HR, RR, and HP-LC. In these
districts, development is a mix of conversions of existing structures and construction of
new residential dwellings.
The zoning districts regulate coverage of only the building area. The MR zone allows
30% building coverage, RR allows 10% building coverage and HP-LC allows 5%
building coverage. Currently, HR has no square footage limit per principal building
although there is an amendment proposed to change this to 5,000 sq. ft. per principal
building for lots with municipal services, and to 10,000 sq. ft. per principal building for
lots without municipal services.
The Town does not regulate percentage of permeable surfaces, only percentage of
building area. There are no restrictions as far as amount of surface area that can be
disturbed for driveways, sidewalks, pools, sewage disposal systems or stormwater
systems. A lot with a 30% requirement for building coverage could have the remaining
70% disturbed without restriction.
Currently, the minimum shoreline setback of all buildings and structures except piers,
marinas, boat houses, and similar uses, from the mean high water mark is 50 feet .
The Town has site plan review regulations, through Local Law No. 4 of the Year 1985.
Subdivisions of five or more lots require planning review. Subdivisions are reviewed
through site plan review by the Town Planning Board. There are no local rules
governing specific erosion control or stormwater measures. However, the Planning
Board can require certain developments to meet conditions for erosion control
protection through site plan review.
Article IV, Section 4.020 of the Site Plan rules sets forth considerations the town
Planning Board uses to protect water quality in the Town. One of the considerations
15
the planning board takes during its project review is to "minimize disruption of existing
drainage and runoff patterns." Section 4.030 states that "surface water shall be
appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures and to prevent development of
stagnant ponds or pools."
These considerations may provide the basis for evaluating potential stormwater
impacts from larger development projects.
16
2.3.2 Sewer Districts
Baldwin Road Sewer District
This winter the Town formed a sewer district for the west side of Baldwin Road. The
district will serve 21 homes on Delano Point. The Town hopes to have construction
completed by early summer. Plans are underway to extend the district to additional
homes on the south side of Delano Point.
Black Point Road Sewer District Proposal
Since 1992 representatives from the Towns of Ticonderoga and Putnam, as well as the
Black Point Road Civic Association, have been working to find funding for the Black
Point Road Sewer district. The Lake George Park Commission has actively supported
these efforts.
The project is comprised of the proposed installation of a 5.5+ mile long centralized
sewage collection system, 3.0+ miles in Ticonderoga and 2.5+ miles in Putnam. The
project will include installation of sewer mains, laterals, manholes and pump stations,
together with the necessary connectors and appurtenances. Effluent collected will be
transported to the Ticonderoga wastewater treatment plant for proper treatment and
disposal. Upon completion, the project will take 270+ individual on-site sewage septic
systems off line, removing the associated effluent from the Lake George shoreline
entirely.
The total cost for the Black Point Road sewer district is $3,232.064.00. ($1,832.075.00
Ticonderoga and $1,399.989.00 Putnam).
The Towns set forth their reasons why the sewer district is needed in their 5-12-99
letter to Governor Pataki, summarized as follows:
“Black Point Road, residing over 200 families, is a 5.5+ mile public thoroughfare,
running along the eastern shore of Lake George roughly from Flat Rock/Anthony’s’s
Nose (State Land Acquisition Properties) in Putnam to the outlet of Lake George in the
Town of Ticonderoga. Because of the precipitous bowl-like terrain in this area and
close proximity of 270+ individual on-site septic systems to the Lake George shoreline,
there is much concern with the impacts of nonpoint infiltration of untreated effluent into
Lake George.”
“A number of individual on-site septic systems along the road are inadequate and /or
substandard, which is borne out by the fact that fecal coliform has been detected at
each state test site along Black Point Road.”
17
According to the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) figures, the Lake
George water supply serves as the primary unfiltered and untreated domestic water
source for an estimated 98% of the residents of Black Point Road, as well as being the
primary source of drinking water for numerous municipalities, private water supply
systems, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and residences. The persons affected include
not only the residents of Ticonderoga and Putnam, but tourists who inject vital cash
flow into our local economics. In addition, it must be emphasized that water front
property on Lake George is a major state industry and must be protected.
2.3.3 Ticonderoga Outlet/LaChute River
On March 8, 1993, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Lake
George Park Commission entered into a memorandum of understanding governing
management and oversight of Lake George water levels.
The elevation of Lake George has been the subject of controversy for over a half
century showing the need for regulations. From 1898 to the present time, studies have
been made on the need and procedures to maintain the level and set the high and low
limits. Engineering reports do indicate that no substantial changes in the mean level of
the lake or in the area fluctuation have occurred in more than a half century.
Lake George has played a big role in New York State and U.S. history as well as the
commerce of New York and Vermont. Geographically, Lake George was a
passageway for armies during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution
and the War of 1812. The lake was a commercial route and now, of course, is a tourist
attraction, thus it is important to protect the recreational, scenic and environmental
value.
Lake George, being 31.7 miles long, flows in a northerly direction to the Ticonderoga
Outlet and into the LaChute River over a series of natural waterfalls and artificial dams
emptying into Lake Champlain, three and one half miles down stream and a drop in
elevation of 221 feet. The Lake George watershed is an area of 262 square miles of
which the area of the lake surface constitutes 44 square miles.
The present Dam "A" was constructed around 1903 to replace an old wooden structure.
It is of stone masonry construction laid on the rock crest of the natural waterfall at the
site. Wooden flashboards are situated on the top of the dam. The total length of the
spillway is 80 ft. 3 inches and constitutes three operating waste gates and a penstock
(an intake pipe) located at the hydroelectric project. There are other dams on the River
but only Dam "A" has any control on the lake.
As measured using the Roger’s Rock Gauge (RRG) Lake elevation is maintained
between a high of 4 ft. which corresponds approximately to the crest of the dam, and a
18
low of 2.5 ft. with a desirable level of 3.5 ft. during the navigation season. Six inches
above or one foot below in the summer will not cause serious damage or
inconvenience to the property owners.
The first function of the Dam in relation to water levels is storage of spring runoff, so as
to provide a reservoir for use during drier parts of the season and prevent a too rapid
decline of lake surface during summer. Natural forces which produce or affect the
surface fluctuation are rainfall, snowfall, runoff, evaporation, absorption, seepage, and
wind.
The second function is to provide a safety valve by the rapid release of surplus water
when the lake elevation is too high.
Lake elevation is recorded daily and plotted monthly. The position of the dam for
release of water is determined by the elevation on each day of the year. During the
winter months, snow depths are calculated at several locations and converted to an
equivalent water depth. By this process, an estimate of the potential increase in lake
level after the snow melts can be determined and water discharged accordingly by a
process call "drawdown.”
In 1985 the LaChute Hydro Company, Inc. constructed a hydroelectric project to
capture the power of water leaving the lake and manufacture electricity which is sold
locally. They are allowed use of the waters of Lake George when the levels of the lake
are within the agreed upon limits. At all times water has to be released to maintain the
aquatic life in the LaChute River, regardless of the elevations of the lake.
2.3.4 Recreational Use - Mossy Point Boat Launch
The State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC)
operates the Mossy Point Boat Launch. The launch has a large parking area for cars
and trailers that can accommodate at least several hundred cars. It also has a pump
out station for boats and restrooms for boat owners. There are no restrictions on the
size of boats that can be launched from this site.
NYS DEC from 1990 attendance figures, estimates that there were 3440 boating trips
from the Mossy Point Launch, with an average group size of 2.9 persons.
19
3.0
Defining Nonpoint Source Pollution and its Components
Nonpoint source pollution is a term which encompasses all the dispersed means
through which contaminants and unwanted material reach a water body including
polluted runoff. Water washing over the land, whether from rain, melting snow, car
washing or the watering of crops or lawns, picks up an array of contaminants including
oil and sand from roadways, agricultural chemicals from farmland, and nutrients and
toxic materials for urban and suburban areas, and effluent from septic tanks. This
runoff finds its way into streams around Lake George and the lake itself. Impacts on
lake water quality and on biological communities resulting from pollution, soil erosion
and sedimentation, and other stormwater runoff-impacts have been documented.
In fact, runoff from “urbanized” areas of the Lake George basin have been extensively
monitored and found to be significantly enriched in a number of harmful chemical,
bacteria and plant nutrients.
A report entitled, “Policies for the Lake George Basin,” prepared by RGH and dated
September 1988, indicated that there are two basic issues affecting the water quality of
Lake George. These include impacts from land development activities and impacts from
land use and management activities. Impacts associated with these activities result in
the introduction of sediments, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), bacteria and other
pollutants. The cumulative effects of these impacts were established to be the most
significant concern identified.
Pathogens
Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, that
come from the fecal waste of humans and animals. Exposure to pathogens, either from
direct contact with water or through ingestion can cause illness, closing of bathing
beaches and restrictions on fish consumption. Pathogens wash off the land from wild
animals, farm animals and pet waste, and can also enter streams and the lake from
improperly functioning septic tanks, leaky sewer lines and boat sanitary disposal
systems.
Bacteria
The increased presence of bacteria has been measured and documented by the
Darren Fresh Water Institute through the Fund for Lake George’s Lake George
Coliform Monitoring Program. The Park Commission’s Pollution Prevention Hotline
also monitors and investigates coliform pollution in many areas around the Lake.
Coliform bacteria is an indicator of fecal pathogen presence which poses a significant
health risk.
20
Impacts from land use and land activities such as failed septic systems, improper
composting practices on agricultural properties, excessive use of “natural” fertilizers or
illegal sanitary discharges to surface or ground waters.
Sediment
Sand, dirt and gravel eroded by runoff usually ends us in a stream or the lake, where
they can alter stream flow and decrease healthy aquatic habitat. Sediment destroys
spawning habitat and eliminates pools in streams, impairing their potential for
supporting viable trout fisheries and for providing nursery habitat for salmon. Sediment
also contributes to the filling of the lake through the formation of deltas at the mouths of
some streams in the lake. This has caused flooding and interference with navigation.
When sediment reaches the lake and is transported along the shore, it can silt in the
shoreline and severely debase property values.
Sediments are commonly introduced through soil erosion associated with land
development, land use and/or land management activities. Many roadways are
sources for sediment introduction and transportation.
Land disturbance activities associated with development often contribute to soil erosion
and sedimentation problems. Initial phases of construction such as land clearing
exposes soils to wind and rain. Land development of properties near streams or the
lake, result in the exposure of soils which, when carried by wind or rain, can
significantly impact the lake. It has been estimated that "cleared sites within the entire
basin lose an average of 44 tons of soil per acre per year" (RGH, 1988, Task Force,
1987; USDA, 1975).
The Town currently regulates the setback distances of buildings and waste disposal
systems along the shoreline through their Zoning Ordinance, under Article V, Section
5.20. As previously mentioned, there are no rules to minimize the percentage of a
lakeshore lot that is required to remain permeable after development. Regulations for
site plan review do provide the Planning Board the opportunity to manage soil erosion
and prevent soil slippage through conditions on project approval, although there are no
guidelines for the board to use.
The Town has no regulations governing shoreline cutting or mountainside logging
activities.
Roadway construction standards vary from agency (local, county and state) to agency.
Current construction standards generally result in impervious roads that increase
runoff, which in turn, increases erosion of soils and streambanks, and sediment loads
to the lake.
21
Stormwater runoff quality can be impacted by road maintenance activities and
practices. Such activities and practices include sand and salt storage, application of
sand, salt and/or other deicing agents, and drainage ditch cleaning (excavation
exposes soils to wind and ran). Highway maintenance, which includes the application
of soil retardants and/or herbicides, and roadside litter removal, (or the lack of), also
impact stormwater runoff quality.
Past and current logging activities are believed to contribute to sediment transport to
the lake and its tributaries. Impacts associated with abandoned “skidder” roads (old
logging roads) are most notable. The Town has no local regulations to govern
activities associated with timber harvesting and land clearing.
Nutrients
Nutrients are compounds that stimulate plant growth, like nitrogen and phosphorous.
Under normal conditions, nutrients are beneficial and necessary, but in high
concentrations they can become an environmental threat. Nitrogen contamination of
drinking water can cause health problems. Over fertilization of the lake by nutrients
can lead to massive algal blooms, the decay of which can create odors and rob the
waters of life-sustaining dissolved oxygen as well as speed the lake aging process.
Nutrients in polluted runoff can come from fertilizers, septic systems, home lawn care
products and yard and animal wastes.
Toxic Contaminants
Toxic contaminants are substances that can harm the health of aquatic life, terrestrial
life, and/or human beings. Toxins are created by a wide variety of human practices,
products, and biological processes and include heavy metals, pesticides and organic
compounds like PCBs. Many toxins are very resistant to breakdown and tend to be
passed through the food chain to be concentrated in top predators. Fish consumption
health advisories are the result of concern over toxins. Oil, grease and gasoline from
roadways, and chemicals used in homes, gardens, yards and on farm crops, are major
sources of toxic contaminants.
Trash
Trash is without doubt the simplest type of pollution to understand. It interferes with
enjoyment of our water resources and in the case of plastic and styrofoam, can be a
health threat to aquatic organisms. Often this debris starts as street litter then is carried
by runoff into the lake.
Other Pollutants
22
Leaked, spilled, or released lubricating fluids onto paved areas enter storm sewers
which directly discharge to the lake or its tributary streams. No current regulations
requiring pretreatment of stormwater runoff from “high potential” land uses, such as
service stations, were identified in the Town regulations.
Swimming pool standards are not currently regulated under the Town ordinance.
The presence of heavy metals in stormwater runoff has been measured at discharge
locations from urban areas (RGH, 1988). No Town regulations or measures were
identified which address impacts associated with heavy metal contamination.
No current Town standards or regulations were identified regarding the application,
storage, or disposal of pesticides. Certain pesticides are regulated by state law and
pesticide application in regulated wetlands is under the jurisdiction of the APA.
Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts are defined as those environmental impacts that result from the
incremental or increased impact of actions when the impacts are added to other past,
present and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Cumulative impacts may result
from a single action or a number of unrelated actions wherein either the actions or the
impacts are related.
Stormwater related impacts in general and the specific impacts on water quality are
commutative impacts. Human activities, including land disturbance and land
development, are occurring and will continue to occur in the Lake George Basin. Often
development occurs in the form of many relatively small, unrelated projects. Each of
these projects may have a minor impact on the lake’s water quality. However, the
combined effect of these projects may be significant.
Sedimentation resulting from human activities which causes the loss of fish spawning in
a single stream may have a small impact on the lake fishing overall. However, if future
development results in this effect at many locations, then the combined effect on the
Lake fishery over time may be significant.
Cumulative impacts may also be considered as the combined effect of several impacts
now occurring. Impacts such as: increased nutrient loads, loss of native plant habitat,
and loss of fish habitat, and reduced transparency from sedimentation may be
combining now to have a significant impact on the lake’s water quality.
In order to address the cumulative impacts, existing conditions and policies must be
examined together so that trends and future conditions can be projected.
23
A review of the Town regulations did not reveal any explicit standards to limit the
contribution of phosphorus, nitrates, and other pollutants to Lake George, although
land use and development activities are regulated to varying degrees.
Short-term trends in water quality have been most clearly linked to residential and
commercial development in the Basin. In general, development has led to degradation
of local water quality (RGH, 1988). In the southern, more developed portions of the
Basin, decreased water quality is evident by lower transparencies, lower hypolimnetic
dissolved oxygen levels, and higher total concentrations of phosphorus and bacteria.
The presence of nuisance aquatic vegetation has also increased (RGH, 1988)
The impacts of development on water quality documented by the National Urban Runoff
Program’s study (NURP’s) of Lake George (December 1983) revealed that runoff from
the developed areas of the Park accounted for approximately 14 percent of the annual
phosphorus loading to Lake George.
3.1
Stormwater Runoff Rate and Volume
Water quality impacts due to stormwater runoff are accentuated by the increased
volume and rate of stormwater runoff. The rate and volume of stormwater runoff plays a
significant role in erosion, pollutant and sediment transportation and ultimate
deposition. Conditions associated with stormwater runoff include the types of overland
flow, development of roads and sewers, as well as the role of natural watercourses.
Cursory observations of the planning area revealed general sources of stormwater
runoff and routes of conveyance. The sources of stormwater runoff include developed
and undeveloped land areas and roadways. Routes of conveyance including roadways,
which concentrate and route overland flows; and natural watercourses, which are
tributaries of the lake and which receive overland, or roadway discharges. Potential
impacts from the routes of conveyance are as follows:
A.
Overland Flow
As development occurs, impervious surfaces replace pervious surfaces. This change in
surficial conditions alters overland flow characteristics and generally yields increases in
rate and volume of runoff.
B.
Roadways
Roadway construction and maintenance can contribute to water quality impacts.
Roadway systems also contribute to quantity impacts. Common practice implements
methods for draining roadways as quickly as possible to reduce motor vehicle safety
24
hazards. In many cases, drainage is routed immediately to nearby sewers, streams, or
wet areas. Even though motor vehicle safety is of extreme importance, drainage
systems can be more effective by attenuating runoff and pollutant removal.
The NYS Department of Transportation is participating in joint reviews with the LGPC
on projects to manage highway runoff during new road construction and maintenance
projects.
C.
Watercourses
Watercourses within the drainage area are, in general, tributaries to Lake George.
These watercourses are passageways for sediments and other pollutants into the lake.
3.2
Existing Water Quality
The lake water can be characterized as soft (low calcium, alkalinity) and low nutrient
especially phosphorus.
Secchi disc measurements in the open waters of Lake George generally indicate that
turbidity and phytoplankton production are low, and are indicative of oligotrophic
conditions. However, the secchi disc measurements in the southern basin are
generally lower than those reached in the northern basin, indicating somewhat higher
turbidity and phytoplankton production.
Levels of dissolved oxygen in the hypolimnion (the deeper, slowly circulating water of
the lake) are also an indicator of trophic status. In Lake George, levels of dissolved
oxygen in the hypolimnion are generally high and characteristics of oligotrophic
conditions (levels are generally above 80% saturated). Again, however, levels of
hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen are lower at selected sampling locations in the open
waters of the southern basin.
Recorded levels of total phosphorus in the open waters of Lake George generally
range from 5-20 parts per billion (ppb). Lakes with total phosphorus levels below 20
ppb would generally be classified as oligotrophic.
Chlorophyll levels, a measure of the standing crop of phytoplankton, are generally
higher in the southern basin than the northern basin but are well below levels
associated with the mesotrophic range.
25
Studies of the phytoplankton community in the southern basin indicate that water
quality problems in the open waters of Lake George may exist. Fuhs (1972) reported
the occurrence of planktonic blue-green algae in the southern basin.4 Under conditions
of deteriorating water quality, production of blue-green algae is favored over production
of diatoms and green algae which usually dominate the phytoplankton community.
“Phytoplankton productivity has been shown to be significantly higher in the southern
basin, particularly near the Village of Lake George” (Wood and Fuhs, Siegfried, 1982;
DEC, 1981). “There is evidence that the phytoplankton community in much of the
southern basin may be changing from one dominated by diatoms and green algae to
one dominated by blue-green algae.”5 (DEC, 1983, Siegfried, 1982).
In general, the open waters of Lake George are still classified as oligotrophic, but there
is evidence that the southern basin, particularly near the Village of Lake George, is
experiencing water quality problems. (Fuhs, 1972, 1979; Wood and Fuhs, 1979; DEC,
1983, Siegfried, 1982).6
4
Wood, L.W., Fuhs, G.W., An Evaluation of the Eutrophication Process in Lake George
based on Historical and 1978 Limnological Data (NYS DOH, 1979).
5
Sutherland, J.W., Siegfried, C.A., Bloomfield, J.A., Final Report to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency for the Lake George Clean Lakes Diagnostic/Feasibility
Study. (NYS Museum and NYS DEC, 1983).
6
Siegfried, C.A., Water Quality and Phytoplankton of Lake George, New York: Urban
Storm Runoff and Water Quality Gradients (NYS DEC, 1982).
26
4.0
Identification of Problem Areas and Strategies for Recommendation (Fig.
4-1)
The following areas were investigated for existing stormwater problems. The
recommendation for solutions are for the most part, simple remediation measures that
could be undertaken by municipal or County DPW Departments with little expense for
materials and the use of in-kind services for construction and maintenance.
a.
Baldwin Road: Alexandria Avenue to Kalker Road - little to no impact. This
section of the road is flat with stabilized ditches.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: None.
b.
Kalker Road – all in all Kalker Road has minimal impact.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: A few catch basins could be
sited at Kalker Road at the low spot, at the turn, and at any cross culverts. Ditches
could be enlarged and check dams added to allow infiltration. (Figure 4-2)
c.
Pine Springs Park (mostly out of the drainage basin) – little or no impacts
to Lake George.
Baldwin Road – in general, minimal impacts. The road shoulders are
relatively stable and the land flat. Ditches are broad and stable.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Care conducted to restore
grass as quickly as possible. Timing of ditching can help with this (i.e., do not ditch in
the Fall after the growing season).
d.
Baldwin Road – from Kalker Road to West Shore Drive – minimal impacts
from stormwater. The road is flat and situated well back from the lake.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: None.
e.
West Shore Drive – the road is relatively flat, crowns and slopes to both
sides – little wetlands on lakeshore.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Improve ditching along western
27
edge of the North-South portion of West Shore Drive. Catch basins at cross culverts.
f.
Baldwin Road to West Shore Drive to Stoughten Drive – minimal
stormwater impacts along Baldwin Road.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: None.
g.
Stoughten Drive – new construction ongoing towards the east end of
Stoughten Drive. Road built with grass swales with stormwater in mind.
(Homelands Subdivision)
Recommendation for additional stormwater measures: None.
h.
Baldwin Road from Stoughten Road to Delano Point Road – minimal
stormwater impacts. Effective grass swales in place.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: None.
i.
Delano Point Road – grass swales along west side, road relatively flat,
minimal impacts.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: None.
j.
Baldwin Road: North end of Delano Point Road to Baldwin Dock Road –
(town infiltration plant has a few areas that could use some catch basins
due to steepness of the road.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Catch basins and/or check
dams along a stabilized ditch leading down towards the filtration plant from Baldwin
dock road.
k.
Baldwin Road: Baldwin Dock Road to Coates Point – minimally any
stormwater impacts. Reputably incorrectly placed or lack of stormwater
management in this area. This is one area that has been the subject of
some complaints by the Town.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Consult with Town and
residents on the nature of complaints in this area.
28
l.
Baldwin Road: Coates Point Road to the end of the road – limited
opportunity for stormwater management due to stone walls on either side
of the road. Ditches in place on the far side of the road, away from the
lakeside. Road has minimal impact.
Reputed stormwater runoff problem at the end of the road beginning at the
end of Baldwin Road where the Roger’s Rock Club begins.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Consult with Town and
residents on the nature of complaints in this area.
m.
Black Point Road from Alexandria Avenue to the Y at The Portage –
minimal opportunity here for remediation because of sidewalks, etc.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: None.
n.
Black Point Road: The Portage to Mossy Point Road – grassy swales on
both sides.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Consult with Town and
residents on the nature of complaints in this area.
o.
Public launch access road – some stormwater flows down paved parking
lot to the lake – approximately one-third of the runoff flows off into the
wetlands prior to hitting the lake.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Interceptor trench across front
of boat launch leading to catch basin prior to discharge to Lake George. (Figure 4-3)
p.
Mossy Point Road itself – is flat, grass swales and grass shoulders on both
sides, ditches broad enough so the runoff sits, has pocket wetlands along
the road, the road is well back from the lake. This road is a good example
of vegetative controls. Model Road.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: None.
29
q.
Black Point Road: Mossy Point Road to Tiroga Point Road – continues with
grassy swales on both sides of the road.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Install catch basins at cross
culverts.
r.
Black Point Road: Weeds Bay – road close to lake. This may be an area
where the road could be sloped to the far side away from the lake, and the
addition of catch basins to cross culverts may be needed.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Slope road to drain away from
lake and install ditch system with cross culverts and catch basins.
s.
Tiroga Point Road – public beach – pocket wetlands continue along this
section as well as grass swales along the ditch line. Public Beach, catch
basins at culverts may be needed. Supervisor Connery informs the LGPC
that this road, because of litigation, will be made into a one-way road.
Recommendations for additional stormwater measures: Consult with Town and
residents on the nature of any problems in this area. Also, determine outcome of any
litigation in this area.
30
Figure 4-1
31
4.1
Comments from Residents
32
4.2
Additional Strategies for Remediation of Existing Problems
Most Town and County roadways can benefit from the addition of stormwater
measures. Here are some generalized recommendations that can be implemented to
slow down and redirect stormwater along municipal roads before the stormwater
reaches Lake George.
Ditching – a right-of-way is generally adequate for most road associated stormwater
management including creating grass strips along the road shoulder and lining ditches
with rip rap. Grass strips along the road shoulder slow the stormwater velocity as it
moves from the road surface to the area adjacent to the road. It also provides an area
for stormwater infiltration. Lining ditches with rip rap provides a means to dissipate the
energy carried by stormwater flows in ditches, by increasing the surface roughness
which slows the flow velocity. Implementation of this BMP will address the direct runoff
from the road surfaces.
Narrow roads – constraints of narrow roads, those that usually parallel the lake. The
road ROW is inadequate for implementation of large scale stormwater management
structures, such as detention ponds or large sediment traps. A possibility is to upgrade
the road to have a better crown which will shed water in a uniform manner.
Numerous other town roads are found including Baldwin Road, Alexandria Avenue,
Kalker Road, West Shore Drive, Stoughten Drive, Delano Point Road, Baldwin Dock
Road, Black Point Road, Coates Point Road, Mossy Point Road, and Tiroga Point
Road. These roads have both paved and unpaved areas and have a wide variety of
construction characteristics and features including varying ROW width. These roads
access numerous private driveways and at times transition into private roads.
Some roadway systems are troublesome because of their slope and because many of
the roads are aligned perpendicular to the lake. This condition, when combined with
site slopes, creates a pathway for very rapid conveyance of stormwater to the lake.
With roadways that are aligned perpendicular to the lakeshore, if the roadway has no
provisions for stormwater management, then a structure to intercept the runoff, such as
a trench drain, should be installed across the bottom of the roadway. In the case of
long runs of roadway, one or more interceptor trenches should be installed at
intermediate points on the slope. The trenches should run to an area designed to
collect and infiltrate the first flush of stormwater runoff. The infiltration area could be
drywalls within the roadway shoulder or an open basin on vacant adjoining property
(requiring an easement).
On rural roads, provide drainage ditch run-outs every 20 to 30 feet. The run-outs would
divert road drainage out into wooded areas in lieu of discharging to watercourses.
33
The reduction of sediment loads associated with roadway maintenance activities could
be accomplished by:
The adoption by local highway departments of NYSDOT sand specification for
deicing control. The specification requires shifting of sand to remove smaller
grains of sand (fines) and organic material which are problematic to the
environment.
Dispersion of sand and salt for deicing needs to be carefully monitored to assure
dispersion is limited and as needed. Monitoring the quantity collected in the
spring can be used as a measure of effectiveness.
Stockpiled sand for snow and ice control should be provided with a cover (such
as a tarp) to prevent soil erosion. A grass lined division ditch should be
constructed to minimize surface runoff impacts.
Recently, the LGPC and Essex County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) for managing stormwater runoff from municipal roads. By entering into this
agreement, individual permits are not required for regular highway maintenance
activities. Essex County agrees to participate in the LGPC’s stormwater coordinating
group that meets to keep abreast of future highway plans as well as to plan for cost
effective stormwater measures to be added to construction projects that would not be
specifically required under the regulations.
Measures for minimization of stormwater runoff are more conveniently implemented
during the planning stages for a new site development, however, some measures can
be applied to existing developed sites. For example, sites that currently employ
impervious pavements or parking and sidewalks can consider re-construction with
gravel, paving bricks or interlocking blocks. These construction applications allow
more water to infiltrate the subsoils through the media or at construction joints. Figure
4-4 provides general paving sections describing these measures. Landscaped areas
that are currently closely cut lawns can be landscape with trees, thick mulch beds or
vegetative ground covers like wildflowers which will tend to promote more infiltration of
rainfall and less runoff.
Minimization of pollutants contained in stormwater runoff, whether ground or surface
waters, is to reduce the amount of pollution entering them.
Other Recommendations
Strategies for the reduction of pollutants include careful handling of chemical products
and the proper disposal of chemical wastes (household and otherwise). The proper and
conservative use of landscaping chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, as well
34
as the reduction of sand and salt used for ice control on paved surfaces.
Specific concepts for inhibiting stormwater pollution include:
Construction of protected refuse storage areas to prevent “leachate” impacts to
stormwater runoff. Outside (unsheltered) storage of waste petroleum or
chemical products should be prohibited by local law. Figure 4-5 describes a
possible storage structure that could be suggested.
Roof drainage is especially conducive to reuse. It is generally relatively clean and is
often easy to collect via gutters, down spouts, and rain barrels. Collected stormwater
can be reused in many ways such as: landscape irrigation (by hand or by trickle
systems), and car washing.
This measure is most applicable to residential development. Residential homes
provided with roof gutter systems can re-direct down spouts to discharge to storage
containers or rain barrels. Stormwater can then be stored for re-use.
Paved surfaces that are subject to pollutants (of which virtually all are) should be
cleaned frequently to remove the pollutants. This includes a wide range of cleanup
activities from manual sweeping of sidewalks to mechanized cleanup of streets.
Generally the programs should focus on cleanup of spills on paved surfaces, cleanup
of animal feces, and on removal of sand and salt from paved surfaces following storm
events.
In addition to cleanup of paved surfaces, catch basins and other structures utilized for
stormwater management must be kept clean. A catch basin that is full is no longer
effective.
Encourage, through public education individual action to reduce the run-off from
individual residential and commercial properties.
The run-off that is generated, despite efforts to minimize that generation described in
the previous section, should be collected and infiltrated back into the soil wherever
possible. At a minimum, the “first flush” of stormwater should be handled in this
manner. First flush is the first rainfall that falls on a site which flushes previously
deposited pollutants off-site. The “first flush” is sometimes defined as the first one-half
inch of rainfall. The devices that can be utilized to collect and infiltrate run-off from
individual sites are numerous. Examples are:
Construction of an interceptor trench with grating cover. The trench can be
located across the lower end of the driveway. Alternately, catch basins can be
installed. A parking area is an ideal location for use of catch basins which can
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be placed to intercept sheet flow run-off. The trench drain or catch basin could
be designed with an open bottom to directly infiltrate collected run-off or could
slope or drain to an open or closed infiltration basin located in adjacent lawn
area. Figure 4-6 describes (a) a typical trench drain; (b) inlet structure; and (c)
catch basin installation.
Construction of a grass lined ditch or swale across the lower portion of a
paved area or landscaped area to collect run-off. The swale can be designed to
infiltrate stormwater directly or it can direct stormwater to an adjacent area for
this purpose. Figure 4-7 describes typical infiltration trenches including a grass
lined swale; a subsurface trench; and vegetative buffers.
Take simple steps to help infiltrate the first flush of stormwater run-off from
municipal properties.
Municipally owned properties such as parking lots, maintenance garage properties and
municipal offices create stormwater impacts just as do privately owned properties.
Many municipal properties can be managed in a manner similar to private properties,
however, large parking areas offer problems. A practical alternative would be the
replacement of (closed) catch basins with dry wells sized to retain the “first flush” of
run-off from the drainage area. Drywells would then infiltrate the retained stormwater
into the soil following the rainfall event. When shallow groundwater conditions or
similar conditions exist, an infiltration system can be located under paved areas,
however, special provisions for maintenance must be considered. Figure 4-8 and 4-9
describe typical drywell and infiltration bed systems.
Adopt highway maintenance practices aimed to infiltrate the first flush of
stormwater run-off from roadways.
Figures 4-10 through 4-18 describe additional stormwater measures.
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C H E C K DA M
W H AT A R E T H E Y ?
A c h e c k d a m i s a s m a l l t e m p o r a r y s t o n e d a m c o n s t r u c t e d a c r o s s a d r a i n a g e w ay. T h e p u r p o s e o f a c h e c k d a m i s t o
reduce erosion in a drainage channel by restricting the velocity of flow in the channel.
C h e c k d a m s a r e u s e d a s t e m p o r a r y o r e m e r g e n c y m e a s u r e s t o l i m i t e ro s i o n b y re d u c i n g f l o w i n s m a l l o p e n c h a n n e l s
that are degrading or subject to erosion. The maximum drainage area above the check dam should not exceed two
(2) acres. They should not be greater than 2 feet in height and the center should be maintained 9 inches lo wer
than abutments are natural ground elevation.
C h e c k d a m s s h o u l d b e i n s p e c t e d a f t e r e a c h r u n o f f e v e n t . C o r r e c t a l l d a m a g e i m m e d i a t e l y. I f s i g n i f i c a n t e r o s i o n h a s
occurred between structures, a liner of stone or other suitable material should be installed in that por tion of the
channel. Remove sediment accumulated behind the dam as needed to allo w the channel to drain through the stone
check dam and prevent large flows from carr ying sediment over the dam. Replace stones as needed to maintain the
design cross-section of the structures.
Spacing varies
depending on
channel slope
Toe
Cutoff trench
18" wide x 6" deep
A
same elevation
Crest
24"
maximum
at center
PROFILE
B
A
9"
minimum
1'-5"
minimum
Filter Fabric
2
2
1
B
1
24" maximum
at center
SECTION A-A
Filter Fabric
1
1
1
18"
1
SECTION B-B
6"
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40
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G R A S S E D S WA L E S
W H AT A R E T H E Y ?
A s w a l e i s a n a t u r a l d e p r e s s i o n o r w i d e , s h a l l o w d i t c h u s e d t o t e m p o r a r i l y s t o r e , ro u t e o r f i l t e r r u n o f f .
A grassed swale is an ear then conveyance system in which the filtering action of grass and soil are used to remove
p o l l u t a n t s f ro m s t o r m w a t e r. E n h a n c e d g r a s s e d s w a l e s , o r b i o f i l t e r s , u s e c h e c k d a m s a n d w i d e d e p r e s s i o n s t o i n c r e a s e
runoff storage and greater settling of pollutants.
C A N I U S E A G R A S S E D S WA L E F O R M Y P R O J E C T ?
T h e s u i t a b i l i t y o f a s w a l e a t a s i t e w i l l d e p e n d o n t h e a r e a , s l o p e a n d s u r ro u n d i n g i m p e r v i o u s a r e a . T h e w i d e r t h e
swale , the greater the benefit will be for pollutant removal. They work best on minimum slopes. Swales can last a
long time if properly designed, periodically mowed, and if sediment deposits are removed from time to time . After
l a r g e s t o r m s , i t i s i m p o r t a n t t o c h e c k f o r e ro s i o n f a i l u r e s . G r a s s e d s w a l e s c o s t l e s s t o c o n s t r u c t t h a n c u r b s , g u t t e r s ,
a n d u n d e r g r o u n d p i p e . C o s t s m ay r u n f r o m $ 5 t o $ 1 5 p e r l i n e a r f o o t .
Side slopes
3:1 or less
Swale slopes as close to
zero as drainage will permit
Railroad Tie Check-dam
increases infiltration
Dense growth of grass
(Reed Canary or KY-31 Tall Fescue)
Stone prevents downstream scour
I N F I LT R AT I O N T R E N C H E S
W H AT A R E T H E Y ?
A c o n v e n t i o n a l i n f i l t r a t i o n t r e n c h i s a s h a l l o w, e x c av a t e d t r e n c h t h a t h a s b e e n b a c k f i l l e d w i t h s t o n e t o c r e a t e a n
u n d e r g r o u n d r e s e r v o i r. S t o r m w a t e r r u n o f f d i v e r t e d i n t o t h e t r e n c h g r a d u a l l y e x f i l t r a t e s f r o m t h e b o t t o m o f t h e
t r e n c h i n t o t h e s u b s o i l a n d e v e n t u a l l y i n t o t h e w a t e r t a b l e . E n h a n c e d i n f i l t r a t i o n t r e n c h e s h av e e x t e n s i v e p r e treatment systems to remove sediment and oil.
C A N I U S E A N I N F I LT R AT I O N T R E N C H F O R M Y P R O J E C T ?
Tr e n c h e s a r e b e l i e v e d t o h av e h i g h c a p a b i l i t y t o r e m o v e p a r t i c u l a t e p o l l u t a n t s a n d a m o d e r a t e c a p a b i l i t y t o
r e m o v e s o l u b l e p o l l u t a n t s . T h e u s e o f i n f i l t r a t i o n t r e n c h e s , l i ke o t h e r i n f i l t r a t i o n p r a c t i c e s , i s s e v e r e l y r e s t r i c t e d
by soils, water table , slope and contributing area conditions. An underground trench is not feasible on sites with
a slope greater than 20% and surface trenches are not recommended when contributing slopes are greater than 5%.
Individual trenches are primarily an on-site control and are seldom practical or economical on sites larger than
5 or 10 acres.
H OW M U C H W I L L I T C O S T ?
The cost of the infiltration trench is somewhat higher than the use of vegetative buffers, filter strips and grass
swales. Final cost will depend on the type of design and volume of stormwater runoff to manage .
Observation Well with Cap
Emergency overflow berm
Protective layer of filter fabric
Filter fabric lines sides
to prevent soil
contamination
Sand filter (6 to 12 inches deep)
or fabric equivalent
Runoff exfiltrates through
undisturbed subsoils
Runoff filters through
20 Ft. wide grass
buffer strip
V E G E TAT I V E BU F F E R S
W H AT A R E T H E Y ?
Ve g e t a t i v e b u f f e r s a r e v e g e t a t e d s e c t i o n s o f l a n d d e s i g n e d t o a c c e p t r u n o f f a s o v e r l a n d s h e e t f l o w f r o m u p s t r e a m
d e v e l o p m e n t . T h e y m ay a d o p t a n y n a t u r a l v e g e t a t e d f o r m , f r o m g r a s s y m e a d o w t o s m a l l f o r e s t . Ve g e t a t i v e b u f f e r s
can effectively reduce pollutant levels in areas where runoff velocity is low to moderate .
C A N I U S E A F I LT E R S T R I P F O R M Y P R O J E C T ?
I t i s l i ke l y t h a t v e g e t a t i v e b u f f e r s w i l l b e m o s t e f f e c t i v e i n t r e a t i n g r o o f t o p r u n o f f a n d r u n o f f g e n e r a t e d f r o m l aw n s
a n d o t h e r p e r v i o u s a r e a s . Ve g e t a t e d b u f f e r s s h o u l d n o t b e u s e d t o c o n t r o l l a r g e i m p e r v i o u s a r e a s , s u c h a s p a r k i n g
l o t s . B u f f e r s s h o u l d b e u s e d o n s l o p e s n o t m o r e t h a n 1 5 p e r c e n t . T h e y d o w o r k w e l l i n c l ay s o i l a n d w h e r e t h e
water table is within three feet of the surface . Minimum length should be no less than fifty to se venty-five feet.
Ve g e t a t i v e b u f f e r s r e q u i r e r o u t i n e s e d i m e n t r e m o v a l , r e p l a n t i n g a n d r e s e e d i n g , a n d r e g r a d i n g . M o w i n g m ay b e
r e q u i r e d f o r s m a l l e r s t r i p s . C o r r e c t i v e m a i n t e n a n c e , s u c h a s w e e d i n g o r r e p l a n t i n g , m ay b e n e e d e d m o r e f r e q u e n t l y
i n t h e f i r s t c o u p l e o f y e a r s t o a s s u r e s t a b i l i z a t i o n . Ve g e t a t i v e b u f f e r c o s t s a r e l o w, e s p e c i a l l y i f e s t a b l i s h e d b e f o r e
site development.
Berms placed perpendicular
to top of strip prevent
concentrated flows
Top elevation of strips
on same contour and
directly abuts Trench
Stone Trench acts as level spreader
5 degree or less Strip slope
Wooded filter strip
Grass filter strip
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46
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48
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5.0
Strategies for Management of Future Problems
The Role of the Lake George Park Commission
The Commission’s stormwater management program is a basin-wide effort to find
workable strategies to address the complex problems of stormwater management.
The Commission has prepared a draft generic environmental impact statement on
stormwater impacts, promoted citizen participation via Citizen Advisory Committees,
provided grants to local governments and developed a model ordinance for new
development that local governments can use as a guide. The Commission also
conducts stormwater educational seminars for planning and zoning board members as
well as the public.
The Commission administers a program which establishes permit requirements and
standards for most development projects within the area of the Town of Ticonderoga
within the Lake George Park. The Commission administers similar requirements
elsewhere or they are adopted and applied through local building and development
codes.
The Town’s Role
The Town of Ticonderoga has a number of opportunities to participate in efforts to
reduce non-point source pollution of Lake George and its tributaries. These
opportunities include working with both State agencies and individual citizens and may
involve opportunities for grants and other forms of financial assistance.
This plan may form the basis for the Town adopting certain recommendations for
specific projects along Town roads and otherwise. In addition, the plan might provide
increased opportunities to incorporate better stormwater management through the
Town’s land use and zoning program. Through cooperation, the Commission hopes to
encourage action by the Town for the common goals expressed in the stormwater
management program. In turn, the Town and its citizens will benefit from the positive
effects which a protected and preserved Lake George provides to the community.
Local Zoning and Land Use Regulations
It is well established by research at Lake George and around the nation that converting
forested land to agricultural, silvacultural, suburban or urban uses increases not only
the volume of water runoff but also the level of harmful constituents contained in runoff.
These constituents may represent a potential impact on human health for waterbodies
such as Lake George which are used as a drinking water supply. Sedimentation and
erosion impacts native plant and animal habitat and is costly to reverse. Significant
51
reductions in water quality have been tied to the effects of runoff around the southern
end of Lake George. Also, people who live along the lakeshore may experience
increased flooding, siltation and other property impacts as a result of changes upland in
the watershed.
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6.0
Implementation of the Plan
6.1
New Programs
This report identifies a number of broad goals, provides examples of techniques to
control run-off, sets priority strategies, identifies trouble spots and suggests possible
remedies. Now it is up to people to implement an effective program. To do so, the
residents of Ticonderoga will need the help and support of their elected and appointed
officials, State and perhaps Federal assistance. Much effort will be required but the
reward of protecting Lake George from degradation will have lasting benefits for every
member of the community.
To be successful in stormwater management greater emphasis should be directed at
reducing the sources of stormwater run-off and the pollutants that are included in it.
Eliminating sources requires a comprehensive plan, as addressed here, which must be
spearheaded by an effective education program. Education of the public, municipal
leaders, state agencies, and developers must be undertaken.
6.1.2 Public Education
The Commission supports any number of steps to ensure public officials, planning and
zoning board members, as well as the general public, are informed about stormwater
issues in their community.
The LGPC, along with lakeside communities, produced the Guide for Minor Stormwater
Projects that details, step by step, the process a landowner needs to follow to obtain a
stormwater permit for minor projects. The Guide was produced in mass and delivered to
all the municipalities in the Basin. A stormwater poster for the Guide was also placed in
town halls and areas of public assembly to help notify the public of the Guide’s
availability.
In addition, the LGPC staff is available to provide guidance to the public and to help
municipalities review stormwater projects in the Lake George Basin.
Considering Stormwater Management on the Planning Level
Volunteers serving with planning and zoning boards routinely review site plans to
determine compliance of proposed development with land use regulations. A major
consideration of this site plan review should be the proposed development’s impact on
water resources, particularly from polluted stormwater runoff, or “nonpoint source
53
pollution.”
A number of suggestions have been prepared to help municipal planning boards and
zoning administrators with stormwater review for certain activities. These include:
(App. J)
Considering Stormwater Management in Site Plan Review
Considering Stormwater Management in Logging Activities
Considering Stormwater Management for New Road Construction
Wise Land Management
Forest Stewardship Program
Open Space Conservation
Land Conservation
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7.0
Recommendations
This plan should exemplify a growing effort of cooperation and mutual support to
reduce the present and potential future impacts of stormwater runoff on the water
quality of Lake George. As such the plan should be seen as a flexible tool and
foundation for future actions by individual citizens and government.
The specific locations of stormwater problems identified in Chapter 4 should
emerge as priorities and the Town and the Commission should cooperate in
application for grants for funds to remediate these problems.
The Commission should continue to work with the Town Highway Department to
develop agreements to reduce non-point source pollution from highway
construction, maintenance and de-icing operations.
The Town and the Commission should work cooperatively to improve
coordination of permit requirements to the benefit of all project sponsors.
The Town and the Commission should look for new opportunities to educate the
public, homeowners, and business owners as to individual actions which they can
take to reduce non-point source pollution on their property.
The Town should consider additional provisions for its Land Use Program aimed
at reducing the potential for stormwater impacts from new development.
The Planning Board should consider a requirement that stormwater control
measures for larger scale development projects, including those involving
roadway construction, be designed by a licensed professional engineer with the
goal of retaining “on-site” stormwater to pre-development levels.
The Town Board should consider a requirement for an overall maximum percent
cover standard in the Town code. This would limit the percentage of any lot
which could be covered by roofs, parking lots, or other hard surfaces. There may
be different standards for different zones with extra protection for rural watershed
areas.
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The Town Board should consider a requirement that the construction of logging
roads require a Town permit and an erosion and sedimentation control plan
prepared by the County’s Soil and Water Conservation District. Poorly
constructed or maintained logging roads can contribute to erosion for years. This
will help prevent this.
The Town should consider an amendment so that it is prohibited to re-channelize
or divert a stream from its natural channel. This will help avoid downstream
flooding and property damage.
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